Politicians are a fairly unique type of celebrity. They may not be starring in major motion pictures or releasing platinum albums, but those in public service rely on charisma and good character to do their jobs. As such, politicians are often the subject of discussion, depiction, and even parody in movies and television shows. Indeed, it’s always fun to see TV shows incorporate real-life politicians in some way, whether it’s a joke at their expense — which they are often in on — or their presence simply makes sense within the themes and narratives of the show. Some politicians even choose to take it a step further and acknowledge the actors portraying them on-screen.

The best moments are when the politicians can’t resist getting in on the fun. From Senators to President-Elects, some of these folks vie for the chance to show up on television. It’s usually good publicity, especially when they’re okay with laughing at themselves from time to time. Though a few choose to play the role of another character, the majority opts to appear as themselves alongside the regular cast members. No matter how they do it, we love seeing them guest-star in our favorite shows. Here’s our ranking of some of the best cameos by politicians on TV, ranked.

7 First Lady Michelle Obama — NCIS

     Via: Belisarius Productions

Former First Lady Michelle Obama famously started the Joining Forces organization alongside former Second Lady Jill Biden, and NCIS pitched an episode on the project in 2016. The idea went all the way up to the White House, where the show’s characters met the First Lady in person. Her appearance was brief, but it was an extremely welcome cameo, giving her a chance to showcase the importance of her organization. Joining Forces was created to provide assistance for military families, which is critically important for the members of Gibbs’ team.

6 First Lady Nancy Reagan — Diff’rent Strokes

     NBC

Most kids from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s know the phrase, “Just say no,” having heard it at least 100 times during school seminars and D.A.R.E. presentations. What you might not know is that the phrase was coined by former First Lady Nancy Reagan as part of her anti-drug campaign. Reagan appeared on Diff’rent Strokes to promote the campaign, giving a school-wide presentation on the importance of saying no to illicit substances.

5 Senator Elizabeth Warren — Alpha House

4 Former Vice President Joe and Jill Biden — Parks and Recreation

Usually, TV cameos feature either the President or First Lady, but Parks and Recreation managed to get both in the series finale. Former Vice President and current President Joe Biden had already made an appearance on the show once, and First Lady Jill Biden joined him in 2015. The couple hosted protagonist Leslie Knope at a House party, where Mrs. Biden ironically asked her to hold off on political discussions until dinner (and before charades).

3 Governor Sarah Palin — Saturday Night Live

     Via: Broadway Video

One of Saturday Night Live’s most popular political characters is Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, parodied by prolific SNL alum Tina Fey. The two women are doppelgängers, and Fey puts a side-splitting level of hyperbole on Governor Palin’s personality. Back in 2004, the real Sarah Palin actually appeared in an episode and critiqued the show’s portrayal of her, only to be mistaken for Fey by none other than Alec Baldwin. As a response, Palin switched places with Fey and gave the show’s formal “Live from New York” opening.

2 Vice President Al Gore — 30 Rock

In a rare instance of a politician playing a role instead of appearing as themselves, 30 Rock gave us former Vice President Al Gore as an extremely environmentally conscious janitor in 2009. Gore took the role and ran with it, showering his co-stars with made-up proverbs and performing a Superman-level costume rip-and-reveal as he endeavored to save the whales. This bit was unexpected, absolutely hilarious, and still holds up today.

1 President Barack Obama — Saturday Night Live

Played by both Jay Pharoah and Fred Armisen on show, former President Barack Obama made his Saturday Night Live debut in 2007’s Halloween episode. Viewers saw multiple SNL cast members as famous politicians during a Halloween party at the Clinton household, and most guests were dressed in wild costumes. The last guest donned nothing but a caricature mask of President Obama, ironically worn by the actual president. His reveal was easily one of the most exciting guest appearances in television history.