The Mindy Project

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX , HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 25, 2012
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 156
  3. Negative: 21 out of 156
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  1. AweQ
    Oct 6, 2013
    5
    A frivolous comedy is the best way I can describe this show. Not a classic, and most definitely not an all round-winner, though. It needs a bit more reality and I feel like the relationships need to be further developed and much, much slower.
  2. booradley
    Jan 17, 2013
    5
    I'm torn about 'The Mindy Project.' It has its moments. It can be fun, it can be witty. On the other hand, it's cliched and unrealistic with an unsympathetic lead. Kaling's character, 'Mindy Lahiri' is a 31 year old practising gynaecologist who talks like a 16 year old valley girl. While her teenage neighbour reads Jonathan Franzen, Mindy reads a novelization of the film Iron Man. LikeI'm torn about 'The Mindy Project.' It has its moments. It can be fun, it can be witty. On the other hand, it's cliched and unrealistic with an unsympathetic lead. Kaling's character, 'Mindy Lahiri' is a 31 year old practising gynaecologist who talks like a 16 year old valley girl. While her teenage neighbour reads Jonathan Franzen, Mindy reads a novelization of the film Iron Man. Like most thirty-something women on TV, she's obsessed with finding Mr Right, and yet she's inexplicably nasty to all the guys she meets, including those she works with. At work, she and her two fellow doctors, both male, talk mostly about sex and Mindy's messed-up personal life. She takes time off work for "best friend's day" (lunch and shopping) and has no hesitation in hastily rearranging her schedule to visit her teenage friend at her high school to grill the girl's boyfriend about their sex life. She seems to spend the better part of an afternoon at work choosing a Halloween costume. It bothers me that Mindy is so shallow, that she talks in a high-pitched, dumbed-down baby-girl voice, that she's astonishingly self-absorbed and at times cruel. She says things to Dr Danny Castellano, her divorced co-worker and obvious potential love interest, like "no wonder your wife left you," comments that are followed by dead silence in which I'm waiting for him to break down in tears. When handing out condoms at the high school she gives one to everyone, two to an especially pretty girl and none at all to a plain girl with braces, saying "you I'm not worried about." It was a shocking moment, and unnecessarily unpleasant, especially as Mindy Lahiri was supposedly plain and single until her early twenties. There are numerous dissonant moments like these in the show that make me dislike Mindy Lahiri. She is carrying on a casual sexual relationship with her other coworker, Dr Jeremy Reed, and while the fact is accepted, it's rarely actually addressed. It's not clear why Reed, supposedly a ladies man, would need to carry on this relationship with Mindy, or why she thinks it's okay to casually sleep with someone she works with. In fact, it's not clear why anyone of the men she dates are drawn to Mindy. When Dr Castellano gives her a gynaecological check-up at work, the scene is alternately funny, cringeworthy and appalling. She teases him endlessly throughout and moans sensually when he tries to give her a breast exam. Frankly, it's offensive. She clearly doesn't take her work seriously. No decent gynaecologist would think of an exam as a sexual thing, and the way she talks incessantly about sex and her love life at work invites the kind of banter that would qualify as sexual harassment in most workplaces. I… Expand
  3. dannod
    Oct 17, 2013
    9
    Having given up on the show last season, I watched last night and had at least three LOL moments. The new characters (Tamyra and Peter) provide some good comedic moments. The writing was much better as well. I'd have to recommend giving it another try.
  4. cdmartin
    Jul 29, 2016
    8
    The Mindy Project is a show that offers humorous, clever writing and writer and actress Mindy Kaling shines in the role of Mindy Lahiri. As a young woman, I was thrilled to see a show that portrays the experience of being a young woman navigating life in the city in such a humorous and accurate way. However, I am disappointed in the lack of female friends that Mindy has on the show andThe Mindy Project is a show that offers humorous, clever writing and writer and actress Mindy Kaling shines in the role of Mindy Lahiri. As a young woman, I was thrilled to see a show that portrays the experience of being a young woman navigating life in the city in such a humorous and accurate way. However, I am disappointed in the lack of female friends that Mindy has on the show and find myself getting bored with her never ending quest to 'find a man'. While Mindy offers young women a strong, independent and multi dimensional role model in her character, I find myself questioning where her friends are. Friendship is such a large part of my life, and it is not reflected in the character's experiences at all. The show would be enriched if Mindy were to have a group of equally strong women as a support system, and would reinforce the importance of female friendship in the lives of females in real life. The producers seem to be worried about making the show 'too female' if they allow for more female characters, but I believe this would strengthen the show and add a richer, more diverse discourse to take place. Mindy is a great character, but I would like to see her with some friends! In a show that is written and produced by a female, I am surprised that there is not more of a focus on the power of female friendship in the show and hope to see that change in coming seasons. Having such a large focus on Mindy's romantic relationships trivializes her career success, and reinforces the oppressive ideology that makes a woman's relationship status more important than anything else.… Expand
  5. joindy
    Jul 22, 2017
    10
    This is one of the funniest show on tv today. I cannot wait to watch Mindy and her crazy cast make me laugh and think about life as a single woman. I am going to miss this ever changing cast in 2019.
