President Curtis is a cartoon for adults that shares the same universe as the hit show Rick and Morty, and it has a similar style. Rick and Morty first aired in 2013 and quickly gained a large, loyal following who enjoy its bold, unconventional humor and unique approach to storytelling.
Keith David first appeared as President Curtis in the show’s second season and has returned to the role several times over the past eleven years. Now, surprisingly, the first official spin-off series centers around this character who initially had a small part.
The first season of President Curtis begins right after the finale of Rick and Morty season 9. The show follows President Andre Curtis, his chief of staff Banks (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz), and his head of security, Special Agent O’Doyle (voiced by Jim Rash).
President Curtis Is Rick and Morty But Competent
Rick and Morty really stood out on TV by doing things differently and bringing fresh ideas, especially as a cartoon. But when the same approach is used with a new set of characters, it doesn’t feel quite as inventive.
It’s strange that this feels so much like a continuation of Rick and Morty, given it’s made by the same creative people and builds on their original ideas. This similarity overshadows some of the new series’ potential, though it does have its own unique aspects. Instead of focusing on a chaotic family like the Smiths, this show centers around the President and his two staff members, who are a bit more put-together.
As a film and TV lover, what really struck me about this show is how much stronger the characters are compared to the original. They’re genuinely skilled, and some even have surprising talents! However, it sometimes feels too polished, like a more competent but less charming version of what we already knew. Luckily, the show finds other ways to grab you, making President Curtis a really enjoyable watch overall.
President Curtis Leans Into The Chaos
Right from the start, the main characters – Curtis, Banks, and O’Doyle – each show what makes them valuable. Curtis is a wild card who isn’t afraid to work directly with people, even though he’s powerful. Banks is part robot, giving him amazing tech skills and an ability to keep things organized. And then there’s O’Doyle, a strong and capable character with a touch of leprechaun heritage that gives him unique strengths.
David, Beatriz, and Rash are all fantastic comedic actors, and their voice work really brings the characters to life with a fun and lively energy. Each actor gives a strong, fully-realized performance. Jim Rash is especially impressive – he completely transforms himself into a character that’s unlike anything he’s done before.
The series feels a bit all over the place and unconventional, but that actually works in its favor, fitting right into the quirky world of Rick and Morty. It’s toned down in terms of shock value and feels more focused and self-assured. While it’s a big departure from the original, it successfully sets a new standard, which is impressive considering how beloved the first series was.
President Curtis Still Needs To Find The Thing That Sets It Apart
Rick and Morty has become incredibly popular, with a very passionate fanbase. The excitement around things like the limited-edition McDonald’s Szechuan sauce shows just how devoted viewers are. Because of this strong connection to the original series, any spin-off faces a tough challenge in establishing its own identity – and that will likely remain true as Rick and Morty continues to air.
These characters have potential to become as lovable and interesting as Rick, Morty, and the Smiths. The first season of President Curtis starts exploring their backgrounds, which is a good step, but the show still needs to fully develop its own distinct style and stand on its own merits, separate from Rick and Morty.
If President Curtis can establish its own unique identity – moving beyond simply presenting adventures Rick Sanchez wouldn’t care to handle – it has the potential to succeed and last. However, if it remains too similar to Rick and Morty but with less recognizable or engaging characters, the show may struggle to find an audience.
While President Curtis doesn’t reach the level of Rick and Morty, it shouldn’t even try to be the same. This show could really shine by being more original and tackling challenging topics, which would actually fit Dan Harmon’s comedic style. If the creators can explore that potential, it could be fantastic. However, after the first season, I need to see more development before I’m fully convinced.
President Curtis begins airing on Adult Swim from July 26, with streaming available the next day.
2026-07-20 19:19