In a time when television shows sometimes have a difficulty making it past their first half dozen episodes, it’s a hell of a vote of confidence when a series launches with a 104 episode order.
So is the case with The First Family from producer Byron Allen. “There’s a huge shortfall of quality family sitcoms, and we are 110
percent committed to filling that enormous void. Our number one priority is to deliver the highest quality
content in the sitcom genre, and this initial 104-episode order is a big
step in the right direction.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series about an African American President and his family, cast has several familiar faces, “features a veteran African American cast many of whom are well known from sitcoms of the past.”
Among the regulars are Christopher P. Duncan (The Jamie Foxx Show) as President William Johnson; Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show) as First Lady Katherine Johnson; Gladys Knight (Dancing With The Stars) as his mother; Johnny Witherspoon (Friday, Boomerang) as his father; Marla Gibbs (227, The Jeffersons) as the First Lady’s mother; Paul Rodriguez (D.C. Cab, a.k.a. Pablo) as Dictator Rafael, and Jackee Harry (227, Sisters) as the First Lady’s sister.
Allen, who is also known for his work as a comedian and television host
plans for the series to launch into national syndication in fall 2012.
