The Defenders

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2010
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
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Critic Reviews

  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    60
    On the correct assumption that almost no one watching TV today remembers the original "Defenders" series, CBS has created a new one with more swash, more buckle and results that are modestly entertaining.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tanner Stransky
    58
    There's nothing particularly bad about this new legal drama starring Jerry O'Connell and Jim Belushi as a couple of skeevy Las Vegas lawyers--but then again there's nothing particularly good about it, either.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    50
    Although titled The Defenders, there is no mistaking this stubbornly and unaccountably bland legal show for the bold CBS series of the 1960s with the same name.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    50
    This latest legal franchise appears to harbor no such ambitions [as "The Good Wife"]--and the gambling, booze and sexual debauchery associated with the town is inevitably going to be rather tepid and implied, even in a 10 p.m. timeslot. The show would be more defensible, oddly, if its characters could be a trifle sleazier.
  6. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    50
    Sure, it's nice to see Belushi in a new incarnation, and if I were trapped at a car repair shop in front of an episode I might be happy. But there are much better shows out there right now, and only so many hours in my day--and on my DVR.
  7. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    50
    O'Connell glides through the show on his smile. Belushi isn't as bad as one might expect, which, granted, isn't much of a compliment. He reins in the comic buffoonery, and if the scripts get better, he might prove to be up to a dramatic role.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    50
    There's actually no reason this couldn't be a perfectly fine legal procedural, except there's no indication that anyone is attempting to make it one. The script is strictly writing by numbers.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best TV Season of 2010
77
#77 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
69
#69 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. aboren
    Oct 3, 2010
    8
    the cast is great, the stories are well fit to a 50 minutes show.
    and for sure, after watching a lot of new shows. this is one of the best    the cast is great, the stories are well fit to a 50 minutes show.
    and for sure, after watching a lot of new shows. this is one of the best there is.
    if you love all the law shows, and you want to laugh a little bit, this is the show for you.
    hope it will stay on the air.    … Full Review »
  2. TastyJamProject
    Apr 7, 2011
    10
    This is my new favourite show. Intelligent, funny and usually morally conscious, "The Defenders" is a smart legal thriller that outshinesThis is my new favourite show. Intelligent, funny and usually morally conscious, "The Defenders" is a smart legal thriller that outshines predecessors with it's mixture of mystery, humour and drama. I hope this show sticks around because I wasn't much of a fan of Belushi after the horrible "According to Jim" but he shines here, alongside his more than competent co-star Jerry O'Connell who has always put forward his A-Game. A worthwhile show that rewards more and more with continued viewing.… Full Review »
  3. CritiqueGirl
    Feb 26, 2011
    8
    I didn't think I would like the show but Jim Belushi does a good job with his character and there are nice twists with the legal battles. ItI didn't think I would like the show but Jim Belushi does a good job with his character and there are nice twists with the legal battles. It is not deep or preachy and does touch on social issues but without being heavy handed. I find I really am looking to see just how the case will be handled.… Full Review »
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