‘Playing POTUS’: A Documentary About Comedy and Politics

A new documentary premiering at the 2026 Tribeca Festival takes a fresh look at a tradition as old as American politics itself: comedians doing impressions of U.S. presidents.

Playing POTUS, directed by Josh Greenbaum, assembles a star-studded cast of comedians, actors, and comedy writers who have impersonated presidents on television and film. Through archival clips and interviews, the film traces how presidential impressions have evolved from early political satire to their current home on Saturday Night Live.

The documentary features some of the most recognizable performers to tackle presidential roles, examining how their portrayals have become part of our national conversation. It raises an interesting question: when does a comedy sketch stop being funny and start shaping how we actually think about our leaders?

The film’s best moments come when it steps back to analyze why audiences love political satire. Rather than just celebrating famous impressions, Playing POTUS digs into the deeper role comedy plays in democracy, suggesting that laughter can be a powerful tool for critiquing those in power.

The documentary also explores Saturday Night Live‘s outsized influence in turning presidential impersonations into a cultural phenomenon, especially during election years. Cast and writers discuss how political sketches became the show’s signature move.

While Playing POTUS occasionally relies on well-worn stories and famous comedy moments, the energetic pacing and extensive archival material keep things moving. It works both as a love letter to comedy and as a reminder that satire matters in a functioning democracy.

For anyone interested in politics, comedy, or what happens when the two collide, Playing POTUS is worth watching.