9 TV dramas that will make you smarter about business

A lot of people feel guilty when they spend a weekend binge-watching a favorite TV show instead of, say, reading a novel or watching TED talks.But one of the great things about modern television is that it can be simultaneously entertaining and instructiveespecially about business.We picked out ninetelevision series that couldmake you a better businessperson, whether you're interested in learning more about effective leadership, integrating your work and home lives, or managing office politics.Best of all, you'll be so enthralled by the crime, love affairs, and fantasy warfare that you won't even realize you're getting educated.SEE ALSO:11 documentaries that will make you smarter about business'House of Lies'This Showtime series is based on a book by the same name, written by a former consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. Theshowfeatures a group of corrupt management consultants who will do seemingly anything to close a deal.While the episodes aren't perfect reflections of reality, real-life consultants say they do highlight some important truths of modern consulting, like the relationship between the CEO and his "number-two," who's usually a smart individual the CEO doesn't really listen to. The fifthseason begins in 2016.'Game of Thrones'Based on George R.R. Martin's book series, "A Song of Ice and Fire," this HBO fantasy television series features multiple plotlines, one of which involves a fierce battle for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.Management experts say the show teaches some important lessons about leadership and power dynamics, like the idea that being different (which in the show, means being a dwarf or an illegitimate child) can make you a stronger leader. The sixth season begins in 2016.'House of Cards'Frank Underwood is one of the more Machiavellian characters on television today, or in this case, on Netflix. He starts out as a Democratic congressman from South Carolina and spends the series trying to weasel his way into positions of greater political power.Underwood's dealings are instructive for any current or aspiring business leader, since they show the importance of treating your subordinates with respect (which Frank doesn't) and bouncing back from setbacks (which Frank does).It's also a lesson in how to manipulate people and trade favors to get what you want.As writer and creator Beau Willimon told US News:"To be effective leaders, you often have to do things that are morally abhorrent to the rest of us."The fourthseason begins in 2016.See the rest of the story at Business Insider NOW WATCH: 6 words to eliminate from your vocabulary to sound smarter
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