In response to the Chicago Tribune report, CNN asserted that the Mayor's office had neither editorial control nor editorial approval over either the show's content or its associated promotional material, and one of the Chicago Tribune reporters said the emails show the normal scheduling and schmoozing involved in working with subjects.
[9] The Huffington Post blogger Spencer Green mocked the whole ordeal saying that a sequel was forthcoming entitled Rahm Emanuel: A Towering God Among Men.
[11] Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times says the show is a "commendable" effort with "compelling characters" and described its subject matter and cinematic depiction favorably.
[5] Allison Keene of The Hollywood Reporter said noted both positive and negative elements of the show, but generally approved of its overall presentation.
[4] Los Angeles Times critic Robert Lloyd stated Mayor Emanuel's energy is entertaining and he is quite charming before the right audience, and that high school principal Dozier is compelling and full of life.