Commander in Chief

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 27, 2005
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 217 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 183 out of 217
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 217
  3. Negative: 28 out of 217
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User Reviews

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  1. emilym
    Feb 6, 2006
    10
    i think geena davis is the best actress ever annd this show is alsome creative.. i love the show a whole lot
  2. BeverlyR
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    I am told this show is going off the air and I want to know why!! It's one of the best that I've seen in a very long time!!
  3. JustinC
    Feb 3, 2006
    10
    Great Show!
  4. PrudenceK
    Jan 29, 2006
    0
    Worst show on TV. Geena Davis is simply awful.
  5. MikeL
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    I think it is a great show also, I give it a 10
  6. kahakaha
    Jan 18, 2006
    2
    not very real, the writer's have no concept of our government and how it operates. I was a fan until last night on the korea problem...korea can not hit washington with a nuc, and china is it 's major backer they would never help the US in this case. The OHIO class sub would never be used to gather intel off the coast of korea...maybe a LA or seawolf... so if you want to get me not very real, the writer's have no concept of our government and how it operates. I was a fan until last night on the korea problem...korea can not hit washington with a nuc, and china is it 's major backer they would never help the US in this case. The OHIO class sub would never be used to gather intel off the coast of korea...maybe a LA or seawolf... so if you want to get me back as a viewer get real!!!! or I'll just watch Fear factor… Expand
  7. JulioA
    Jan 16, 2006
    1
    Victim mentality, anyone?
  8. Dorisl
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Fantastic show!
  9. gwenb
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    this is the best television program since Judging Amy which was a favorite of mine for years. I do hope it will continue
  10. Jim
    Jan 6, 2006
    9
    Pushing the envelope. Freesh appraoch making teh President a human being. Excellent
  11. YoNamara
    Jan 6, 2006
    6
    Not great but not severely bad. Average to Poor writing. A lot of "Feel Good" factors, which take away the realism of political dramas. The problems may be credited to inexperience issues of being a 1st season show. Well, it won't be longer than 2 seasons at this rate.
  12. AnthonyG
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    I love this show. Actually I have stopped watching TV, until just recently when I got wind of the Comm chief episode. I was excited to have a quality show back on the air.
  13. AceVentura
    Jan 2, 2006
    0
    The most ridiculous characterization I have ever witnessed. Evil Republican wolves lurking behind little school girl Demorats attempting to do good by bombing Nigeria simply so a woman can keep her right to be adultrous. Hillarious concept.
  14. FlorenceR
    Dec 31, 2005
    8
    Refreshing to see a woman in such a powerful role. Some of the plot lines are a stretch, but overall the show is quite enjoyable.
  15. zacht
    Dec 31, 2005
    1
    If I felt we had a president like the one Davis portrays. I just might move to Canada. Where's the wisdom...eh?
  16. PabloG
    Dec 30, 2005
    5
    After only 4 chapters (downloaded to my ipod) and being a "West Wing" fan, all I can said is that the script is poor for making handling of political problems so easy. I am not a US citizen and the way this series is handling international conflicts is like a dream, the true is what everybody knows (Irak, etc). I gave a 5 to the series because the great performance of characters.
  17. MikeB
    Dec 29, 2005
    0
    Geena Davis is horrible
  18. CraigE
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    Finally.. Television worth watching. Makes the "West Wing" production look like a day time soap.
  19. DianneM
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    This is the best show on television. It's the only show that I'll actually go out of my way to watch. I'm anxiously awaiting the next episode.
  20. AnitaM
    Dec 27, 2005
    10
    I love it. Where is it now? Just as we were ready to settle in it's gone. I hate it when the networks do this. Start it in a time so we can plan on it. PLEASE
  21. FrankJ
    Dec 20, 2005
    10
    It's just a hoot. I like the actors (Geena Davis & Donald Sutherland)and I like the premise.
  22. MikeR
    Dec 19, 2005
    9
    Great theme. Geena Davis is an excellent choice for the CIC role, and lives up to anticipation; she has the right gravitas. Like the personalization of the President here, which succeeds more than West Wing (another fine show). And Donald Sutherland is the perfect Machiavellian. The difference between Davis and Dubya is startling, and we'd vote for Davis over Dubya any time.
