Better Off Ted

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 18, 2009
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 76
  3. Negative: 5 out of 76
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User Reviews

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  1. PrestonJ
    Mar 22, 2009
    8
    Fun, different, completely original, and a great cast. Not much direction but it doesn't need it. Due to it not being a drama about Docs, Lawyers, or Cops i give it one to two seasons before the network pulls it for yet another crappy rip off of Law and Order (which is still the best procedural cop show on TV).
  2. MarkC
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    If this is supposed to be a comedy, then where are the jokes? Where were the funny situations?
  3. TVCritical
    Dec 31, 2011
    8
    For a show's first season this show has done and Exceptional work at laying out it's originality and showing great used of its satirical dark comedy and the well rounded personalities of its quirky characters. For a first season the show has great marksmanship because it took aim and hit its target goal which is to become a great, creative, and definitely powerful new comedy that is uniqueFor a show's first season this show has done and Exceptional work at laying out it's originality and showing great used of its satirical dark comedy and the well rounded personalities of its quirky characters. For a first season the show has great marksmanship because it took aim and hit its target goal which is to become a great, creative, and definitely powerful new comedy that is unique and will become the next big thing on TV. This show has great wit to boot. Although Solid Performance from its lead Jay Harrington (which is at least needed from its lead) and Exceptional Performances from its Breakout actors Portia de Rossi & Jonathan Slavin.… Expand
  4. WilliamD
    Mar 20, 2009
    8
    The Triumphant return of "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" - even has "Byron"! Hurray!
  5. Kyle
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    Offbeat, clever show that I hope lasts. Unfortunately, America likes their television watered down usually with a laughtrack or big name stars. Good to see someone from Arrested Development back on t.v... Portia rules!
  6. gracea
    Apr 25, 2009
    8
    It's really getting its groove on as the weeks pass. Good pacing, genuinely funny, well played and the refreshing feel of a team of players not content with just filling in the dots. Salt & Peppa lab buddies are pure gold.
  7. MikeP
    Jun 4, 2009
    9
    Glad this one was renewed for a second season.. I started watching this one when my Tivo would catch the first few minutes after recording the final Scrubs episodes. I caught up with the online episodes and now I'm hooked. The "Racial Sensitivity" episode in particular was the funniest half hour of TV I've seen in at least a couple of years.
  8. AnthonyP
    Sep 4, 2009
    8
    Sure, the corporation is preposterous, but much of what is being satirized is close to reality. Much like the corporate advice from Jack on 30 Rock (though much of the rest of that show is on the silly level). As opposed to the Office, where all but the most braindead realize that Michael would now be in jail, beaten to a pulp, or shot, of course after he'd been fired from about a Sure, the corporation is preposterous, but much of what is being satirized is close to reality. Much like the corporate advice from Jack on 30 Rock (though much of the rest of that show is on the silly level). As opposed to the Office, where all but the most braindead realize that Michael would now be in jail, beaten to a pulp, or shot, of course after he'd been fired from about a hundred companies. Better Off Ted has the ring of truth, which makes the best satire. The Office and Parks and Recreation have the ring of scriptwriters saying, "Look how quirky and over the top we are, you advertiser darling young slackers!".… Expand
  9. SteveL
    Jan 6, 2010
    9
    A great show. Easily the best comedy on TV right now. It manages to be quirky, clever, and occasionally hilarious, while sustaining interesting characters. It doesn't reach the lofty heights of its creative predecessor, Andy Richter Controls the Universe. But it gets close. If ABC messes this one up, I'll be ticked.
  10. GabeC
    Mar 19, 2009
    10
    One of the best comedies I've seen on TV in a long long time. That guy Malcolm Barrett is hysterical. He's the AT&T / Bud Light guy.
  11. MichaelM
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    Easily the most interesting and original comedy in years. I enjoy the clean humor and depth of character, oh and Rose, she is adorable. "you don't freeze people who come to your daughters birthday party". I hope the show doesn't decline to fast, I imaging this kind of show is difficult to keep fresh.
  12. KevT
    Apr 7, 2009
    8
    Very good show for those who like something a little different. In some way it could be the follow up show to "Parker Lewis Can't Lose". It would be the job Lewis might have gotten after going through college. The style of Better Off Ted has a toned down Parker Lewis feel. The cast works well together and the writers will have a challenge keeping the content fresh. Love their fake Very good show for those who like something a little different. In some way it could be the follow up show to "Parker Lewis Can't Lose". It would be the job Lewis might have gotten after going through college. The style of Better Off Ted has a toned down Parker Lewis feel. The cast works well together and the writers will have a challenge keeping the content fresh. Love their fake corporate commercials for Veridian Dynamics.… Expand
  13. ColinC
    Mar 23, 2009
    7
    Pilot was entertaining. Given a chance, I could see really enjoying this show. Of course, it needs to not get canceled first. Give it a try. I gave Big Bang Theory a 7 on it's pilot and it's matured into a solid 8 or even 9. (For me, at least.).
  14. D.R
    Apr 19, 2009
    9
    At first, the commercials did not pique my interest at all, but as I watched the introduction, my eyes were glued onto the screen, as I slowly realized how the commercials barely did any justice to the series. It's funny, original, and wacky in it's own sense. The plot, including how the characters respond to what's going on is priceless. You'll definitely love Better At first, the commercials did not pique my interest at all, but as I watched the introduction, my eyes were glued onto the screen, as I slowly realized how the commercials barely did any justice to the series. It's funny, original, and wacky in it's own sense. The plot, including how the characters respond to what's going on is priceless. You'll definitely love Better Off Ted. Highly recommended… Expand
  15. sfjcg
    Aug 16, 2010
    10
    This is a very clever and funny sitcom that reminds me of a combo of Arrested Development and The Office. We need more sitcoms like this. I'm giving it a 10 because I really can't think of anything on it that needs improvement. It's perfect.
  16. NRowan
    Jan 25, 2011
    8
    Awesome, funny show. Great characters. Such a pity it was canceled. These days it's getting to the point where I wait for series to get canceled before I start watching it.
  17. TheDuke
    Feb 27, 2011
    7
    Its excellent in terms of an easy watching comedy, with genuinely funny fast paced jokes. However it loses points on character development, and the inability to draw you in from the word go.
  18. Godspeed
    Apr 20, 2011
    10
    This is one of the greatest shows that just keeps u interested throughout the whole thing. I would recommend to everyone in the world if possible. Just amazing
  19. FilmVirtue
    Apr 6, 2014
    9
    This shows incredible witty humor and even funnier cast makes this really short television comedy and brilliantly created and acted piece of comedy history that, unfortunately, was cancelled before It's time. Long before It's time.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best TV Season of 2009
63
#63 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    70
    The new ABC show is significantly better than its corny title promises.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    83
    Better Off Ted is certainly the most original sitcom to come along in a while.
    Read full review
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Richmond
    80
    It's the clever satire for which we've all been waiting.
    Read full review
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