Ranking
Hottest TV Presidents, Ranked
When it comes to politics, the most attractive qualities are as follows: a strong speaking voice, a well-fitted suit, and a disarming smile that makes you forget everything else about what a president should be doing.
This Presidents’ Day, join Swooon in getting lost in the world of TV politics where U.S. presidents are aliens, dealing with gods, or belligerently yelling at their assistant.
Some of the presidents on our list led the country with an iron fist; others led with a just touch; most of them are just plain hot. And isn’t that what celebrating fictional presidents is all about? Keep reading to see our picks for the hottest fictional presidents on TV.
8. President Jed Bartlet, The West Wing
Known for his bible quotes and impressive off-the-cuff monologues, President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) will always be famous. He is often the voice of reason and knows how to settle all of the fights between his cabinet members. While he may not be the most conventionally attractive president on our list, something about the power of him quieting an entire group of people just by walking into…Jed Bartlet, you have our attention.
7. President John Young, Messiah
Only in two episodes of the series Messiah, President John Young (Dermot Mulroney) makes quite the impression. After arranging a secret meeting with the man a group of followers call the Messiah. He plays a presidential skeptic, doubtful of the thousand years of peace promised by al-Masih. He’s stoic and stone cold, until al-Masih causes him to doubt his faith. President Young has a near-consistent furrowed brow, but there’s one scene of him in his pajamas, and if ogling over a faith-shaken president in a TV series about the return of Jesus is a sin, then you can call me a sinner.
6. President Cal Bradford, Paradise
President Bradford (James Marsden) could do no wrong…though he may have committed many wrongs over the course of thriller series Paradise. One of the more morally dubious presidents on our list, Marsden doesn’t carry the same charismatic charm of our well-intentioned politicians on our list. Even though he was not a perfect president by any means, when it comes to Marsden, do the morals of politics really matter?
5. President Olivia Marsdin, Supergirl
Sworn into the presidency after the death of her predecessor, President Olivia Marsdin (Lynda Carter) is a progressive, positive, and humble leader. Despite not being a human herself, she still maintains fair leadership over humans, believing in a future that aliens and humans can coexist. And what can possibly be hotter than a selfless and non-corrupt president?
4. President Constance Payton, State of Affairs
Raised as a military brat, President Payton (Alfre Woodard) believed in the order of the military. While she has tough decisions to balance on what’s best for the state of the homeland, this president was always sure to look her best. True to real life, President Payton’s attention to detail and her physical appearance felt just as important as the weight of her brain, as is the unfair standard for female presidents. While we don’t always agree with her hard-pressed emphasis on the military, at the end of the day, what’s hotter than a powerful woman in pantsuits?
3. President Fitzgerald Grant, Scandal
President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) was the definition of a messy POTUS, but there’s no denying his downright irresistible charisma. Seriously, he has a group of people willingly rig the presidential election for him. That’s the power of Fitz Grant. But the hottest thing about Fitz is how hopelessly in love he is with Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington). That man’s love for Olivia created the term “down bad.” His Rose Garden monologue ranks at the top of Shonda Rhimes’ epic love speeches. On top of all that, he has the sexiest presidential strut. Don’t believe us? Just watch him walk down a hallway. — Avery Thompson
2. President David Palmer, 24
President Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) may have had one of the most difficult political roads to walk as a fictional president on television. From dealing with his son’s implication in a murder trial to a nuclear bomb threat, this president managed to pull of a successful administration nonetheless. Good at his job and a sexy voice? Say less, David Palmer. Well, actually, say more.
1. President Selina Meyer, Veep
While she may be the least pragmatic on this list, Selina Meyer is certainly the most fabulous. When someone knows what they want, it’s one of the most attractive qualities a person can have. It’s the self-assuredness, the confidence, and the most creative, brutal comebacks that skyrocketed Madam President all the way to the top of this list. Yell at me, threaten me, step on me, you name it. Your word is my command, President Meyer.
