Watch Graves

Graves is a political comedy-drama series, created by Joshua Michael Stern, that first premiered on EPIX from 16 October 2016 to 10 December 2017. The show follows the character of Richard Graves, a former two-term Republican President of the United States who, years after leaving the White House, begins to have doubts about the legacy he left behind and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The show explores the evolving relationship between Graves and his family, as they all try to navigate their changing roles in his life.

The series stars Nick Nolte, who plays the titular character of Richard Graves, as well as Sela Ward as his wife Margaret Graves. Among the supporting cast are Skylar Astin, Heléne Yorke, Chris Lowell, Nia Vardalos, Ernie Hudson, and Callie Hernandez. The show has been praised for its strong performances, particularly those of Nolte and Ward, as well as its humorous and insightful take on the American political system.

The show begins with Richard Graves, who left office as an unpopular President, reflecting on his career in politics and his legacy as a flawed leader. After a breakthrough moment at his own funeral, where he is given a eulogy by his son, Jeremy (Chris Lowell), he decides to embark on a journey of redemption and self-discovery. This leads him to a series of unlikely situations, including a stint in a commune and trying to establish a Trump-like presidential library.

Throughout the first season, Graves is also surrounded by a colorful cast of supporting characters. His wife, Margaret, is a strong-willed woman who served as a key advisor during his presidency and now seeks to establish her own identity apart from her husband. She eventually runs for Senate against her own party in a contentious race that tests their relationship. Their children, Olivia (Heléne Yorke) and Jeremy, struggle to find their own paths in life, with Olivia falling for a man who may be a Russian spy and Jeremy deciding to leave his job as a speechwriter to pursue his own dreams.

The show's central themes revolve around the search for identity, redemption, and political transformation. Throughout the series, Graves must come to terms with the consequences of his actions while in office, and find a way to reconcile his past mistakes with his present values. The show also tackles contemporary political issues, such as immigration, gun control, and social justice, with a humorous and thoughtful approach.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Graves is its examination of the American political system. The show is highly critical of the polarization of the two-party system and the influence of special interests in politics. It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in creating real, meaningful change. In one particular episode, Graves speaks out against police brutality in a powerful speech that highlights the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The show's second season sees Graves continuing on his path of self-discovery and political transformation. This time, he's working to distance himself from his own party, and even runs as an independent for Senate. Throughout the season, he grapples with the question of what defines his political identity as he's forced to confront the realities of the political system in America.

Overall, Graves is an entertaining and thought-provoking series that offers a unique perspective on American politics. It's a show that manages to be both humorous and insightful, and features some top-notch performances from its cast. If you're a fan of political dramas with a dose of humor, Graves is definitely a show you should check out.

Graves is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between October 16, 2016 and on EPIX