1600 Penn Series NBC
In 2012, NBC introduced “1600 Penn” during its upfront presentations, unveiling a sitcom centered on a fictional First Family residing at the White House.
Created by Josh Gad and Jon Lovett, the series featured Bill Pullman as President Dale Gilchrist, Jenna Elfman as First Lady Emily Nash Gilchrist, and Josh Gad as their eccentric eldest son, Skip.
The show aimed to blend political satire with family comedy, highlighting the humorous dynamics within a high-profile household. NBC ordered 13 episodes for the 2012–2013 season, with the premiere airing on December 17, 2012, following the finale of “The Voice” .
With its promising premise and strong cast, “1600 Penn” received mixed reviews upon its debut. Critics praised Pullman’s charismatic portrayal of the president, noting his seamless transition into the comedic role.
Martha MacIsaac’s performance as the overachieving daughter Becca was also well-received.
Josh Gad’s character, Skip, drew criticism for his over-the-top antics, which some viewers found more pitiful than amusing . The show struggled to find its footing, with ratings declining after the initial episodes.
Ultimately, “1600 Penn” was canceled by NBC in May 2013 after just one season, totaling 13 episodes .
While the series had potential, it failed to resonate with a broad audience, leading to its short-lived run. The show’s attempt to merge political themes with family comedy was ambitious but did not achieve the desired impact.