Benched

:

Season 1
  • Network: USA
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 28, 2014
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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Critic Reviews

  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Oct 28, 2014
    60
    It’s a breezy, amusing half hour with a lead character whose insecurities poke through her confident exterior.
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Oct 29, 2014
    50
    Most of the other characters on Benched remain unformed, so early offerings seem middling and temper that hope--but hey, maybe you have better batteries.
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Oct 28, 2014
    50
    Benched isn’t awful, but it’s much too formulaic.
  5. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Oct 28, 2014
    50
    Te pilot episode was written by Michaela Watkins ("Trophy Wife") and Damon Jones ("Peep Show"), who write to Ms. Coupe's comedic strengths while also peppering the background with amusing comic gags (viewers who pay closer attention will reap the most laughs from "Benched"). A second episode sent for review was less funny than the pilot and the plot was also a head-scratcher.
  6. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Oct 27, 2014
    50
    Aside from the occasional line that’s slightly bluer than what can be gotten away with on most network fare, there’s precious little here to distinguish the series.
  7. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Oct 27, 2014
    50
    At least this courtroom comedy is better than “Bad Judge.”
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Oct 29, 2014
    40
    Benched is nowhere near as funny as it thinks it is, mainly because Watkins and Jones seem to believe that the endless humiliations of a thin, attractive, previously well-compensated blond woman are all it takes to make people laugh.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. metabad
    Dec 31, 2014
    6
    The pilot showed promise which has yet to be fulfilled. The following episodes where a bit of a letdown.
    I like Eliza Coupe and the rest of    The pilot showed promise which has yet to be fulfilled. The following episodes where a bit of a letdown.
    I like Eliza Coupe and the rest of the cast is likable, too.
    There is funny stuff in there but it's still not enough for calling it a good show.
    If the writing improves, it's good to go.    … Full Review »
  2. Skayt26
    Nov 17, 2014
    6
    Good start. But many (too many) easy jokes.I think we quickly turn round with Benched.
    The team is endearing... and the dynamic which was    Good start. But many (too many) easy jokes.I think we quickly turn round with Benched.
    The team is endearing... and the dynamic which was installed was... not too bad    … Full Review »
  3. notforbreakfast
    Nov 1, 2014
    8
    Witty, smart, stylish, and fun are all words up that can be used to describe the eccentric new USA series "Benched". The writing is sharp, andWitty, smart, stylish, and fun are all words up that can be used to describe the eccentric new USA series "Benched". The writing is sharp, and the acting is even sharper.… Full Review »
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