Politics in Primetime Television: How Debora Cahn, Eric Newman & Paul William Davies Are Shaping Political News In Their Stories

In today’s hyperpolarized political landscape, the art of political storytelling on television shows faces both significant challenges and exciting opportunities.

The portrayal of politics on TV has evolved beyond merely dramatizing cherry-picked events and political biases focusing on appeasing members on each side of the aisle. It now demands a nuanced exploration of truth, power, public perception, and tailoring political discourse for specific audiences.

As viewers grapple with conflicting versions of the same event, creators are pioneering innovative means to reflect and question contemporary governance, diplomacy, and society’s sometimes prickly relationship with authority.

A recent panel discussion examines this. It featured three distinguished television creators—Debora Cahn (The Diplomat), Eric Newman (Zero Day), and Paul William Davies (The Residence)—whose works explore political themes in different ways.

Debora Cahn: Bridging Domestic Idealism and Global Realities

Debora Cahn’s journey into political television began with the acclaimed series The West Wing, known for its idealistic, yet intelligent portrayal of American domestic politics. “The West Wing was transformative for me,” she shared. “It showed that political narratives could be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant without resorting to cynicism.” Cahn emphasized the importance of weaving policy with personal stakes, stating, “It gave me a framework to understand how you can show the humanity behind the politics.”

After years focused on domestic politics, Cahn felt the urge to explore international relations—an often-simplified aspect of political storytelling. “Foreign policy is one of the most consequential arenas of political life,” Cahn explained, asserting that it deserved a unique storytelling approach that captures its complexity while engaging audiences. “There’s a whole ecosystem—embassies, negotiations, back-channel diplomacy—that’s ripe for exploration on television.”

Cahn’s work on Homeland, which centered on terrorism and national security, highlighted the limitations of depicting international politics as solely dark and grim. During her experiences filming on location in Morocco, she realized, “Even within the gravitas of global affairs, there is room for humor and humanity.” Cahn questioned, “Why can’t a political drama have moments that feel lighter, that invite audiences in rather than pushing them away?”

This philosophy shaped her latest TV series, The Diplomat, which combines the drama and humor of a married couple, to offer a more textured depiction of diplomacy. Set against the backdrop of embassies, the United Nations, and foreign capitals, the show reveals the messy realities of international relations. Cahn asserts that “Politics, especially on the international stage, is messy and contradictory. It’s about people trying to do their best in a system that’s often frustrating and absurd.”

Eric Newman: Exploring the Nature of Subjective Truth

In contrast, Eric Newman’s series Zero Day grapples with one of the defining crises of our time: the fragmentation and distortion of truth in the digital age. Co-created with Noah Oppenheim and investigative journalist Mike Schmidt, the show follows a protagonist who struggles to maintain his grip on reality amid a barrage of subjective misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories, and political manipulation.

Newman reflects on his upbringing, saying, “I grew up believing that truth was straightforward. But exposure to diverse environments—from Los Angeles to more insular communities in Utah—showed me how drastically perceptions can differ.” He finds it both terrifying and fascinating that two individuals can witness the same event yet come away with entirely different versions of that reality.

The character at the heart of Zero Day, Bob (played by Robert De Niro), personifies the struggle to reconcile competing and often contradictory narratives in a fractured information ecosystem. Newman commented, “Bob isn’t just trying to survive politically—he’s trying to survive psychologically. We wanted to dramatize not just the external chaos but the internal breakdown of trust and certainty.” The character experiences feelings of being lost, confused, and overwhelmed in today’s world.

Zero Day delves into the erosion of shared facts and the impact of social media, echo chambers, and partisan rhetoric on public understanding. Newman noted a critical concern: “What worries me most isn’t just that misinformation spreads, but that it changes how people experience reality. It’s no longer just a political problem—it’s an existential one.”

The series transcends political commentary, serving as a psychological thriller that probes the themes of identity and trust.

Our stories should mirror the state of the nation’s psyche, but not dictate what people should think

Paul William Davies: The Complexity of Power and Governance

While Newman and Cahn explore the themes of truth and diplomacy from different angles, Paul William Davies’s work also contributes significantly to the discourse on political storytelling. With The Residence, Davies crafts narratives rooted in the history and intricacies of the White House protocols. His approach often encapsulates the absurdities of power and governance.

Davies discussed the importance of examining historical narratives and how they inform contemporary views on politics. “Political storytelling rooted in history offers audiences a chance to understand not just the past but how it informs the present,” he explained.

Moreover, Davies shared insights into how humor can be an effective tool for addressing serious political themes. “Often, humor allows people to engage with subjects that might otherwise seem daunting or alienating,” he noted. “When you can find a way to connect through laughter, you create a platform for deeper conversation.”

The Future of Political Storytelling

Both Cahn and Newman emphasize the need to portray the humanity behind political struggles. Cahn remarked, “Political narratives should reflect the messiness and contradictions of real life; it’s through this lens that audiences can find connection.” Newman added, “The narratives we create must reflect the chaos we see in the world—only then can we hope to engage audiences meaningfully.”

The discussion highlights a pivotal moment in political storytelling. “Our goal should be to provide viewers with a sense of agency and awareness,” Davies concluded. “When we open the door to questions rather than provide easy answers, we encourage meaningful dialogues.”

Lessons for Screenwriters 

Political storytelling demands a unique blend of clarity, emotional depth, and cultural relevance. The insights from Debora Cahn, Eric Newman, and Paul William Davies offer valuable guidance for writers aiming to create compelling narratives in this challenging genre:

1. Anchor the Political in the Personal

To engage viewers, ground political themes in characters’ personal struggles, ambitions, and contradictions. Well-drawn characters serve as emotional entry points, humanizing complex systems.

2. Embrace Nuance Over Simplification

Eric Newman emphasizes the fractured nature of truth today. Resist black-and-white portrayals of politics or ideology. Instead, explore gray areas and conflicting perspectives to reflect the complexity of contemporary discourse.

3. Use Tone Strategically to Connect and Disarm

Comedy can disarm and create space for difficult conversations, while drama can delve into the psychological weight of political life. Whether your story is a tense drama, a biting satire, or a warm comedy, tone shapes how audiences receive political messages.

4. Make Complex Ideas Accessible Without Dumbing Them Down

Use dialogue, conflict, escalating and relatable stakes—to translate policy and political processes into compelling drama.

5. Reflect the Current Moment While Encouraging Critical Thinking

Political stories are most resonant when they feel relevant, but avoid preaching. Encourage viewers to grapple with complexity and form their own conclusions. Embrace ambiguity and multiple viewpoints.

6. Prioritize Empathy and Dialogue Over Partisanship

Screenwriters bear a responsibility to foster empathy. Craft stories that open pathways for dialogue rather than entrench division.

7. Commit to Research and Authenticity

Political storytelling benefits immensely from deep research and understanding of institutional, cultural, and historical contexts. Authentic details build credibility and enrich narrative texture, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the world you create.

8. Use Conflict as a Tool, Not a Spectacle

Conflict is essential, but avoid sensationalizing politics. Instead, use conflict to reveal character and illustrate systemic pressures.

9. Anchor Political Themes in Character

Complex politics become relatable when filtered through well-rounded characters with clear stakes and personal journeys. Characters should embody political conflicts in ways that foster emotional engagement.

10. Leverage Tone Deliberately

Whether your story is a tense drama, a biting satire, or a warm comedy, tone shapes how audiences receive political messages. Humor, in particular, can lower defenses and invite engagement.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.