What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedWhat Happened
Hillary Rodham Clinton · Book · 2017
If you loved What Happened, start with Madam Secretary (Barbara Hall, 2014) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to What Happened across media.
What hooked you in What Happened was the candid exploration of navigating systemic gender barriers within high-stakes, male-dominated professional environments.
Films on the same thread
The Post
Film · 2017
Explores: Freedom of the press, Whistleblowing, Institutional corruption.
Like What Happened, this film highlights the burden of being a female pioneer, focusing on the intense institutional pressures and double standards faced by women in leadership roles.
Primary Colors
Mike Nichols · Film · 1998
Explores: Presidential Campaign, Moral Compromise, Infidelity in Politics.
If you appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at presidential campaigns in What Happened, this film offers a sharp, dramatized examination of the moral compromises inherent in American political ambition.
Hidden Figures
Film · 2016
Explores: Racial segregation, Women in STEM, Gender equality.
Much like the experiences detailed in What Happened, this story celebrates the resilience of brilliant women who overcome systemic exclusion to make history in their respective professional fields.
Battle of the Sexes
Valerie Faris · Film · 2017
Explores: Gender equality, Feminism, Sports rivalry.
This film mirrors the themes of gender equality and public scrutiny found in What Happened, showcasing the immense social pressure that accompanies breaking barriers in a public arena.
Series on the same thread
Madam Secretary
Barbara Hall · Series · 2014
Explores: Work-life balance, Moral dilemmas, Ethical leadership.
Fans of What Happened will recognize the complex balancing act of high-level diplomacy and personal integrity that defines the lead character's journey through the challenging corridors of Washington.
Prime Suspect
Lynda La Plante · Series · 1991
Explores: Gender Inequality, Workplace Discrimination, Ambition.
This series captures the same frustration with workplace discrimination addressed in What Happened, following a determined woman who must navigate and conquer an entrenched, male-dominated professional hierarchy.
Mrs. America
Dahvi Waller · Series · 2020
Explores: Second-wave feminism, Political activism, Culture wars.
This drama provides the historical context for the political battles described in What Happened, highlighting the long-standing tensions surrounding gender roles and activism in American political life.
The Haunting of Hill House
Mike Flanagan · Series · 2018
Explores: Trauma, Family Secrets, Mental Illness.
The exploration of processing trauma and grief after a life-altering event provides a thematic resonance with the personal reflection found in the final chapters of What Happened.
Podcasts on the same thread
We Can Do Hard Things
Treat Media and Glennon Doyle · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Vulnerability, Personal growth, Emotional support.
Those who valued the raw authenticity and personal vulnerability in What Happened will find a similar space for honest, supportive conversation regarding life's persistent, difficult challenges.
FiveThirtyEight Politics
Podcast
Shares a thread with What Happened: political analysis.
If the analytical deep-dive into electoral mechanics in What Happened engaged you, this podcast offers a consistent, data-driven look at the political landscape and current campaign strategies.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is What Happened a memoir about the 2016 presidential election?
Yes, What Happened is a 2017 book by Hillary Rodham Clinton that details her experiences as the first woman nominated for president by a major party. It covers her personal perspective on the campaign, the loss, and the challenges she faced during the process.
Does What Happened discuss the role of sexism in the 2016 campaign?
Yes, What Happened specifically addresses the sexism, criticism, and double standards that Hillary Rodham Clinton confronted during her run for president. The book provides her account of these obstacles and explains how she navigated the political environment as a female candidate.
How does Hillary Rodham Clinton handle the election loss in What Happened?
In What Happened, Hillary Rodham Clinton reflects on her experiences as a presidential candidate and discusses how she coped with the devastating loss. The book offers her personal insights into the aftermath of the election and the difficulties of moving forward after a high-profile defeat.
What is the primary focus of the book What Happened?
The primary focus of What Happened is Hillary Rodham Clinton's experience as the first woman nominated for president by a major party. It examines the intense public scrutiny she endured, the gender-based challenges she faced, and her personal journey following the conclusion of the 2016 election.