I just started watching this show a few months ago, and already I love it. Ted Danson is wonderful as the title character, and I think it is refreshingly funny and good. Shawnee Smith also makes a terrific airhead in Linda.
114 Reviews
What's this, an intelligent sitcom?
opsbooks9 April 2003
Becker is everyman; he says right out what the rest of us probably think most of the time. Reggie is his female equivalent, which is why they would never get together, relationship-wise. They're just too much alike, though Reggie hides it pretty well. Here in Australia we've only just come to the Chris eps without Reggie, so I've avoided reading many of the other comments. The show works from all angles thanks to an always masterful script, much like 'Everyone Loves Raymond', the only other current US comedy I like. Margaret is a sweetie; Linda drives me crazy most of the time. Jake is one of a kind and Bob; well, we've all known a Bob in our time. Put them all together and you have one cool AND intelligent sitcom!
Great performance by Ted Danson
blanche-26 January 2010
Ted Danson is "Becker," an angry, bitter, cantankerous doctor with a heart of absolute gold. The series ran for six years and was populated with some great characters: Jake, the blind man; Reggie, who ran the coffee shop where Becker hung out; Margaret, the no-nonsense warm and funny woman who runs Becker's office; Linda, the ditsy assistant; Bob, who talks in the third person; and many others, who passed through the coffee shop and Becker's office during the show's run.
Besides Danson, it's hard to single out any one character since they're all so excellent. The showiest role belongs to Shawnee Smith, who is hilarious as a complete airhead. Terry Farrell eventually was replaced by Nancy Travis. Farrell in a way was an odd choice - comedy has never been her thing, but she's believable as a pretty ex-model who takes over her father's coffee shop and looks for love, often in the wrong places.
Danson is terrific, but he and the others wouldn't be as good as they are without the savage and witty dialogue. Becker is Everyman who gives voice to the frustrations of living in the world, but it covers up his loneliness and genuine concern for his patients and others. It's the look we get at the true man that raises the "Becker" to a higher level than many series.
Besides Danson, it's hard to single out any one character since they're all so excellent. The showiest role belongs to Shawnee Smith, who is hilarious as a complete airhead. Terry Farrell eventually was replaced by Nancy Travis. Farrell in a way was an odd choice - comedy has never been her thing, but she's believable as a pretty ex-model who takes over her father's coffee shop and looks for love, often in the wrong places.
Danson is terrific, but he and the others wouldn't be as good as they are without the savage and witty dialogue. Becker is Everyman who gives voice to the frustrations of living in the world, but it covers up his loneliness and genuine concern for his patients and others. It's the look we get at the true man that raises the "Becker" to a higher level than many series.
Goodbye, Becker
Bobs-929 January 2004
I watched the final "Becker" episode last night, and will miss this series. Critics have beaten up on this show quite a lot lately, but I watched it regularly and always enjoyed it. The characters are diverse and likeable, and I particularly admire Shawnee Smith, who played Linda, for taking a character that could have been annoying in the extreme and making her sweet and funny. One of the funniest things I've seen in a sitcom is when Linda, in trying to fix the hanging skeleton in Becker's office, managed to crazy-glue her hand to that of the skeleton. She ended up walking around the office all day holding hands with the skeleton, which rolled alongside her on its stand (you had to see it to appreciate it).
Ted Danson was quoted in TV Guide as saying that they decided to end the show with some grace, which I think they did quite nicely, tying up loose ends for the various characters. A couple of the jokes were particularly apt, i.e. Dr. Becker looking at the chart for a patient named "Mr. Nielsen" and saying he didn't know what he was complaining about because "these numbers don't look so bad to me." Danson's wife, Mary Steenburgen, appeared briefly as a deluded patient, and Becker exclaimed after she left "I pity the poor man who's married to her."
Anyway, I commend the makers of "Becker" for giving some closure to the characters in this show while they had the chance. As a regular viewer I appreciated it, and found it a very satisfying end to the series.
Ted Danson was quoted in TV Guide as saying that they decided to end the show with some grace, which I think they did quite nicely, tying up loose ends for the various characters. A couple of the jokes were particularly apt, i.e. Dr. Becker looking at the chart for a patient named "Mr. Nielsen" and saying he didn't know what he was complaining about because "these numbers don't look so bad to me." Danson's wife, Mary Steenburgen, appeared briefly as a deluded patient, and Becker exclaimed after she left "I pity the poor man who's married to her."
Anyway, I commend the makers of "Becker" for giving some closure to the characters in this show while they had the chance. As a regular viewer I appreciated it, and found it a very satisfying end to the series.
