Geena Davis: From Big-Screen Icon to Trailblazing TV Star

When Geena Davis saw her film career slowing down in the early 2000s, she made a pivotal decision that many stars would later emulate: shifting to television. As one of the first major movie stars to venture into long-term TV roles, she kicked things off with the sitcom “The Geena Davis Show.” Throughout the 2010s, she became a familiar face on TV, appearing in shows like “Coma,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and the TV adaptation of “The Exorcist.” Yet, among these, her dearest role, and perhaps her most recognized, was marred by unforeseen backstage drama.

Rod Lurie, a writer and director at ABC, pitched a groundbreaking series focused on the U.S.’s first female president, filling the position after the sudden death of her male predecessor. Hollywood rarely showcased such women in presidential roles, with 1964’s “Kisses for My President” being one of the few exceptions. Both in movies and reality, women hardly made it past the Vice Presidency, akin to Glenn Close’s role in “Air Force One.”

Lurie created the series “Commander in Chief” to introduce the public to the concept of a female leader. He shared with The Hollywood Reporter his aspiration to revolutionize people’s perceptions: “if we all do our jobs, we’re going to change the world. Because what we’re going to do is get the whole world to become comfortable with the term ‘Madam President.’“

Davis landed the role of President Mackenzie Allen, and the show debuted with a bang, even outshining Hugh Laurie’s beloved series “House” in viewership numbers. The American audience was captivated by the concept of a woman in charge, and Davis’s performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. High-profile individuals like former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were fans, with Bill affectionately calling her “My president!” Davis recalled as he praised the series, mentioning it was the couple’s favorite show.

Unexpectedly, despite the promising beginning, “Commander in Chief” faltered quickly. After only seven episodes, Lurie was dismissed by the network, citing delays in script submissions. Lurie seemed to disagree with this explanation. Not long after, Stephen Bochco, a renowned figure in American TV known for his work on “Hill Street Blues” and “NYPD Blue,” took over. However, he also exited after a brief stint of four episodes.

Bochco later described his experience on the show as “horrible,” while Lurie expressed disappointment, saying, “the tone and central conceit of the show completely changed. It almost went from why we should have a female president, to why we shouldn’t.” By the time a third showrunner, Dee Johnson of “Nashville,” was brought in, the series was beyond saving and concluded after a mere six additional episodes.

The show’s cancellation was a blow to everyone involved, particularly to Davis. She transitioned from a Golden Globe contender to seeing her role disappear after only 17 episodes. “I don’t enjoy having my ass cancelled,” she remarked to AARP. “I was so bummed when ABC’s ‘Commander in Chief’ went off the air. As President Allen, I had a very short administration.”