Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Springer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hopeful political drama with some drinking, marital strife.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
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.
See how we rate