™
Commander in Chief
On ABC — From Battleplan Productions · Touchstone Television
Wife. Mother. Leader of the free world.
Create a free account to see where Commander in Chief is streaming, with prices and your services first.
Where to watch
Not available to stream in US
🔔 Notify me about new seasonsSynopsis
Mackenzie Allen has a lot on her plate -- she has twin teenagers, a 6-year-old at home and an ambitious husband at the office, and she is about to become the first female president of the United States. Before that happens, however; Mackenzie, who serves as vice president, has to decide whether or not to go against the dying wishes of the current president, who has asked her to step down and let someone "more appropriate" fill his shoes in the Oval Office. Not only does the president want her to resign, so does the entire party that elected her in the first place. But when the moment of truth arrives, Mackenzie isn't willing to be a mere footnote in history. Instead of allowing her detractors to keep her down, she decides to trust her instincts and accept the most powerful job in the world.
Themes
Episodes
Create a free account to track the episodes you’ve watched.
- E1 PilotNext upSep 27, 2005
Synopsis
Mackenzie Allen, who serves as Vice President of the United States, has a tough decision to make, whether or not to go against the wishes of the dying current President. He has asked her to step down and let someone a little more appropriate take his place in the Oval Office. However, it's not only the President that is calling for her resignation, it's her entire party which elected her as the Vice President to start with.
Guest stars: Julie Ann Emery (Joan Greer), Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Leslie Hope (Melanie Blackston), Mary Page Keller (Grace Bridges), Will Lyman (Teddy Bridges), Talia Balsam (Ruth), Ato Essandoh (Manute Obama), Dean Shelton (Sam Wilkins)
- E2 First ChoiceOct 4, 2005
Synopsis
As Mackenzie begins the transition into the office of President, she has to select a Vice President, a situation in which Nathan Templeton tries using to his advantage. Mackenzie's daughter, Rebecca, faces a crisis when her diary goes missing, which contains information about her mother that could hurt her.
Guest stars: Julie Ann Emery (Joan Greer), Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Mary Page Keller (Grace Bridges), Ted Porter (Agent Elderson), Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Bruce Boxleitner (Tucker Hayes), Lisa Waltz (Alison Remarque)
- E3 First StrikeOct 11, 2005
Synopsis
Faced with her first national crisis - the death of nine DEA agents in Latin America - Mackenzie shows strength and resolve in dealing with a corrupt leader. Meanwhile, Nathan Templeton is approached by an ambitious congressman who served with Mac's Vice Presidential candidate, Warren Keaton, and is eager to divulge potentially damaging info in an effort to derail his nomination. Mac's teenage twins resume public school, only this time it's complete with secret service detail and press spectacle, and while popular Horace welcomes the attention, shy Rebecca finds it overwhelming.
Guest stars: Julie Ann Emery (Joan Greer), Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Leslie Hope (Melanie Blackston), Mary Page Keller (Grace Bridges), Ted Porter (Agent Elderson), Al Brown (General Pollack), Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray)
- E4 First DanceOct 18, 2005
Synopsis
All eyes are on Mackenzie Allen as she hosts her first official summit with the Russian President -- which is threatened to be overshadowed by Nathan Templeton's plan to engineer a series of cabinet resignations to coincide with the summit. Templeton goes after Mac with a vengeance, vowing to run - and win - against her in the next presidential election. Meanwhile, as First Gentleman, Rod must host his first state dinner for the Russian President and his wife.
Guest stars: Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Mary Page Keller (Grace Bridges), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Jason Wiles (Alex Williams), Ned Vaughn (Reporter Charlie), Kate Jennings Grant (Reporter Samantha), Michael Shiraef (Aide Ryan), Jenna Gavigan (Jenny)
- E5 First... Do No HarmOct 25, 2005
Synopsis
In the middle of the announcement of her new National Security Advisor, Anthony Prado, Mac is caught off guard by the breaking news of a terrorist smuggling explosives across the Canadian border. The way in which Mac and her Attorney General deal with the situation pits them squarely against each other, and Nathan Templeton takes great pleasure in publicly second-guessing Mac's every move. Meanwhile, it's Halloween, and Amy - who desperately wants to go trick-or-treating like a normal kid - is disappointed to learn that, due to security concerns, she may have to settle for a party this year instead. When Rod as First Gentleman finds himself fodder for late-night comics, it hits his son Horace especially hard.