Great for first four seasons
nashy170131 October 2021
Rarely have I seen producers self sabotage their own production. Chemistry with Becker/Reggie/Bob and Jake drove the series along with the hilarious Linda and Margaret. I'm sure Nancy Travis is a good actress, but she simply should never have been cast. The storyline revolving her and Becker ruined the show.
Caustic, sharp, bitter, sweet, and nigh-on perfect
Danny_G1311 March 2005
Razor sharp comedy starring Ted Danson might not appeal to everyone, given its focus on a cantankerous and highly grumpy doctor, but the script is incredibly strong.
Becker is a traditional style sitcom, much in the blend of the popular ones which went before it like Frasier and Cheers. Like Frasier, it stars a major actor from Cheers, in this case Ted Danson, but otherwise shares absolutely nothing with it and certainly isn't a follow-up. The only other thing the 2 share is that the star of Frasier, Kelsey Grammar, also features in a cameo in an episode of it.
The situation part of the 'sitcom' of Becker is that John Becker, a slightly bitter and abrasively outspoken doctor has set up a crummy practice in the middle of New York's Bronx. Suffering the 'morons' of regular society makes his attitude decline by the day and he constantly preaches his rants at Reggie's Diner where both his best friend Jake (Who's blind) runs a newspaper stall, and Bob the amiable pest hang out.
Becker also lives alone in a fairly seedy apartment where the rest of the block's residents universally loathe him.
Add his long suffering surgery assistant Margaret who's basically his rock, and the dipsy 'receptionist' Linda and you have the overall picture.
Sure, this doesn't perhaps sound all that original or even inspiring to any degree on paper, but bring it to life with a sharp script and quality actors and you have one of the finest comedies it's been my personal pleasure to witness.
To say Danson *is* Becker is the understatement of the year. He has created a character with complete life here, and embodies what he represents absolutely perfectly. His line delivery is totally spot on and he commands every scene such is his definite presence. Now when looking at him I see Becker, and not Sam Malone.
The other characters are pretty good as well, even Bob, who after simply getting on our nerves to start with eventually grows on you. Jake is extremely well played by Alex Desert as well, managing to portray a fairly decent level of vulnerability while trying to be as tough as possible. The only matter of taste with a blind character in a sitcom are the inevitable jokes at the expense of said blindness. Subsequently, it goes without saying that Becker is *not* PC - at times some of the gags can be slightly offensive, but nothing is ever truly over the score.
However, next to Becker the best character was the simply fantastic Reggie, who was played by Terry Farrel up until she was bizarrely fired based on reasons of 'creative direction' late on in the show's run by the producers. She gave the show a touch of glamour, but we identified with her because she never seemed to have anything go for her, and yet soldiered on in a state of light despair. Farrel captured her brilliantly, and her loss was felt big time. The replacement, Chris, was OK, but simply nowhere near in the league of Reggie.
However, this is an aside; the strength of Becker is and was the quality of the script. The dialogue was, at times, acidly delicious with razor sharp wit. In fact, most of the time it was like this. Becker's constant rantings might be repetitive, but they were always funny because we can actually relate to the aspects of life which got his goat up so much.
Furthermore, while he was shown as a cantankerous old git, Danson gave him plenty of self-deprecating moments too. Not only did we laugh at what he said, we laughed at his situations and the amusing body language he emitted regularly.
His practice was also a massive character in itself, with patients combining hypochondria and hemorrhoids much to the amusement of the viewer.
The other characters got plenty of hilarious lines as well, so this wasn't just the Ted Danson show, and consequently it was an extremely well-rounded show and not relying on any one character. But, as Farrel's absence later on showed, all of the main characters were vital. Bob was also written out for season 6, and his replacement Hector simply didn't fit in at all.
Despite these drawbacks, up till the chopping and changing, the show ran seamlessly and hilariously smoothly. It's a testament to the script that even *without* the main characters, although we didn't like their replacements, they still made us laugh.
Overall it's a superb comedy, and it's a rank pity it wasn't more levied by the Americans, many of whom seemed oblivious to its existence.
Said one: "Becker? The German tennis guy? I didn't even know that he had his own show," "Is it on BBC America or something?"...
Becker is a traditional style sitcom, much in the blend of the popular ones which went before it like Frasier and Cheers. Like Frasier, it stars a major actor from Cheers, in this case Ted Danson, but otherwise shares absolutely nothing with it and certainly isn't a follow-up. The only other thing the 2 share is that the star of Frasier, Kelsey Grammar, also features in a cameo in an episode of it.
