Veep

I don't tend to like politically-based entertainment, at least not in scripted series.  I was never a fan of West Wing, for example, I think mostly because it was like watching the news and I get plenty of that.

So I was very reluctant to watch the new show Veep ... it's all about politics surrounding a new female Vice President of the United States.  The concept didn't attract me, although the fact that Julia Louis-Dreyfus is involved got me at least to give it a try.  I'll try anything that she does!

You know what ... it's good.  Hysterical even.  It is so NOT a typical show about politics, or a typical sitcom for that matter.  The writing is fabulous and the acting even better.  The plot lines are shockingly politically incorrect.  At one point I actually said out loud, "I can't believe that she just said that!"  But it's not to offend at all, in fact it appears to be equal opportunity offensive which kind of negates it all.  I was laughing so much during the pilot that I continued to watch episode after episode on demand.  Worth a look, for sure.

The most interesting part about the show are the blunders that the VP gets herself into, much of which are an active part of our pop culture during our daily lives, much of which I talk about right here!  Social media, bloggers ... even frozen yogurt!

What I love most?  It's on my terms.  I get to click it up on demand when I feel like watching and when I need to escape and have a laugh.  Now Veep isn't the only show that affords me that luxury, but it is my latest fixation.  Will it become a brand?  Probably not ... but it does leverage the star's unique brand of entertainment which I totally appreciate.

What's your experience?  Jim.

Jim Joseph
President, Cohn & Wolfe North America
Author, The Experience Effect
Professor, NYU