Guest stars: Julie Ann Emery (Joan Greer), Leslie Hope (Melanie Blackston), Ted Porter (Agent Elderson), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Jason Wiles (Alex Williams), Pamela Dunlap (Gilda Rockwell), Donzaleigh Abernathy (Reporter Patricia), Ned Vaughn (Reporter Charlie)
- E6 First DisasterNov 1, 2005
Synopsis
When a destructive hurricane hits Florida, Mac and Templeton fly to Florida to survey the damage. While there, Mac learns of an emergency situation with an oil tanker off the Florida coast which could have devastating consequences. Meanwhile, Rod is seriously considering an offer to become Commissioner of Baseball.
Guest stars: Julie Ann Emery (Joan Greer), Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Hira Ambrosino (Laura), Donzaleigh Abernathy (Reporter Patricia), Ned Vaughn (Reporter Charlie), Michael Shiraef (Aide Ryan), Jenna Gavigan (Jenny)
- E7 First ScandalNov 8, 2005
Synopsis
When a tell-all book is published about Mackenzie Allen that contains confidential information suspicions arise. Meanwhile, the confirmation hearings for Vice Presidential nominee Warren Keaton begin, but raise questions about his past.
Guest stars: Will Lyman (Teddy Bridges), Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Pamela Dunlap (Gilda Rockwell), Hira Ambrosino (Laura), Donzaleigh Abernathy (Reporter Patricia), Michael O'Neill (Congressman Wilcox), Jenna Gavigan (Jenny)
- E8 Rubie Dubidoux and the Brown Bound ExpressNov 15, 2005
Synopsis
After she announces new direction for her administration, President Allen finds herself in need of allies within the West Wing and decides that she needs to appoint her closest adviser, Rod, to an official position.
Guest stars: Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Pamela Dunlap (Gilda Rockwell), Matt Barr (Mike Fleming), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), Scott Atkinson (Reporter Steve), Andi Chapman (Mrs. Burke), Barbara Eve Harris (Lynn), Michael Trevino (Kevin)
- E9 The Mom Who Came to DinnerNov 29, 2005
Synopsis
Mac has more than Thanksgiving turkey on her plate. She juggles military base closures in her home town, a death penalty case the Supreme Court will not hear and a visit with Mom. Joining her team is a young and savvy media strategist/advisor.
Guest stars: Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Hira Ambrosino (Laura), David Wells (Usher Waverly), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), John Sloan (Reporter Barry), Rey Herrera (Reporter Luis)
- E10 Sub Enchanted EveningJan 10, 2006
Synopsis
A submarine strikes a seamount just off North Korean waters and Mac must ask the Chinese for help. Meanwhile, Dickie's constant need for information has begun to irritate everyone. Meanwhile the first family deals with the question of reelection.
Guest stars: Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Christopher Allport (Secretary Francis), Alex Fernandez (Anthony Prado), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Richard 'Dickie' McDonald), Polly Bergen (Kate Allen), Mary-Joan Negro (Margaret Shoop)
- E11 No Nukes is Good NukesJan 17, 2006
Synopsis
While trying to coordinate the rescue of the crew of a damaged U.S. submarine off the coast of North Korea with help from Chinese, Mac must deal with war fever among her advisors and a leak from China to the North Korean government that threatens to start a nuclear war. Meanwhile, Speaker Templeton’s wife secretly encourages Jayne Murray to accept Nathan’s offer to rejoin his office as chief of Staff.
Guest stars: Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Pamela Dunlap (Gilda Rockwell), Steve Tom (Reporter Steve), Christopher Allport (Secretary Francis), Alex Fernandez (Anthony Prado), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Richard 'Dickie' McDonald), Polly Bergen (Kate Allen)
- E12 Wind Beneath My WingJan 24, 2006
Synopsis
Mac and Templeton head out west to pay tribute to the dedication of former President Bridges' Presidential Library. While there Air Force One is held hostage by a guy who wants to speak with Mac. Meanwhile Horace and Rebecca have some friends for a party.
