1600 Penn
A promotional image for 1600 Penn
GenreSitcom
Created by
Starring
Composers
  • Erica Weis
  • Brandon Williams
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseDecember 17, 2012 (2012-12-17) –
March 28, 2013 (2013-03-28)

1600 Penn is an American television sitcom about a dysfunctional family living in the White House. The series stars Jenna Elfman, Bill Pullman, and Josh Gad. Gad, along with Jason Winer and Jon Lovett jointly created the central characters (the Gilchrist family). NBC placed a series order in May 2012.[1] The series aired as a mid-season replacement from December 17, 2012, to March 28, 2013.[2] Critics largely panned the series.[3][4] On May 9, 2013, NBC canceled the series after one season.[5][6]

Characters

Recurring character D.B. (Robbie Amell) was the presumed father to Becca's baby.

Production

Casting

Brittany Snow had originally been cast as the eldest daughter Becca, but was replaced by MacIsaac.[9] This is the second time Bill Pullman has played an American president, the first having been in the film Independence Day.[8]

Reception

1600 Penn received mixed reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gives the series a rating of 43%, based on 35 reviews, with the site's critical consensus reading, "Broad but likeable, 1600 Penn unfortunately doles out its jokes unevenly and lacks the cutting wit necessary to meet its satirical aims."[10] On Metacritic the series has a score of 55 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[4]

David Hinkley of the New York Daily News gave the series 1 out of 5 stars and said "[it] was clearly designed to be good silly fun. It nails one out of three. It's silly." He called the First Family "annoying... sitcom stereotypes" and said that it "mines none of the more subtle and satisfying possibilities of poking fun at a staid institution. It's more like a drug-fueled Saturday Night Live sketch that won't end. Fortunately, 1600 Penn probably will."[3] Tim Surette of TV.com said that the show is "what happens when network executives think a screeching buffoon equals laughs" and that the jokes elicit responses of "mostly tumbleweeds and cricket chirps".[11] Paste's Ross Bonaime also criticized the characters and said, "please, oh please, make the show actually funny... maybe it should just be put out of its misery."[12] Vicki Hyman of The Star-Ledger graded the show a "D" and said, "you'd be forgiven for thinking [it] was a relic of the 1980s or 1990s", adding that the show was looking for "viewers who have lax requirements about actual humor in their comedies."[13] Paul Meekin of Star Pulse noted that the show was unable to escape the footprint of The West Wing and wondered if it was "a years-late West Wing parody, a humorous and fresh take on presidential politics, or somewhere in between?" answering, "it's neither. It's actually quite godawful."[14]