  6. martinex
    Sep 28, 2012
    7
    Mindy pretty much picks up where her superficial character in the office leaves off. If you were listening to the show on the radio you would think the main character was some air-headed blonde. The show is well written and well executed. The only thing missing is a likable lead character. You almost can't help rooting against this shallow human being.
  7. chrisvb
    Sep 3, 2013
    1
    terrible. I tried really hard to watch this show, and I wanted to like it. there is literally nothing to like. not a single thing. Not one single redeeming aspect at all.
  8. Eon2323
    Dec 5, 2012
    10
    If you love Kaling, you'll definitely love this show. The writing and the cast on this show is above par and provides the viewer with a nice, giggly feeling after watching an episode. If you love shows like New Girl and Happy Endings, this is the show for you.
  9. nerdyhousewife
    Sep 27, 2012
    7
    I'm surprised at the lackluster user reviews! I was really entertained by this show - the dialogue was fast and clever, the characters were complex, and the plot was believable. I really enjoyed all the honest, embarrassing moments. Plus, the show was able to keep an upbeat tone regardless of the funny but unfortunate events. Can't ask for more from a comedy. I'll keep watching.
  10. Briancl25
    Sep 27, 2012
    5
    The whole idea of this show seems like a better premise for a movie, than a show. Most of the show was trying too hard to be funny with "ridiculous" situations that would never happen. The upside is that they don't try and bombard you with lazy humor like Two Broke Girls where they constantly say vagina or something or other. Time will tell.
  11. Juzdownunder
    Sep 26, 2012
    2
    What a nightmare. I have to admit first up that Mindy Kaling is my least favourite character from The Office, so it was always going to be a struggle enjoying this show. That being said, it's positively awful....cheesy tripe that will probably appeal to a demographic far, far removed from my own.
  12. rachiebabie
    Sep 20, 2013
    0
    This show is not for me. The comedy is terrible and relies on easy laughs. But maybe it'll be like NEW GIRL and elevate to awesome-status in their second season that is if Mindy can get over herself. Take a clue from New Girl, make Mindy less involved with the show, it'll do wonders for your ratings.
  13. sammietee
    Oct 21, 2013
    8
    I loved loved loved the first season if this show. It always made me smile and laugh. I watched the entire first season within a week, I couldn't stop watching. Mindy definitely makes me smile.
  14. BBINDFan
    May 3, 2013
    10
    Great show! From the first time I watched it, Mindy kind of reminds me of me. I love this show. Can't wait till Season 2. Hope it has more seasons and goes on to become a great hit.
