When Does Veep Get Good?
While fans will say Veep has a strong enough start to justify watching the earlier seasons, the real pleasure from this show comes around season three and four when the writing and storylines are near perfect comedy. Reality eventually caught up with Veep making the premise of the sixth and seventh seasons challenging for some fans but would still argue the show is worth completing.
What Fans Say
Fans of Veep hail it as one of the sharpest, most satirical political comedies ever created. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s portrayal of the narcissistic, foul-mouthed Selina Meyer is widely regarded as iconic, with many calling her performance the defining feature of the series. The show’s fast-paced humor, biting dialogue, and lack of sentimentality resonate with viewers who appreciate intelligent, cynical humor. Fans often highlight the show’s ability to make complex political topics accessible and hilarious while creating memorable supporting characters like Jonah Ryan, Amy Brookheimer, and Mike McLintock.
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What Haters Say
Critics of Veep argue that its relentless cynicism sometimes borders on nihilism, making it hard to connect emotionally with the characters. Some viewers feel the fast-paced, joke-heavy writing can feel overwhelming or repetitive, and the lack of personal growth in the characters is occasionally a source of frustration. While Selina’s abrasiveness is beloved by many, others find her too unlikable to root for. The final season, in particular, faced criticism from a minority of fans who felt it was rushed or overly chaotic compared to earlier seasons.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Many fans believe Veep maintained its quality remarkably well throughout its seven-season run. However, some argue that the tone shifted slightly after series creator Armando Iannucci left at the end of Season 4, with the later seasons leaning more into absurdity. Despite this, the show remained critically acclaimed, with the final season serving as a strong, albeit divisive, conclusion.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 72% | 7.9/10 |
| Season 2 | 92% | 8.3/10 |
| Season 3 | 100% | 8.5/10 |
| Season 4 | 100% | 8.7/10 |
| Season 5 | 100% | 8.8/10 |
| Season 6 | 93% | 8.3/10 |
| Season 7 | 96% | 8.4/10 |
Critics universally praised Veep for its razor-sharp satire, superb ensemble cast, and ability to evolve its humor alongside real-world political developments. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s multiple Emmy wins for her role as Selina Meyer underscore the show’s critical success. Critics have highlighted the show’s knack for balancing absurdity with a brutally honest depiction of political ambition and ineptitude. While some later seasons faced minor criticism for their chaotic storytelling, Veep is considered one of the best political comedies of all time.
Overview of the Show
Veep is a political satire that aired on HBO from 2012 to 2019. Created by Armando Iannucci, the show follows Selina Meyer, a former U.S. Senator turned Vice President (and later President), as she navigates the cutthroat world of politics with her dysfunctional team. Unlike traditional political dramas, Veep eschews idealism, offering a brutally funny look at the petty rivalries, ineptitude, and egomania that dominate Washington, D.C.
The show’s humor is rapid-fire and often vulgar, with a penchant for turning political jargon and missteps into comedic gold. Each season explores Selina’s relentless ambition, whether she’s vying for higher office, scrambling to maintain her relevance, or facing the fallout of her many personal and professional mistakes. Throughout its run, Veep garnered critical acclaim for its biting wit, nuanced performances, and unflinching portrayal of the lengths people will go to for power.
Season Highlights
Season 1 (2012)
The inaugural season introduces Selina Meyer and her team, including her loyal chief of staff Amy, bumbling press secretary Mike, and sycophantic assistant Gary. The season focuses on Selina’s struggles to stay relevant as a largely powerless Vice President. Highlights include her disastrous Clean Jobs initiative and the infamous frozen yogurt photo op. Critics praised the show’s unique voice and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s standout performance.
Season 2 (2013)
Selina gains more influence, but her aspirations continue to be thwarted by scandals and gaffes. The season delves deeper into the personal lives of the staff, including Dan’s ruthless ambition and Amy’s increasing exasperation. A standout episode involves Selina’s accidental support for an unpopular policy, leading to a PR nightmare. The show hits its stride, with sharper writing and more intricate political maneuvering.
Season 3 (2014)
Selina begins her presidential campaign, leading to some of the series’ most memorable episodes. Her book tour, awkward meet-and-greets, and disastrous debates showcase the chaos of the campaign trail. This season sees Selina grappling with real power for the first time, adding layers to her character. Critics praised the season’s satirical take on the absurdities of political campaigning.
Season 4 (2015)
Selina ascends to the presidency, only to find the role is as challenging and chaotic as ever. The season focuses on her re-election campaign and the growing tensions within her team. Standout moments include a contentious government shutdown and the hilarious vote recount in the finale. This was the final season under creator Armando Iannucci, marking the end of an era for the show.
Season 5 (2016)
The new showrunners seamlessly continued the series, focusing on Selina’s attempts to secure her presidency following the cliffhanger recount. The season explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the personal cost of political ambition. The Emmy-winning writing remained strong, though some fans noted a shift in tone.
Season 6 (2017)
After losing the presidency, Selina embarks on a quest to rebuild her legacy. The season features some of the series’ funniest and darkest moments, including her ill-fated memoir and an uncomfortable trip to Qatar. Critics lauded the show’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core.
Season 7 (2019)
The final season is a chaotic sprint toward Selina’s ultimate goal: reclaiming the presidency. With betrayals, scandals, and questionable alliances, the show delivers a fittingly outrageous conclusion. While some fans felt the finale was rushed, most agreed it stayed true to the show’s ethos, cementing Selina Meyer’s legacy as one of TV’s greatest antiheroes.
Similar Shows
- The Thick of It
Armando Iannucci’s British political satire is a clear precursor to Veep, offering an equally sharp and cynical look at government dysfunction. - Parks and Recreation
A more optimistic take on politics, Parks and Rec balances heartfelt moments with laugh-out-loud comedy, especially in its portrayal of Leslie Knope’s idealism. - House of Cards
For a dramatic, darker exploration of political ambition, House of Cards delves into the ruthless climb to power in Washington. - 30 Rock
While not political, 30 Rock shares Veep’s rapid-fire humor and satirical look at workplace absurdity. - Silicon Valley
Another HBO comedy, this show applies Veep’s wit to the tech world, showcasing its own brand of ambition and dysfunction.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Show
- Archer
This animated series shares Veep’s love for fast-paced, vulgar humor and morally ambiguous characters. - Succession
While more dramatic, Succession captures the power plays, dysfunction, and biting wit that fans of Veep will appreciate. - The Larry Sanders Show
A classic HBO comedy that mixes satire with behind-the-scenes chaos, much like Veep. - The Newsroom
For those who want a more serious, idealistic take on workplace drama with occasional humor, The Newsroom offers compelling storytelling.