One less critical review came from Hank Stuever of The Washington Post, who called it "formulaic" but said, "give a few points to 1600 Penn for trying." He also noted that "there's no danger of a partisan storyline or any resemblance to the current administration."[15] Maureen Ryan of The Huffington Post called Josh Gad "by far the best thing about this show" and hoped that if the show were cancelled, he find a better vehicle for his talents.[16]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code		US viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot: Putting Out Fires"Jason WinerStory by : Josh Gad & Jon Lovett & Jason Winer
Teleplay by : Jon Lovett		December 17, 2012 (2012-12-17)1AVZ79[17]6.88[18]
After a fire, Skip Gilchrist (Josh Gad) returns from college to live with his parents and the rest of his family (Jenna Elfman, Andre Holland, Amara Miller, Benjamin Stockham, and Bill Pullman) in the White House. Rebecca "Becca" Gilchrist (Martha MacIsaac), the President's oldest child, frantically checking the results of an at-home pregnancy test, discovers that it is positive, and that she is now pregnant. Around the same time, Skip's and Becca's father, the President, is working on a trade agreement.
2"The Skiplantic Ocean"Jason WinerMike RoyceJanuary 10, 2013 (2013-01-10)1AVZ01[17]3.86[19]
Word gets out that Becca is pregnant after a conversation between Emily and Becca goes viral. Skip convinces Becca to just relax and not be so stressed, but when Skip accidentally leaks the details of the one night stand, it causes Becca to become even more stressed. Dale realizes he cannot punish Becca for the accident and begins to support her in every way possible.
3"So You Don't Want to Dance"Jason WinerJoe Port & Joe WisemanJanuary 17, 2013 (2013-01-17)1AVZ02[17]3.04[20]
Hoping to gain votes for new educational reforms, President Gilchrist hosts a ball for an ill-tempered senator and his wife. Elsewhere, Skip wants to invite an attractive mail-room clerk to the gala; and Becca reveals a hidden past.[21]
4"Meet the Parent"Jason WinerPeter A. KnightJanuary 24, 2013 (2013-01-24)1AVZ04[17]3.28[22]
President Gilchrist uses his influence to locate an important person. Meanwhile, Emily finds herself in hot water after she throws protocol to the wind during a visit from the Austrian chancellor and his wife; and Skip finds his true calling.[21]
5"Frosting Nixon"Jennifer GetzingerSanjay ShahFebruary 7, 2013 (2013-02-07)1AVZ03[23]2.60[24]
Skip attempts to placate a group of protesters who are upset about his dad's transportation policies, but his efforts only make things worse. Elsewhere, Emily helps Xander with his campaign for student-body president; and Becca struggles to come to grips with her future.[21]
6"Skip the Tour"Jason WinerLaura Gutin PetersonFebruary 21, 2013 (2013-02-21)1AVZ06[17]2.34[25]
Skip thinks the White House tour is too boring and is not showing the White House as the wonderful place he thinks it is, so he hijacks a tour group and starts his own.
7"To the Ranch"Ken WhittinghamBridget BedardFebruary 28, 2013 (2013-02-28)1AVZ052.20[26]
Unable to decide on whom to appoint to the empty seat on the Supreme Court, President Gilchrist decides to take an untimely family trip to his ranch to clear his head and avoid choosing. Skip is heart broken when he finds out his crush Stacy has a boyfriend. Emily thinks Xander and Marigold are too engrossed in technology, so she kidnaps their phones and has them go on a cross country hike to retrieve them, so they may learn to appreciate the beauty of nature. Yet her plan ends up backfiring against her. Becca is having trouble listening to D.B.'s less than intellectually stimulating conversations.
8"Live from the Lincoln Bedroom"Jason WinerRyan RaddatzMarch 7, 2013 (2013-03-07)1AVZ082.10[27]
Skip starts his own Podcast, which is potentially a ticking publicity time bomb that Marshall must put a stop to. Becca and Emily once again go head-to-head over mothering responsibilities when Marigold decides to take photography instead of honors algebra.
9"Game Theory"Jason WinerDan Hernandez & Benji SamitMarch 14, 2013 (2013-03-14)1AVZ072.23[28]
Skip finally asks out Stacy, and Emily offers her help to try and stop Skip from inevitably and horribly embarrassing himself.
10"The Short Happy Life of Reba Cadbury"David GrossmanJoe Port & Joe WisemanMarch 21, 2013 (2013-03-21)1AVZ112.49[29]
Emily does what she can to help Skip graduate college. Becca comes up with a way to be noticed at a committee meeting. Marshall tries anything for a few moments of solitude.
11"Dinner, Bath, Puzzle"Gail MancusoJon Lovett & Sanjay ShahMarch 21, 2013 (2013-03-21)1AVZ092.32[29]
The Gilchrists meet with the French president and first lady, then wish to create a spark in their own marriage by going on a date. Skip is left to tend to the children. D.B. and Marshall bond.
12"Bursting the Bubble"Jason WinerPeter A. Knight & Laura Gutin-PetersonMarch 28, 2013 (2013-03-28)1AVZ101.92[30]
After being requested, Skip is roped into escorting the Princess of Andorra to a gala but gets himself into too much trouble.
13"Marry Me, Baby"Jason WinerJon Lovett & Mike RoyceMarch 28, 2013 (2013-03-28)1AVZ121.91[30]
The President makes controversial remarks about marriage causing the public to question if the First Couple are really married. They plan to remarry in a big ceremony where unexpected events occur. Becca goes into labor and gives birth to her and Marshall's baby.

