‘Rick and Morty’ Spinoff ‘President Curtis’ Plays It Safe, but Keeps the Sci-Fi Franchise Cruising: TV Review
Adult Swim has launched "President Curtis," the first official spinoff of long-running hit "Rick and Morty," transferring the show's blend of high-concept science fiction and juvenile-but-sharp comedy to a new setting inside the White House. Co-created by "Rick and Morty" veterans Dan Harmon and James Siciliano, the animated series builds on Keith David's recurring Curtis character from the flagship show, offering visual continuity while carving out its own identity through a supernatural, rather than purely extraterrestrial, focus.
The series follows President Curtis as he tackles bizarre threats—vampires, werewolves, Mothman and a "paranormal Guantanamo" among them—aided by cyborg chief of staff Banks (Stephanie Beatriz) and half-leprechaun Secret Service agent O'Doyle (Jim Rash). Reviewer Alison Herman notes the show arrives as "Rick and Morty" enters its 13th year and ninth season, and while "President Curtis" plays it relatively safe in following the parent show's formula, its irreverent humour and confident tone suggest the sci-fi franchise still has room to expand.
In short
- Adult Swim debuts "President Curtis," its first "Rick and Morty" spinoff
- Keith David voices a president battling supernatural threats, not aliens
- Review calls it safe but an enjoyable extension of the franchise
Explained simply
"Rick and Morty" is a long-running animated comedy series on Adult Swim that has been successful with audiences for over a decade. It blends high-concept science fiction storytelling with irreverent, absurdist humour.
"President Curtis" is the first official spinoff of "Rick and Morty," created by series veterans Dan Harmon and James Siciliano. The new animated series builds on a recurring character from the original show and relocates the action to the White House, where President Curtis battles supernatural creatures including vampires, werewolves and Mothman, assisted by a cyborg chief of staff and a Secret Service agent who is half leprechaun.
Instead of focusing purely on science fiction adventures like the original, "President Curtis" emphasises paranormal and supernatural storylines. The spinoff suggests the "Rick and Morty" franchise still has creative room to expand beyond its flagship series, whilst maintaining the irreverent humour that has defined the brand.
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