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President Curtis review: Rick and Morty’s first spinoff is a deeply nerdy gift for America’s 250th
Adult Swim is launching President Curtis, the first official spinoff from Rick and Morty, centred on the show's recurring commander-in-chief character voiced by Keith David. Created by Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, the series premieres on 26 July and leans heavily into American history jokes and mythic Americana threats, giving Curtis a Batman-like role as a president who personally battles supernatural dangers such as a rampaging Paul Bunyan. Its arrival is notable both as Rick and Morty's franchise debut into spinoff territory and as a deliberately timed, history-obsessed comedy ahead of America's 250th anniversary.
The ten-episode first season retains Rick and Morty's visual style and rapid-fire pacing while adding sitcom-style flourishes, including a calm instrumental theme and a closing shower-singing bit reminiscent of Frasier. Curtis is joined by chief of staff Banks (Stephanie Beatriz) and bodyguard O'Doyle (Jim Rash), with standalone episodes covering plots like Lincoln's ghost and a hidden clause in the Louisiana Purchase, alongside background arcs about Banks's part-robotic origins and O'Doyle's half-Leprechaun heritage. The reviewer, a self-described history enthusiast, praises the show's deep-cut presidential humour but questions whether its niche appeal will resonate with viewers less versed in American history.
In short
- Rick and Morty's first spinoff, President Curtis, premieres 26 July on Adult Swim
- Created by Dan Harmon and James Siciliano; ten-episode season one
- Blends American history jokes with mythic threats; strong but niche appeal
Explained simply
Rick and Morty is an animated comedy series with a large following. President Curtis is the first official spinoff from the show, focusing on a character called President Curtis who appears repeatedly in the original series.
President Curtis follows the American president as he fights supernatural and mythological threats directly. Using American history and folklore as inspiration, the series reimagines the president's role to include personally battling dangers such as ghostly figures and legendary creatures.
The arrival of President Curtis is significant because it is the franchise's first spinoff, expanding the Rick and Morty universe beyond the original show. The series has also been scheduled specifically for America's 250th anniversary period, making it a history-focused comedy designed for audiences interested in American mythology and historical references.