Presidential Trip Through Time

Thomas Schlamme, one of the show's executive producers and Lahti's real-life husband, described "Jack & Bobby" to a summer gathering of television critics.

"To me, this show is really about watching this child become the visionary that he becomes through all of the things that either help him or hinder him," he said.

"The audience is way ahead of the characters, which is a fun thing," Schlamme added.

Taylor said that while the show will probably not "rip from the headlines," it may look at timely issues, such as gay marriage.

"We'll explore topics in the lives of teenagers," she said. "In a basic sense, we wanted it to be contemporary. Somewhere out there right now, there is a boy growing up who will become president."

Other characters from the McCallisters' early and later lives will appear in future episodes to reflect on events that shaped the way the brothers grew up, as well as a president's path to the White House. But President McCallister himself is unlikely to be seen.

"We may hear his voice, but at this point we do not have any intention to show him," Taylor said. "We'd rather hear from the people around him, leave a little more mystery."

By the pilot's end, some of the show's mysteries have been solved. The interviews reveal the fate of the brother who does not become president -- and name the one who does.

"The documentary is a complicated part of the series," Taylor said. "We tell compelling stories in the present and we are asking people to stop and think about the future. We try to do it delicately and sparingly, but it informs everything in the present, so if you are able to hang on and get used to it, you will be entertained."

Lahti said knowing the outcome of the McCallisters' lives gives the show more depth.

"I love the idea that this most thoughtful, brilliant president -- who restored hope to our country and the world -- has a challenging and dysfunctional upbringing. That in itself gives us hope."

Jack & Bobby

Sundays at 9 p.m. on the WB