Includes bibliographical references and index.

Includes tv videography.

Introduction: political tv and mediated citizenship -- Selling politics: advertising after Citizens United -- Political news in the post-network era -- Fake news as political satire -- Comedy and the political spectacle -- Political process melodramas and serial narrative -- Surveillance culture: melodramas of national security -- Conclusion.

This book serves as an accessible critical introduction to the broad category of American political television content. Encompassing political news and scripted entertainment, 'Political TV' addresses a range of formats, including interview/news programs, political satire, fake news, drama, and reality TV. From long-running programs like Meet the Press to more recent offerings including 'Veep', 'The Daily Show', 'House of Cards', 'Last Week Tonight', and 'Scandal', Tryon addresses ongoing debates about the role of television in representing issues and ideas relevant to American politics. Exploring political TV's construction of concepts of citizenship and national identity, the status of political TV in a post-network era, and advertisements in politics, 'Political TV' offers an engaging, timely analysis of how this format engages its audience in the political scene. The book also includes a videography of key and historical series, discussion questions, and a bibliography for further reading.