The situation part of the 'sitcom' of Becker is that John Becker, a slightly bitter and abrasively outspoken doctor has set up a crummy practice in the middle of New York's Bronx. Suffering the 'morons' of regular society makes his attitude decline by the day and he constantly preaches his rants at Reggie's Diner where both his best friend Jake (Who's blind) runs a newspaper stall, and Bob the amiable pest hang out.
Becker also lives alone in a fairly seedy apartment where the rest of the block's residents universally loathe him.
Add his long suffering surgery assistant Margaret who's basically his rock, and the dipsy 'receptionist' Linda and you have the overall picture.
Sure, this doesn't perhaps sound all that original or even inspiring to any degree on paper, but bring it to life with a sharp script and quality actors and you have one of the finest comedies it's been my personal pleasure to witness.
To say Danson *is* Becker is the understatement of the year. He has created a character with complete life here, and embodies what he represents absolutely perfectly. His line delivery is totally spot on and he commands every scene such is his definite presence. Now when looking at him I see Becker, and not Sam Malone.
The other characters are pretty good as well, even Bob, who after simply getting on our nerves to start with eventually grows on you. Jake is extremely well played by Alex Desert as well, managing to portray a fairly decent level of vulnerability while trying to be as tough as possible. The only matter of taste with a blind character in a sitcom are the inevitable jokes at the expense of said blindness. Subsequently, it goes without saying that Becker is *not* PC - at times some of the gags can be slightly offensive, but nothing is ever truly over the score.
However, next to Becker the best character was the simply fantastic Reggie, who was played by Terry Farrel up until she was bizarrely fired based on reasons of 'creative direction' late on in the show's run by the producers. She gave the show a touch of glamour, but we identified with her because she never seemed to have anything go for her, and yet soldiered on in a state of light despair. Farrel captured her brilliantly, and her loss was felt big time. The replacement, Chris, was OK, but simply nowhere near in the league of Reggie.
However, this is an aside; the strength of Becker is and was the quality of the script. The dialogue was, at times, acidly delicious with razor sharp wit. In fact, most of the time it was like this. Becker's constant rantings might be repetitive, but they were always funny because we can actually relate to the aspects of life which got his goat up so much.
Furthermore, while he was shown as a cantankerous old git, Danson gave him plenty of self-deprecating moments too. Not only did we laugh at what he said, we laughed at his situations and the amusing body language he emitted regularly.
His practice was also a massive character in itself, with patients combining hypochondria and hemorrhoids much to the amusement of the viewer.
The other characters got plenty of hilarious lines as well, so this wasn't just the Ted Danson show, and consequently it was an extremely well-rounded show and not relying on any one character. But, as Farrel's absence later on showed, all of the main characters were vital. Bob was also written out for season 6, and his replacement Hector simply didn't fit in at all.
Despite these drawbacks, up till the chopping and changing, the show ran seamlessly and hilariously smoothly. It's a testament to the script that even *without* the main characters, although we didn't like their replacements, they still made us laugh.
Overall it's a superb comedy, and it's a rank pity it wasn't more levied by the Americans, many of whom seemed oblivious to its existence.
Said one: "Becker? The German tennis guy? I didn't even know that he had his own show," "Is it on BBC America or something?"...
Out of the horses mouth
gpierpoint17 May 2022
There is a wonderful episode of BoJack Horseman where he is doing a eulogy at his mothers funeral. He compares the relationship with his mum to Becker. Something that never ever got better.
Ah. The wisdom of BoJack. He was so right.
Becker is enjoyable. Even laugh out loud funny sometimes....but apart from a few character swaps (detrimentally) nothing changed. It was the same premise every episode. Surgery/ Diner/ Becker's unit. It was like a kind of Bermuda Triangle Groundhog Day...and the 6 main character's did not really evolve in anyway...but maybe, just maybe that's why the show worked.
Consistency. That's what we all like eh.
Ah. The wisdom of BoJack. He was so right.
Becker is enjoyable. Even laugh out loud funny sometimes....but apart from a few character swaps (detrimentally) nothing changed. It was the same premise every episode. Surgery/ Diner/ Becker's unit. It was like a kind of Bermuda Triangle Groundhog Day...and the 6 main character's did not really evolve in anyway...but maybe, just maybe that's why the show worked.
Consistency. That's what we all like eh.
