'BrainDead' is the Best Political-Satire-Sci-Fi-Dramedy You're Not Watching

"BrainDead" hardly feels like a network show. It's somewhat diverse -- a major move for CBS, the network that airs "BrainDead," given the company's problematic fall lineup. Its first season has just 13 episodes (unlike the standard mega 22-episode run most network series pump out) and, most importantly, its premise is absolutely bonkers.

"BrainDead" is the best political-satire-science-fiction-comedy-drama you're not watching. Actually, it's the best summer show you're not watching. The last few summers proved to be an excellent time for new shows to debut; usually risky and wild shows too strange to air in the prestige-laden fall. You've probably already binged your way through the zeitgeist-capturing '80s-infused "Stranger Things" recently. And you're probably keeping up with the unfolding mysteries from "Mr. Robot" and the miniseries "The Night Of." "UnREAL" is finishing up its second season and although we're always wrapped in the warm glow of Peak TV, there isn't much else out there.

Except, that's not really true. "BrainDead" is hiding in plain sight on a major broadcaster. Initially airing Monday nights (yikes!), it was eventually moved to Sunday nights (yay!) thanks to CBS broadcasting the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention. That we're in a presidential season only adds fuel to the fire, making "BrainDead" an incredibly enjoyable and highly topical summer show.

Starring the fabulous Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("10 Cloverfield Lane," "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World") "BrainDead" is set in Washington, D.C. where Laurel Healy (Winstead) takes some time off from creating her documentary to earn money by working for her brother, Democratic Sen. Luke Healy (Danny Pino). It's not an ideal situation for Laurel, who would rather be filming forgotten tribes around the world than listening to constituents bitch and moan. But things go from annoying to bad for Laurel when an asteroid crash lands in the capitol, releasing hoards of alien ants that take over members of Congress by crawling into their heads and infecting their brains (sometimes making their heads explode), turning them into caricatures of their political party's ideals. These brain dead lawmakers then become obsessed with The Cars' jam "You Might Think" and are laser-focused on achieving their political party's goals.

Watching politicians become zany versions of their affiliated party while real life clips of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton blast in the background on the televisions in "BrainDead" is rich during this 2016 presidential election. Tony Shalhoub is great as drunk Republican Senator Raymond "Red" Wheatus -- until he becomes one of the first to be infected with the space bugs. He goes from a lazy GOPer who could care less about policy, to a red-blooded Republican diehard who is so petty, he will hold meetings for hours to make sure a tiny kiosk in a D.C. park is renamed after Reagan.

Most importantly, unlike our real life presidential candidates, "BrainDead" never takes itself too seriously. Coming from "The Good Wife" creators, Robert and Michelle King do a stellar job at nailing the show's tone. It's perfect for summer -- a smart, edgy and truly strange dramedy that checks off a lot of boxes without fumbling and losing ground. "BrainDead" has something for everyone: political bite, often poking fun at the 24-hour political news coverage, dynamic relationships, a central mystery and graphic special effects -- I doubt you'll see exploding heads anywhere else on TV this year -- even on HBO. Throw in a quirky scientist named Gustav (the lovely Johnny Ray Gill) who is determined to solve this possible epidemic and a caring doctor Rochelle (Nikki M. James), and "BrainDead" becomes an endearing and well-rounded show.

There are some knocks against "BrainDead," however. Though it feels like very few network executive notes are being forced into the show (it's likely the Kings get to do whatever they want thanks to the major success of "The Good Wife"), the showrunners don't handle romantic relationships well, creating unrealistic scenarios that are even too out there for a program about alien bugs eating politicians brains. It's an easy detail to flick away -- the way you would an ant about to crawl into your ear canal -- but one that is an ongoing plot line that comes to ahead with little payoff.

"BrainDead," executively produced by Ridley Scott, may look drab to some. But this political drama has excellent directors, including Jim McKay ("The Wire," "Mr. Robot") and Brooke Kennedy ("The Good Wife") who make the show look as sleek and clean as "Spotlight."

It's not too late to catch up with "BrianDead" either. It's aired six out of its 13 episodes, which can be viewed via CBS's All Access app that costs $5 a month. (You can also try a week for free and binge your way through the season.) Fans may only have these 13 hour-long episodes, however. Ratings have not been good -- yes, we're talking "The Family" kind of numbers.

It's still unclear if this season will be self-contained; if the Kings knew their passion project wouldn't land with audiences and made it so the season would wrap up within its 13 hours. If not, hopefully CBS recognizes the unique show it has on its hands, renews it for a second season and does a harder media push behind it next year -- heck, they could even go into a political "The Walking Dead" kind of territory for Season Two, that ought to sell.

"BrainDead" seems to be heading in that direction anyway -- and who doesn't want to see a government run by zombie-like lawmakers? Depending on who is elected president, "BrainDead" may not be that far away from reality.