It’s not as entertaining as Jimmy Jellinek’s recasting of MTV’s vapid faux-reality show The Hills with geriatrics, but Newsweek’s The District handles the question “what if the makers of MTV’s hit The City made a reality show about Obama’s first 100 days?” with aplomb.
Starring Barack Obama, the president’s cabinet and inner circle, and high-ranking members of the Republican opposition, The District cuts up footage from press conferences and national news events to create a fast-paced, oversimplified story (replete with absurdly dramatic stares and looks of emphatic anticipation) of one man’s new life in Washington.
Creators Sarah Frank and Jon Groat ensure the spoof’s accuracy by matching The City‘s opening credits and poppy, Pussycat Dolls beats. They also try to keep the subject matter timely by focusing on current government happenings, while Dancing Obama Impersonator Iman Crosson provides the often times uncanny Whitney Port-style voice over that moves the story along.
It’s a solid premise executed wonderfully, but I’d say The District has a short shelf-life. It’s clever, but not funny ha-ha enough to keep me tuned in. I can’t envision a large audience watching a weekly, kinda comedy series that rehashes news events that isn’t hosted by Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbet.
Still, excellent job, Newsweek. You’re finally starting to figure out the internet.
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