Berlin
A German network’s attempt at a political drama similar to NBC’s The West Wing has failed because of the inherent lack of drama in German politics. The Chancellor’s Office, a fictional account of life in the German government that premiered this month, featured story lines about a reporter trading sex for scoops and a Cabinet minister on drugs. Television critics panned the show as “stupid” and “boring.” But politicians said the show was not nearly boring enough. “The seat of government is really a very quiet place,” said former Cabinet member Egon Bahr. “You don’t see people running around wildly, rushing from one office to another.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about the 4th of JulyCartoons Artists take on liberty and justice for all, a terrifying firework, and more
-
Jeff in Venice: a "triumph of tackiness"?In the Spotlight Locals protest as Bezos uses the city as a 'private amusement park' for his wedding celebrations
-
Sudoku medium: July 5, 2025The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