Great Comedy Series
reachkiramurphy1 October 2018
This show is very underrated. I didn't even watch it until recently but it's a great comedy that actually has a bit of an edge to it. Ted Danson of Cheers fame plays Dr. Becker, who has kind of a negative attitude. He and his staff and patients, and family/friends, are all good characters with good actors playing them, with some well written stories and jokes to go with it. Worth checking out for sure, too bad it doesn't have more fans out there, but it did somehow last several years.
The doctor with the acid tongue
studioAT13 August 2010
Becker is a consistently funny sitcom that does not rely on big story lines or love triangles in order to keep the audience laughing. Instead it is a character based at times ensemble piece where the laughs come from the characters and their situations which is refreshing.
Although it is Ted Dansons show all the other characters have their moments and can be relied upon to have a great deadpan line in every episode. The characters interaction with Becker is also strong and it doesn't always feel like it's all centred around Danson. The great Terry Farrell was the strongest supporting character in the first four seasons but Shawnee Smith and Hattie Winston take up some of the slack after her departure.
Overall this is a great,not often recognised comedy gem that sadly never made it's mark on UK audiences.
Although it is Ted Dansons show all the other characters have their moments and can be relied upon to have a great deadpan line in every episode. The characters interaction with Becker is also strong and it doesn't always feel like it's all centred around Danson. The great Terry Farrell was the strongest supporting character in the first four seasons but Shawnee Smith and Hattie Winston take up some of the slack after her departure.
Overall this is a great,not often recognised comedy gem that sadly never made it's mark on UK audiences.
Awesome sitcom
grumpyass10 December 2003
I have only recently started to watch it, since i moved to Cali. I only have antenna TV. I watch it all the time and I laugh my a$$ off every time. I hope it last for a long while. I am going to a live taping of the show so I am quite excited about that one. This show is great, Becker is the kinda of guy you'd never really want to bump into but it hilarious to watch. Two Thumbs up!!!!
Anyone need a doctor?
kclambeth4 May 2007
this is a good programme to watch; it's not one of the best but it's definitely above average in sitcomland.
John Becker (great Ted Danson) is a surly Doctor who lives in the bronx, thinks he knows everything and hates just about everything about the world, especially the rudeness of everyday people (Amen brother) With John as the central character, the other cast members work well with him. Reggie in the diner was better than Chris, her way of putting herself down for owning a shabby diner and not realizing her life's dreams earlier is very realistic. Linda is great as John's receptionist, not that she does a lot of work! Margaret, John's nurse and receptionist knows just how to handle John even though she has her own problems with her husband, the never seen Lewis. Bob is funny at times, also a little annoying but way better than Hector. Jake is my least favourite, mainly because he never has anything to do except be blind.
The story lines are good, i especially like when John has a glimmer of hope about the goodness of people and then by the end of the episode, he is proved right by the decline of civilization.
Certain episodes are a bit boring and a bit repetitive but most are worth watching and have quite a few laughs. i'm a big fan of ted danson and think John Becker is a great character. He's a tight fisted old miser but you know he has a heart in there somewhere and that's why he's so easy to watch.
John Becker (great Ted Danson) is a surly Doctor who lives in the bronx, thinks he knows everything and hates just about everything about the world, especially the rudeness of everyday people (Amen brother) With John as the central character, the other cast members work well with him. Reggie in the diner was better than Chris, her way of putting herself down for owning a shabby diner and not realizing her life's dreams earlier is very realistic. Linda is great as John's receptionist, not that she does a lot of work! Margaret, John's nurse and receptionist knows just how to handle John even though she has her own problems with her husband, the never seen Lewis. Bob is funny at times, also a little annoying but way better than Hector. Jake is my least favourite, mainly because he never has anything to do except be blind.
The story lines are good, i especially like when John has a glimmer of hope about the goodness of people and then by the end of the episode, he is proved right by the decline of civilization.
Certain episodes are a bit boring and a bit repetitive but most are worth watching and have quite a few laughs. i'm a big fan of ted danson and think John Becker is a great character. He's a tight fisted old miser but you know he has a heart in there somewhere and that's why he's so easy to watch.
Becker: Where The Laughing Voices at Every Situation or Line are So Right !!
elshikh412 November 2008
Now this is a rare time to describe a sitcom as great. Every other show got something to do with what I call it the American comedy. But (Becker) is for all I think. That's related to what kind of characters, situations, and issues that it presents. So its cleverness comes from being humanly profound whereupon internationally effective.
Here, we have a very stingy caustic and peevish M.D. yet with a heart of gold; he still insists on treating the poor people in Queens. And most of his nervousness comes from some idealism that exists under the scalding surface, and causes it. Add to that, a crazy bunch that represented the strangest family that that doctor might have had: cynical nurse (a mom), lazy childish employee (a young sister), diner's kind disappointed owner (a girlfriend-wannabe!), a black blind man (a friend or a brother), and annoying handyman (the opposite friend or brother).
