K Street - Definition and Overview

K Street is both a real location in the United States capital of Washington, D.C., and a fictional Home Box Office (HBO) television series inspired by the physical location.

K Street in Washington, D.C. is an east-west street. In the part which passes through Northwest Washington, many big lobbying firms are located; this part of the street is sometimes referred to as the fourth branch of government. Lobbying firms have great influence in U.S. national politics due to monetary resources and the revolving door policy of hiring former government officials. It is common practice for politicians to request money for lobbying firms for an exchange in better access to officials.

Historically, K Street firms hire ex-politicians from both major parties since party in power can vary between elections and among the legislative and executive branches in government.

Television show

The street inspired an HBO television series called K Street, which was filmed on location in Washington. The plot revolved around lobbyists, some played by political figures such as James Carville and Mary Matalin. Though fictional, it featured cameos from numerous real-life politicians playing themselves. The show was quite popular in the Washington, D.C. area, but failed to find a broader audience.

Local appearances by the show's producer, actor George Clooney, caused considerable stir with frequent mentions in the light-news "Style" section of The Washington Post.