Benched (2014) User Reviews

Funny and Smart

[catpurdy · 8/10 · 9 November 2014]

I don't know what's wrong with these other reviewers.

This is way better than "Bad Judge", which I really wanted to like.

The lead has great comic timing and the rest of the cast shoes promise.

Just the fact that the stand-up comic Maria Bamford is in the cast makes it worth watching.

I laughed a lot during the first episode, and there are signs that there will be some heart along with the laughs.

Good comedies are hard to come by - give it a chance.

I don't know why IMDb request ten lines of text for a review! It's just not necessary!

Aww, no more?

[parthib · 7/10 · 12 April 2021]

Caught this on Disney+ and right after finishing Raising the Bar. So went from a serious-ish look at the public justice system to one that used it for the setting of a comedy show; and it worked. The lead and the characters play their parts perfectly and the episodes are very entertaining. Shame, they didn't make a couple more seasons.

There is indeed room for one more comedy

[Okonh0wp · 8/10 · 2 January 2015]

It's a crowded place on TV and I didn't expect this to supplant so many great shows on my viewing schedule when it's not too much a variation of the stock sitcom. However, I was surprised that adds something a little new to the equation.

Eliza Coupe stars as former hotshot lawyer Nina Whitley who is banished from the high-priced world after a public meltdown cost her her job.

She takes a job as a public defender where she often doesn't have enough resources or time to do a halfway decent job with her clients. Because of these constraints and this satiric bent, this half-hour comedy gets to the nuts and bolts of the legal system better than many legal dramas.

Nina's office is full of people who aren't on the same wavelength as her. Her arch-nemesis (and potential love interest) Phil does not take the job as seriously and as he's the ring leader of sorts, Nina is often the fish out of water.

Coupe is the rare actress whose stunningly beautiful yet can convince the audience that her character would have trouble landing a date.

The chemistry among the cast is impeccable and Oscar Nunez and Jay Harrington find themselves in roles that are complete reversals from their last TV roles of Oscar on "The Office" and Ted from "Better off Ted" respectively. The brilliant Maria Bamford is underutilized however but hopefully that will change.

Avoid the idiotic "Bad Judge" and watch this instead...

[Dr_Sagan · 17 October 2014]

If you're into comedies about lawyers and courts you might find your new favorite show in this one.

A woman lawyer loses her job after an incident in her high-powered corporate firm and ends up in public defender's office, defending cases faaaar from glamorous! So it is basically a "fish out of water" comedy. The fancy attorney goes to defend poor people in a smelly courthouse.

Obviously you can expect lots of awkward moments that our heroine is getting into and this is where Eliza Coupe (as Nina the lawyer) is shining. The supporting cast is also very good and especially Fred Melamed who plays the sarcastic (but fair) judge.

Overall seems like a good comedy, way better than the ridiculous "Bad Judge", so if this is your thing, check it out!

"Maybe I'm not dead inside!" This show has heart.

[Horsebot4000 · 10/10 · 4 January 2015]

Benched is something special, IMHO. The characters are flawed but are fighting the good fight. The supporting cast is excellent and create a quirky and rich environment. I've had real laughs watching this show and that's the highest praise I can give. Thumbs up, way up!

Let me add that for a show to be great, like this one is, it has to hit on all cylinders. From writing to acting to directing, this show has what it takes. If it doesn't get renewed for another season it's a TV travesty.

If it were up to me I'd give this show two Golden Globes, so Nina could have a matching set.

It has some real potential

[TheSeaLion · 6/10 · 16 November 2014]

I know the show is only three episodes in, but from what I've seen, I believe it has real potential.

I think the premise of this show is quite good. A once high-powered attorney now having to serve as a public defender sounds like it has a lot of potential for funny situations for the characters to get themselves into and for humorous side characters to be introduced.

For the most part, I am unaware of any of the actors in this show with the exception of Eliza Coupe (Nina Whitley) and Oscar Nunez (Carlos). Coupe is a talented actress and comedian who also portrayed Denise on the medical sitcom drama "Scrubs" who I'm glad to see in something else. Nunez has done good comedic work on "The Office" and Jay Harrington (Phil Quinlan) has so far given some good comedic performances in the show.