Actually the writing for this man's world was all perfect. The genius concept was that it centered on how to make you think and feel, with laughing. Others prefer to make you laugh, smile, then forget about the whole thing after. Yes, more than 1 plot per episode, but there must be something touching in the way. Just imagine wise lines through comic sitcom. Truly this show provided me with a lot of deep meanings along with unstoppable comedy. WAW, a sitcom with meaning.. Now that's something I forgot that it even exists!
(Becker) was my first time ever to witness such a miracle where everyone and everything are laughable. Every episode is assured riot. The comedy, from situations to gags, is plenty and absolutely not mannered, dirty, or tacky. Its sense of humor was bitter, cynical, and jocose all at once. It floated serenely and naturally. The characteristic about this show was that it had stereotypical characters, yet their talking wasn't stereotypical. And with talented harmonizing cast, the hot lines were delivered cutely and truthfully. So, through humane situations, they became real people. Real and so funny too.
(Ted Danson) made some glory out of being the dusty irate (John Becker), who is always grinning, deriding, and in one cheap coat. (Hattie Winston) is the nurse that every one needs; her performance made the character so vivid and honest like it's not acting. (Alex Désert) was enjoyable even by saying nothing, and consummate as the mate; he confirmed that (Becker) can really get a friend, and be, metaphorically, blind to overlook his harsh behaviors. (Saverio Guerra) was (Bob) himself, the desperate lover, and the little worm in the same time. (Terry Farrell) was good, but the less powerful among the rest. (Shawnee Smith) was great as (Linda), but poor (Linda); the writers wanted nothing for her but being the stupid (Linda) all along!
The memorable moments are endless: (Becker) is about making a moral mistake, and then all of his world's characters appear as ghosts to judge him. (Becker) meets his total opposite (Nancy Travis). (Bob) wants to be in a photo with (Reggie). (Becker) can't sleep because electric lights attack his bedroom. (Jake)'s grandmother slaps (Becker) in the face for treating her right. (Becker) is on a plane that has serious problems. (Becker) is a jury. (Becker) is going to make a speech in his high school. And (Becker) is trying to quit smoking. For anyone who doesn't watch the show, that means nothing, but for the one who did.. This is thorough classic.
So, smart comedy, clever lessons about life, perfect cast.. I don't need more. This is one of the best of its kind. And that's coming from a guy who doesn't use the term "the best" in his talking much or ever. Let alone that in every other sitcom, the laughing (track or studio audience) is terribly provocative, but here, it's believable to an extent that won't push you to press "Mute"!
When you compare (Becker) to shows like - God forbid - Friends, it wouldn't be like comparing good sitcom to bad one, it's more like comparing good one to NO one!
Here, we have a very stingy caustic and peevish M.D. yet with a heart of gold; he still insists on treating the poor people in Queens. And most of his nervousness comes from some idealism that exists under the scalding surface, and causes it. Add to that, a crazy bunch that represented the strangest family that that doctor might have had: cynical nurse (a mom), lazy childish employee (a young sister), diner's kind disappointed owner (a girlfriend-wannabe!), a black blind man (a friend or a brother), and annoying handyman (the opposite friend or brother).
Actually the writing for this man's world was all perfect. The genius concept was that it centered on how to make you think and feel, with laughing. Others prefer to make you laugh, smile, then forget about the whole thing after. Yes, more than 1 plot per episode, but there must be something touching in the way. Just imagine wise lines through comic sitcom. Truly this show provided me with a lot of deep meanings along with unstoppable comedy. WAW, a sitcom with meaning.. Now that's something I forgot that it even exists!
(Becker) was my first time ever to witness such a miracle where everyone and everything are laughable. Every episode is assured riot. The comedy, from situations to gags, is plenty and absolutely not mannered, dirty, or tacky. Its sense of humor was bitter, cynical, and jocose all at once. It floated serenely and naturally. The characteristic about this show was that it had stereotypical characters, yet their talking wasn't stereotypical. And with talented harmonizing cast, the hot lines were delivered cutely and truthfully. So, through humane situations, they became real people. Real and so funny too.
(Ted Danson) made some glory out of being the dusty irate (John Becker), who is always grinning, deriding, and in one cheap coat. (Hattie Winston) is the nurse that every one needs; her performance made the character so vivid and honest like it's not acting. (Alex Désert) was enjoyable even by saying nothing, and consummate as the mate; he confirmed that (Becker) can really get a friend, and be, metaphorically, blind to overlook his harsh behaviors. (Saverio Guerra) was (Bob) himself, the desperate lover, and the little worm in the same time. (Terry Farrell) was good, but the less powerful among the rest. (Shawnee Smith) was great as (Linda), but poor (Linda); the writers wanted nothing for her but being the stupid (Linda) all along!
The memorable moments are endless: (Becker) is about making a moral mistake, and then all of his world's characters appear as ghosts to judge him. (Becker) meets his total opposite (Nancy Travis). (Bob) wants to be in a photo with (Reggie). (Becker) can't sleep because electric lights attack his bedroom. (Jake)'s grandmother slaps (Becker) in the face for treating her right. (Becker) is on a plane that has serious problems. (Becker) is a jury. (Becker) is going to make a speech in his high school. And (Becker) is trying to quit smoking. For anyone who doesn't watch the show, that means nothing, but for the one who did.. This is thorough classic.
So, smart comedy, clever lessons about life, perfect cast.. I don't need more. This is one of the best of its kind. And that's coming from a guy who doesn't use the term "the best" in his talking much or ever. Let alone that in every other sitcom, the laughing (track or studio audience) is terribly provocative, but here, it's believable to an extent that won't push you to press "Mute"!
When you compare (Becker) to shows like - God forbid - Friends, it wouldn't be like comparing good sitcom to bad one, it's more like comparing good one to NO one!
Season 1-4 Great
ShadowsBeneathTheLight27 March 2024
The first 4 seasons are great. The show was very ahead of it's time. Great humor, both on the nose and edgy (by todays standards, normal back then) with solid character development. Dr. Becker is both the worlds most caring doctor but also the biggest jerk. However after season 4, they fire Reggie (the main love interest/ foil) and replace her with Chris. Chris was supposed to be a temporary character, but they fired Reggie and were forced to keep Chris for the sake of having a female side character/potential love interest.
Everyone hates Chris. Not a dig at the actress, she plays her role well but to just throw away 4 seasons of development between Becker and Reggie to then force something with a new character who is a more obnoxious version of Reggie is just too much. It's beyond obvious a lot of her dialogue was written for Reggie prior to the actress being canned, so seeing Chris make references to psychology or "knifing Becker fit years" just comes off very wrong.
Season 6 is even worse as the show loses yet another veteran character and replace him with another forced stand in. Bob "goes on vacation" only to never come back, so we get his "temporary replacement" Hector filling in for the rest of the season. Hector's lines were clearly written for Bob until the actor was dropped and they needed a last minute stand in. Sadly the overall humor of the show declines as they focus too much on flushing out relationships and speed character development along for the new/stand in characters.
Watch season 1-4 as they are great. Maybe season 5 if you're bored enough but don't waste your time with season 6. There's a reason CBS canceled the show halfway through this season.
Everyone hates Chris. Not a dig at the actress, she plays her role well but to just throw away 4 seasons of development between Becker and Reggie to then force something with a new character who is a more obnoxious version of Reggie is just too much. It's beyond obvious a lot of her dialogue was written for Reggie prior to the actress being canned, so seeing Chris make references to psychology or "knifing Becker fit years" just comes off very wrong.
Season 6 is even worse as the show loses yet another veteran character and replace him with another forced stand in. Bob "goes on vacation" only to never come back, so we get his "temporary replacement" Hector filling in for the rest of the season. Hector's lines were clearly written for Bob until the actor was dropped and they needed a last minute stand in. Sadly the overall humor of the show declines as they focus too much on flushing out relationships and speed character development along for the new/stand in characters.
Watch season 1-4 as they are great. Maybe season 5 if you're bored enough but don't waste your time with season 6. There's a reason CBS canceled the show halfway through this season.
Wasted effort
george_cherucheril21 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
While flipping channels today I caught part of a later "Becker" episode and re-visited a boring TV show. I forgot about this show and cannot believe we are nine seasons removed from its ending.
I remember anticipating Ted Danson's return to television comedy after all his success with Cheers. Becker disappointed me from the first episode. Oh, I would tune and catch other episodes because I respect Ted Danson and have an insatiable crush on Terry Farrell.
The writing killed this program and it was not funny. Why it survived six seasons may only be explained by the goodwill given to Danson for Cheers' success.
None of the characters except Terry Farrell's character were likable. Nancy Travis did nothing to interest me. The supporting characters were lame and forgettable.
Becker complains about everything under the sun. No one likes him or would want to spend anytime around him. Becker basically likes no one. As a Doctor you would think Becker would live a more opulent lifestyle than was presented on the show. For strange reasons the producers seemed to think that the more annoying Becker would get the better we would like the show. Instead Becker's complaining drove me away from the show. Ted Danson must have been crying for the excellent writing he got on Cheers. The Charles brothers are geniuses and produced the best writing I've ever seen in a comedy with Cheers. Becker was just a big letdown.
I remember anticipating Ted Danson's return to television comedy after all his success with Cheers. Becker disappointed me from the first episode. Oh, I would tune and catch other episodes because I respect Ted Danson and have an insatiable crush on Terry Farrell.
The writing killed this program and it was not funny. Why it survived six seasons may only be explained by the goodwill given to Danson for Cheers' success.
None of the characters except Terry Farrell's character were likable. Nancy Travis did nothing to interest me. The supporting characters were lame and forgettable.
Becker complains about everything under the sun. No one likes him or would want to spend anytime around him. Becker basically likes no one. As a Doctor you would think Becker would live a more opulent lifestyle than was presented on the show. For strange reasons the producers seemed to think that the more annoying Becker would get the better we would like the show. Instead Becker's complaining drove me away from the show. Ted Danson must have been crying for the excellent writing he got on Cheers. The Charles brothers are geniuses and produced the best writing I've ever seen in a comedy with Cheers. Becker was just a big letdown.
A unique and funny show (A)
couchpotato10029 July 2004
Well I just found out that the show has ended, which prompts me to write this review for the show. Something that I rarely do, and I am doing so now because I thought the show possessed something special.
The run down is simple, Ted Danson plays Dr John Becker a dedicated and talented doctor who has a very gruff exterior. The episodes revolve around his work in his practise and his interactions with his friends at his local diner. The show was interesting purely due to the talented and diverse cast, although they change throughout the seasons the show manages to keep its comedic style. I encourage anyone who hasn't seen the show to watch it, and all those who have
Over the years I've become attached to the show and the characters in it. It will be sorely missed.
The run down is simple, Ted Danson plays Dr John Becker a dedicated and talented doctor who has a very gruff exterior. The episodes revolve around his work in his practise and his interactions with his friends at his local diner. The show was interesting purely due to the talented and diverse cast, although they change throughout the seasons the show manages to keep its comedic style. I encourage anyone who hasn't seen the show to watch it, and all those who have
Over the years I've become attached to the show and the characters in it. It will be sorely missed.
Casting problem
embassyone9 April 2021
bob and reggie
dbrockskk121 March 2020
Here's Cheers
safenoe27 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I saw a few episodes of Becker, and it kind of allowed Ted "The Good Place" Danson to show his range following his memorable stint on Cheers. Anyway, here in Becker Danson plays Dr. John Becker, with the Dr. For his work as a doctor, not a PhD in visual arts (not that there's anything wrong with a PhD in visual arts). There were some funny moments, and the supporting cast of Hattie Winston, Shawnee Smith, Alex Desert and Terry Farrell were top notch. Anyway, it's good to see Ted Danson continue his acting work in CSI, The Good Place and Mr Mayor and hopefully we'll see him in more TV series init.
The best sitcom in history
crash2124 November 2002
Becker is, in my opinion, the best sitcom of all time. You would have thought his character in this show was based on my own personality. Actually, when I introduce myself to someone, I ask them "have you ever see the show Becker?" Becker was also, as far as I know, the only sitcom in history to ever do holiday episodes right. Typically, nothing is lamer than a Christmas sitcom episode, but the writers for Becker did this all right. Christmas episodes are typically all about lame Christmas miracles and Santa Clause, Becker's version of Christmas episodes were actually made to be as funny as the regular episodes.
Although the last two seasons did get all screwed up when Paramount became ignorant and turned Becker into a soap opera at the end of the 4th Season, and then replaced Reggie with Chris in Season 5, and Bob with huge Hector in Season 6. Which, in turn, frequently screw up reruns when they show nothing but the later episodes.
Oh well, at least now Paramount is slowly releasing the good Becker episodes on DVD.
Although the last two seasons did get all screwed up when Paramount became ignorant and turned Becker into a soap opera at the end of the 4th Season, and then replaced Reggie with Chris in Season 5, and Bob with huge Hector in Season 6. Which, in turn, frequently screw up reruns when they show nothing but the later episodes.
Oh well, at least now Paramount is slowly releasing the good Becker episodes on DVD.
