CNN 5 Things One Thing: Our Politics Have Never Been So Toxic. So Why Do We Love Political TV?
Dec 28, 2025
David Beaubaire, the Founder and CEO of Sunset Lane Media, shares insights from his extensive background in politics and media. He explores why audiences are drawn to political dramas during a time of real-world toxicity. Beaubaire reveals his strategy of opening creative offices in D.C. to unearth compelling political narratives. He argues that political shows offer both empathy and escape, while also tackling the need for bipartisan storytelling to bridge divides. Additionally, he highlights the impact of studio consolidation on creativity in Hollywood.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From White House To Hollywood
- David Beaubaire moved from politics to Hollywood after working in the White House and with Governor Clinton.
- He now runs Sunset Lane Media and is opening a production office in Washington, D.C.
Washington As Untapped Creative IP
- David Beaubaire argues Washington, D.C. is untapped creative IP that naturally attracts audiences.
- He believes proximity to real people and jobs in D.C. helps identify authentic political stories earlier.
Fiction Humanizes Politics
- Political TV provides escapism and humanizes the people inside government.
- Beaubaire says films let viewers see public servants with more empathy than news alone.