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. RobinH
    May 31, 2006
    10
    I agree with everyone who is complaining about the breaks! It was one of my favorites I am very disapointed!
  2. RaiTriceW
    Jun 12, 2006
    10
    i love this show, it is perhaps the best show that i've ever watched and to hear that it might be cancelled is very disappointing, it is a great show because it empowers women and gives women convidence and makes them feel like a women of worth, that anything really is posible. i stoped watching one of my favorite tv shows for this show and i dont wanna see this one end just yet.
  3. TiikTiik
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    This is the best show going, along with The Closer. I am crushed that it is being canceled. Can we petition ABC? All of my friends are upset. Really, no one can believe it. the show is just getting it's sea legs....and doing a great job of that. The character relationships are excellent and exciting to watch develop. Geena Davis is amazing as President, and the first woman president. This is the best show going, along with The Closer. I am crushed that it is being canceled. Can we petition ABC? All of my friends are upset. Really, no one can believe it. the show is just getting it's sea legs....and doing a great job of that. The character relationships are excellent and exciting to watch develop. Geena Davis is amazing as President, and the first woman president. She is the perfect actor for this role. I believe her. She IS the President. The dynamic with her husband is VERY real. The Donald Sutherland character is so divinely egomaniacal, he annoys the "H" out of me and I love hating him. The politics they tackle are thrilling and soooo on time. Hey...is there any conspiracy here? Are the Bushy's shutting it down? Are they threatened because Geena Davis is such a great President, so much better than Bush? So they call ABC and put the screws on? Hmmmmmmm!!!! Well, Hoover is not around anymore, yet it does make me wonder because of the intense topics the show has broached. After the one they did on how to handle a foreign hostage crisis I thought the Bushy's might call ABC and have a nice "chat".… Expand
  4. LeeH
    Jun 15, 2006
    10
    What a mistake to take this show off the air. There is so much garbage on with all the Reality shows (except for the talent shows) and you want to take this show which is so entertaining off the air. Shame on you, whoever you are. Please, please don't.
  5. OctavioA
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    I like this show ... why can you give it a chance. Be bold and take a risk. I know you will not regret it.
  6. WilliamC
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    Commander-in-cheif is one of the best shows on TV now. I am a conservative republican and I love it. Wouldn't miss it! PLease keep this excellent drama on!!
  7. JeremyM
    Jun 29, 2006
    10
    This show is absolutely Outstanding. Gina Davis is one of the best actresses to hit the screen. The story is great and I recommend it to guys who like a good kick butt show
  8. claireq
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    This is my fave TV show I really love it. The acting is great and I Love how it shows family life of the President.
  9. TerriO
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    It makes no sense that they would cancel this show. Are they really listening to us? Do they really care what we want to watch? I don't think so.
  10. 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.
  11. 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..
  12. 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
  13. CraigE
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    Finally.. Television worth watching. Makes the "West Wing" production look like a day time soap.
  14. 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.
  15. CherylS
    May 30, 2006
    9
    Give "Commander in Chief" a second season!! Initial reviews were mixed but the talent and performances are excellent!! The show had a great start, but was thrown off track due to date and time changes. Give it a good consistent spot, with good writing, and it will be a hit!! Thanks!!
  16. PaulK
    Jul 14, 2006
    9
    Very entertaining show.
  17. MReid
    Jul 30, 2006
    9
    OK, so it's not the West Wing, but will anything ever match up to that? ABC1 in the UK has just aired the episode about the ERA, and though sometimes a bit cheesy, and sometimes stiff, this show is important - it gets Americans and people around the world used to the idea of a woman as US President.
  18. Jim
    Jan 6, 2006
    9
    Pushing the envelope. Freesh appraoch making teh President a human being. Excellent
  19. EugeneB
    Mar 1, 2006
    9
    I enjoyed it. Where is it? Replaced by another detective show, Oh No!
  20. christiner
    Jun 16, 2006
    9
    one of the most innovative, intelligent shows out there!
  21. ArturoH
    Jul 17, 2006
    9
    sometimes it is excellent
  22. 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.
  23. LauraL
    Dec 8, 2005
    9
    This is a gripping show that will shed some light on the issue of women being in power.
  24. PeterM
    Oct 13, 2006
    9
    best entertainment I have seen in years ( and I am old)
  25. LarryH
    Apr 26, 2006
    9
    One of the best shows on television and one of the only reasons for turning on the TV. This political drama is intelligent and has relevance to our society. Even though ABC doesn't poll me, I think sponsors of the show might be interested to know that there might be more viewers than polls show.
