King of the Nerds

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Season 1
  • Network: TBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 17, 2013
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Allison Keene
    Jan 17, 2013
    70
    As questionable as the setup sounds, it actually strikes the right tone by neither making fun of nor blindly praising the competitors for their quirks (of which they have many).
  2. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Chris Conaton
    Jan 17, 2013
    60
    The mix of appealing nerds and lack of truly grating nerds is calculated for viewers' comfort, but the first episode is decidedly bland, too. Viewers looking for a new take on the reality competition genre won't find it here.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Jan 16, 2013
    60
    The competitors may not be all that amusing, but some of the show's gimmicks are.
  5. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Jan 17, 2013
    58
    This energetically produced, brightly colored concoction hits the guilty pleasure spot more often than not.
  6. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jan 16, 2013
    50
    It's a cute concept but producers don't seem to have a knack for proper execution, filling time with terribly padded segments--picking teams takes an eternity--and challenges (watching people play chess in the premiere) that, try as they might, don't make for compelling TV.
  7. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jan 16, 2013
    50
    Former "Revenge of the Nerds" stars Carradine and Armstrong (who helped develop the concept) do appear to have fun, but after the opening kick of seeing them reunited in this fashion, even that begins to yield diminishing returns.
  8. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 17, 2013
    40
    There is one clever gimmick--the winner gets to sit upon a "Throne of Games"--but the very-long-hour opener is a tedious affair.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 7 out of 25
  1. KAKOW
    Jan 18, 2013
    10
    I found the show to be great, though myself being a nerd in the shows definition. The show defines a nerd as anyone that likes comic books,I found the show to be great, though myself being a nerd in the shows definition. The show defines a nerd as anyone that likes comic books, video games, are super intelligent, or doesn't fit in with other people. The show is interesting because it doesn't take people all that have the same set of talents and likes, instead they got people with strengths and weaknesses that makes them each unique rather than them all being proficient in every aspect. I don't think the show is going to appeal to everyone but if you like video games, comics, or want to see something else besides shows that have people having to use brawn or brain to complete something then this is something that will get you hooked. I don't think the critic's reviews do justice because this is a different group of people from the typical game show of average or super-fit people trying to do challenges using physical attributes that critics always see and know the perfect formula for that kind of show. This is a different show that has a different focus and appeal that isn't common on TV so critics probably can't fully appreciate the difference from a different competition/reality show. Just from the first episode you can tell there are going to be lots of nerdy references that probably will be just like inside jokes to nerds only which is exactly what the show is based on which in my opinion fulfills its goal as a show.… Full Review »
  2. Burlybastard
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I would not waste my time with this show. Good show till the it got to the finals. The winner isn't decided by wits or ability, its by a voteI would not waste my time with this show. Good show till the it got to the finals. The winner isn't decided by wits or ability, its by a vote from the banned nerds. A popularity contest? Is this prom? You had a contestant that proved herself over and over again vs a complete slacker that never had to go into a head to head fight.… Full Review »
  3. irbe209
    Feb 5, 2013
    3
    Your standard game show with nerds. I was bored after their first episode The only funny part is that everyone is strange I was hoping forYour standard game show with nerds. I was bored after their first episode The only funny part is that everyone is strange I was hoping for something that was different from your standard boring game show. But you won't find it here.… Full Review »
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