Adult Swim's new animated series, President Curtis, debuts July 26 on the network and the following day on HBO Max. The show centers on President Andre Curtis, a character previously seen in Rick and Morty, who is depicted as a politician who fancies himself Batman. He spends his time battling cryptids and paranormal threats with a collection of high-tech gadgets, rather than engaging in typical presidential duties.
Created by veterans of Rick and Morty, Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, President Curtis aims to explore similar zany adventures as its parent series, but through the lens of a more idealistic and action-oriented protagonist. This approach offers a departure from the cynicism often found in Rick and Morty, potentially appealing to viewers seeking less nihilistic storytelling. The series introduces a new supporting cast, including Special Agent O’Doyle (voiced by Jim Rash) and cybernetic Chief of Staff Banks (Stephanie Beatriz).
Keith David reprises his role as President Curtis, lending his distinctive voice to the character. The series also features O’Doyle, portrayed by Jim Rash as a gung-ho but stoic bodyguard, and Banks, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz with a bubbly persona distinct from her role as Rosa Diaz in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Many episodes conclude with Curtis singing about the events of the day in the shower, a playful stinger highlighting David's vocal performance.
While President Curtis establishes an entertaining formula in its first season, it frequently operates in the shadow of Rick and Morty. Critics note a certain sameness across the episodes, making a binge-watching approach less advisable. Unlike Rick and Morty, which offers significant variety in tone and subject matter, President Curtis feels more limited in scope. The series makes some attempts at ongoing narrative, particularly with Curtis's political struggles, but these elements are not consistently emphasized.
The character development of President Curtis himself is also a point of contention. By the season's end, he remains largely unchanged from his initial appearances in Rick and Morty, lacking the moments of emotional insight that sometimes feature in the Smith family's storyline. While the supporting characters receive slightly more development, the overall depth of the series is considered minimal.
President Curtis offers a decent level of entertainment for fans eager for more content within the Rick and Morty universe, especially as the parent series approaches its later seasons. However, the spinoff struggles to forge its own distinct identity or fully capitalize on its premise, leaving room for growth in potential future seasons.