  15. utlonghorn
    May 17, 2013
    10
    I love this show. I'm a huge office fan so I loved Mindy on that of course, however seeing the previews I thought this show was going to be lame and not very funny. I thought it would be a stretch to have Kelly Kapoor have a whole show around her. So I didn't watch it at all until about two weeks ago when I was procrastinating my studying for finals. Starting watching it, and I couldn'tI love this show. I'm a huge office fan so I loved Mindy on that of course, however seeing the previews I thought this show was going to be lame and not very funny. I thought it would be a stretch to have Kelly Kapoor have a whole show around her. So I didn't watch it at all until about two weeks ago when I was procrastinating my studying for finals. Starting watching it, and I couldn't stop. Hilarious humor, clever wit, and great writing of course. I'm not a television expert so I don't know how to critic how well characters have been developed, but everyone has a plausible story line and with this show's humor that's enough for me. I was drawn in by the first episode but I know some of my friends, it took them a little while. My recommendation: watch it, stick with it, enjoy. It's funny, end of story.… Expand
  16. JBM
    Oct 9, 2012
    2
    Before this show aired, the critics told us it will be the best show of the season. Not even close. It flops on many levels. It fails to give us a central sense of place or a rounded out ensamble. It was all about mindy and how sad and desperate she is. To be a success, a show has to have more than one central character that you want to come back and get to know more. This show didBefore this show aired, the critics told us it will be the best show of the season. Not even close. It flops on many levels. It fails to give us a central sense of place or a rounded out ensamble. It was all about mindy and how sad and desperate she is. To be a success, a show has to have more than one central character that you want to come back and get to know more. This show did none of that. I disliked the men in her life and the girls around Mindy were all nodescript models. The two walk on celebrities are clearly not going to be around to keep this show afloat. Above all, it was hard to like the character of Mindy. I am going to have to force myself to watch more episodes in hopes they reboot it. But the worst sin this show committed was that it simply was not funny.… Expand
  17. merper
    Nov 24, 2012
    8
    My sister urged me to watch this show and I completely gave up on it after watching the first two episodes. I found Mindy's character to be pretty repellent and the show seemed to have no real focus outside of her. Well, I watched the latest ones when I went home for Thanksgiving and it's surprising how quick a show can grow on you. They've really rounded out the cast and branched out theMy sister urged me to watch this show and I completely gave up on it after watching the first two episodes. I found Mindy's character to be pretty repellent and the show seemed to have no real focus outside of her. Well, I watched the latest ones when I went home for Thanksgiving and it's surprising how quick a show can grow on you. They've really rounded out the cast and branched out the storylines. I'm still not sure I like the titular character, but she has a few good burns. The ex-con nurse who's a cross between Dwight Schrute and Tracy Jordan, the British doctor with an abundance of suave and dry wit and several other supporting characters got me laughing multiple times an episode. Mindy is a protege of NBC comedy and like Parks and Rec, 30 Rock and The Office, it looks like it'll take a few episodes for her show to find its grounding. It's well on its way though, and I urge even people who've given it up earlier to take another look.… Expand
  18. Demorase
    Dec 30, 2013
    7
    Not perfect but it succeeds in being super uplifting and endearing, just like its theme song. In the end you just gotta love the energy and positivity of this show!
  19. Lovetv
    Apr 3, 2013
    9
    I expected higher ratings for this show. It is fresh and forward thinking and has me laughing through each episode. I think it's great! A lot of the shows on television at this time cannot even compare to how great this show is.
  20. justeatplants
    Apr 19, 2013
    9
    I think the Mindy Project is the best comedy (or maybe equal to Parks & Rec) on primetime. She is a politically incorrect, self-centered mess but ends up being such as a sympathetic character anyway. There is a great cast of characters. I'd never choose to be a patient at their OBGYN office myself b/c they are all weirdos, but it makes for a great show.
  21. mosey2013
    Apr 20, 2013
    8
    Another show I avoided and I binged watched it yesterday Its witty and funny, really nice show The show is feels fresh and Mindy has grown on me
  22. patricktheadik
    Jun 28, 2013
    10
    The Mindy Project is just so fresh, witty, and hilarious that you just couldn't stop watching the show over and over again. Idk why some people don't like it--maybe they just have no taste for comedy series or that they have all got slapped on the face by the bittersweet social reality that the show depicts (and they are active participants in the bitter side of this reality). In addition,The Mindy Project is just so fresh, witty, and hilarious that you just couldn't stop watching the show over and over again. Idk why some people don't like it--maybe they just have no taste for comedy series or that they have all got slapped on the face by the bittersweet social reality that the show depicts (and they are active participants in the bitter side of this reality). In addition, I don't give a damn if the show is all about Mindy (just so you know, the show's entitled "The Mindy Project" so of course it would be most probably all about Mindy); I mean, the show is still far more hilarious than a lot of other cliched comedy series that try too hard to make an adequate story line that revolves on a lot of characters. The show's definitely one of the best comedy series of the generation, and I swear, it deserves a lot more attention than many other trashy mainstream series that people seem to dumbly adore.

    BTW at the first one or two episodes, you might probably get quite bored with the show, but please just stick with it even just for at least five episodes and you'd surely want to watch the entire series then!     … Expand
  23. riley794
    Jul 11, 2013
    10
    Ignored the show at first as my wife watched it on Hula. Halfway through season I found myself unavoidably laughing during the shows. I started watching the rest of the season and was loving it. Later I watched the early shows, I ignored initially, and found them dull. I would advise anyone to skip the first 7-10 episodes and jump into the show there. Love the show!!!
    BTW I am buzz    Ignored the show at first as my wife watched it on Hula. Halfway through season I found myself unavoidably laughing during the shows. I started watching the rest of the season and was loving it. Later I watched the early shows, I ignored initially, and found them dull. I would advise anyone to skip the first 7-10 episodes and jump into the show there. Love the show!!!
