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President Selina Meyer in 'Veep' (2012-2019) -

Selina Meyer becomes president in 'Veep' season four after her predecessor steps down. Her chaotic presidency ends in season five, but she returns in the final season, showcasing Julia Louis-Dreyfus's comedic talent as the flawed leader.

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President Claire Underwood in 'House of Cards' (2013-2018) -

At the end of the fifth season, Robin Wright's character is sworn in as President after Frank resigns amid a scandal. Her confident leadership showcases her strength despite the show's turbulent production changes.

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President Allison Taylor in '24' (2001-2010) -

In this hit show, President Allison Taylor, portrayed by Cherry Jones, remains steadfast against terrorists, refusing to yield despite her son's murder. Jones stated that her character combines traits from Eleanor Roosevelt, Golda Meir, and John Wayne.

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President Elizabeth McCord in 'Madam Secretary' (2014-2019) -

While the series centers on Elizabeth McCord, played by Téa Leoni, as Secretary of State, the final season sees her become the first female president.

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President Leslie McCloud in 'Kisses for My President' (1964) -

In this 1964 comedy, Polly Bergen plays the role of a female president as her husband struggles with his role as the first spouse, showing little enthusiasm for his wife's position. Ultimately, Leslie resigns after becoming pregnant.

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President Janie Orlean in 'Don't Look Up' (2021) -

In this satirical Netflix film, Meryl Streep plays President Janie Orlean, who ignores a looming comet threat. Inspired by Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, she prioritizes profit over scientific truth, highlighting the importance of facts in leadership.

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President Constance Payton in 'State of Affairs' (2014-2015) -

NBC's State of Affairs starred Katherine Heigl as CIA analyst Charleston, who briefs President Constance Payton, played by Alfre Woodard. 

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President Jennifer Brown in 'Y: The Last Man' (2021) -

Based on the comics, this drama series follows Yorick Brown, the last surviving male after a cataclysmic event. His mother, played by Diane Lane, is the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee and becomes president due to the presidential line of succession.

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President Mackenzie "Mac" Allen in 'Commander in Chief' (2005-2006) -

Geena Davis portrayed Mackenzie Allen, a former congresswoman who becomes the first female President after her running mate, Teddy Bridges, dies. Davis received a Golden Globe for her role, emphasizing the importance of showcasing powerful women on screen.

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President Elizabeth Keane in 'Homeland' (2011-2020) -

In the series' season six finale, Senator Elizabeth Keane (Elizabeth Marvel) is elected President but steps down in the next season due to CIA suspicions following an assassination attempt, showcasing her complexity and survival instincts.

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President Ellen Claremont in 'Red, White & Royal Blue' (2023) -

This movie features a subplot surrounding President Ellen Claremont's reelection, culminating in a final scene where she emphasizes the importance of elections. She's played by the legendary Uma Thurman. 

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President Caroline Reynolds in 'Prison Break' (2005-2017) -

Caroline Reynolds, portrayed by Patricia Wettig, is a cunning VP who frames President Lincoln for her brother's fake death and poisons the President to seize power. Her ambition and ruthless tactics make her a pretty evil POTUS. 

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President Elizabeth Lanford in 'Independence Day: Resurgence' (2016) -

In 'Independence Day: Resurgence,' Sela Ward portrays Elizabeth Lanford, a POTUS who lost her family in an alien attack. Tragically, she must lead during a second invasion.

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President Olivia Marsdin in 'Supergirl' (2016-2021) -

Lynda Carter, renowned for her role as Wonder Woman, portrays President Olivia Marsdin. During her term, she confronts alien threats but ultimately resigns upon revealing her own alien identity.

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President Taffy Dale in 'Mars Attacks!' (1996) -

Near the end of 'Mars Attacks!,' the First Family and much of the government are killed in an alien attack, leaving First Daughter Taffy Dale (Natalie Portman) as President. 

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President Castilla in 'Covert One: The Hades Factor' (2006) -

A two-part miniseries, it follows a deadly viral outbreak and a covert operation to prevent a global catastrophe, highlighting Anjelica Huston's character's leadership in a crisis.

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President Diane Steen in 'Mafia!' (1998) -

In this comedy, which parodies mafia movies, Christina Applegate plays President Diane Steen who abandons her pursuit of world peace after being courted by her ex-boyfriend, Tony.

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President Mellie Grant in 'Scandal' (2012-2018) -

At the end of the sixth season, Bellamy Young's Mellie Grant loses the presidential election but becomes the 45th POTUS after her opponent is assassinated, appointing Olivia Pope as Chief of Staff.

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President Charlotte Field in 'Long Shot' (2019) -

In 'Long Shot,' Seth Rogen plays a journalist who reconnects with his childhood babysitter (Charlize Theron), now Secretary of State. She hires him as a speechwriter, becomes President, and marries him, making him the "First Mister."

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President Claire Haas in 'Quantico' (2015-2018) -

In 'Quantico' Claire Haas, played by Marcia Cross, starts as a villainous senator and former FBI agent. She rises to Vice President and then President in season two, but ultimately faces pressure to resign.

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President Elena Cañero-Reed in 'Diary of a Future President' (2020-2021) -

This Disney+ series, executive produced by Gina  Rodriguez, follows Elena's journey before she becomes president. The plot centers on her at 13, played by Tess Romero, with flash-forwards showing her later as president, played by Rodriguez.

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President Monahan in 'Superintelligence' (2020) -

In this film, Jean Smart plays President Monahan, who faces an existential threat when an all-knowing AI chooses her as its primary subject, blending comedy with sci-fi.

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President Ellen Waverly Wilson in 'For All Mankind' (2019) -

In this Apple TV+ sci-fi drama, Jodi Balfour portrays an astronaut who ascends to become NASA administrator, senator, and ultimately president. She's also a lesbian POTUS. 

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President Julia Mansfield in 'Hail to the Chief' (1985) -

This 1985 sitcom follows President Julia Mansfield (Patty Duke), a female president juggling her responsibilities and managing family life. Despite its intriguing premise, the show was canceled after only seven episodes.

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President Harriet Franklin in 'Airline Disaster' (2010) -

In this film, Meredith Baxter plays President Harriet Franklin, who is forced to negotiate with terrorists after they hijack a plane.

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President Jessica Danforth in 'The Beekeeper' (2024) -

Jemma Redgrave portrays President Jessica Danforth in 'The Beekeeper,' which centers on a former operative seeking vengeance for a personal tragedy. 

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President Michelle Travers in 'The Night Agent' (2023) -

This Netflix series is based on a book that features a male president, but the role was adapted to include a female president named Michelle Travers, portrayed by Canadian actress Kari Matchett.

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President Charlie Roan in 'The Purge: Election Year' (2016) -

In this horror thriller, Elizabeth Mitchell plays Charlie Roan. As a survivor, she becomes President to end the annual purge, succeeding during her two terms, as revealed in 'The Forever Purge' (2021).

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President of the United States in 'Iron Sky' (2012) -

In this Finnish sci-fi comedy, Nazis return to Earth in 2018 after hiding on the moon since 1945. The President, portrayed by New Zealand actress Stephanie Paul, is a parody of Sarah Palin.

Sources: (Euronews) (Town & Country) 

See also: Actors who played the US President

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