The Crown offers a look into the world of the British monarchy, exploring the immense power and responsibility that comes with the crown. While perhaps not as overtly focused on personal ambition in the same way as some other shows, it delves into the ambition of an institution to survive and the personal sacrifices made by those within it. The excitement comes from the historical events depicted, the political intricacies, and the personal dramas playing out behind the stoic facade of the royal family. The show famously recasts actors every two seasons to portray the characters as they age through different eras. Sex is less explicit here compared to other titles, but relationships and their complexities are central, often impacting political situations. It's a detailed, lavish production examining the weight of power and duty across decades of modern history.

Californication follows Hank Moody, a troubled novelist with a penchant for women and alcohol, as he navigates the chaotic landscape of Los Angeles. While not centered on political or corporate power, the show is saturated with sex and the pursuit of pleasure, alongside Hank's struggles with his career and relationships. The excitement comes from Hank's wild escapades, his witty banter, and the constant drama surrounding his attempts to win back his family. David Duchovny, who stars as Hank, also wrote and directed several episodes of the series. The show explores a different kind of ambition – the struggle of an artist to reclaim his creativity and personal life amidst a world of excess. It's a raucous, often humorous, look at hedonism, fatherhood, and the search for meaning in the California sun, where sex is often both the cause and effect of the chaos.

The Affair delves deep into the emotional and psychological fallout of an extramarital relationship, exploring themes of sex, betrayal, and personal crisis from multiple perspectives. The show famously tells its story through the differing viewpoints of the main characters, revealing the subjectivity of memory and perception. The excitement comes from the unfolding drama, the secrets, and the intense emotional stakes involved. Each episode is typically split into two halves, showing the events from the perspective of different characters, often highlighting discrepancies. While less focused on traditional ambition or power struggles in a career sense, it explores the power dynamics within relationships and the lengths people go to pursue desire and escape their circumstances. It's a compelling, often raw, look at the destructive nature of secrets and the complexities of human connection.

Based on the true story of pioneers of human sexuality research, William Masters and Virginia Johnson, Masters of Sex is explicitly about sex and the ambition to understand it scientifically. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan portray the complex, often fraught, relationship between the researchers as they conduct groundbreaking studies in the 1950s and 60s. The show explores the social taboos of the era and the personal sacrifices made in the name of scientific progress. The excitement is in the intellectual pursuit, the challenges they face from a conservative society, and the intense personal relationship that develops between them. The series aimed for historical accuracy in depicting the research methods and the cultural context of the time. While not focused on political or corporate power, it certainly explores the power dynamics within their professional and personal lives. It's a fascinating blend of historical drama, scientific ambition, and the exploration of intimacy.

Nip/Tuck takes you into the glamorous, superficial, and often dark world of plastic surgery, where ambition and the desire for physical perfection drive both the doctors and their patients. Julian McMahon and Dylan Walsh play two Miami plastic surgeons whose lives are entangled in professional rivalry, personal drama, and the ethically murky aspects of their profession. The show doesn't shy away from graphic depictions of surgery or the complexities of human desire. The excitement comes from the extreme cases they take on and the chaotic personal lives of the protagonists. The show was known for pushing boundaries with its content and tackling controversial themes related to beauty, identity, and morality. Sex is a major component, depicted frequently and often tied to the characters' own issues and the superficial world they inhabit. It's a provocative look at the lengths people go for perceived perfection and the ambition involved in selling it.

If you crave fast-paced political drama, high-stakes crises, and intense romantic entanglements, Scandal delivers. Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope, a crisis manager in Washington D.C. who handles the nation's elite's most explosive secrets while also dealing with her own complicated life, including an affair with the President. The show is packed with excitement from the constant stream of political crises, the intricate conspiracies, and the rapid-fire dialogue. Ambition and power are central themes, as characters navigate the treacherous world of D.C. politics, constantly vying for influence. The show is known for its Shondaland signature style: fast-paced plots, strong female leads, and complex, often scandalous, relationships. The element of sex and romance is incredibly prominent, driving much of the personal drama and often intersecting with the political intrigue. It's a thrilling ride through the hidden corners of power in the capital.

Widely considered one of the greatest TV shows ever, The Sopranos is a complex portrayal of power, ambition, and the psychological toll of leading a double life. James Gandolfini is unforgettable as Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss trying to balance his criminal empire with his family life and therapy sessions. The show masterfully blends the excitement of the mafia world – the violence, the deals, the power struggles – with the mundane realities and emotional complexities of everyday life. The show was groundbreaking for its cinematic quality and its deep exploration of the protagonist's psyche, heavily influenced by Tony's therapy sessions. Sex is present throughout, often highlighting the moral compromises and the fractured relationships within the mob world and Tony's personal life. It's a profound look at the burdens of power and the relentless drive that comes with leading a life of organized crime.

