If you’re drawn to high-octane political dramas infused with soap opera theatrics, shocking scandals, and a constant stream of betrayal, then Tyler Perry’s “The Oval” is a BET original series that offers a wild ride inside the White House. This show is designed for viewers who love over-the-top drama and continuous plot twists.
What is “The Oval” about?
“The Oval” chronicles the tumultuous lives of the newly elected President Hunter Franklin (Ed Quinn) and First Lady Victoria Franklin (Kron Moore) as they move into the White House. While they project an image of a picture-perfect family to the public, behind closed doors, their lives are anything but. The Franklins are a power-hungry couple who indulge in shocking scandals, infidelity, and manipulative schemes.
Their equally problematic children, rebellious daughter Gayle (Paige Hurd) and troubled son Jason (Daniel Croix Henderson), add their own brand of chaos and depravity to the Executive Residence. The series also delves into the lives of the White House staff, including the principled head butler Richard Hallsen (Javon Johnson) and his family, and ambitious Secret Service agents and political operatives. Their lives inevitably become intertwined with the First Family’s scandalous affairs, often forcing them into morally compromising situations. “The Oval” is a deep dive into the dark underbelly of power, showcasing sex, depravity, and betrayal at the highest levels of government.
Why “The Oval” is a compelling watch (for fans of intense drama):
- Non-stop Scandal: The show thrives on dramatic reveals, shocking secrets, and a relentless pace of scandalous events, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
- Political Intrigue (with a twist): While set in the White House, “The Oval” takes the political drama genre to extreme levels, focusing less on policy and more on personal power plays and illicit dealings.
- Tyler Perry’s Signature Style: Fans of Tyler Perry’s other works will recognize his distinct blend of drama, heightened reality, and moral dilemmas, often with a focus on powerful, complex characters.
- Dramatic Performances: The cast leans into the heightened reality of the series, delivering performances that match the intense, soap opera-style narrative.
- Behind-the-Scenes Look (with a dramatic flair): It offers a fictionalized glimpse into the lives of both the President’s family and the staff who maintain the White House, showing how their lives intersect in unexpected and often dangerous ways.
Where to Watch “The Oval”:
“The Oval” airs on BET. You can stream all available seasons on BET+ and the BET+ Amazon Channel or BET+ Apple TV channel. It is also available for streaming on fuboTV, Hulu (with specific bundles), and Paramount+ with Showtime. Individual seasons and episodes can also be purchased on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
If you enjoyed “The Oval,” you might also like:
- Ruthless (A spin-off of “The Oval,” also from Tyler Perry, focusing on a cult)
- Scandal (for political intrigue, high-stakes drama, and illicit affairs)
- House of Cards (for a darker, more cynical look at power and manipulation in Washington)
- Power (for intense, high-stakes drama focusing on power and its corrupting influence)
- Ambitions (for another series that delves into the scandalous lives of the wealthy and powerful)