PLAYING POTUS
(The 2026 DC/DOX Documentary Film Festival ran June 11-14. Check out Chris Reed’s Playing POTUS movie review, fresh from the fest. Seen it? Join the conversation with HtN on our Letterboxd Page.)
Political satire is essential to a healthy democracy. Comedy, in general, allows the flexing of the mind in ways that further critical thinking, without which we are but sheep. In today’s world, with the rise of fascism everywhere—including in these Disunited States—there is a concerted pushback against ridicule aimed at our leaders. In his entertaining and informative Playing POTUS, director Josh Greenbaum (Will & Harper) examines the history of mocking our presidents (and candidates for the office) since the start of the television age.
Laughter truly is the best medicine, and anyone needing a break from the horrors of current affairs will do well to sit for this movie’s 90 minutes and give in to its charm. With a cast of characters that includes Alec Baldwin, Frank Caliendo, Dana Carvey, Chevy Chase, Will Ferrell, Will Forte, Al Franken, Darrell Hammond, James Austin Johnson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Lovitz, Kate McKinnon, Seth Meyers, Jay Pharaoh, and Maya Rudolph, Playing POTUS has no shortage of comic talent. Reliving the highlights of everyone’s impressions of politicians past and present is a delight.
In addition, those interviewed prove quite thoughtful about their roles in shaping the cultural discourse (and, perhaps, campaign outcomes) of their respective moments in time. They also talk a lot about the challenges of doing impressions of well-known figures, making the documentary a solid how-to tutorial for prospective future impersonators. Greenbaum includes commentary from historians and members of the political class, too, for important context. There are no talking heads of the actual POTUS-es, though their opinions are included via archival footage.
Fortunately for the American experiment, until now the presidents we’ve had, however one feels about them, were pretty good sports, able to take a joke and—as we are reminded via clips from Saturday Night Live and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner—even participate in self-mockery. Here’s a tip: never put people in power who cannot laugh at themselves. Humility and a sense of humor are key ingredients for anyone who would rule. Surprisingly, even the conservative Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, also in the movie, agrees. Good luck with that, Greg.
As an aside (and not covered in the documentary), allow me to remind you of the case of Russia’s satirical television program “Kukly.” A popular show that featured hand puppets representing then-contemporary figures, it was shut down shortly after Vladimir Putin came to power. He didn’t like how he was portrayed. Almost a quarter century later, he is still the ruler, to increasingly disastrous results. With the removal of Stephen Colbert from the late-night airwaves, the USA could be headed down the same path.
But, for now, it’s good to enjoy the abundant irreverence on display, especially when so much is at stake. Playing POTUS offers that, and more. Cackle while you can, before our right to do so is taken away.
– Christopher Llewellyn Reed (@ChrisReedFilm)