    BTW I am buzz reviewing so $issoff    … Expand
  24. penguindisco
    Jan 23, 2014
    9
    This is a funny show, though it comes off as cutesy-poo and girly, the jokes are universal and relatable to both genders. With Mindy Kaling, you can't go wrong. She presents situations that most of today's 20-somethings to 40-sometings have experienced. Whether you laughed about those situations or you cried about them, Mindy's comical twists will make you howl and slap your knees. God,This is a funny show, though it comes off as cutesy-poo and girly, the jokes are universal and relatable to both genders. With Mindy Kaling, you can't go wrong. She presents situations that most of today's 20-somethings to 40-sometings have experienced. Whether you laughed about those situations or you cried about them, Mindy's comical twists will make you howl and slap your knees. God, this review sounds weird. Seriously, I love this show. The humor runs the gamut from quirky, stupid, and smart. The only downside is, yes, you have to suspend your disbelief about the whole gynecologist thing. There aren't too many attempts to make it believable that any of these characters are delivering babies, performing c-setions, or treating bacterial vaginosis. Also, the guest stars and cameos are awesome. Watch this show.… Expand
  25. reellm
    Jun 2, 2015
    7
    3/5★ Trained on The Office, with the likes of Tina Feys 30 Rock as inspiration, Mindy Kalings Project is a sitcom about a woman navigating her personal and professional life, surrounded by a cast of quirky characters. While not terribly original, the writing stands out, with jokes, cultural references and satire making for a genuinely funny show. The great cameos are an added bonus.3/5★ Trained on The Office, with the likes of Tina Feys 30 Rock as inspiration, Mindy Kalings Project is a sitcom about a woman navigating her personal and professional life, surrounded by a cast of quirky characters. While not terribly original, the writing stands out, with jokes, cultural references and satire making for a genuinely funny show. The great cameos are an added bonus.
    Mindy's character is a little off-putting: Obsessed with celebrities and pop culture, she is also rude and insensitive. She does, however, have a knack for saying quotable things.
    Verdict: It's funny and watchable.    … Expand
  26. MelLacey
    Nov 19, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Originally, The Mindy Project was about a woman obsessed with finding love because of all the romantic movies she watches. Now, Mindy is high-maintenance and difficult. This "new" Mindy is getting old. The current season has me wondering "where is this show going?"… Expand
  27. smallette
    Nov 11, 2015
    9
    Mindy Kaling is just amazing! I love her character, her acting, and the writing for this show. I was so happy that Hulu picked up the show for hopefully many more seasons! A must see!
  28. scrambledeggs
    Jun 26, 2018
    10
    Fantastic show for a comedy. It's sad to see how many people can't see past her skin color or their prejudice based on it (not racist, prejudiced). I couldn't get into it the first time I discovered this show, but I soon got hooked the second time around. People love other comedies with ridiculous jokes, offensive even. Why not The Mindy Project? Anonymity provided by Internet revealsFantastic show for a comedy. It's sad to see how many people can't see past her skin color or their prejudice based on it (not racist, prejudiced). I couldn't get into it the first time I discovered this show, but I soon got hooked the second time around. People love other comedies with ridiculous jokes, offensive even. Why not The Mindy Project? Anonymity provided by Internet reveals people's thoughts and actions if there were no consequences.… Expand
  29. laylamc
    May 20, 2018
    5
    I’m not sure I’ve ever watched such an uneven show all the way through to the end before. In the beginning, the genuinely laugh out loud funny kept me tuning in. But the more out of touch Mindy got, the more difficult this show was to watch. The last two seasons in particular were downright painful to watch some episodes. Then there would be others that were so smart and funny. Just zeroI’m not sure I’ve ever watched such an uneven show all the way through to the end before. In the beginning, the genuinely laugh out loud funny kept me tuning in. But the more out of touch Mindy got, the more difficult this show was to watch. The last two seasons in particular were downright painful to watch some episodes. Then there would be others that were so smart and funny. Just zero consistency at all. Poignant and moving to cliche in 60 seconds or less.… Expand
  30. duckie523
    Jul 8, 2014
    5
