The Goodwin Games

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: May 20, 2013
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
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Critic Reviews

  1. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Marisa LaScala
    May 20, 2013
    60
    Instead of wink-winking at the audience about its own cleverness, The Goodwin Games mostly keeps things moving along at a snappy pace, with jokes as well. When the show gets too pleased with its own eccentricity, though, it becomes grating.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    May 20, 2013
    50
    Equal parts stupid and sweet, The Goodwin Games does not appear to be built for the long haul.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Mike Lechevallier
    May 16, 2013
    50
    The Goodwin Games isn't a sophisticated comedy by any means, and memorable quips are few and far between, but its overall lightheartedness manages to save it from becoming completely dull.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    May 15, 2013
    50
    It’s only too bad the writers (Carter Bays, Craig Thomas, Chris Harris) don’t start by grounding their charges with a little more humanity; instead, the trio proves so mismatched and exaggerated as to have a very long way to reach any sort of common ground.
  6. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    May 20, 2013
    40
    The writing is clever and crisp at times, but there's little chemistry among the actors. And the premise is contrived and confining.
  7. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    May 20, 2013
    40
    The Goodwin Games isn’t awful, really, but it might have made a better light-hearted movie than a weekly series. The concept is so limited, it gets very tiresome very fast.
  8. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    May 20, 2013
    40
    It has funny moments. It’s just not a game we’re likely to want to keep watching.
  9. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    May 20, 2013
    40
    The "games" in the pilot include a specially designed version of Trivial Pursuit where all the questions reveal aspects of this unhappy clan's back story. That's as clever as Goodwin gets, and except for Newton's daffy sparkle, there's no real incentive to play along.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Jarra
    Jun 25, 2013
    7
    This is worth putting on the DVR for the summer as much is it'll be worth it for Fox to pick it up for another season. As the characters haveThis is worth putting on the DVR for the summer as much is it'll be worth it for Fox to pick it up for another season. As the characters have developed, it has gotten better and better with plenty of laugh out loud moments.… Full Review »
  2. rmdashrf
    May 30, 2013
    7
    It's corny, and aspires to be zany rather than believable. There's plenty of material in the premise, the cast are strong, and the pilot'sIt's corny, and aspires to be zany rather than believable. There's plenty of material in the premise, the cast are strong, and the pilot's writing shows enough promise. They need to deliver consistently, but this seems worth a watch.… Full Review »
  3. meg007
    May 22, 2013
    8
    It's difficult to evaluate a new tv series with just a pilot episode. The Goodwin games has some charming leading characters with showedIt's difficult to evaluate a new tv series with just a pilot episode. The Goodwin games has some charming leading characters with showed chemistry and a good premise. Like all new tv shows it has some things to correct and adjust but it's a very good intended sitcom with great heart. It's sad that the rating was not good enough and if it does not change it will be cancelled like a lot of great shows… Full Review »
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