Accidentally on Purpose

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2009
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 93
  3. Negative: 30 out of 93
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. BradR
    Jan 21, 2010
    3
    Redefining down America's intelligence. Nobody but a complete moron would believe the laugh track on this show is anything but a machine. And no one but a 5 year old would be surprised at any of the plot "twists". A shame that some fairly decent acting talent is wasted on this. What did the actors ever do to the writing staff that they deserve to be stuck with this drivel?
  2. kaitlinw
    Feb 1, 2010
    9
    "Accidentally on Purpose" is a breath of fresh air in the modern comedy. Its not super clever, and it doesn't try to be. What it does is recognize a new trend in the modern family dynamic, that of a fantastic older women and a sexy younger man. Instead of being "sultry" or "naughty" as portrayed in shows like "Desperate Housewives", she show simply celebrates an awesome older women/ "Accidentally on Purpose" is a breath of fresh air in the modern comedy. Its not super clever, and it doesn't try to be. What it does is recognize a new trend in the modern family dynamic, that of a fantastic older women and a sexy younger man. Instead of being "sultry" or "naughty" as portrayed in shows like "Desperate Housewives", she show simply celebrates an awesome older women/ younger man relationship. Jenna Elfman is her usual funny, adorable, quirky self as Bille, a very self confident, sexy, "fantastic" woman in her 30s that gets pregnant after hooking up with a younger guy. Jon Foster is sexy young Zach who is determined to do the right thing by Billie, and ends up being blown away by "the coolest girl ever". This show is smart snappy, and very self aware. Its a simple, sweet, refreshing modern comedy, and a delicious addition to CBS's Monday prime time line up. I highly suggest everyone to watch this show that celebrates a sexy, funny, self confident woman.… Expand
  3. DanielleJ
    Mar 1, 2010
    10
    I love this show! i missed seeing Jenna Elfman an di am excoted to see her back on the air! what i lvoe best is that she is REALLY pregnant!
  4. LenaS
    Mar 22, 2010
    10
    From the first episode i just could not stop watching. This show has to keep on going.
  5. HaroldR
    Mar 8, 2010
    7
    Funny show, not great...Fits nicely in the Monday night line-up.
  6. MVL
    Apr 1, 2010
    0
    This show is "bloody" awful!!!!! CBS, please cancel it, ASAP!!!!! The review from Nelson C. is spot on and will make you laugh unlike the show.
  7. RetaO.
    Apr 20, 2010
    10
    This show makes me laugh like no other and I find it very heart warming.
  8. AkiF
    Apr 9, 2010
    10
    I have to disagree with the critics. I find 'Accidentally on Purpose' humorous and entertaining! I just love to watch it every week. This sitcom should continue, and people who think that this sitcom's as dull as they are then they have no taste at all.
  9. HilS
    Sep 22, 2009
    0
    This show is poorly written and lamely acted by the leads. While reminiscent of Knocked Up, the leads here are not funny and the story has been done better before.
  10. NadiaL.
    Sep 25, 2009
    1
    Elfman just really isn't good at these sitcoms. I didn't care for Darma and Greg either. I'm going to watch this show one more week, but I am doubtful there will be any improvement.
  11. KF.
    Sep 26, 2009
    1
    What do you get when you "borrow" the idea for a sitcom from a moderately amusing movie? A sad and pathetic unfunny show. Even worse than the script is the very annoying laughtrack. The laughtrack occurs so often that it must be an "Accidentally on Purpose" attempt to drown out the terrible script writing.
  12. JudyF.
    Sep 30, 2009
    10
    Love the show - very cute!
  13. GeoH
    Jan 14, 2010
    10
    This show is great! I love the humor, it's light, funny and the characters are convincing. Keep this show on!
  14. sadyj
    Feb 15, 2010
    10
    I love!! this show its really cute and hilarious!! the characters are amazing. i really HOPE that this show isn't canceled!! any time soon.
  15. RD
    Mar 3, 2010
    10
    I love this show. I find it funny and entertaining. The acting is ok not the best but the stuff they come up with is very interesting. Its nice clean fun to watch, the tv has to many shows like the crud family guy that just have to deal with 1. sex 2. drugs 3. violence and 4. racial attacks. I watch this show with my family and I hardly ever have to worry about what is going to be on.
  16. JackP.
    Oct 1, 2009
    2
    The only way it could be worse is if they played a monotone noise for thirty minutes.
  17. LoriD
    Nov 4, 2009
    9
    I really like this show. I think it is hilarious and I even set my dvr to make sure I don't miss it. You people that don't like it just have no sense of humor!