  23. ManlyB
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    Well written, actors Geena Davis and Donald Southland are great and my wife and I watch it faithfully every Tuesday. Hope this series continues for a long time.
  24. amelia
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    love it. its entertaining, interesting , and it provides the first popular image that we have of a female president. and among the few images we have of a compassionate, rational, thoughtful, decisive leader as well. fairy tale? perhaps. but media tends to lead the way to positive change, so.. we can hope that this is a step toward reality..
  25. LauraL
    Dec 8, 2005
    9
    This is a gripping show that will shed some light on the issue of women being in power.
  26. LisaH
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    I think this is an excellent show. I do not normally watch TV but I don't miss an episode. I think Gena Davis has created a very believable and sympathetic character who is definitely up to the job. I love the way in which she juggles her role as president with her rold as wife and mother.
  27. MarkA
    Dec 7, 2005
    2
    She is not believable as CinC.
  28. JanW
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Geena Davis is excellent in her executive role, very believable (intelligent, thoughtful, decisive, and her gestures and facial expressions are so gracious - she is a delight to see in action! I have not been hooked on a show in (many) years, and ... this one got me! Donald Sutherland has always been a favorite actor of mine. His role is despicable and makes one want to totally hate him - Geena Davis is excellent in her executive role, very believable (intelligent, thoughtful, decisive, and her gestures and facial expressions are so gracious - she is a delight to see in action! I have not been hooked on a show in (many) years, and ... this one got me! Donald Sutherland has always been a favorite actor of mine. His role is despicable and makes one want to totally hate him - which just reinforces my belief … Expand
  29. GlendaJ
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    We love everything about this show EXCEPT for the excessive advertising that constantly interrupts the flow. We're often gone when the show is aired and must tape it. The number and length of commericals is amazing, so we can watch the taped show in about 40 miinutes.
  30. MeganS
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    It is one of the best shows ever! Geena Davis plays an excellent President. What woman doesn't dream of becoming President? She is a strong and compelling, but yet still impassive. Additionally, this show adds the topic of family and what really goes on in both the White House and Washington D.C. It's amazing, everyone must watch it! Two thumbs up to Davis!
  31. jonr
    Dec 3, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. Love geena
  32. LorraineM
    Nov 30, 2005
    10
    One of my favorite shows I look forward to seeing Geena every week. She plays the role superbly. And it brings a fresh look to running a nation with a woman in office, bringing compassion and moral standards into the political arena to support not only the nation as a whole and her family, but keeping in mind the little people who make up the body of the nation. Wish some of this fiction One of my favorite shows I look forward to seeing Geena every week. She plays the role superbly. And it brings a fresh look to running a nation with a woman in office, bringing compassion and moral standards into the political arena to support not only the nation as a whole and her family, but keeping in mind the little people who make up the body of the nation. Wish some of this fiction ethics would rub off to the real life players in the running of this nation. Inspirational!… Expand
  33. AdamL.
    Nov 30, 2005
    10
    How Could You say this sucks?! This is just the most amazingly believeable show on television today. Usually I don't watch television but Tuesday night with this along with The Biggest Loser are the only times I watch telveision and thet're the bomb!
  34. MillieH
    Nov 21, 2005
    2
    This is the worst show ever.
  35. .GraceM
    Nov 20, 2005
    10
    One of 3 shows we find watching on prime time. I hope it has a long running future on TV. Gena Davis is great in her role as president. Good luck to them.