Guest stars: Kristen Shaw (Norah Woodruff), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Richard 'Dickie' McDonald), Polly Bergen (Kate Allen), James Handy (Bernard Hendrix), Judith Hoag (Syndi Saltzman), Ana Ortiz (Isabelle Rios), Tony Plana (Pete Ragone), David Warshofsky (Frank Terzano)
- E13 State of the UnionsApr 13, 2006
Synopsis
While Mac is busy working on her first State of the Union address, Rod becomes a tad tipsy and is found in compromising position with an intern for all the world to see. Meanwhile, Templeton sets out to find a way to sabotage Mac's Homeless Initiative Bill. Plus, Dickie and Jayne, who has gone back to being Templeton's chief-of-staff, go out on a dinner date.
Guest stars: Ted Porter (Agent Elderson), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Eyal Podell (Eli Meltzer), Angela Martinez (Newscaster), Chris Ufland (Thad Thibideau), John Sloan (Reporter Barry), Scott Atkinson (Reporter Steve), Rey Herrera (Reporter Luis)
- E14 The Price You PayApr 20, 2006
Synopsis
Mac decides to stand by her friend and Attorney General nominee, Carl Brantley, after he gets hammered in his confirmation hearings. A cargo plane which contains military weapons goes missing over Pakistan and it's up to Vice President Keaton to resolve the situation. Meanwhile, Rod tries to settle in the domestic life, but soon faces a crisis when Kate is nowhere to be found.
Guest stars: Leslie Hope (Melanie Blackston), Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Pamela Dunlap (Gilda Rockwell), Steve Tom (Reporter Steve), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Richard 'Dickie' McDonald), Polly Bergen (Kate Allen), Tony Plana (Pete Ragone)
- E15 Ties That BindApr 27, 2006
Synopsis
Mac wants her Attorney General to look into an urban situation in Maryland because it's where Gardner is from. Mac is also briefed on the situation of the missing surface-to-air missiles that went down in a military plane crash over Pakistan and has to make sure that the weapons do not end up in the hands of terrorists. Templeton is ralling support for the Templeton Act which focuses on domestic crime and Mac is threatening to use her veto power in the hopes for more law enforcement and education over the bill's calls for tougher sentencing. Dickie learns that Vince is planning a commitment ceremony with his partner and he warns him not to invite Mac because it might hurt her in the polls.
Guest stars: Peter Coyote (Warren Keaton), Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Eyal Podell (Eli Meltzer), Alex Fernandez (Anthony Prado), Mark Thompson (Gordon Blake), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), John Sloan (Reporter Barry), Carmen Nicole Tonarelli (Reporter Jill)
- E16 The Elephant in the RoomMay 31, 2006
Synopsis
Mac suffers a burst appendix while aboard Air Force One. Since there is no Vice President in place, Templeton becomes acting President since he is the Speaker of the House and next in line. Meanwhile, there is an air strike that is crippling travel on Memorial Day weekend and Templeton ends up overstepping his bounds and handles the situation the way he wants to.
Guest stars: Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Pamela Dunlap (Gilda Rockwell), Hira Ambrosino (Laura), Donzaleigh Abernathy (Reporter Patricia), Ned Vaughn (Reporter Charlie), Steve Tom (Reporter Steve), Michael Shiraef (Aide Ryan), Eyal Podell (Eli Meltzer)
- E17 Happy Birthday, Madam PresidentJun 7, 2006
Synopsis
On Mac's birthday, she is faced with the fact that there are American hostages being held in Turkey by a militant Kurdish group. Meanwhile, she also has to interview new candidates to be her Vice President and Dickie tries to convince her of the type of person she needs to choose because her choice will affect her re-election campaign.
Guest stars: Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Ned Vaughn (Reporter Charlie), Alex Fernandez (Anthony Prado), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Richard 'Dickie' McDonald), Polly Bergen (Kate Allen), Tony Colitti (Reporter Oliver), Dale Dye (General Peter Allyson)
- E18 Unfinished BusinessJun 14, 2006
Synopsis
After a critic of the Equal Rights Amendment passes away and his wife takes over his seat, Mac believes she can amend the Constitution and pass the ERA once and for all. Meanwhile Templeton turns a Get Out the Vote campaign meeting into a presidential debate, Rod is asked to write a story about his relationship with Mac, and Rebecca finally learns the identity of her IM buddy, and both are shocked at just who the other person is.