  18. DaveM
    Oct 19, 2009
    2
    I agree, this shouldn't continue. But then again I like shows like Defying Gravity and that's already off the air. One thing that really bothers me about "Accidently..." is: If the show takes place in S.F. then why do they use the outside of a building in NYC whenever they show her at work? Don't they think that New Yorks 8 million people would question this? It's a I agree, this shouldn't continue. But then again I like shows like Defying Gravity and that's already off the air. One thing that really bothers me about "Accidently..." is: If the show takes place in S.F. then why do they use the outside of a building in NYC whenever they show her at work? Don't they think that New Yorks 8 million people would question this? It's a very well known building at the corner of Broadway and Houston.… Expand
  19. MartinR
    Dec 8, 2009
    10
    Its freakin' hilarious. That is if you get past its out dated and formulaic design. But lets be honest. Elfman never fails to deliver a line and the writing is really sharp.
  20. RaysaJ.
    Oct 5, 2009
    0
    So uncomfortable and annoying to watch it could give you a stroke. I'm going to call it all time worst show ever I'm twitching!
  21. mikep
    Sep 21, 2009
    0
    The show dragged and its not close to funny. Please cancel ASAP.
  22. LindaD.
    Sep 22, 2009
    0
    Horribly unfunny.
  23. SherryA.
    Sep 22, 2009
    0
    So disappointed!! I love Jenna Elfman and Grant Show, but I did not even crack a smile during that -whatever it was.... Jenna and Grant deserve better.
  24. SamanthaM.
    Sep 23, 2009
    5
    It has the potential to be funny and charming, but it is terribly over-acted and relies heavily on cliches.
  25. DeniseB
    Sep 23, 2009
    0
    This show was painfully unfunny. I "accidentally on purpose" deleted it from my DVR.
  26. laydenp.
    Sep 24, 2009
    7
    I thought at first it was moving a little too fast but you have to work with what you have in 22 minutes.. but i didnt really think the acting was bad; it has potential.
  27. tonyac.
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    Very easy to enjoy, no violence, no gore, just plain, light fun.
  28. AndrewL
    Sep 27, 2009
    0
    Just painful to get through. The laugh track makes it even worse.
  29. NelsonC.
    Sep 27, 2009
    0
    My brother and I share a PVR. We record a lot of stuff and we keep track of it on a spreadsheet. Sometimes, after we've seen something, we'll leave each other notes on what we thought. This is the note I got from my brother about 'Accidentally on Purpose'. I guarantee this note is funnier that the show: "Nelson- I watched the WHOLE show. I deserve a medal or some My brother and I share a PVR. We record a lot of stuff and we keep track of it on a spreadsheet. Sometimes, after we've seen something, we'll leave each other notes on what we thought. This is the note I got from my brother about 'Accidentally on Purpose'. I guarantee this note is funnier that the show: "Nelson- I watched the WHOLE show. I deserve a medal or some recognition for this. This show was awful. I did not laugh once. The story was terrible and the characters sucked. Oh, and it was NOT FUNNY. I have 2 suggestions for what you should do: 1 - Watch the first five minutes. If you don't like it, don't bother watching it because the rest of the episode was EXACTLY AS FUNNY AND INTERESTING as the first five minutes. 2 - Take your PVR, unplug it and drop it in a vat of acid, then burn down the building and move to japan in hopes of getting far enough away from this crap show to keep your soul safe. It is the devils work. Quick comments about the show: - Very noticeable and horrible Laugh Track - Super Cheesy UNFUNNY Jokes - Confusing as hell. 30 minute show with more story than an entire season of any other sitcom - Story that does exist doesn't make sense, because its stupid - Waste of time - WORST EDITING EVER. The whole show seemed like clips from several unfunny episodes. When i started to watch the episode, i thought it got taped wrong and it was near the end of the episode. Why? Because it was already deep into storylines 10 seconds into it. - I HONESTLY started to fast forward 3 times through the show by ACCIDENT, because the whole show felt like stupid commercial promos. - Who the hell are these stupid ass cliche characters? Can i please have a knife so i can go "jaw stabbing" PLEASE. I defy you NOT to hate this show! In fact, i suggest you use this show as a "Litmus test". If you hear of any person or critic showing any enjoyment or coming to the defense of this show... NEVER TRUST THEM. They are either extremely stupid, or shockingly delusional. I remember seeing in TV Week or one of your Entertainment Weeklys a half decent score. Find out who gave that score, and make a mental note to consider everything they say about anything at all, as insane ramblings. Elvis" I thought the note was funny so I watched the show. ...Yup, I'm moving to Japan.… Expand
  30. MattV.
    Sep 28, 2009
    6
    Seems like it should be funnier than it is, but not bad.
  31. emoore
    Jan 13, 2010
    10
    I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! It is hilarious and fun and the characters are great!!!! I REALLY REALLY hope this show keeps on going strong!!!! I have shared it with so many friends and they love it too!!!!