  36. VladS
    Nov 18, 2005
    8
    I love this show because it's more than competently produced (writing, direction, acting, sets), has an excellent cast -- ALL the leads and primary supports are good, and I care about what happens. This is also a good complement to West Wing since it does not try to be as WONK-ish... more like a West Wing + Dallas (with Donald Sutherland reveling as a latter day J.R.). Up against I love this show because it's more than competently produced (writing, direction, acting, sets), has an excellent cast -- ALL the leads and primary supports are good, and I care about what happens. This is also a good complement to West Wing since it does not try to be as WONK-ish... more like a West Wing + Dallas (with Donald Sutherland reveling as a latter day J.R.). Up against "House" in my market, this is the show I watch first while "House" gets TIVO'd.… Expand
  37. NancyG
    Nov 16, 2005
    3
    Shudder... a too-frequent nice-girl smile, flat and facile scripts, stiff acting by all (except Sutherland), unrealistic and formulaic plots and mottos and platitudes for lines. This could have been so much richer. And, I love Geena Davis' other work, so I have to believe that she just has nothing to work with and poor direction. I really wanted to like this show, but it makes me Shudder... a too-frequent nice-girl smile, flat and facile scripts, stiff acting by all (except Sutherland), unrealistic and formulaic plots and mottos and platitudes for lines. This could have been so much richer. And, I love Geena Davis' other work, so I have to believe that she just has nothing to work with and poor direction. I really wanted to like this show, but it makes me just groan. Ugh.… Expand
  38. KathleenC
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Geena Davis was born for this role. Love each episode, esp. when she ambushed Speaker Templeton! Her just instincts and unwavering integrity are an oasis of sanity for our upside down poisonous political times.
  39. AnaC
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Geena Davis, amazing!! It takes some acting skills to pull off bieng the first female president of tht US, and she does it radiantly....If you expected a heavy political show, this is not the one for you. However, I find the story lines fascinating, watching the president jugle her duties as president, as mom with rebel teenagers, and a jealous husband.
  40. EfiamS
    Nov 11, 2005
    8
    Tension between Mac and foes is great. Really enjoy the great # of sub plots but on some of them the premises are to simplistic. Overall I really like it and Geena is great.
  41. mariae
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Geena Davis is an amazing actress w/ brains beauty and talent! this show is awesome!!! gotta love her!
  42. ronap
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    The role of Keaton played by Peter Coyote is interesting in the light of the current debate on the vice -president and his influence. Mr. Coyote is an excellent addition to the cast.
  43. DianaL
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    excellent show tjust the way politics are
  44. mmyah
    Nov 8, 2005
    0
    Geena Davis, please get off tv.
  45. JimG
    Nov 3, 2005
    5
    A desultory combination of The West Wing and All My Children. When a woman finally becomes President, it will be more the former and less the latter. Mac and the show aren't going to make it if she keeps trying to be a good-enough parent. The White House will never be a family-friendly employer.
  46. RalphC
    Nov 3, 2005
    1
    Geena Davis is one of my favorites. I will watch that dumb movie "Earth Girls are Easy" because of her. But I will not subject myself to this piece of poorly written and thought out program. I have watched about 10 mins of 2 episodes and found it dull and repetitive of the same old same old. The West Wing really shows political life inside of the White House. This is a poor ripoff and we Geena Davis is one of my favorites. I will watch that dumb movie "Earth Girls are Easy" because of her. But I will not subject myself to this piece of poorly written and thought out program. I have watched about 10 mins of 2 episodes and found it dull and repetitive of the same old same old. The West Wing really shows political life inside of the White House. This is a poor ripoff and we all should find better programing to watch. Please watch anything else, but this program… Expand
  47. JoyF
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    This is a fantastic new show-- Geena Davis as "Mac" makes a convincing president -- she has the look, the brains, and the finesse. Her role as a mother suffers, however, and her role as a wife is iffy. Goos tension with Donal Sutherland (Templeton). This is the best new TV series on the air.
  48. RosanneP
    Nov 2, 2005
    1
    I love the program but the huge number of commercials is totally unacceptable. It makes the program unwatchable. Stop already or you will lose your audience.
  49. SeanL
    Nov 1, 2005
    9
    This is a fantastic show... it can be a little corny and is definitely over-dramatic (with a new world disaster happening every week) but it's great television.