Mad Men offers a different take on ambition and power, set in the cutthroat world of 1960s advertising on Madison Avenue. Jon Hamm is iconic as Don Draper, a talented, enigmatic ad executive with a mysterious past, constantly navigating the changing times and the demands of his profession. The show delves into the ambition of the characters – both men and women – striving for success in a highly competitive environment. The excitement comes from the creative battles, office politics, and the social shifts of the era. The level of historical accuracy in set design, costumes, and cultural references is famously meticulous. Sex is a very significant theme, exploring the complex relationships, infidelity, and the evolving sexual politics of the time, often intertwined with the characters' personal struggles and professional ambitions. It's a sophisticated portrayal of the pursuit of success and identity in a rapidly changing world.

Set during the Prohibition era, Boardwalk Empire is a visually stunning drama about the rise of organized crime and the immense power and wealth that came with it. Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson, a politician who is also a major player in the bootlegging business. The show is rich with historical detail and explores the ambition of various figures, from mob bosses like Al Capone to federal agents trying to enforce the law. The excitement lies in the violent clashes, backroom deals, and the sheer audacity of building criminal empires under the nose of the law. The series premiere was directed by Martin Scorsese, who also served as an executive producer. Sex is definitely part of the landscape, often linked to the decadent lifestyle fueled by illegal gains and the complex relationships formed in this dangerous world. It's a deep dive into a pivotal period of American history defined by lawlessness and the relentless pursuit of power.

Dive into the high-stakes world of finance and law with Billions, where the battle for power and ambition is waged between a sharp U.S. Attorney and a brilliant, aggressive hedge fund manager. This show thrives on the cat-and-mouse game between Chuck Rhoades and Bobby Axelrod, two incredibly intelligent and ruthless men determined to outmaneuver each other. The excitement is in their elaborate schemes, legal chess matches, and the constant psychological warfare. Paul Giamatti (Chuck Rhoades) and Damian Lewis (Bobby Axelrod) often improvised lines, adding to the show's dynamic and quick-witted dialogue. While perhaps less focused on explicit sex than some others on this list, the relationships are complex and often intertwined with the characters' pursuit of power and wealth. It's a fascinating look at modern financial ambition and the lengths people will go to stay on top.

Breaking Bad takes the concept of ambition in a dark, unexpected direction. It follows Walter White, a meek high school chemistry teacher who, after a cancer diagnosis, turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's future. What starts as a desperate measure quickly escalates into a quest for building a criminal empire, driven by increasing power and a transformation of character. The excitement is palpable in every episode as Walt navigates the dangerous world of drug cartels, law enforcement, and the consequences of his choices. Bryan Cranston, who played Walt, did extensive research, including learning how to handle chemicals and consulting with DEA agents, to prepare for the role. The show is a gripping character study about how circumstances and choices can lead someone down a path of immense power and moral decay, proving that ambition can be a truly destructive force.

For an epic scale depiction of ambition, power, and raw excitement, look no further than Game of Thrones. This fantasy saga, based on George R.R. Martin's novels, is a sprawling tale of noble houses battling for control of the Iron Throne. The political intrigue is as sharp as any sword, with characters constantly scheming, forming alliances, and betraying one another in their quest for dominance. Did you know that the show was filmed in numerous countries including Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, and Spain, showcasing its massive production scale? The excitement comes from the constant threat of war, the shocking plot twists, and the dragons! Sex is also a prominent element, often tied to power dynamics, alliances, or character motivations. It's a world where power is everything, and the lengths people go to seize and keep it are truly astounding.

House of Cards is pure political machiavellianism at its finest. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright deliver chilling performances as Frank and Claire Underwood, a power couple whose ambition knows no bounds in Washington D.C. From the very first episode, you're invited into their world of strategic maneuvering, manipulation, and ruthless pursuit of the Presidency. The excitement is in watching their calculated moves unfold, often directly addressed to the audience, pulling you into their conspiracy. It was one of Netflix's very first original series, signaling a major shift in how television was produced and consumed. The show is saturated with themes of power, corruption, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals, often blurring the lines between personal desire and political gain. And yes, the element of sex is interwoven, often used as a tool or a consequence of their relentless drive.

If you want ambition and power struggles served ice-cold with a side of dark humor and biting dialogue, Succession is your ultimate fix. This series plunges you into the lives of the Roy family, owners of a global media empire, as they scheme, backstab, and compete for control. The sheer excitement comes from the ruthless corporate warfare and the unpredictable dynamics between the family members. Did you know that the show's creator, Jesse Armstrong, initially conceived the idea as a film about the Murdoch family? It evolved into this masterful exploration of wealth, power, and utterly dysfunctional relationships, where every handshake is a negotiation and every compliment hides a dagger. The performances are electrifying, making you both despise and strangely root for these awful, powerful people. It's a masterclass in depicting the corrosive nature of extreme wealth and the relentless pursuit of power.