Adult Swim's first official Rick and Morty spinoff, titled President Curtis, premieres July 26. The series stars Keith David as the U.S. President, a character known for his historical allusions and his ability to stand up to Rick Sanchez. Created by Rick and Morty director Wes Archer and writer Tom Kauffman, the show aims to deliver a "deeply nerdy" experience, particularly for history enthusiasts.
President Curtis follows POTUS as he personally handles threats to America, often involving mythical beings and Americana. He is joined by his chief of staff, Banks (Stephanie Beatriz), and bodyguard O’Doyle (Jim Rash). Visually, the show maintains the distinct art style of Rick and Morty, characterized by simple lines, bright colors, and blotchy pupils. It also incorporates elements reminiscent of classic sitcoms, including an instrumental introduction and a shower-singing sequence at the end of each episode.
The 10-episode first season, set late in Curtis's first term, features standalone adventures with some underlying plotlines concerning Banks's robotic origins and O’Doyle's leprechaun heritage. Many episodes lean heavily into American history, with plots involving ghosts of past presidents like Abraham Lincoln and historical documents such as the Louisiana Purchase. A recurring gag involves public demand for Lincoln's head on Mount Rushmore to have a giant top hat.
While the show's historical jokes are a strong point for those familiar with American history, the review notes that some episodes may not resonate as strongly with a broader audience. The series occasionally ventures into science fiction territory that feels more suited to Rick and Morty itself, with a few plots feeling like repurposed ideas from the main show. These episodes, estimated to be three or four out of ten, are considered less sharp.
Furthermore, the supporting characters, Banks and O’Doyle, are not as compelling as President Curtis himself. The review suggests that focusing on their developing backstories, while Curtis is off-screen, can lead to less engaging segments. The hope is that these characters will become more developed over time, but for now, they are seen as filler between stronger moments with the President.
Despite these minor criticisms, President Curtis is highlighted as a strong lead, with Keith David's performance and voice being a significant asset. The character is well-suited for a spinoff, operating independently of Rick and Morty's usual exploits. While the show may not sustain a decade-long run like its predecessor, the first season suggests a promising future for the character. President Curtis premieres on Adult Swim on July 26 and will be available on HBO Max the following day.