The Oval (2019–Present) is a dramatic, soap opera-style TV series created by Tyler Perry. Set in the White House, the show focuses on the personal and political lives of the fictional First Family, as well as the people who work closely with them. The series explores the complexities of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles that come with living under constant scrutiny and the weight of political expectations.
At the heart of The Oval is the new First Family—President Hunter Franklin, a charismatic but ruthless leader, and his wife, First Lady Victoria Franklin, who is equally ambitious and manipulative. Their reign in the White House is marked by tension, scandal, and dark secrets, both in their personal lives and within their political careers.
Alongside the First Family, the series delves into the lives of those who serve them in the White House, from the President’s staff to the Secret Service agents, all of whom are entangled in the drama, politics, and intrigue that come with such positions of power. The show examines how the dynamics of power, control, and personal ambition impact relationships and the lives of everyone involved.
- Power and Corruption: The series explores how political power can corrupt, revealing the hidden agendas, backstabbing, and manipulations that occur within the halls of the White House.
- Betrayal and Loyalty: Central to the show is the theme of betrayal—both personal and professional—and the questions of loyalty that arise in a high-stakes political environment.
- Family Dynamics: The Franklin family’s relationships are at the core of the show, highlighting how family members interact with each other under the pressure of political life. Their personal lives and the tension between public persona and private behavior drive much of the drama.
- Scandal and Secrets: Much like a soap opera, the show is filled with shocking twists, personal secrets, and high-level scandals that put the characters in compromising positions.
- President Hunter Franklin: A suave, calculated politician who is not above using power to get what he wants. Though he presents a charming, authoritative figure to the public, his darker nature emerges as the series progresses.
- First Lady Victoria Franklin: A powerful, cold, and manipulative woman who is just as ambitious as her husband. Victoria is determined to maintain her family’s position of power at all costs, and her actions often create dramatic tensions.
- Secret Service Agents: A number of characters in the Secret Service provide a look into the lives of those tasked with protecting the President and his family. These agents often find themselves in morally difficult situations as they navigate the challenges of loyalty to the First Family and the secrets they are forced to keep.
- The Staff: Various supporting characters in the White House—advisors, assistants, and other political figures—play important roles in advancing the plot as they navigate personal and professional entanglements within the White House.
Tone and Style:
The Oval is designed with a melodramatic and suspenseful tone, much like Tyler Perry’s other shows. It’s filled with plot twists, shocking revelations, and intense emotional moments. The series uses its political setting as a backdrop for personal drama, often leaning into themes of corruption, scandal, and the high stakes of living in the public eye.
With the combination of high drama, suspense, and interpersonal conflicts, The Oval offers a look into the fictional lives of the most powerful family in America, blending political intrigue with soap opera-style character dynamics.
