History Series / AlphaHouse

* FanDisservice: John Goodman naked.

It is a SitCom about four U.S. Senators sharing a townhouse in WashingtonDC. Gil John Biggs (R-NC) (John Goodman) is a former college basketball coach who sees the Senate mainly as an easy paycheck and never-ending parade of perks; Robert Bettencourt (R-PA)(Clark Johnson) is a bigshot in the party establishment who concentrates on getting big campaign donations while under investigation by the Ethics Committee; the fastidious Louis Laffer (R-NV)(Matt Malloy) is a devout Mormon who is likely a closeted gay man, while Andy Guzman (R-FL)(Mark Consuelos) is a Marco Rubio {{Expy}} at first glance until we discover the size and extent of his libido. The show was released as a WebOriginal on Amazon, with the first three episodes free.

* FakeVideoCameraView: The videographer recording "The First Republican Gay Marriage" captures the lesbian couple in a moment of tenderness, and we see them in the view of the camera with the REC light.

* KickTheDog: Senator Stanchion's first act onscreen is to humiliate the inept but harmless Betty (appointed to fill her late husband's seat) on the Senate floor. Gil John isn't amused.

* OnlySaneMan: When takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides that he'll portray himself as this trope for his next primary debate. Considering that his opponents turn out to be A) a restaurant owner who boasts about his ability to dodge income taxes, B) a PETA treasurer, C) the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), D) an alchemist, E) a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and F) a 9/11 truther, this is a pretty easy task for him.

An Creator/{{Amazon}} original series created by [[ComicStrip/{{Doonesbury}} Gary Trudeau]].

Surprisingly, the show is actually based on a [[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/04/politics/real-alpha-house/ real house in DC where three senators and a congressman (Democrats in this case) live when Congress is in session]]. Unlike the house on the show, "Omega House" is much more run down[[note]]and the kitchen is stocked almost exclusively with cereal and beer[[/note]] and the residents aren't particularly close. It's even been burgled a few times[[note]]the place is so shabby that nothing was ever stolen[[/note]] Hilariously, though, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), one of the most senior senators, really does sleep in the living room like Gil John does on the show.

Surprisingly, the show is actually based on a [[http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/04/politics/real-alpha-house/ real house in DC where three senators and a congressman (Democrats in this case) live when Congress is in session]]. Unlike the house on the show, "Omega House" is much more run down[[note]]and the kitchen is stocked almost exclusively with cereal and beer[[/note]] and the residents aren't particularly close. Hilariously, though, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), one of the most senior senators, really does sleep in the living room like Gil John does on the show.

[[ComicStrip/{{Doonesbury}} Gary Trudeau]]'s SitCom about four U.S. Senators sharing a townhouse in WashingtonDC. Gil John Biggs (R-NC) (John Goodman) is a former college basketball coach who sees the Senate mainly as an easy paycheck and never-ending parade of perks; Robert Bettencourt (R-PA)(Clark Johnson) is a bigshot in the party establishment who concentrates on getting big campaign donations while under investigation by the Ethics Committee; the fastidious Louis Laffer (R-NV)(Matt Malloy) is a devout Mormon who is likely a closeted gay man, while Andy Guzman (R-FL)(Mark Consuelos) is a Marco Rubio {{Expy}} at first glance until we discover the size and extent of his libido. The show was released as a WebOriginal on Amazon, with the first three episodes free.

* OnlySaneMan: Bettencourt takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address. So he decides that he'll portray himself as the only sane guy in the room for his next primary debate in Philadelphia. Considering that his opponents turn out to be A) a restaurant owner who boasts about his ability to dodge income taxes, B) a PETA treasurer, C) the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), D) an alchemist, E) a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and F) a 9/11 truther, this is a pretty easy task for him.

* ColonCancer: A gaffer intentionally dropped a light during a broadcast of Andy's Rebuttal of one of President Obama's Speeches, to make Andy look unflappable, because the gaffer was told to do it. When asked on an interview whom it was, he says he can't say, but it goes high up in the campaign, and is revealed in his forthcoming book, ''A Thousand Watts in Your Face, Bitch: Gaffing the Truth: Why Things Got Like This''. He even pronounced the colons, saying "It's got two colons so you know it's important." (See NervesOfSteel below.)

** Andy realizes his feelings for Adriana are genuine when [[spoiler:his ex-wife points out that during their whole hour, he hasn't mentioned the monetary / political benefits of their relationship once]].

* NervesOfSteel: An arc light blows and crashes to the ground right behind Andy while he's making his rebuttal to President Obama's speech. He doesn't even flinch. (The way he talks about it afterward suggests he had planned it.) See ColonCancer and {{Scandalgate}}.

* OnlySaneMan: When he takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides that he'll portray himself as the only sane guy in the room for his next primary debate in Philadelphia in order to regain traction. Considering that his opponents turn out to be A) a restaurant owner who boasts about his ability to dodge taxes for the past twenty years, B) a PETA treasurer, C) the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), D) an alchemist, E) a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and F) a 9/11 truther, this is a pretty easy task for him.

