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As Kamala Harris campaigns to become the next President of the United States, the HBO series Veep has found itself back in the spotlight. Viewers are drawing uncanny parallels between Harris and the show’s protagonist, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus – It’s almost as if the satirical series, which aired from 2012 to 2019, had a crystal ball into the future of American politics.
However, not everyone is convinced of Veep’s real-life parallels. Just ask Armando Iannucci, the show’s creator, who has been jokingly dubbed the Nostradamus of Western politics. When asked by The Guardian about the mirroring between the show’s plot lines and real-life politics, he quipped, “Well, I knew that was going to happen,” explaining the inevitable overlap was simply due to the cyclical nature of news and politics.
“Even with fiction, if you’ve got the research right, reality will always shine through,” he added. “When we made Veep we spent a lot of time talking to the vice-president’s office, the west wing, state departments, senators. The actors met their counterparts in Washington. So you get a rough idea of what the terrain is going to be like.”
Iannucci’s knack for blending real-life political absurdities with fictional exaggeration has made Veep a prophetic piece of television in recent days following Biden’s announcement that he was stepping out of the Presidential race.
The show’s popularity surged by over 350% this week as viewers revisited the antics of Selina Meyer, a vice president with a never-ending quest to climb to the top. Social media is buzzing with clips and gifs from the series, highlighting moments that eerily resemble today’s political landscape. One viral scene features Meyer announcing, “I’m gonna run for president!” to a room full of cheers, a scenario not too far off from Harris’s current reality.
Though Iannucci likens Meyer’s vanity and vindictiveness more to Donald Trump than Harris, fans can’t help but compare Harris’s real-life speeches and delivery style to Meyer’s fictional ones. However, Iannucci clarified to The Guardian, “I wouldn’t want people to think that Selina was in any way modelled on Harris.” The comparisons are inevitable, though, given their similar career paths—both serving as senators before stepping into the vice presidency.
Why is it called Veep?
Veep is a slang term for “Vice President,” perfectly capturing the show’s focus on the life and struggles of Selina Meyer. The term reflects the informal and often dismissive attitude towards the vice presidency, setting the stage for the series’ humorous take on the political office. The title is simple, catchy, and instantly conveys the show’s central theme—Meyer’s relentless ambition to rise above the seemingly powerless role of VP.
Where can I watch Veep in Australia?
As you watch Selina Meyer navigate the absurdities of political life, you might find yourself marvelling at how fiction can sometimes mirror reality. With Harris’s campaign in full swing, Veep offers a timely and entertaining look at the highs and lows of political ambition. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the satirical brilliance of Veep—a show that’s as relevant today as it was when it first aired in 2012. If you’re eager to jump into the world of Veep and see what all the buzz is about, here’s where you can watch it in Australia.
- Binge: All seven seasons of Veep are available to stream on Binge. The platform offers a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, making it easy to start watching without any initial cost. STREAM NOW
- Foxtel Now: You can also find Veep on Foxtel Now, which provides options for live streaming or on-demand viewing. It’s a great choice if you already have a Foxtel subscription. STREAM NOW
- Apple TV: For those who prefer to own the series digitally, individual episodes and full seasons can be purchased on Apple TV. This option allows you to watch Veep anytime, even without a streaming subscription. BUY NOW