  32. KateF
    Jan 22, 2010
    10
    The best show since "Friends" went off the air, this show must go on for a while, the writers are amazing and each week gets better than the week before. I can't say enough about how wonderful this show is. Jenna Elfman and Jon Foster are wonderful together, and Nic Wright always makes me laugh, I can't wait eacch week to watch it even if its a re-run. I have every episode on my The best show since "Friends" went off the air, this show must go on for a while, the writers are amazing and each week gets better than the week before. I can't say enough about how wonderful this show is. Jenna Elfman and Jon Foster are wonderful together, and Nic Wright always makes me laugh, I can't wait eacch week to watch it even if its a re-run. I have every episode on my ipod. JUST LOVE IT!!!!… Expand
  33. PaulM
    Feb 22, 2010
    10
    Jenna Elfman and Jon Foster are irresistible. Sexy yet sweet, sarcastic yet good-natured, they capture in their screen personalities the contradictions of today's culture. Regardless of plot, they are utterly winning and compellingly charming. The 2010 version of feel-good entertainment.
  34. NicholeE
    Mar 15, 2010
    9
    Love this show! I was totally bummed when it was replaced and I was worried it got canceled. I'm glad it didn't and I'm looking forward to it coming back on March 31st!
  35. "Zippyjet"
    Apr 14, 2010
    0
    If I could give it a negative score I'd do it in a heartbeat. Do we really need? 1. Another sitcom dealing with a yuppy in New York or California who works in the media and where money is no object? 2. Endorsing getting knocked up by a one night stand? And dropping a love child? 3. Lines that even a caveman wouldn't stoop so low as to write? 4. Vapid Characters? My answer is a If I could give it a negative score I'd do it in a heartbeat. Do we really need? 1. Another sitcom dealing with a yuppy in New York or California who works in the media and where money is no object? 2. Endorsing getting knocked up by a one night stand? And dropping a love child? 3. Lines that even a caveman wouldn't stoop so low as to write? 4. Vapid Characters? My answer is a big fat NO! Jenna Elfman is cute and funny and can do better and deserves better. For whatever reason CBS Monday night comdies click with the exception of that one turkey. Anyone remember "The Class?" This one is an accident that didn't wait to happen. CBS, do us all a favor and relegate this one to the land of the cancelled like Three Rivers!… Expand
  36. JohnV
    Oct 12, 2009
    0
    Fell asleep the last time I watched the show. It's a poor forum for the talents of Elfman. Jon Foster needs to get out from the shadow of his more talented brother and find another career (and a decent shave). The rest of the crew are shallow and unlikable with the exception of the Australian actress. She deservesher own show.
  37. SarahP
    Nov 24, 2009
    9
    I thik this show is very cute and will get better and better as time goes on.
  38. JPower
    Dec 28, 2009
    10
    Amazing show, It's great to have another simple idea for a show alot of sitcoms in recent years have been to complex but this is great. Jenna Elfman is awsome!
  39. PerryS.
    Sep 21, 2009
    0
    Not even close to the word funny. If the show would have had real actors, maybe just maybe, it could have made me and my family smile or chuckle a little.
  40. LarryM
    Sep 21, 2009
    0
    I guess the joke was on us them. ja ja ja. good one. the show was not funny the commercials were better then the show.
  41. BethS.
    Sep 21, 2009
    0
    Please don't let my words go on vain. Please Cancel that lousy show.
  42. MoeCl.
    Sep 21, 2009
    0
    Cancel. ASAP. Not Funny ABC. the jokes on us we got so please make us all happy and cancel it.
  43. CharlesB.
    Sep 22, 2009
    8
    A funny show with characters I care about. Potential for the shows growth is excellent. Funny and well written. I enjoyed it very much.
  44. OliverW.
    Sep 23, 2009
    9
    Get rid of the laugh track, tone down Jensen character a bit and you've got a hit. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and will tune in next week.
  45. AlW.
    Sep 23, 2009
    0
    I can't imagine a show being less funny than this. I watched it with a friend and we laughed a combined 0 times. Cancel ASAP.
  46. PaulaI.
    Nov 27, 2009
    10
    Funny. After a day's work, finally something to relax to, to laugh about, to have fun, period.
  47. JuliaB
    Dec 15, 2009
    10
    This show is great! I love the humor and the cast mix. We watch it second now (right after we watch Big Bang) on our DVR. My husband and I are both big fans! Please keep it...it's so nice to watch something that isn't "heavy" or drama...
  48. mrcritic
    Oct 23, 2010
    10
    Hilarious is how I describe this show. It's a shame it was cancelled early, because I thought it was intelligent and hilarious. I loved it. R.I.P A.O.P

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best TV Season of 2009
23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
63
#63 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 18
  3. Negative: 4 out of 18
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Randee Dawn
    50
    This is an utterly predictable comedy (what, you don't think Zack and Billie will fall in love in Season 2, right after he starts dating another chick and Billie has an epiphany?) that's got a few fun lines.
    Read full review
  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    50
    Accidentally on Purpose doesn't have the smarts to be the salvation of a genre, but neither does it look like the torpedo to sink the ship. Not great, but nothing heinous.
    Read full review
  3. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    50
    Accidentally feels like a show that's nearly been focus-grouped into oblivion--with lines, beats and a cultural resonance that's so familiar you can almost see the baseball bat of predictability descending upon your head. So be it. Elfman's fine, as usual. This could be worse.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »