How “Veep” Predicted Real-Life Political Events
When life imitates art, art seems eerily prescient. With Vice President Kamala Harris suddenly thrust into the Democratic spotlight, interest is surging for HBO’s “Veep,” the Emmy-winning series that seems to have predicted some real-life political events.
The Resurgence of “Veep” Amid Current Political Climate
The show’s first season, which aired from 2012 to 2019, saw a significant increase in streaming ratings on Monday. Audiences watched a total of 2.2 million minutes of the show, compared to 486,000 minutes the day before. This surge in interest coincided with President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race and back his deputy, mirroring a storyline from the show.
Art Reflecting Reality: Parallel Between “Veep” and Current Administration
In “Veep,” fictional U.S. Senator Selina Meyer runs for president, loses the nomination, and ends up becoming vice president. When her boss resigns, Meyer moves into the Oval Office, echoing some real-life political transitions. This isn’t the first time that a fictional work has captured the essence of a political moment, as evidenced by the revival of interest in “Veep.”
The Impact of Fiction on Reality: Case of “Hillbilly Elegy”
Similarly, President Donald Trump’s announcement of selecting Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate led to a surge in interest in Vance’s 2016 best-selling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” The book topped the Amazon bestseller list, and the film adaptation also saw increased viewership. This trend highlights the curious relationship between fiction and reality in the political sphere.
In conclusion, the unexpected parallels between “Veep” and real-life political events serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between art and reality. As the show continues to garner renewed interest, it raises questions about the ability of fiction to foreshadow and reflect the intricacies of the political landscape.