* AltarTheSpeed: When Louis finds out that [[spoiler: Julie is pregnant, he insists that she and her partner Katherine get married well in advance of the baby's birth. By his logic, an illegitimate child is a greater moral offense than a same-sex wedding.]]

* OnlySaneMan: When he takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides that he'll portray himself as this trope for a primary debate in order to regain traction. Considering that his opponents turn out to be A) a restaurant owner who boasts about his ability to dodge taxes for the past twenty years, B) a PETA treasurer, C) the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), D) an alchemist, E) a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and F) a 9/11 truther, this is not exactly a challenging task for him.

* SayingStageDirectionsOutLoud: When giving his speech at Sen. Mower's funeral service, Laffer reads out, "Pause for laughter"

* OnlySaneMan: When he takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides that he'll portray himself as this trope for a primary debate in order to regain traction. Considering that his opponents turn out to be A) a restaurant owner who boasts about his ability to dodge taxes, B) a PETA treasurer, C) the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), D) an alchemist, E) a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and F) a 9/11 truther, this is not exactly a challenging task for him.

* ColonCancer: A gaffer intentionally dropped a light during a broadcast of Andy's Rebuttal of one of President Obama's Speeches, to make Andy look unflappable, because the gaffer was told to do it. When asked on an interview whom it was, he says he can't say, but it goes high up in the campaign, and is revealed in his forthcoming book, "A Thousand Watts in Your Face, Bitch: Gaffing the Truth: Why Things Got Like This." He even pronounced the colons, saying "It's got two colons so you know it's important." (See NervesOfSteel below.)

* CrocodileTears: When a prominent senator dies [[spoiler: in the season 1 finale]], both Guzman and Armiston use the funeral to self-promote their respective agendas.

* ManlyGay: Colonel Eugene Drake, to the extreme. He is a decorated war hero, having earned a Purple Heart and numerous other honors for his bravery in battle. Even his breakfast of choice is uber-masculine-- steak and eggs, extra rare. And he is openly and proudly gay.

* NervesOfSteel: An arc light blows and crashes to the ground right behind Andy while he's making his rebuttal to President Obama's speech. He doesn't even flinch. (The way he talks about it afterward suggests he had planned it.) See ColonCancer above.

* VitriolicBestBuds: Rosalyn [=DuPeche=] and Louis. Later, Rosalyn and Robert, on their way to BelligerentSexualTension.

** Grover Norquist and Anthony Weiner have cameos in the season finale. Norquist has a speaking role, where Weiner, maybe considering his recent troubles, stays silent. Norquist appears again in the second season to perform standup comedy at an event.

* OnlySaneMan: When he takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides that he'll portray himself as this trope during a primary debate. Considering that his opponents turn out to be A) a restaurant owner who boasts of his ability to dodge taxes, B) a PETA treasurer, C) the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), D) an alchemist, E) a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and F) a 9/11 truther, this is not exactly a challenging task for him.

* OnlySaneMan: When he takes a hit in the polls for applauding something President Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides to portray himself as this during a primary debate. Considering his opponents turn out to be a restaurant owner who boasts of his ability to dodge taxes, a PETA treasurer, the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debates in character), an alchemist, a "self-educated libertarian" who advocates repealing all laws, and a 9/11 truther, this is not exactly a challenging task.

* NoCelebritiesWereHarmed: Inverted. The opening credits have the protagonists cut into footage of Mitch [=McConnell=] and UsefulNotes/BarackObama, and the characters appear or are talked about on several real-world shows (for instance, Laffer's interview on ''Series/TheColbertReport'' with the homoerotic wrestling match).

** A pair of Nevada investors who Rep. Laffer tangles with in regards to a possible showgirl workers strike are painted very much in the style of the Koch brothers.

* OnlySaneMan: After taking a hit in the polls for applauding something Obama said during the State of the Union address, Bettencourt decides to portray himself as this during a primary debate. Considering his opponents were a restaurant owner who boasted of his ability to dodge taxes, a PETA treasurer, the self-proclaimed reincarnation of James Buchanan (who debated in character), an alchemist, a "self-educated libertarian" who advocated repealing all laws, and a 9/11 truther, this was not exactly a challenging task.

** Louis' interview on Series/TheColbertReport, which ends with a homoerotic wrestling match.
** The video of Gil John attacking a soldier with a folding chair.

* NervesOfSteel: An arc light blows and crashes to the ground right behind Andy while he's making his rebuttal to President Obama's speech. He doesn't even flinch. (The way he talks about it afterward suggests he might have planned it.) See ColonCancer above.
* NoCelebritiesWereHarmed: Inverted. The opening credits have the protagonists cut into footage of Mitch [=McConnell=] and UsefulNotes/BarackObama, and the characters appear or are talked about on several real-world shows.

* RoyalBrat: Charlotte "Cee" Biggs, Gil John's daughter, flaunts her brattiness as the star of an in-universe reality show, "Real Daughters of D.C." Prior to the reality show, she had been attempting to fund her "brand," though we never quite find out what her ostensible start-up company actually did.