  50. lisap
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    Great storylines. I thought this show would be a preachy advertisment for womens lib, but its not. What I like most about it is that the position of president could be played by either a man or woman based on the storylines. Gina Davis is spectacular though and Donald Sutherland plays a role that you love to hate. Top notch
  51. JasparC
    Oct 23, 2005
    5
    Not a bad show on premise, but it just seems a little thin on content. Davis is a good actress, but she's hard to understand sometimes as she talks without moving her mouth.
  52. JaredProphet
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Very Cool.
  53. JR
    Oct 20, 2005
    3
    Great sets, not accurate. Great light and color but all big Series have that. Stupid insultingly ignorant political situations and the same for the World Leader characters. Example the Russian President would have pointed out the Alien and Sedition Acts of our first 12 plus years as a country as justification for their jailing seditious Journalists. And this opportunity to incorporate the Great sets, not accurate. Great light and color but all big Series have that. Stupid insultingly ignorant political situations and the same for the World Leader characters. Example the Russian President would have pointed out the Alien and Sedition Acts of our first 12 plus years as a country as justification for their jailing seditious Journalists. And this opportunity to incorporate the real history of America in the way the real World Leader would have is just one of the missed opportunities to be true to real life while fictionally pursuing a story line and character development that would mesmerize and titillate the viewers here and even in the rest of the TV addicted world.… Expand
  54. mary
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Finally, a show about a woman in command. Who has intelligence, grace, dignity, respect, & loves her family. Keep up the great work. Drfinitely a 'must see' on my weekday schedule.
  55. RDent
    Oct 17, 2005
    4
    This show is pretty thin on content, especially when companred to a real political drama like The West Wing. It's not that Davis doesn't try, it's that she's trying too hard. On the one hand, the series is constantly repeating the fact that Mac is the first female president (over and over again until even us women's libbers are sick of it, and is it a coincidence This show is pretty thin on content, especially when companred to a real political drama like The West Wing. It's not that Davis doesn't try, it's that she's trying too hard. On the one hand, the series is constantly repeating the fact that Mac is the first female president (over and over again until even us women's libbers are sick of it, and is it a coincidence that her nickname, Mac, is pretty darn masculine?), but on the flip side, they consistently make reference to how demeaning it is for her husband to be the First Spouse (apparently, such a role insults his masculinity and should be reserved for women.) And the writing is just awful. I mean, did anyone bother to proof read this thing?? In her first speech to a joint session of Congress, Mac says, "But soon we have to return to the future..." Unless you're Michael J Fox, you can't return to somewhere you've never been. Hey Mac, a suggestion - get Toby and Sam on your Communications team. Bartlett never would have made a junior mistake like that.… Expand
  56. ScottS
    Oct 16, 2005
    8
    People are getting this show confused with the West Wing, which represents the current state of Washington politics from the point of view of a Democrat's wet dream. And that's fine with me. Commander in Chief is NOT the West Wing. Instead, this seems to be a social experiment preparing for the inevitable emergence of female leaders in the United States. We know that Hillary is People are getting this show confused with the West Wing, which represents the current state of Washington politics from the point of view of a Democrat's wet dream. And that's fine with me. Commander in Chief is NOT the West Wing. Instead, this seems to be a social experiment preparing for the inevitable emergence of female leaders in the United States. We know that Hillary is going to run, and I wouldn't be surprised if Condi Rice runs too. I have heard that Republican women have a better chance of women, although I can't imagine someone like my right-wing mother ever voting for a politician that doesn't pee standing up. As for Commander in Chief itself, it's character driven and the point seems to be that women rule through consensus and pragmatism. The male ego is absent and so being tough or doing things that would impress other countries (submissive women) make no sense in their thinking. This is altogether correct and accurate. I really like Geena Davis, a woman who has an IQ in the 150s, playing this role of a smart and practical woman in charge of the most powerful country in the world. It would be nice if the plots were more realistic, and some of the simpering secondary characters (her husband, for one) are irritating. But I like the guy who plays her nemesis, Donald Sutherland. I will keep watching and hoping for some better ideas. Right now C and C is good but not great.… Expand
  57. JOSHUAL
    Oct 15, 2005
    0
    Absolutely brutal. "When your neighbours house is on fire you don't haggle over the price of your garden hose", 911 for Commander
  58. Sam
    Oct 14, 2005
    6
    Is it a great show? No. Did it feature tons of promise? Yes. Does it still have its charms and promise? Yes.