The one issue I have at the moment is that of the main character, Nina. While Eliza Coupe has done a good job at bringing the character to life, I feel at the moment she is a bit annoying and unlikable, which is understandable given where she came from and the job she now has, but it's a bit of an off put for me. Though, it's only been three episodes so I'm sure that Nina is another Michael Scott (Steve Carell) from "The Office" or Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) from "Parks and Recreation", a main character who I find annoying who I will learn to like after getting to know her better.

It's only the start of the series so it's a little bumpy, but most series are at the beginning and just need to find its footing. That's the case with "Benched" and I am eager for the next episode because, as I've already said, I think this show has great potential.

Great Writing and Comic Timing Combine for LingOL

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 20 November 2014]

The writing for this show is smart and funny.

In the first episode, Nina Whitley (Eliza Coupe)--a corporate lawyer living the good life--finds her life spiraling out of control after her ex-fiancé calls to let her know he has a new fiancée. She does some things at the workplace that cannot be undone and before you know it, she is working at the Public Defender's office, representing another class of client. She has to learn how to deal with juries and those of a lower social station.

This isn't so much "fish out of water" as it is fish in a smaller, dirtier pond. And Eliza Coupe is the perfect actress for the writers to write for. Sort of a cross between Cameron Diaz and Taylor Schilling, with a dash of "New Girl" Zooey Deschanel, she has great timing and a real talent for physical comedy.

The rest of the cast is tremendous. And the series is still young, with plenty of time to develop their personalities. The writers spread the punchlines between the supporting roster, neglecting no one.

Nina sometimes flies out of control, but she always knows when she is doing it, as if she is watching her own car accident in slow motion and can't avert her eyes. Her self-consciousness is a lovable part of her personality. Now, if she can just expand her awareness to include (the well being of) others, she knows she can become a better person. The journey promises to be filled with laughs, many of them out loud.

Burned her corporate bridges

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 20 November 2014]

Here's one show I hope will last. Benched is a really good half hour comedy show about a woman attorney who leaves her white shoe law firm for the public defender's office. Not that Eliza Coupe did that willingly, she threw a hissy fit when another female lawyer made partner. After that she burned her bridges in corporate law.

So there's no sense of obligation that Coupe has in terms of her job, but a girl has to eat and the scene she made leaving her old firm has not exactly enhanced her resume. The comedy of this show centers around Coupe learning a whole different world than what she's used to.

Eliza Coupe has a nice sense of comedy timing, she reminds me a whole lot of Jennifer Aniston. One wonders if Anniston was offered the series before Coupe. Never mind because Coupe is really good in the lead. I do hope this show finds an audience.

Best new show since Arrested Development

[fischeja-196-788890 · 9/10 · 27 December 2014]

Sharp, witty, and hilarious. USA has lost Monk, Psych, In Plain Sight, and White Collar. Benched is their saving grace. Must see TV for those who like non-standard TV sitcoms with a real bite. The lead character is well developed already with lots of potential for story lines moving forward. Lead male co worker will eventually be the 'will they/won't they' love interest. Several excellent characters play supporting roles such as the crazy incompetent lawyer who makes you wonder how she is still employed, the guy from The Office with personal needs that mess with his professional life, and the cocky, but competent intern who provides biting one-liners with perfect precision. Then there's the quiet homely guy with an unknown dark humor that I assume will eventually be brought to light.

Some good traditional single gal comedy

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 15 January 2015]

Corporate lawyer Nina Whitley (Eliza Coupe) loses her boyfriend and then loses her expected promotion. She explodes and quits. Her outburst becomes legendary and she can't find any work other than as a lowly public defender. Her new co-workers include Phil Quinlan (Jay Harrington) and Carlos (Oscar Nuñez). The best worker in the office may be the intern Micah (Jolene Purdy). Nina finds herself facing off against her ex-boyfriend ADA Trent Barber (Carter MacIntyre) in court.

I don't know who Damon Jones is but I really like Michaela Watkins in her work. She always seems to be very smart in her comedy and a bit offbeat. This has a nice slice of that. It's not that edgy but Eliza Coupe is terrific as the traditional flustered single gal. Jay Harrington is setting up nicely as the romantic lead. However it's canceled after it's 12 episodes first season.

