Premiered: September 27, 2019

On: Netflix

Starring: Ben Platt, Zoey Deutch, Lucy Boynton, Bob Balaban, David Corenswet, Julia Schlaepfer, Laura Dreyfuss, Theo Germaine, Rahne Jones, Benjamin Barrett, Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan J. Haddad, Kobi Kumi-Diaka, Trevor Mahlon Eason, Trey Eason, Natasha Ofili, B.K. Cannon, Martina Navratilova, Dylan McDermott & January Jones

Another product of the well-oiled team of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk & Ian Brennan featuring an expected star-studded cast, The Politician may not be up to usual standards but is a fun melodramatic comedy.

After his campaign opponent River (David Corenswet) kills himself, high school senior Payton Hobart (Ben Platt) finds himself running against River’s girlfriend Astrid (Lucy Boynton) for student body president.

The biggest letdown of the show is that Murphy is usually a champion for diverse characters but sidelines a majority of them here into supporting roles. Even some of the actors lose their diversity within their limited written characters.

However, the writing of the comedy and drama is smart. It’ll keep you playing the next episode and sets up what looks to be a great second season.

Final say: Wins by a hair. ★★★☆☆