Introduction to Project Management on TV
Project management isn’t just about Gantt charts and meetings; it’s about managing people, resources, and time to achieve a goal. Surprisingly, this drama-filled field doesn’t often get the spotlight on TV. However, we can find some inspiration in shows that may not be about project management per se but include elements of it, like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Trending Shows with Project Management Elements
Let’s take a look at some trending shows that incorporate project management principles into their storylines, even if they aren’t strictly about project management:
1. The Handmaid’s Tale
- Genre: Drama, Dystopian
- Project Management Element: Resistance management and planning. The show explores how the characters manage resistance movements, allocate resources, and strategize against oppressive forces.
2. You
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Project Management Element: Joe’s meticulous planning and execution of his ‘projects’. Joe Goldberg is a master of planning and managing his stalking projects, which often mirror project management principles in their meticulousness and execution.
3. Loki
- Genre: Superhero, Fantasy
- Project Management Element: Time management and strategic planning. Loki’s adventures often involve navigating timelines and managing multiple strategies to achieve his goals, much like a project manager would coordinate various tasks to meet deadlines.
4. The Office
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom
- Project Management Element: Team management and leadership. Michael Scott’s chaotic management style often highlights the importance of effective leadership and teamwork in a project setting.
5. Schitt’s Creek
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom
- Project Management Element: Rebuilding and planning a new life. The show showcases the Roses’ journey in rebuilding their lives, which involves managing resources, prioritizing tasks, and planning for the future.
These shows may not teach you how to use Asana or Jira, but they offer insights into the softer side of project management, like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Practical Lessons from TV Shows
While these shows may not be about project management directly, they offer valuable lessons that can be applied to real-world projects:
- Leadership: Strong leaders are crucial in project management. Shows like The Handmaid’s Tale highlight the importance of leadership in managing teams and resources.
- Teamwork: The Office might be more about dysfunction, but it shows how teamwork can make or break a project.
- Strategic Planning: Loki demonstrates the importance of planning and adapting to changing circumstances.
These lessons can be applied to any project, whether you’re managing a software development team or coordinating a marketing campaign.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_in_American_television
- https://www.nbcrightnow.com/lifestyles/entertainment/task-mark-ruffalo-led-series-from-mare-of-easttown-writer-sets-premiere-at-hbo/article_517c678c-be52-5fb8-8e09-bc7a149fe2a2.html
- https://www.blackbeltnewsnetwork.com/lifestyle/entertainment/movies-and-tv-shows-casting-across-the-us/article_cd93d2b7-3103-5fa8-a8e7-68f53d4b0c1e.html
- https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/cancelled-shows-2025-list-of-your-favorite-shows-are-saying-goodbye-in-the-coming-months/articleshow/121040851.cms
- https://plaky.com/blog/project-management-software-for-video-production/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney+
- https://www.southeastmn.edu/current_student/student_services/jobpostings.aspx
- https://www.apsu.edu/business/applied-research/journal/files/JBL-Spring-2025.pdf
