television

There are countless political dramas and comedies to choose from, but with Washington D.C. feeling a bit like a reality show is there still room for political fiction or are Americans feeling the fatigue?

This week onPolitics with Amy Walter from The Takeawaywe talk to showrunners and screenwriters to see why they think there’s still a role for political fiction.

Guests:

Paul Redfordis the writer for The West Wing, Designated Survivor, Alpha House, and Madam Secretary.

Barbara Hallis the showrunner for Madam Secretary.

Garry Trudeauis the showrunner for Alpha House.

You can connect with The Takeaway on Twitter, Facebook,Instagramor on our show page at TheTakeaway.org.

Puerto Rico is facing the biggest local government bankruptcy ever filed in the United States. The territory is currently 72 billion dollars in debt. Public employees are currently owed more than 50 billion dollars in pensions. And it’s Puerto Rican residents who are feeling the impacts of the debt crisis. We look at how the government is preparing to restructure its financial obligations. Plus, a conversation with the mayor of Miami about building a resilient city; a look at the newly-created school safety commission that won’t discuss the role of guns in school safety; a review of what it means to be a female rocker in a male-dominated field; and a discussion about Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in light of a new documentary about his life.

You can connect with The Takeaway on Twitter, Facebook, or on our show page at TheTakeaway.org.

Jan. 29, 2018: Casino mogul Steve Wynn is facing allegations of sexual misconduct. How will the Republican Party, which employed him as finance chair, respond? The Takeaway explores that question, plus a conversation with Olympian Dominique Moceanu, who discusses abuse allegations at USA Gymnastics; a look at the escalating violence in Afghanistan; China’s shifting stance on recycling; reforming America’s parole and probation systems; and the stars of Comedy Central’s show “Another Period.” 

October 11, 2017: In a special new series from The Takeaway, science fiction writers imagine what the world will look like in 2067. Today, we hear from author Kristen Simmons, who pictures an earth altered by climate change, with disappearing coastlines, droughts, and rampant disease. Plus, a look at the wildfires in California; how the Trump Administration is taking on science and environmental rules; the 1990s immigration fight that gave rise to the border wall; and the media self-censorship that protected Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. 

September 22, 2017: The Takeaway sits down with “Transparent” creator Jill Soloway, and Trace Lysette and Alexandra Billings — two of the stars of the show — to talk about how the series’ depiction of gender sets it apart from anything else on TV. Plus, a look at key moments from the U.N. General Assembly; the tricky business of fighting climate change; a police shooting in Oklahoma; and rescue efforts in Mexico City. 

July 14, 2017: The Takeaway takes a deep dive into the mind of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Richard Lourie, a historian and Russia expert, and a former translator to Mikhail Gorbachev. Plus, a look at the competing narratives in the healthcare debate, an energy crisis in Gaza, a visa controversy for some Afghan girls, new movie releases, and how “Game of Thrones” picks its shooting locations. 

May 05, 2017:

1. ACA Repeal Creates Political Minefield for Republicans (13 min)

2. France Prepares for the Final Vote (6 min)

3. Who Really Reads Fake News (7 min)

4. Films to Catch and Skip at The Box Office This Weekend (4 min)

5. The TV Shows You Should Be Streaming This Summer (4 min)

6. Debunking President Trump’s Religious Liberty Executive Order (6 min)

January 16, 2017:

1. On MLK Day, Looking Back on Obama’s Criminal Justice Legacy (13 min)

2. Alec Baldwin on Channeling Donald Trump (7 min)

3. The Legacy of John Kerry (6 min)

4. Barack Obama: The Man Who Made the White House Cool (4 min)

5. Obama Moves to Protect Civil Rights History With National Monuments (4 min)

6. The Myth of a Post-Racial America and The Rise of Donald Trump (7 min)

January 09, 2017:

1. Intelligence Agencies Blame Russia for Meddling in 2016 Election (8 min)

2. What’s Next for The Fort Lauderdale Shooter (4 min)

3. Refugee Resettlement Divides Vermont City (7 min)

4. Trump Transition 2016: The Diplomatic Changeover (5 min)

5. The Green Giant? China Plans to Invest Billions in Renewable Energy (4 min)

6. Farmers Along Texas Border Are Leery of Trump’s Wall (7 min)

7. America’s Struggle With Race and Identity Is Personal for Kristin Davis (8 min)

January 06, 2017:

1. Examining Obama’s Economic Legacy (11 min)

2. Yemen’s Children Starve as Saudis Drop U.S. Bombs (6 min)

3. Watch These TV Shows After the Mid-Season Break (4 min)

4. Predictions For the 74th Golden Globe Awards (4 min)

5. The Week That Changed America Forever (8 min)

6. Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher: Behind the Bright Lights (13 min)