While much has been written about how Political Animals’ plot draws directly from the Clinton era, there are also passing references to the Kennedy, Bush and Cheney families. The show features Sigourney Weaver as Elaine Barrish Hammond, the former first lady and unsuccessful presidential candidate who now serves as Secretary of State, Ellen Burstyn (right) as her tough-talking mother, and Ciaran Hinds as a philandering ex-President and yes, now Elaine’s ex-husband.

Carla Gugino plays a Washington reporter who uncovers the secrets of the Hammonds, a familiar former first family.

The new series continues a season of fresh comedy, drama and melodrama centered on the media business and politics that started with Veep and The Newsroom. Common elements include dynamic roles and snappy dialogue (and in the case of Veep, profanity) for the leading female characters.

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