  59. GeorgeH.
    Oct 12, 2005
    8
    Entirely engaging characters and fine performances. Good writing so far. The test will be if the storylines are entertaining - don't care much if they're plausable. It's only TV after all.
  60. TomWolfe
    Oct 12, 2005
    8
    Not appropriate for those seeking hard news, but timely and pefect for the TV venue. Wasn't really sold until Davis talked Coyote into the VP job. Great scene!. "What'll you be doing for the next two years?" Hopefully watching "C and C".
  61. JoshuaM
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    It's the most intelligent show on television! I love it.
  62. JacobL
    Oct 11, 2005
    7
    No, the show is not brilliant, but Geena Davis is good. And it is not realistic, but it is fun to fantasize with the writers about a different a political reality. I find the idea of an "independent" President to be more interesting then the idea of a "woman" president. I think that it has the potential to be good, if the writers dare to write some failure into the show, and maybe some No, the show is not brilliant, but Geena Davis is good. And it is not realistic, but it is fun to fantasize with the writers about a different a political reality. I find the idea of an "independent" President to be more interesting then the idea of a "woman" president. I think that it has the potential to be good, if the writers dare to write some failure into the show, and maybe some challenges other than one sneaky politician - ones that don't resolve all happily at the end of the episode.… Expand
  63. CarrieT
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    Great writing, casting, and long overdue. How refreshing to see excellence on the small screen!
  64. ShannonF
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    It's a great start to what can be a wonderful series
  65. DanB.
    Oct 9, 2005
    6
    Bartlett Is My President.
  66. TimothyH
    Oct 9, 2005
    1
    the show is flat, booring and an obvious attempt to force a woman president down our throats by hollywood, i am all for a female president but with hillarys ties to hollywood, hmmm could it be, nah they are not that mean are they, the show just plain sucks and will ride a liberal base for awhile until its dropped.
  67. SarahF
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    i wathced this show and really liked it - i'm so happy to see Geena davis back in front fo the cameras
  68. JohnB
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    wicked show, this one
  69. samj
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    AMAZING television
  70. Andrew
    Oct 5, 2005
    4
    Utter pap. The only show I know where I changed the channel before the episode was finished. I have not seen the West Wing so I have no frame of reference for political shows, but I would think a show about a female president would be more interesting and gender-debunking.
  71. MarcD.
    Oct 5, 2005
    3
    Thank god this show is no good. I watch too much TV as it is, but I feel guilty when I'm missing something good. If it's nowhere near as good as The West Wing, then why watch it? It's got no "bite" to it. I loved Kyle Secor from "Homicide", but not as a castrano... First lady my butt!!
  72. BrandonS
    Oct 5, 2005
    7
    To me, it's basically "The West Wing Lite." Fortunately, the show's producers openly admit that it isn't and likely can't ever be as good as The West Wing (now or ever). The most accurate review I've seen describes the show as more of an allegory about females in the work-place, played out in the nation's highest office. If the show stays focused, I think To me, it's basically "The West Wing Lite." Fortunately, the show's producers openly admit that it isn't and likely can't ever be as good as The West Wing (now or ever). The most accurate review I've seen describes the show as more of an allegory about females in the work-place, played out in the nation's highest office. If the show stays focused, I think we've got some excellent entertainment in our future. (And I'm confident in any show with Kyle Secor.)… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best TV Season of 2005
6
#6 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005
45
#45 Most Shared TV Season of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 26
  3. Negative: 5 out of 26
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    80
    As drama, tonight's pilot has its flaws, but it is, nevertheless, one of those electrifying TV productions that instead of simply seeking to divert or amuse, challenges viewers to imagine a reality other than the one they have been conditioned to accept.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    40
    Some viewers will be put off by the many unbelievable aspects of ''Commander in Chief," and not least of all by Geena Davis.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    63
    Heavy-handed.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »