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HBO’s Veep, starring Julia Louis Dreyfuss, is quite likely the most successful American political satire in television history. Yet, in seven seasons, the show never mentions the party labels “Democrat” or  “Republican,” instead using terms like “the enemy camp” or,  more pointedly, “my extremist colleague from across the aisle.”

In “Hollywood Presidents for a Partisan Nation (Part Three),” The Purple Principle speaks with Veep showrunner and head writer, David Mandel, about this convention and the many challenges to creating satire at a time when real world political norms are shattered week after week. 

David Mandel took over the showrunner role from creator Armando Ianucci, who adapted his British show, The Thick of It, into the equally foul-mouthed but distinctly American, Veep. Mandel then led the show for its final three seasons, winning an Emmy for Best Comedy Series in two of those three years.  

As a result, it was no easy decision to end Veep with Season 7. But, in our TPP interview, Mandel confides they could no longer compete with the writers of a show called Trump. We spoke to him about that decision, as well as his favorite episodes, lines, and memorabilia from the Veep catalog. 

Mandel himself is a blue ribbon comedy A-lister, having written for SNL, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the occasional Simpsons episode prior to the Veep showrunner role. In this interview, he describes some of his early and enduring influences which range from major comic role models like Steve Martin and David Letterman to the prize-winning Lyndon Johnson biographer, Robert Caro.

Veep protagonist, Selina Meyer, was “a horrible person...who was also a politician,” Mandel explains, looking back over this remarkable run. “That doesn’t mean that the writers… were endorsing the offensive things she was saying.” 

He then adds, with a hint of frustration, “But some people feel, in terms of comedy, that you can’t say anything offensive, even in jest.”
Fortunately, a large, still loyal audience appreciates the satirical brilliance of Veep—sharp, topical writing and pitch-perfect performances from a true ensemble cast. Tune into “Hollywood Presidents for a Partisan Nation (Part Three)” for more on the show’s enduring appeal from Hollywood comedy writer extraordinaire, David Mandel.

Original Music by Ryan Adair Rooney