Battleground
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this documentary-style series isn't aimed at kids, though teens interested in politics might get something out of it. There are definitely some mixed messages in the depiction of both the idealism and harsh realities of local political campaigns. On one hand, the workers selflessly sacrifice their social lives and better salaries in favor of working tirelessly for a candidate they are passionate about. On the other hand, their lifestyle embraces occasional overindulgence in alcohol, a casual attitude toward sexual encounters, and outright deception in the name of political victory. For older kids able to understand the complexities of such a depiction, the idealism of the series shines through strongly.
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What's the story?
Set in a fictional political campaign in Wisconsin, BATTLEGROUND utilizes a mockumentary format to explore the behind-the-scenes tumult inside the world of local politics. Campaign manager Tak Davis (Jay Hayden) has to overcome endless obstacles to help his candidate advance in the polls, from a miniscule budget constantly at threat of evaporating to the occasionally amateur maneuvers of his own campaign staff. Although the challenge is great and the job seems thankless, Battleground tempers the realism of modern politics with an idealistic view of how ordinary people sacrifice their own lives toward the pursuit of a greater good -- in this case, victory for a senatorial candidate.
Is it any good?
The first original scripted series from online content provider Hulu, Battleground takes a rough but ready approach to its half-hour mockumentary format. It features unknown actors that are able to shine within the loose production style; it seems likely that the "fake documentary" approach helps cover up any possible deficiencies due to a small budget.
What Battleground lacks in network polish, it makes up in wit and spirit, using its format to cleverly suggest the evolution of characters through a series of talking-head interviews that take place four weeks after the events of the campaign. Taking a page out of The West Wing's playbook, the show delves deep into the sausage-making behind every political candidate, depicting the heady mix of frantic energy, sexual tension, occasional brilliance, and frequent exhaustion that campaign employees experience. But like The West Wing, Battleground is also hopeful about American politics and government.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the realities of modern politics. Does this series do a good job depicting a campaign? Does the show make a political campaign seem like a fun place to work? How realistic do you think it is?
What do you think about the show only airing online? Do you like that, or do you wish it was on network TV too?
TV details
- Premiere date: February 14, 2012
- Cast: Jay Hayden, Jordan T. Maxwell, Teri Reeves
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- TV rating: NR
- Available on: Streaming
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.