Loved it.
bettyc-783745 January 2021
A classic unnoticed
patrickfilbeck5 December 2021
Becker is arguably one of the most underrated sitcoms of all time. Fantastic actors lead well-written and humorous dialogues that have clear depth. The plot of the episode is very well chosen, the setting and the atmosphere is terrific. The camera work is noticeably calm, as is the color scheme, which is clearly different from all other sitcoms. A lovable and honestly storytelling series that should definitely be seen once in a lifetime,
Some Good Characters
panzerstein12 January 2020
Becker (Ted Danson), Reggie (Terry Farell), Hattie Wilson, and Alex Desert all had great chemistry, and their lines bounced off of each other very well. They were funny. The episodes with only Becker, Reggie, Hattie, and Alex are great.
Unfortunately, you had creepy Bob (Saverio) the pervert, and Linda (Shawnee Smith) who sounded like nails grating over a chalkboard. Bob and Linda were buzz-kills. Creepy Bob was always making perverted remarks to the various female characters. He was the building janitor. Every time he was on the show, I wondered how many of the tenants had been raped and murdered in that building? Could Linda ever pass a drug test? Would any professional ever hire or keep a loser like Linda?
After season 4, Reggie left, and was replaced by the incredibly overly smug Nancy Travis. She has nothing funny about her. Later on, in season 5, the big gigantic slob from LOST joined the cast. He was even less funny than Bob, but in a sad and depressing unfunny way.
Becker was pretty good in the first four seasons, especially when Linda and Bob were not present.
Unfortunately, you had creepy Bob (Saverio) the pervert, and Linda (Shawnee Smith) who sounded like nails grating over a chalkboard. Bob and Linda were buzz-kills. Creepy Bob was always making perverted remarks to the various female characters. He was the building janitor. Every time he was on the show, I wondered how many of the tenants had been raped and murdered in that building? Could Linda ever pass a drug test? Would any professional ever hire or keep a loser like Linda?
After season 4, Reggie left, and was replaced by the incredibly overly smug Nancy Travis. She has nothing funny about her. Later on, in season 5, the big gigantic slob from LOST joined the cast. He was even less funny than Bob, but in a sad and depressing unfunny way.
Becker was pretty good in the first four seasons, especially when Linda and Bob were not present.
Ted Danson's best work since Cheers
Op_Prime5 January 2000
This show is funny and very original. The show is like a reflection of everyday life, sort of like Seinfeld. But whereas Seinfeld gives a more positive out look to the world, Becker does the opposite. Every episode has Ted Danson complaining about something; a broken street light in front of his apartment, his annoying patients, the post office and much, much more. A very funny show.
Should be called how a network destroyed a great show.
music_man_fan19 January 2022
This show's 3rd and 4th's season reminds me of when Seinfeld was about to take off. Amazing writing, great story lines that worked, perfect timing in jokes and character development, and a really great cast. It was about solidify Ted Danson as one of the great actors of all time. Shawnee Smith was going to break out to become a super star. Just by quality and laughter, it was going to be found by the general public.
Then network decided to make an example Terry Ferrel, who's chemistry with Danson was going off the charts. And killed the series as we know it.
Every person involved in that contract negotiation from CBS's side should be called out, and attacked by history. They took a show that had the potential to go down as one of the greats and killed it.
Nancy Travis doesn't deserve the hate because it wasn't her fault. But Danson and her had nowhere near the chemistry and timing Ferrel and Danson had down to a T.
But one executive team's total "mess up" became another writer's gold, and the TV character "House" comes directly from this, and it was open, because CBS killed this series from becoming iconic.
Then network decided to make an example Terry Ferrel, who's chemistry with Danson was going off the charts. And killed the series as we know it.
Every person involved in that contract negotiation from CBS's side should be called out, and attacked by history. They took a show that had the potential to go down as one of the greats and killed it.
Nancy Travis doesn't deserve the hate because it wasn't her fault. But Danson and her had nowhere near the chemistry and timing Ferrel and Danson had down to a T.
But one executive team's total "mess up" became another writer's gold, and the TV character "House" comes directly from this, and it was open, because CBS killed this series from becoming iconic.
A must-see CBS hit!
Catherine_Grace_Zeh23 January 2006
"BECKER," in my opinion, is a must-see CBS hit! Despite the fact that I've never seen every episode, I still enjoyed it. My favorite one is the one where Becker (Ted Danson) went to therapy for anger management after being sued for malpractice. Also, I really loved the theme song. If you ask me, even though I liked everyone, it would have been nice if everyone had stayed on the show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, even though it can also be seen in syndication now, I strongly recommend you catch it just in case it goes off the air for good.
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