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Ranking The WB’s 25 best legacy-making shows

By Reed Gaudens

GILMORE GIRLS - Credit: Robert Voets/Netflix
GILMORE GIRLS - Credit: Robert Voets/Netflix /
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JULY 14: “Jack and Bobby” exec. prod. Greg Berlanti (L), actors Christine Lahti and Matt Long pose at The WB Network’s 2004 All Star Summer Party at the Pacific Design Center on July 14, 2004 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JULY 14: “Jack and Bobby” exec. prod. Greg Berlanti (L), actors Christine Lahti and Matt Long pose at The WB Network’s 2004 All Star Summer Party at the Pacific Design Center on July 14, 2004 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /

22. Jack & Bobby

Seasons: 1

Created By: Greg Berlanti, Vanessa Taylor, Steven A. Cohen, and Brad Meltzer

Starring: Christine Lahti, Matt Long, Logan Lerman, Jessica Paré, Edwin Hodge, John Slattery, Bradley Cooper, Keri Lynn Pratt

In The WB’s relatively short history, the network produced as many one-and-done shows as it did smash hits. The Mountain, Bedford Diaries, Related… These series haven’t been thought of again since they came and went in the early 2000s. Add to that elite company Jack & Bobby, an underrated entry from Greg Berlanti, television producer extraordinaire, that could and should have lasted for much longer than 22 episodes. In fact, in today’s divisive political climate, it’s not a bad idea to revisit the series for a modern-day reboot.

Jack & Bobby centers on teenage brothers Jack (Matt Long) and Bobby McCallister (Logan Lerman), one of which will grow up to become the President of the United States from 2041 to 2049. Their age difference and differing personalities make for an interesting relationship between the brothers, as does their respective relationships with their eccentric, strong-willed college professor mother, Grace (Christine Lahti). The series tracks the coming-of-age stories of both brothers and their shared crush on new girl in town Courtney Benedict (Jessica Paré), the future First Lady.

Although Jack & Bobby played pretty close to the vest with your typical, topical teen drama content, the series was still a risk for The WB. The episodes featured glimpses into the future via interviews from a 2049 documentary about President McCallister. For a teen drama that aired during an election year to tackle politics in any light was rather daring.

Beyond its unique storytelling, Jack & Bobby also boasted a young Logan Lerman, the internet’s eternal boyfriend, and a rare television appearance from future movie star Bradley Cooper. Now that’s a legacy.

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