New Political Show: 1600 Penn

As if we have not had enough politics this year, NBC is preparing its new show 1600 Penn for its January 10, 2013 premiere.  While NBC calls it "Modern Family" meets "The West Wing," that may be a little generous given the few clips I have seen (though the show's executive producer/director is Jason Winer from Modern Family).  What I saw in the trailer was Animal House meets Benson.  And given the high quality political comedy shows already available, including Hulu's Battleground, NBC's Parks and Recreation, and HBO's Veep, I am not sure this is really necessary or all that wise.  Here is NBC's summary of the new show:

The Gilchrists are just the average American family dealing with all the everyday issues, like a grown kid who's forced to move back home, teenagers who are smarter than their teachers and a stepmom (Jenna Elfman) desperately trying to win over the kids. They're loving, fun and a little crazy. In other words, just like everyone else - with one exception: they live in a very special house. The White House!

Whether it's entertaining foreign dignitaries, holding secret cabinet meetings or putting out fires - figuratively and sometimes literally - there's never a dull moment in the Gilchrist White House. For example, the First Son (Josh Gad, star of the Broadway sensation "The Book of Mormon") is one of the administration's biggest liabilities but also the glue that holds this family together. The President (Bill Pullman) knows too well that the only thing harder than being Head of State is being head of the family.

And speaking of political shows, I was not surprised when I read Political Animals would not have a second season.  I was not always sure the creators were aiming for comedy or drama, but neither seemed to work all that well.  It had the right ingredients but the wrong chef.  Maybe next time.