Guest stars: Natasha Henstridge (Jayne Murray), Donzaleigh Abernathy (Reporter Patricia), Eyal Podell (Eli Meltzer), Mark Thompson (Gordon Blake), Samantha Eggar (Sara Templeton), John Sloan (Reporter Barry), Rey Herrera (Reporter Luis), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Richard 'Dickie' McDonald)
Cast & crew
Created by Rod Lurie
Geena Davis
Donald Sutherland
Harry Lennix
Kyle Secor
Ever Carradine
Matt Lanter
Caitlin Wachs
Jasmine Jessica Anthony
Anthony AziziVideos
Trailers
Images · 6
Similar shows
Reviews · from TMDB members
misubisuDec 25, 2025
### **Review: *Commander in Chief (2005)*** **Score: 7/10** *Commander in Chief* was a timely and boldly conceived political drama that arrived with great promise, offering a compelling "what if" scenario years before its time. The series follows Mackenzie "Mac" Allen (Geena Davis), the Vice President who ascends to the Oval Office after the President's sudden death, navigating the treacherous waters of Washington D.C. as the nation's first female Commander-in-Chief. It… Read more
earns points for its landmark premise and a **star-making, award-winning central performance**, but is ultimately weighed down by network-TV conventions and a failure to fully capitalise on its own potential. **What Works & The Premise's Power:** * **Geena Davis's Commanding, Award-Winning Performance:** Davis is the undisputed anchor and highlight of the series. She brought a grounded intelligence, steely grace, and believable vulnerability to President Allen, masterfully portraying the immense weight of the office and the unique scrutiny of her position. Her work was rightfully recognised with the **Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 2006**, a testament to her ability to carry the show's ambitious premise. * **A Prescient & Engaging Premise:** In 2005, the concept felt both revolutionary and aspirational. The show's core conflicts—the tension with a scheming Speaker of the House (a deliciously antagonistic Donald Sutherland), the balancing of family and unimaginable duty, and the constant negotiation of respect in a male-dominated arena—were inherently dramatic and resonate even more strongly today. * **Solid Political Intrigue (Initially):** The first handful of episodes effectively set up a compelling dynamic between the idealistic, independent President and the old-guard political machinery determined to undermine her. **Why It Stumbles to a Mid-Tier Score:** * **Formulaic Network Drift:** After a strong start, the series increasingly fell into predictable, case-of-the-week patterns and melodramatic subplots (particularly involving the First Family) that diluted its sharp political edge. It often chose sentimental, tidy resolutions over the complex, gritty realism the premise demanded. * **Underwritten Adversaries & Politics:** While Sutherland chews scenery effectively, the political opposition often felt cartoonishly evil rather than strategically formidable. The show shied away from deeply exploring substantive policy or the nuanced ideological battles that define real politics, opting for more personal, soap-operatic conflicts. * **A Premature End & Unrealised Potential:** The series was canceled after one season (with a handful of unaired episodes), leaving its overarching storylines abruptly truncated. This leaves the viewer with the palpable feeling of watching a promising pilot for a much grittier, more serialised show that never got to be made. **Verdict:** *Commander in Chief* is a fascinating cultural artefact—a well-acted, important-for-its-time drama that paved the way for more sophisticated political shows. **Geena Davis's Golden Globe-winning performance** remains a powerful reason to watch, and the concept alone retains its appeal. However, its execution is ultimately hamstrung by a network television sensibility that softened its bite, resulting in a show that feels more like a noble, somewhat sanitised prototype than a fully realised masterpiece. **Watch if:** You are interested in the evolution of political TV dramas, enjoy **award-winning performances**, or are fascinated by the "first female president" narrative. **Skip if:** You prefer gritty, realistic, policy-wonk political thrillers like *The West Wing* (Sorkin era) or *House of Cards*.