** The falling-light stunt bites Andy in the ass with "Gaffergate" because his chief of staff, having not known it was stage, fired the gaffer and he spilled the secret.

* VitriolicBestBuds: Rosalyn [=DuPeche=] and Louis. Later, Rosalyn and Robert, on their way to [[BelligerentSexualTension Belligerent Sexual Tension]].

* LoveEpiphany: [[spoiler: Rosalyn and Robert, after posing as a couple in order to one-up his ex-wife's new paramour, realize that they do, in fact, have feelings for one another.]]

* VitriolicBestBuds: Rosalyn DuPeche and Louis. Later, Rosalyn and Robert, on their way to [[BelligerentSexualTension Belligerent Sexual Tension]].

* AllLesbiansWantKids: [[spoiler: Julie]], having come out of the closet in the first season, shocks her befuddled boss again in the second season by announcing that she is pregnant by way of artificial insemination.
* {{AltarTheSpeed}}: When Louis finds out that Julie is pregnant, he insists that she and her partner Katherine get married well in advance of the baby's birth. By his logic, an illegitimate child is a greater moral offense than a same-sex wedding.

* CrocodileTears: When a prominent representative dies [[spoiler: in the season 1 finale]], both Guzman and Armiston use the funeral to self-promote their respective agendas.
* Cuckold: Robert, when his wife Eve shows up and surprises him with the news that she is leaving him for a wealthy auto industry magnate.
* DarkSecret: Andy doesn't know Spanish and is taking lessons in secret. His parents thought it would hold him back.

** One of Louis' staffers accidentally uploading a photo of his own penis onto the Senator's Twitter account.

** Grover Norquist and Anthony Weiner have cameos in the season finale. Norquist has a speaking role, where Weiner, maybe considering his recent troubles, stays silent.

* {{Cliffhanger}}: Season two ends with Bettencourt's recount up in the air and Louise deciding that she and Lola are going to live in the house again (which would evict the other senators).
* ColonCancer: A Gaffer intentionally dropped a light during a broadcast of Andy's Rebuttal of one of President Obama's Speeches, to make Andy look unflappable, because the gaffer was told to do it. When asked on an interview whom it was, he says he can't say, but it goes high up in the campaign, and is revealed in his forthcoming book, "A Thousand Watts in Your Face, Bitch: Gaffing the Truth: Why Things Got Like This." He even pronounced the colons, saying "It's got two colons so you know it's important." (See NervesOfSteel below.)

* CrocodileTears: When a prominent representative dies [[spoiler: in the season finale]], both Guzman and Armiston use the funeral to self-promote their respective agendas.

* PutOnABus: A senator played by [[spoiler: Bill Murray]] is put on the bus in the first minutes of the pilot, which drives the plot of the first couple episodes as Guzman moves in. TheBusCameBack in the [[spoiler: closing credits of the season finale]].

* {{RunawayBride}}: Inverted. When Katherine and Julie find out that the small wedding they had intended has been turned into a major political event by the Republican National Committee, they flee the scene together, still wearing their wedding dresses.

* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: Upon learning that he's tied with Senator Laffer on election day, Penn Gilette rips Nevada a new one for wanting to put a ''magician'' in office over someone who might have actual qualifications, says that he was only in it to bring libertarian issues into the conversation, and forfeits the election.

* AmbiguouslyGay: Louis, from deep in the closet. Since he's a conservative GOP senator facing a primary challenge he's trying to become even ''more'' of an ArmoredClosetGay.

* StuntCasting: If casting Janel Maloney as Tea Partier Senator Stanchion wasn't this, putting her on a panel with Bradley Whitford--who played her character's LoveInterest in ''Series/TheWestWing''--sure was.

* TheVoice: This trope is invoked in the first few episodes, as Gil John's wife (painted as the real brains behind Gil John's administration) is only heard on speakerphone from his district, however, in later episodes actress Julie White does appear in person.

* HeroicBSOD: Gil John starts feeling disillusioned with his political career, realizing that it's mostly his wife's ambition that's driving him. He sneaks off to his hometown to try and get his bearings only to realize that old racist attitudes he thought people had grown out of still exist in an insidious passive-aggressive form and that the average man on the street's idea of what the Republican Party stands for is nothing close to what drew him to politics in the first place. He retreats to a beach to fish and drink beer. A conversation with a rival campaign operative ends up leading him to find new resolve to try and be the kind of politician he originally aspired to be.

* ColonCancer: A Gaffer intentionally dropped a light during a broadcast of a candidate's campaign, to make the candidate look unflappable, because he was told to do it. When asked on an interview whom it was, he says he can't say, but it goes high up in the campaign, and is revealed in his book "A Thousand Watts in Your Face, Bitch: Gaffing the Truth: Why Things Got Like This." He even pronounced the colons, saying "It's got two colons so you know it's important."

* NervesOfSteel: An arc light blows and crashes to the ground right behind Andy while he's making his rebuttal to President Obama's speech. He doesn't even flinch. (The way he talks about it afterward suggests he might have planned it.)