Home media

On April 7, 2015, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released 1600 Penn - The Complete Series on DVD in Region 1.

References

  1. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (May 7, 2012). "2ND UPDATE: '1600 Penn', 'Animal Practice', 'New Normal', 'Revolution' & 'Save Me' Picked Up To Series At NBC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
  2. ↑ Slezak, Michael (November 9, 2012). "The Voice Sets Season 3 Finale Date, Paired With 1600 Penn Sneak Peek in December". TV Line. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  3. 1 2 Hinkley, David (January 10, 2013). "TV review: '1600 Penn'". NYDailyNews.com. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  4. 1 2 "1600 Penn Season 1 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  5. ↑ Littleton, Cynthia (May 9, 2013). "NBC Renews 'Parks and Recreation', Cancels '1600 Penn', 'Whitney'". Variety. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  6. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 9, 2013). "'1600 Penn' Canceled by NBC After One Season". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 6, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  7. ↑ Zurawik, David (January 8, 2013). "Baltimore native Jason Winer talks about '1600 Penn' on eve of White House visit". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  8. 1 2 Prudom, Laura (January 10, 2013). "'1600 Penn': Bill Pullman On Returning To Comedy, Politics And Tips For Being Presidential". Huffington Post. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  9. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 4, 2012). "NBC Pilot '1600 Penn' Recasts A Role". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  10. ↑ "1600 Penn". Rotten Tomatoes.
  11. ↑ Surette, Tim (January 10, 2013). "1600 Penn Review: A Big Fail to the Chief". TV.com. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  12. ↑ Bonaime, Ross (January 11, 2013). "1600 Penn Review: 'The Skiplantic Ocean' (Episode 1.02)". Paste. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  13. ↑ Hyman, Vicki (January 10, 2013). "'1600 Penn' review: Grounds for impeachment". NJ.com. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  14. ↑ Meekin, Paul (January 11, 2013). "'1600 Penn' Can't Escape 'West Wing's' Foot Print". StarPulse.com. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  15. ↑ Stuever, Hank (January 9, 2013). "In '1600 Penn,' a flailing first family". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  16. ↑ Ryan, Maureen (January 11, 2013). "'Banshee' Review And '1600 Penn' Review: Presidential Shenanigans And Sexy Action". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 "View, Screen, Download". FoxFast.com. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  18. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (December 18, 2012). "Monday Final Ratings: 'The Voice' Adjusted Up; '1600 Penn' Adjusted Down + No Adjustments for 'Gossip Girl' Finale". Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  19. ↑ Daily Preliminary Broadcast Cable Finals Broadcast Finals (January 11, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', '30 Rock' & 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; No Adjustment for 'Scandal' – Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Archived from the original on January 14, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Rock Center' Adjusted Down, No Adjustment for 'American Idol'". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. January 18, 2013. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  21. 1 2 3 "1600 Penn Episodes - 1600 Penn Full Episode Guides from Season 1 on NBC". TVGuide.com. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  22. ↑ Bibel, Sara (January 25, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Glee' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  23. ↑ "1600 PENN – 01 – Frosting / Nixon". FoxFast.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  24. ↑ Bibel, Sara (February 8, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Community' & 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Person of Interest' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  25. ↑ Bibel, Sara (February 22, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Parks and Recreation', 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Up; 'Beauty and the Beast' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  26. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 1, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Community' Adjusted Up; No Adjustment for 'American Idol' or 'Zero Hour'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 4, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  27. ↑ Bibel, Sara (March 8, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Glee' Adjusted Down". Archived from the original on March 12, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
  28. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 15, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol' & 'Community' Adjusted Up; 'Elementary' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 18, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2013.
  29. 1 2 Bibel, Sara (March 22, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings:'The Vampire Diaries', 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy' & '1600 Penn' Adjusted Up; 'Beauty and the Beast' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 25, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  30. 1 2 Kondolojy, Amanda (March 29, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', & 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Raising Hope' Adjusted Down". Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2013.
General references
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