Entertainment

7 Best TV Shows About Journalists That Will Make You Fall In Love With Journalism

The best journalists on TV

  • written by Joy Onu
  • 11 min read
  • 26 Aug, 2024

Some of the best TV shows are shows that follow certain professions and their messy ins and outs. We've seen this repeatedly with procedural medical dramas such as the highly revered Grey’s Anatomy, political dramas such as Scandal, legal dramas such as the critically acclaimed How To Get Away With Murder, and so much more.

It is safe to say that, when you mix professionalism with pure, messy, drama, you have the recipe for a great TV show. It doesn't matter if you're interested in Journalism as a profession, or you're looking for a sign that says it might be the right path for you, all that matters is that you're getting an inside look into the chaotic world of journalists, and having a blast along the way. These series often offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of the profession. Here are six TV shows that showcase the diverse experiences of journalists, proving that they're more than just news anchors.

1. The Girls On The Bus

The Girls on the bus series
Based on the best-selling book Chasing Hilary by Amy Chozick, The Girls On The Bus follows the lives of four female journalists on the road as they hustle to cover the next big story while following every single move made by charismatic and often problematic presidential candidates. The great thing about The Girls On The Bus is the female-centric vibe it has going on, these four women are flawed and passionate in a way that could be relatable. 

The first season centers around Sadie McCarthy (Melissa Benoist), a journalist with a larger-than-life personality who is completely invested in the thrills of breaking the next best story on presidential candidates and life on the road. Sadie joins the bus and finds camaraderie with three female journalists and technically, her competitors, Grace (Carla Gugino), Kimberlyn (Christina Elmore), and Lola (Natasha Behnam). This is a powerful show about female journalism, scandal, friendship, and ambitiousness, and it addresses serious conversations. 

Watch The Girls On The Bus on Apple TV

2. The Morning Show 

The Morning Show on Apple TV+
This Emmy-winning series follows the tumultuous lives of two female co-anchors at a popular morning show after a scandal rocks their network. The Morning Show delves into themes of sexism, power dynamics, and the personal toll of working in a high-pressure environment. The Morning Show gives an inside look into the rollercoaster ride that is journalism and sexual harassment in the workplace. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, and Steve Carell, The Morning Show is just one of those shows you must experience first-hand to understand the nitty-gritty of it. 

Watch The Morning Show on Apple T

3. Sharp Objects 

Sharp Objects
In this dark mystery thriller, a troubled journalist returns to her hometown to investigate the murder of a young girl. As she unravels the secrets of her past, viewers are treated to a haunting exploration of trauma, addiction, and the complexities of family relationships. Sharp Objects starring Amy Adams is pretty dark as far as a show about a journalist could go, it is also the type of TV show that will have you hooked from beginning to end. The limited series based on the debug novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn is gripping, psychological, and straight-up traumatic, but it is also an interesting watch.

Watch Sharp Objects on HBO MAX

4. The Newsroom 

The Newsroom TV Series
Created by acclaimed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, The Newsroom is a fictionalized account of a cable news network's attempts to deliver "truth, justice, and the American way." The series offers a biting commentary on the state of journalism, while also exploring the personal lives of its characters. Follow Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) news anchor at the Atlantis cable news channel and his news team as they hustle and bustle through the news cycle to break the best news stories in a timely fashion. The Newsroom also stars some familiar faces such as Dev Patel, Olivia Munn, Alison Pill, Jane Fonda, Riley Voelkel, Thomas Sadoski, and other famous actors. 

Watch The Newsroom on Prime Video

5. Being MaryJane 

Being MaryJane BET
This groundbreaking series follows the life of Mary Jane Paul, a successful television news anchor who juggles her demanding career with her struggles. Being MaryJane tackles important issues such as race, relationships, and the pressure to achieve professional and personal success. Gabrielle Union really cracked the code on portraying a black female journalist trying to make it in the cutthroat world of news broadcasting. Besides its journalistic vibe, there's also enough family and relationship drama to go around. 

Watch Being MaryJane on BET

6. The Newsreader 

The Newsreader
Set in 1980s Australia, The Newsreader is a satirical comedy-drama that follows the lives of the staff at a fictional news network. The series offers a humorous take on the world of journalism, while also exploring themes of class, gender, and the changing media landscape. The Newsreader is a delightful and insightful series that provides a glimpse into the history of journalism and the challenges it has faced over the years. Starring Sam Reid as Dale Jennings, and Anna Torv as Helen Norville, The Newsreader is also inspiring in a way as it portrays how the first day on the job as a newsreader can be daunting and embarrassing, but with a lot of effort, you can bounce back. 

Watch The Newsreader on BBC iPlayer

7. Firefly Lane 

Netflix’s Firefly Lane
While not strictly about journalism, Firefly Lane features two female friends Tully Hart (Katherine Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke) whose lives intersect with the world of news as their rollercoaster ride of a story takes you on a fun, and emotional journey.The series explores the challenges and triumphs of women in the workplace, as well as the enduring power of friendship. While it doesn't revolve solely around journalism, it does give a glimpse into journalism from the point of view of Tully and Kate. 

Watch Firefly Lane on Netflix

These 7 TV shows about journalists offer a diverse range of perspectives on the world of journalism, from the glamorous to the gritty. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, or mystery, there's a show on this list that will keep you hooked.




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