  26. RickyR
    Jun 18, 2006
    9
    It will be a shame if they cancel this show. While it isn't West Wing, it is has thought proviking moments that makes it worth while to watch. I would really rather watch this show than some silly reality tv or worse...another half-attempt at comedy that ultimately relies on canned laughter.
  27. billf
    Jul 24, 2006
    9
    was the smartest tv show that i've ever seen, i don't understand why was cancelled
  28. 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.
  29. WendyA
    Jun 2, 2006
    8
    I found it to be one of the better shows to watch.
  30. MarcyR
    Feb 8, 2006
    8
    Great show. I was fully hooked on it and looked forward to each new show. Too bad the network couldn't stand up to the pressure from people who didn't want to see a woman in the role of president. I thought it was inspirational.
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. 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".
  34. 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
  35. GregB
    May 16, 2006
    8
    This is a new program, like all new programs, it will take a while to get the writers niche, KEEP IT GOING!
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. DanB.
    Oct 9, 2005
    6
    Bartlett Is My President.
  41. 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.
  42. 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.
  43. willieboy
    Jun 22, 2006
    6
    I would have given a 7, but then I saw the last episode: The President (Gina Davis) decides her lasting legacy as she leaves office will be the reinstatement of the failed ERA Amendment. She grows nostalgic and misty-eyed about NOW (the National Organization for Women) and is overcome with emotion as she breathlessly reminds her press secretary, 'They changed the world!' I I would have given a 7, but then I saw the last episode: The President (Gina Davis) decides her lasting legacy as she leaves office will be the reinstatement of the failed ERA Amendment. She grows nostalgic and misty-eyed about NOW (the National Organization for Women) and is overcome with emotion as she breathlessly reminds her press secretary, 'They changed the world!' I nearly fell over laughing... The show has been canceled--at no loss to the public forum.… Expand
  44. 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.
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. 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.
  48. 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
  49. 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
  50. 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!!
  51. 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
  52. MarimarK
    Feb 8, 2006
    2
    A golden globe for geena davis??? I havent seen such bad acting since Debbie did Dallas!!! The show is definatly pretty, but blatantly idealistic and so ubelievable as to regard its viewers as flag waving morons.
  53. MarkA
    Dec 7, 2005
    2
    She is not believable as CinC.
  54. jamesr
    Mar 5, 2006
    2
    this show is boring and completely unbelievable. I love geena davis, but this show is just bad!
  55. 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
  56. MillieH
    Nov 21, 2005
    2
    This is the worst show ever.
  57. 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.
  58. 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
  59. 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.
  60. IanB
    May 7, 2007
    1
    Plays more like a daytime soap than a serious drama. In-fighting, backstabbing, internal political-games, all we're missing now is the invasion of France and we've got Caesar
  61. 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?
  62. JulioA
    Jan 16, 2006
    1
    Victim mentality, anyone?
  63. StianB
    Nov 8, 2006
    1
    I love political drama shows, but this one was pathetic. It didn't seem 'real' and there were too much 'hollywood' politics in the script.
  64. MartinS
    Aug 27, 2006
    1
    Anybody who watched the West Wing knows what a complete joke this show was. Thank god it was canceled before the next presidential election. I honestly believe it would have damaged Hillary's chances.
  65. 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.
  66. SusanP
    Oct 28, 2006
    0
    This show is sooo bad. The writing is bad. The acting is bad. The politics are way off any responsible person's map. Its bad bad bad bad bad and I was so looking forward to it.
  67. 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
  68. mmyah
    Nov 8, 2005
    0
    Geena Davis, please get off tv.
  69. MikeB
    Dec 29, 2005
    0
    Geena Davis is horrible
  70. BelindaF
    Oct 29, 2006
    0
    Were they this desperate to reuse the set? A poor, embarrassing follow-up to 'The West Wing'.
  71. BrianH
    Jun 29, 2006
    0
    I was offended by the whole idea of a woman as president. This is a communist-hollywood experiment that is a fundamental threat to American Democracy. We need Joe McCarthy again. If this Show is cancelled, I say good ridance. All we have to deal with is the bitter memories that will haunt us forever.
  72. PrudenceK
    Jan 29, 2006
    0
    Worst show on TV. Geena Davis is simply awful.
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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 »