What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Amateur
Edward Klein · Book · 2012
If you loved The Amateur, start with Veep (Armando Iannucci, 2012) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Amateur across media.
If The Amateur hooked you with its cynical look at executive incompetence and the shadowy machinery of Washington, these titles demand your attention.
Films on the same thread
Oppenheimer
Film · 2023
Explores: Moral ambiguity, Scientific ethics, Cold War paranoia.
Like the critical dissection of leadership found in The Amateur, this film explores the heavy burden of power and the moral ambiguity inherent in high-stakes historical decision-making.
The Ghost Writer
Roman Polanski · Film · 2010
Explores: Political Intrigue, Ghostwriting, Hidden Secrets.
This thriller mirrors the investigative intensity of The Amateur, pulling back the curtain on political secrets and the hidden agendas that define the lives of powerful world leaders.
Zero Dark Thirty
Kathryn Bigelow · Film · 2012
Explores: The War on Terror, Osama Bin Laden, CIA Operations.
For those captivated by the operational focus of The Amateur, this film offers a rigorous, behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes execution of government policy and national security objectives.
The American President
Rob Reiner · Film · 1995
Shares a thread with The Amateur: Power dynamics.
While The Amateur critiques presidential performance, this film provides a contrasting, intimate look at the collision between the personal life of a leader and the demands of public image.
Series on the same thread
Veep
Armando Iannucci · Series · 2012
Shares a thread with The Amateur: Power Dynamics.
If you appreciated the sharp critique of administrative failure in The Amateur, you will recognize the biting portrayal of political incompetence and career-driven chaos depicted within this satirical series.
Scandal
Shonda Rhimes · Series · 2012
Explores: Power, Secrets, Betrayal.
Much like the focus on internal White House dynamics in The Amateur, this show navigates the high-pressure world of political image management and the secrets that define elite power.
House of Cards
Beau Willimon · Series · 2013
Explores: Power, Ambition, Corruption.
This drama echoes the cynical view of political ambition presented in The Amateur, showcasing how individuals exploit systemic weaknesses to seize and maintain absolute control within Washington circles.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
John Oliver · Series · 2014
Explores: Social Commentary, Political Satire, Explanatory Journalism.
Sharing the topical, sharp-tongued commentary found in The Amateur, this show breaks down the week's political events with a critical eye toward the absurdity of current governmental affairs.
Podcasts on the same thread
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
If The Amateur interested you in the foundational narratives of American history, this series provides a deep, necessary re-examination of the systemic forces that have shaped our nation.
The Preamble
Sharon McMahon · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Critical thinking, Media literacy, Civic engagement.
Much like the analytical approach taken in The Amateur, this podcast cuts through the noise of modern politics to offer a clear, reasoned perspective on complex civic issues.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary argument presented in The Amateur?
The Amateur argues that President Obama possessed a toxic combination of incompetence and arrogance. Edward Klein asserts that this lack of experience and leadership led the president to run the nation and his own administration off the rails during his time in the White House.
Who is the author of The Amateur?
The Amateur was written by Edward Klein. He is a New York Times bestselling author who focuses on political exposés, specifically analyzing the leadership style and effectiveness of President Obama throughout his presidency.
When was The Amateur published?
The Amateur was published in 2012. It captures the public sentiment of that era regarding President Obama's performance, suggesting that the administration was characterized by amateurism and a lack of necessary experience to manage the country effectively.
Is The Amateur considered a political exposé?
Yes, The Amateur is classified as a political exposé. Edward Klein uses this work to examine the perceived failures of the Obama presidency, specifically highlighting the author's view that the president was in over his head due to his inexperience.