Watch The Loudest Voice

The Loudest Voice is a riveting and powerful limited series that first aired in 2019 on Showtime. The show is based on Gabriel Sherman's book, "The Loudest Voice in the Room," which chronicles the rise and fall of Roger Ailes, the founder and CEO of Fox News. The series explores the inner workings of the conservative news channel and delves into the dark personal life of Ailes himself.

At the center of the show is Russell Crowe's transformative performance as Roger Ailes, a charismatic and imposing figure who has built an empire out of conservative news. Ailes is a complex character, and Crowe imbues him with a depth and humanity that makes him both fascinating and terrifying. He is unapologetic in his pursuit of power, and his unscrupulous tactics are often at odds with his public persona as a champion of conservative values.

The show follows Ailes through many of the major events that shaped Fox News, including his hiring of anchor Gretchen Carlson (played by Naomi Watts) and his support of Donald Trump's campaign for president. Along the way, we see Ailes pull the strings behind the scenes, manipulating both the news coverage and the careers of those around him.

Simon McBurney also delivers a standout performance as Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul who owns Fox News. McBurney portrays Murdoch as a shrewd businessperson who is happy to look the other way when it comes to Ailes' unethical behavior, as long as it keeps the profits rolling in. The dynamic between Ailes and Murdoch is one of the most compelling aspects of the show, as we see Ailes constantly maneuvering to stay in Murdoch's good graces.

Seth MacFarlane also appears in a supporting role as Brian Lewis, the head of public relations at Fox News. MacFarlane brings a wry sense of humor to the role, and his character serves as a sort of moral compass amidst all the chaos and dysfunction.

Despite its subject matter, the show is beautifully shot and features excellent production values. The set design and costumes are top-notch, and the attention to detail helps transport the viewer back in time to the late '90s and early 2000s.

Ultimately, The Loudest Voice is a sobering look at the power of the media and the people who control it. It's also a reminder that those who seek to occupy the highest levels of power are often deeply flawed individuals, capable of grave harm to those around them. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and media, and it stands as one of the best limited series of the last few years.

The Loudest Voice is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between January 30, 2019 and on Showtime