Synopsis: What if you could watch the next great American president grow up? That compelling question propels a powerful drama from master storytellers Greg Berlanti, Mickey Liddell and Emmy Award winner Thomas Schlamme.
Jack and Bobby McCallister are two bright young brothers growing up in Hart, Missouri, under the watchful eye of their eccentric single mother Grace, a college professor whose strong personality helps shape both of these young men's lives and secure one a place in the history books - as President of the United States. Grace and Jack's temperamental mother/son relationship takes a dangerous toll on Bobby as he gets caught in their rival forces, prompting a major change in the McCallister household. The arrival of a new college president, Peter Benedict, and his daughter, Courtney, makes an impression on the McCallister boys. In the year 2049, a documentary about the life of President McCallister examines the photograph that would come to define his presidency. (Courtesy The WB, 2024)
The Cast:
Production Credits:
The Episodes:
Season One Episode Guide (The WB)
1-01 Pilot--09/17/2004
In flash-forwards to the year 2049, White House staffers and the First Lady are interviewed, giving a midcentury perspective on the man who beat the odds and became one of the greatest leaders of his time.
1-02 Better Days--0/18/2004
Jack angrily explodes after catching his mother, Grace, smoking pot again and gives her an ultimatum. However, after a particularly trying day, Grace seeks refuge in her old habit and is unprepared for the price she must pay.
2-03 The Kindness Of Strangers--09/25/2004
Bobby joins the "challenge program" at school and learns a powerful lesson. Meanwhile, Grace is startled by news that Bobby's teacher gives her regarding Jack.
1-04 A Man Of Faith--10/02/2004
Grace is accused by Hebba (Lina Patel), a female Arab-American student, of letting her individual beliefs about religion influence her lectures.
1-05 The First Lady--10/09/2004
The future reveals a dark secret about the First Lady. In the present, Jack offers to escort a depressed Courtney to her father's work fund-raiser--leading to an unexpected confession and kiss.
1-06 An Innocent Man--10/16/2004
Grace is stunned after Peter informs her that her colleague and good friend has been accused of sexually harassing a student. Grace immediately defends her co-worker but must rethink her loyalty when new evidence arises.
1-07 Valentino--10/26/2004
Bobby's relationship with Dex (recurring guest star Jeanette Brox) continues to grow until Grace walks in on them kissing. After failing to convince Bobby to end his relationship with Dex, Grace and Jack take matters into their own hands.
1-08 Election Night--11/02/2004
Heartbroken after his relationship with Dex (recurring guest star Jeanette Brox) ends, Bobby decides to retaliate against Jack when he learns his brother is responsible for their breakup.
1-09 Chess Lessons--11/09/2004
Grace promises to be on her best behavior when she and Jack go to Missy's (recurring guest star Keri Lynn Pratt) house for dinner but loses her temper after Missy's father, Reverend Belknap (recurring guest star Ed Begley Jr.), attacks her ideals.
1-10 Lost Boys--11/16/2004
After the suicide of a friend, Jack is haunted by the thought that he should have done more to help. Meanwhile, Grace's warm, intelligent, gay younger brother, Jimmy (recurring guest star Tom Cavenaugh), makes a surprise visit for Thanksgiving.
1-11 Today I Am A Man
Jack is mortified after Grace catches him buying condoms in preparation for his big night with Missy (recurring guest star Keri Lynn Pratt).
1-12 Running Scared--01/25/2005
Jack tries to resume a sense of normalcy after a brutal attack but finds that the injury may keep him from returning to his old life. Grace is blackmailed by a student who caught her leaving Tom's (recurring guest star Bradley Cooper) room.
1-13 A New Frontier--02/01/2005
Bobby becomes suspicious of Grace's relationship with Tom (recurring guest star Bradley Cooper) after Tom coincidentally shows up during a camping trip.
1-14 Into The Woods--02/08/2005
Jack catches Grace and Tom (recurring guest star Bradley Cooper) in a compromising situation and tells Grace he disapproves of her romance.
1-15 Time Out Of Life--02/15/2005
Grace and Tom's (recurring guest star Bradley Cooper) relationship is exposed when a fellow professor catches them kissing in Grace's office.
1-16 And Justice For All--02/22/2005
Peter is forced to take action after learning about the relationship between Grace and Tom (recurring guest star Bradley Cooper). Meanwhile, Bobby and Warren decide to make some cash by doing yard work in their neighborhood.
1-17 Querida Grace--03/01/2005
Jack and Katie's (recurring guest star Kate Mara) relationship progresses, while Courtney's comes to a screeching halt after Jack discovers Nate (recurring guest star Mike Erwin) is cheating on her with another girl.
1-18 Friends With Benefits--04/12/2005
Jack finds out that Bobby has secretly decided to try out for the track team, and Jack instantly shows his disapproval. Later, Jack realizes that his relationship with Katie (recurring guest star Kate Mara) isn't what he thought it was.
1-19 Child Of God--04/19/2005
Missy (recurring guest star Keri Lynn Pratt) reveals a secret to Jack that could change their lives forever.
1-20 Under The Influence--04/26/2005
Jack, Courtney, Marcus, Missy (recurring guest star Keri Lynn Pratt) and Randy (recurring guest star Cam Gigandet) leave a boring school dance and drive to an after-hours party, but a deadly car accident prevents them from making it to their destination.
1-21 Stand By Me--05/03/2005
To protect Marcus, Jack tells the police that he was driving the car the night Missy died. The guilt becomes too much for Marcus, and he confesses to his dad, who immediately calls Grace.
1-22 Legacy--05/10/2005
In the season finale, Jack and Bobby discover that Grace plans to visit their father, Juan (Lou Diamond Phillips), in a Texas prison.