Political Animals

Former first lady and current Secretary of State Elaine Barrish Hammond try to keep her family together while simultaneously dealing with crises of the State Department and fending off the hungry DC journalist who is bent on destroying her career.

Directed by Greg Berlanti, Political Animals leans on a strong ensemble — Sigourney Weaver, Carla Gugino, Ciarán Hinds — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2012.