TV series
Power runs in the family
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.
Availability
Political Animals premiered July 15, 2012. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
In this series opener, the US Secretary of State tries to protect a shocking family secret all the while dealing with an Iranian hostage crisis.
Directed by Greg BerlantiWritten by Greg BerlantiGuest stars Meghann Fahy, Igor Jijikine, Marshall Manesh, Sonnie Brown, Craig Ferguson, Andrea Mitchell, Nazanin Nour
Episode 2
Douglas discovers Elaine has plans to run for office again as T.J. revisits his old habits and hits rock bottom. Elaine has Bud negotiate for the lives of Iranian hostages, placing him back into the spotlight.
Directed by Bethany RooneyWritten by Greg Berlanti, Molly NewmanGuest stars Eric Mabius, Waleed Zuaiter, Dean Alai, Iraj Anvar, Neimah Djourabchi, Nick Mathews, Nazanin Nour, Linda Powell
Episode 3
Elaine makes an announcement to her family. The Hammond men visit a pollster during an impromptu fishing trip. Garcetti enacts a plan that puts Elaine in conflict with her longtime mentor. Susan shares her top-secret story with Alex.
Directed by Michael MorrisWritten by Kelly Souders, Phil Klemmer, Brian PetersonGuest stars Meghann Fahy, Vanessa Redgrave, Chris Ellis, Elizabeth Norment, Dan Futterman, David Healy, Griffin Newman
Episode 4
T.J. recounts the events that lead up to his suicide attempt while dealing with his family's lack of interest in his club opening. Douglas struggles to cope with his betrayal and meanwhile, Elaine has a diplomatic crisis on her hands upon her return from overseas.
Directed by David PetrarcaWritten by Speed Weed, Geoffrey NaufftsGuest stars Meghann Fahy, Mädchen Amick, Wes Chatham, David Monahan, Stephen Hill, Linda Powell, Ming Lo, Dylan Baker
Episode 5
Elaine's attention is torn between catering to T.J. and a Chinese submarine rescue mission. She also makes a deal with Susan allowing her unlimited access to the rescue mission in exchange for her discretion about T.J.
Directed by Tucker GatesWritten by Phil Klemmer, Nicholas WoottonGuest stars John Bedford Lloyd, Blair Brown, Linda Powell, Ming Lo, Raushanah Simmons, Dylan Baker, Dan Futterman
Episode 6
In the Season 1 finale, Elaine's plan to resign hits a snag and her resignation letter leaks to the press. Elsewhere, Douglas confesses his betrayal and makes a rash decision; and a surprising event leaves everyone at a crossroads.
Directed by David PetrarcaWritten by Speed Weed, Molly NewmanGuest stars Meghann Fahy, Dylan Baker, Dan Futterman, Helen Carey, LaMonica Garrett, Brent Jennings, Kristine Nielsen, Michael Dostillio
Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match Political Animals.
Sigourney WeaverElaine Barrish
Carla GuginoSusan Berg
Ciarán HindsBud Hammond
James WolkDouglas Hammond
Sebastian StanT.J. Hammond
Ellen BurstynMargaret Barrish
Brittany IshibashiAnne Ogami
Adrian PasdarPaul Garcetti
USA NetworkUnited States
Berlanti ProductionsUnited States
Warner Horizon TelevisionUnited States
