Back in the Game

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Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 25, 2013
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
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Critic Reviews

  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    Sep 24, 2013
    60
    The family conflicts are facile and easily resolved on Back in the Game, but Terry is an appealing heroine, and she has an amusing new best friend.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Sep 18, 2013
    60
    This ABC comedy is the equivalent of a big fat pitch over the heart of plate, and will need to get mileage out of more characters, but what’s here has the potential to hold its lineup spot between leadoff hitter “The Middle” and ratings slugger “Modern Family.”
  3. HollywoodChicago.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Sep 26, 2013
    50
    Caan is perfectly cast here.... As it so often does, it comes down to the writing. I just don’t care. And I just don’t find it funny.
  5. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Lily Moayeri
    Sep 26, 2013
    50
    Nothing groundbreaking, but every so often a sports-themed show is de rigueur
  6. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Sep 25, 2013
    50
    There’s an itchy feeling of familiarity to Back In The Game.
  7. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Sep 24, 2013
    50
    There are two shows struggling to exist in one in the ABC comedy Back in the Game. One is about former all-star softball player Terry Gannon Jr. (Maggie Lawson) and her relationship with her hard-charging, estranged, ex-athlete father, Terry Sr. (James Caan), who goes by “The Cannon.” This show is pretty terrible.... The second show is not at all novel but it’s at least easier to take: Back in the Game is essentially a “Bad News Bears” reboot.
  8. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Sep 24, 2013
    42
    The dads in charge of the league are jerks, so Terry decides to lead a team of all-star misfits, making this sort of “Glee” for the physically uncoordinated. You’ll be done with this after an inning.
  9. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Sep 25, 2013
    40
    It’s a good premise. But where both old guys are cranky and frustrating, unable to show they really care, Caan’s character is unpleasant in ways Eastwood’s was not [in the film "Trouble With the Curve"].

User Reviews

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User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 4 out of 26
  1. ZombieWhosoever
    Nov 2, 2013
    6
    Not quite as hilarious as the other shows such as Modern Family or The Middle, but it still manages to be clever and provide enough laughs toNot quite as hilarious as the other shows such as Modern Family or The Middle, but it still manages to be clever and provide enough laughs to be watchable.… Full Review »
  2. jrobpaq
    Oct 8, 2013
    4
    Pilot was a rocky start, but Back in the Game really shown during the 2nd episode. James Caan and Maggie Lawson make me want to keep watchingPilot was a rocky start, but Back in the Game really shown during the 2nd episode. James Caan and Maggie Lawson make me want to keep watching this show, which I'm sure will continue to please.… Full Review »
  3. BogKid
    Oct 4, 2013
    6
    My DVR has recorded at least one episode of most of the new comedy shows. I watch that initial episode with the goal of either recordingMy DVR has recorded at least one episode of most of the new comedy shows. I watch that initial episode with the goal of either recording more of the series or simply dropping the show. I was pretty sure that "Back in the Game" was a dropper. I am surprised to admit that I did enjoy the show. James Caan, dancing around the edge of overdoing it, has produced a somewhat interesting character. I don't know who plays the daughter but she provides an acceptable anonymous foil for Caan. Is the show great? No. Is the show worth a few more tries? Yes.… Full Review »
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