BrainDead

Watch BrainDead

  • TV-14
  • 2016
  • 1 Season
  • 8.0  (11,999)

BrainDead is a political satire horror comedy television series that aired on CBS in 2016. The series stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Tony Shalhoub, Aaron Tveit, and Jan Maxwell. The show was created by Robert and Michelle King and is set in Washington, D.C., where an epidemic of brain-eating bugs has infected members of Congress, causing political chaos and confusion.

The series follows Laurel Healy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a young documentary filmmaker who takes a job working for her brother, Senator Luke Healy (Danny Pino), as a legislative aide. However, Laurel soon discovers that something strange is happening in Washington, D.C. When she investigates, she finds that members of Congress are starting to behave strangely and are becoming less focused on politics and more focused on partying and having fun.

As Laurel digs deeper, she realizes that aliens have invaded Washington, D.C. and are controlling the minds of the politicians through their ears. The alien bugs, which resemble ants, crawl into people's ears and eat their brain, controlling their behavior. In order to save the world, Laurel teams up with Senator Red Wheatus (Tony Shalhoub), a conservative senator who has also been infected by the bugs but has managed to maintain his intelligence and wit.

The show combines elements of horror, comedy, and political satire to create a unique and entertaining viewing experience. The bugs that invade people's brains are shown in a comedic manner, with some of the infected politicians acting as though they are at a wild party, dancing and drinking. However, the show also explores more serious themes, such as the role of money in politics and the dangers of blind partisanship.

One of the strengths of the show is the cast. Mary Elizabeth Winstead shines as Laurel, who is both intelligent and resourceful. Tony Shalhoub is excellent as the charming and sly Senator Red Wheatus, who has a sarcastic sense of humor and is always one step ahead of his opponents. Aaron Tveit also stands out as Gareth Ritter, a Republican operative who becomes romantically involved with Laurel.

Jan Maxwell, who sadly passed away in 2018, delivers a standout performance as Red Wheatus's chief of staff, Ella Pollack. Ella is a no-nonsense political operator who cares deeply about her boss but is not above playing dirty to achieve her goals. The show features a talented supporting cast, including Nikki M. James, Johnny Ray Gill, and Charlie Semine, who all deliver strong performances.

BrainDead is a show that defies categorization. It's part horror, part comedy, part political satire, and all entertaining. The show uses its unique premise to explore timely themes, such as the polarization of politics and the role of money in government. While the show only lasted for one season, it has gained a strong cult following and remains a must-watch for fans of quirky, off-beat television.

BrainDead is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on June 13, 2016.

BrainDead
Filter by Source

Do you have Hulu?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse Hulu with Yidio.
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
Seasons
The End of All We Hold Dear: What Happens when Democracies Fail: A Brief Synopsis
13. The End of All We Hold Dear: What Happens when Democracies Fail: A Brief Synopsis
September 11, 2016
In the season finale, Laurel discovers the secret to driving the bugs out of a person's brain and tests the tactic on her father. Armed with new knowledge, Laurel and Gareth attempt to expel the Queen bug out of Red's head once and for all.
Talking Points Toward a Wholistic View of Activism in Government: Can the Top Rebel?
12. Talking Points Toward a Wholistic View of Activism in Government: Can the Top Rebel?
September 11, 2016
When Laurel discovers that a senate bill is not what it appears, she implores Luke to help, leading to a dramatic Senate sit-in. Also, Red and Ella battle for control of the bug agenda, and Laurel questions whether or not she should leave Washington, D.C. for good.
Six Points on the New Congressional Budget: The False Dichotomy of Austerity vs. Expansionary Policies
11. Six Points on the New Congressional Budget: The False Dichotomy of Austerity vs. Expansionary Policies
September 4, 2016
Luke and Laurel rush to uncover Red's secret agenda, which is buried in a huge new budget bill. Also, Gareth accidentally witnesses an unsettling bug encounter in Red's office.
The Path To War Part Two: The Impact Of Propaganda On Congressional War Votes
10. The Path To War Part Two: The Impact Of Propaganda On Congressional War Votes
August 28, 2016
Laurel has to work alongside an old boyfriend, Ben Valderrama, when Luke enlists her help in putting together a political documentary to support his anti-war initiative. Also, Laurel worries about the health of Luke and Germaine's infant.
Taking on Water
9. Taking on Water
August 21, 2016
Senator Red Wheatus hires a special investigator to dig into the Healy family?s financial and personal history. Also, when Gareth learns some sordid details about Laurel?s romantic past, it puts a strain on their budding relationship.
The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm
8. The Path to War Part One: The Gathering Political Storm
August 14, 2016
Rochelle and Gustav capture and question a man they suspect is infected by the bugs. Also, Luke and Red face off in a Senate Intelligence meeting about a potential war.
The Power of Euphemism
7. The Power of Euphemism
August 7, 2016
Laurel comes under investigation about her potential involvement with the bug infestation. Also, Gustav and Rochelle discover a unique way to communicate with those infected by the bugs.
Past as Prologue: Notes Toward a Post-Reagan Theory of Party Alliance, Tribalist, and Loyalty
6. Past as Prologue: Notes Toward a Post-Reagan Theory of Party Alliance, Tribalist, and Loyalty
July 31, 2016
When Laurel is infected by the bugs, Gustav and Rochelle work quickly to figure out if there is any way to save her. When the Centers for Disease Control has its funding temporarily cut, Luke attempts to reach a compromise to have the money reinstated, but Red’s political machinations undermine him at every turn.
Back to Work
5. Back to Work
July 24, 2016
Laurel seeks her brother's help to get the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the bugs, but he insists she first consult Dr. Joanne Alaimo, a leading entomologist, for her perspective on the invasion. Laurel's relationship with Anthony takes an unexpected turn.
Wake Up Grassroots
4. Wake Up Grassroots
July 11, 2016
Laurel and Rochelle try to persuade Laurel's friend Abby to get an MRI so they can uncover the real cause of the strange behavior taking over Washington, D.C. Luke attempts to reopen the government through a secret deal with the Republicans
Goring Oxes: How You Can Survive the War on Government Through Five Easy Steps
3. Goring Oxes: How You Can Survive the War on Government Through Five Easy Steps
June 27, 2016
When a bizarre and deadly incident occurs on live television, Agent Onofrio's investigation into it causes Laurel, Gustav and Rochelle to delve deeper into the bug mystery.
Playing Politics: Living Life In The Shadow Of The Budget Showdown - A Critique
2. Playing Politics: Living Life In The Shadow Of The Budget Showdown - A Critique
June 20, 2016
Laurel continues to investigate the death of esteemed Dr. Daudier, while bugs infect more citizens of Washington, D.C. Rochelle Daudier (Nikki M. James), the deceased doctor's daughter and Gustav Triplette (Johnny Ray Gill), an eccentric genius, both encounter the bugs separately and begin to question exactly what is happening.
The Insanity Principle: How Extremism In Politics Is Threatening Democracy In The 21st Century
1. The Insanity Principle: How Extremism In Politics Is Threatening Democracy In The 21st Century
June 13, 2016
When Laurel Healy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) returns home to Washington, D.C. to work for her brother, Senator Luke Healy (Danny Pino), on Capitol Hill, she is caught in the midst of two huge problems: the government has stopped working due to budgetary disagreements, and mysterious bugs are eating the brains of a growing number of Congress members and Hill staffers.
Description
Where to Watch BrainDead
BrainDead is available for streaming on the CBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch BrainDead on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    June 13, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (11,999)