    I really wanted to like this show. I admire Mindy Kaling's quick wit and comedic skill. She's written some of my favorite Office episodes. Granted, she played an utterly shallow, unlikable character there, but the Ryan/Kelly tension provided great comedic fodder. Unfortunately, it seems like Mindy Kaling hasn't been able to write a better character for herself on her new show. Mindy LahiriI really wanted to like this show. I admire Mindy Kaling's quick wit and comedic skill. She's written some of my favorite Office episodes. Granted, she played an utterly shallow, unlikable character there, but the Ryan/Kelly tension provided great comedic fodder. Unfortunately, it seems like Mindy Kaling hasn't been able to write a better character for herself on her new show. Mindy Lahiri is shallow, selfish, indecisive, fickle, and even cruel at times. I get the whole Bridget Jones trope--the romantically obsessed/ hopeless, messy love life, clumsy, etc. I really get it--we all do. But Mindy takes that into the stratosphere of unbelievable scenarios. She's dated and/or hooked up with more than 10 guys in 2 seasons. That's gotta be a new record. Sure, real life is messy, we make mistakes, we're indecisive. She talks, acts, and thinks like a high schooler, yet somehow she's a successful OB/GYN. But the Mindy Project takes it to a new place that makes it really hard to sympathize with her. Just for one of many examples: Not only does she fall out of the airplane bathroom door when making out with Danny, but they keep bumping into the Occupied button, AND Danny's arm gets stuck, AND they hit the flush button, while somehow of course Mindy has fallen and her hair just so happens to be stuck in the toilet and "spontaneous" "hilarity" ensues. Give me a break. The Mindy Project would really benefit from the mantra "less is more." It tries to do and be too much and ends up being unbelievable and unlikable in the process. I think it's possible for her to be successful, intelligent, and have a messy love life but you need to have balance for a character to be well-rounded and likable. She hasn't quite struck that balance yet.

    Speaking of Danny, I find myself wondering why they're drawn to each other. They truly don't seem to have much compatibility. Why Danny puts up with her immaturity is beyond me. The only time it made sense was in The Desert--in that episode, it was clear the role Mindy has in Danny's life, for advice and emotional support (and more, I'm sure). I think the show could really benefit from more moments like that.

    That being said, Mindy and Peter actually seemed to have a connection and some real potential. Their relationship developed organically and it made so much sense, especially when he was her date for Josh's wedding (save for his blunder). There were some genuinely touching moments in that episode, and Peter has proven himself a fiercely loyal and fun companion. Yet she has never really considered Peter as anything beyond a friend. It makes no sense.

    You do see glimpses of the show's potential here and there, but overall it still has to come into its own.

    Saving graces: Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) and Danny (Chris Messina). Such great writing, character development/ complexity,and comedy from those two. I'll keep watching because the show has definitely matured, but I'd really like to see it continue doing so. I still have hope for the show!    … Expand
  31. lavender1503
    Jun 29, 2018
    0
    I think the rating for this show should be 10/10. It's not only genius, but it's inspiring and hilarious! This show not only encouraged me that everyone has their special someone - it also told me that sometimes finding the one, takes time and effort- and isn't always easy. Self worth was also one of the things i picked up from this show. Mindy dressed up in interesting and originalI think the rating for this show should be 10/10. It's not only genius, but it's inspiring and hilarious! This show not only encouraged me that everyone has their special someone - it also told me that sometimes finding the one, takes time and effort- and isn't always easy. Self worth was also one of the things i picked up from this show. Mindy dressed up in interesting and original clothing and she is happy for who she is. Hands down, this is my favorite show. I hope Mindy and the gang do a reunion episode. I love love love it.… Expand
  32. paulwolters
    Nov 30, 2018
    2
    I enjoyed Mindy as Kelly on The Office, so I looked forward to this show. There is some clever writing, I chuckled a few times watching the first 4 or 5 episodes. It's a bit unrealistic: she's a doctor? The killer for me is that she speaks faster than sound travels, so I can't understand much of what she says. Subtitles aren't much help--they go by too fast. Wish I could watch more ofI enjoyed Mindy as Kelly on The Office, so I looked forward to this show. There is some clever writing, I chuckled a few times watching the first 4 or 5 episodes. It's a bit unrealistic: she's a doctor? The killer for me is that she speaks faster than sound travels, so I can't understand much of what she says. Subtitles aren't much help--they go by too fast. Wish I could watch more of this, but I can't.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best TV Season of 2012
26
#26 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
25
#25 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Sep 25, 2012
    70
    In all, it's a polished pilot, but one that will have to ground its characters better to work as a series.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 25, 2012
    80
    Kaling makes for an unconventional sitcom heroine, to put it mildly.
    Read full review
  3. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Sep 25, 2012
    10
    Think Gray's Anatomy with unpretty people; then think of something else to watch.
    Read full review
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