1600 Penn

In real life, the Obamas are staying in the White House, but on TV, there's a new family entering the president's residence. NBC's new midseason comedy 1600 Penn is coming to Thursday nights, and the producers and stars of the show, including Bill Pullman, Jenna Elfman, and Josh Gad came to the Winter TCA to talk about the new series, their characters, and how it compares to two TV hits: Modern Family and The West Wing.

• Josh Gad, who plays Skip, son of the fictional President Gilchrist, addressed the question of whether 1600 Penn is just "Modern Family goes to the White House." Gad, who has guest starred on Modern Family, acknowledged that that series is one of the funniest he's ever seen, but "we're not comparing ourselves to that. We know we have a ways to go." But he says that there's "some of that DNA inherently in these family dynamics . . . You'll start to see this family become a very fun cohesive unit," and while they have "their foibles," they're "absolutely in love with each other."
• Even though the family dynamic was stressed during the panel, the political foundation is important too. On that note, Gad's fellow executive producer Jason Winer said we won't see real politicians guest starring on 1600 Penn because the show exists in an "alternate political universe." They took a cue from The West Wing, in which, Winer said, "they decided history existed up to a certain point." On 1600 Penn, Winer said, "History exists, and then we don't really mention anything after Carter."
• We'll still see some real-life guest stars though, in the form of media personalities. Savannah Guthrie, Chuck Todd, and Larry King were all mentioned as making cameos.
• Pullman's past presidential experience was brought up, and he talked about how it compared to his current series. "Independence Day was a good experience," he said, but he seems to feel more at home in this genre, saying, "This comedy is a fake world, but in a way, [it's] more real for me."

To find out some other bits from the 1600 Penn panel, just keep reading.

A new funny family is moving into the White House — and NBC's coveted Thursday night lineup — on Jan. 10. Midseason series 1600 Penn stars Bill Pullman as the presidential patriarch to a wacky First Family, including dim bulb Skip (Josh Gad) and new trophy wife Emily (Jenna Elfman). NBC is airing a preview of the pilot tonight, and we're letting you know whether we're voting yea or nay on the comedy.

• What it's about: The president's earnest-but-thick-headed son, Skip, moves home to the White House following an embarrassing incident at college, where he's been on the seven-year plan for graduation. His family, including his secretly pregnant sister (Martha MacIsaac) and eager-to-please new stepmother, are generally happy to have him back, but his penchant for moronic accidents puts everyone on edge, especially the secret service.
• Where it works: This ensemble is perfectly cast. I love Pullman as President Gilchrist (and if you've watched him as the commander in chief in Independence Day as many times as I have, you'll probably love him, too), but Gad is the heart of this show. Outlandish but fragile, he's the ideal lovable buffoon. It's also nice to see Elfman back in her comedic wheelhouse.
• Where it doesn't: Even though I liked most of the characters, the show didn't make me laugh out loud as much as I thought it would.
• When it's on: Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on NBC
• You might like this show if: You wish Veep was more family-oriented.

Watch a preview and see all the pictures for 1600 Penn after the jump.

The networks will trot out their brand-new TV shows at next week's upfronts, but before we get a look at previews and find out the schedules, we're going to acquaint you with the upcoming series. First up are the shows coming to NBC, so check out the comedies and dramas that the network has picked up for the Fall 2012 season.

COMEDIES

• Go On: Matthew Perry stars as a sportscaster who starts attending group therapy sessions after he suffers from a loss and bonds with the members of his group.
• Animal Practice: Weeds star Justin Kirk plays a veterinarian who loves his furry subjects but doesn't like their human owners.
• The New Normal: A gay couple played by Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells use a surrogate to start their family in this comedy from Glee creator Ryan Murphy.
• Guys With Kids: Three dudes (Jesse Bradford, Nick Cregger, and Anthony Anderson) experience the joys of being dads together.
• Save Me: Anne Heche plays a woman who thinks she can channel God after she has an accident.
• 1600 Penn: This White House-set comedy follows a fictional president played by Bill Pullman, his first lady (Jenna Elfman), and his goofy son (Josh Gad).
• Next Caller: This workplace comedy takes place in a radio station and stars Dane Cook as a chauvinistic DJ who butts heads with his female colleague.

DRAMAS:

• Revolution: This drama, produced by J.J. Abrams and written by Supernatural's creator, depicts a world where all technology has suddenly stopped working and its characters (played by Giancarlo Esposito and Billy Burke) struggle to connect with their loved ones.
• Hannibal: This drama explores the relationship of notorious character Dr. Hannibal Lecter as he mentors detective Will Graham, played by Hugh Dancy.
• Chicago Fire: The staff of a Chicago firehouse is the focus of this action-packed drama, which stars Taylor Kinney of The Vampire Diaries and House's Jesse Spencer.
• Do No Harm: A neurosurgeon struggles with his job and personal life because he also has a Jekyll & Hyde-like alter ego.
• Infamous: A female detective (Meagan Good) goes undercover to return to the home of the wealthy family her mother was a maid in and solve a murder.

Photos courtesy of NBC