Veep

Veep is an American political satire television series that ran on HBO from 2012 to 2019. Created by Armando Iannucci, the show follows the fictional Vice President of the United States, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and her staff as they navigate the world of politics.

The show is known for its witty and sharp humor, as well as its portrayal of the inner workings of American politics. The title Veep is a shortened form of the word Vice President and is often used as a derogatory term for the position. This sets the tone for the show, which is full of sarcasm and satire towards politics and government.

The Characters

The character of Selina Meyer is based on Iannucci’s previous work, the British political satire The Thick of It. Meyer is known for her ambition and desperation to be in the Oval Office, while also dealing with personal struggles and professional mishaps. Her team includes Chief of Staff Amy Brookheimer (Anna Chlumsky), Communications Director Mike McLintock (Matt Walsh), and Press Secretary Gary Walsh (Tony Hale). Each character brings their own unique quirks and flaws to the table, making for a well-rounded and comical cast.

Other notable characters include Jonah Ryan (Timothy Simons), a bumbling and incompetent White House aide, and Ben Cafferty (Kevin Dunn), Selina’s cynical and no-nonsense campaign manager. The show also features recurring guest stars such as Kent Davison (Gary Cole), Selina’s rival and Director of Communications for the White House, and Amy Sedaris as the eccentric political consultant, Liz Tyler.

The Plot

The series follows Selina Meyer’s journey as Vice President, and later President, as she faces various political and personal challenges. Throughout the series, she is constantly trying to please the President, gain popularity with the public, and stay one step ahead of her opponents. Along the way, she faces scandals, controversies, and embarrassing mishaps, all of which are handled in a typical comedic fashion.

Veep also delves into the inner workings of the White House and the political landscape. The show touches on topics such as campaign finance, foreign policy, and media relations, all while poking fun at the absurdity and corruption that often comes with politics.

The Success and Legacy

Veep was a critical and commercial success throughout its run. It received numerous awards and nominations, including 17 Primetime Emmy Awards and 68 Emmy nominations. Julia Louis-Dreyfus also made history by winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series six years in a row for her role as Selina Meyer.

The show’s legacy extends beyond its accolades. Veep has been praised for its sharp writing, smart humor, and bold take on politics. It has also been credited with accurately portraying the chaos and dysfunction of American politics, making it all the more relatable and entertaining.

The Authors

Vaughn Joseph, David Mandel, and Frank Rich were the main writers for Veep, along with Armando Iannucci. They all have backgrounds in writing and producing comedy television shows, including Saturday Night Live and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Together, they were able to create a successful and critically acclaimed series that left a lasting impression on viewers.

In conclusion, Veep is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys political satire and clever humor. Its legacy as one of the best comedy shows about politics will continue to live on, even after its finale in 2019. So, if you haven’t already, add Veep to your watchlist and prepare to laugh at the absurdity of American politics.