Trite waste of time

[spamusnot · 2/10 · 26 October 2014]

The premise of a comedy set in the public defender's office has so much potential. Benched, however, falls flat.

The characters are shallow and not at all developed. The lead character comes off as purely neurotic. She dominates every scene, while the other characters are relegated to only setting up the mostly trite jokes for her. The defendants are little more than a crew of stock clichés.

The humor is lacking, and most of it is just slapstick. The story line, what of it there is,sorely lacks any substance. The plot has none of the situations that are found in good comedy, and no good sight gags. The entire pilot was nothing more than a weak woman whining that her boyfriend left her.

Watching Benched is not a good use of 30 minutes of your time.

Benched needs a season 2!

[emarcesse · 8/10 · 24 January 2015]

I love this show, it is such a shame that it has been canceled. Please, dear Lord of the airing, if you read this, sign (at least) season 2!!

The two main leading roles are fun and the scenario is pretty well written. Somehow it reminds me Ally McBeal but without the annoying Calista Flockart. Eliza Coupe is delicious. She perfectly endorses the part of the daddy's bitchy rich girl.

It's fresh, it's contemporary.

Please, put it back on air, I wanna know what is coming next!

Let me be the public defender of this show and ask the Court a deal for Benched!

Who misses Jane Kerkovich? I do

[willz187 · 5/10 · 16 January 2015]

This is supposed to be a review of Benched but it can't be reviewed without mentioning Eliza Coupe's past character Jane Kerkovich from Happy Endings - a show prematurely cancelled. Benched is watchable. However, it's no Happy Endings NOR Better Off Ted (which Eliza's counterpart Jay Harrington in Benched starred in (2009)) - 2 shows that were edgier and wittier than Benched.

Eliza holds this show together in an otherwise blasé cast.

But I could be still comparing it to Happy Endings, where every character was a hilarious wacko. Since this is a show about being a public defender-which is a court appointed lawyer for those who can't afford one-I found myself a little depressed by Benched, constantly being reminded of societies disadvantaged and under privileged. Hard to laugh at some of these situations. Reminded me a little of a long gone hit show, Night Court (1984). But mostly made me miss the antics in Happy Endings.

Went over and watched another Happy Endings alum's new show, Marry Me, and same thing, missing Casey Wilsons character, Penny Hartz, from H.E.

Put Kate Walsh's character from Bad Judge, Rachel Harris, add Judah Friedlander, Kryten Ritter, Kyle Mooney from Saturday Night Live, and Peter Dante from Happy Madison productions into Benched, and now we have a cast!

In the Spirit of Reno 911, but funnier and more realistic

[tedphx · 10/10 · 30 December 2014]

I had no idea who Eliza Coupe was, but when I saw "Oscar" from The Office and Jones from Reno 911 my expectations soared... and have been met.

This is the funniest new comedy in many a year and could have been titled The (Public Defenders) Office. Coupe is clearly and deservedly the star, and what a pleasure she is to watch. Her timing, delivery, gestures and facial expressions are reminiscent of the best comediennes from the past. But everyone else gels perfectly as well, though I'd like to see "Jonesee's roll expanded (I'll never forget his reaction to "Let's play 'Good cop, black cop'" in Reno 911).

I'm writing this as I'm watching the two episode season finale, and I feel they're the best yet. True human feelings and reactions have fleshed out the series beautifully, and this now has promise of becoming Friends 911!

Intelligent series about the US Legal System.

[Dr_Mark_ODoherty · 10/10 · 26 April 2022]

This is an intelligent and sophisticated series about the US legal system - giving a good insight what US lawyers are like.

So for those people not so familiar with the US legal system, this is a good series to watch.

Interesting to note, that lawyers in Europe are a bit different - much more lowbrow than the US legal elite - and not so superficial :)

However, as depicted in this great TV series, US lawyers and the US legal elite certainly have other merits :)

Criminally unfunny

[huwbutts · 5/10 · 3 January 2015]

Benches evidently wants to be Scrubs mixed with Suits. Unfortunately, such a promising premise is let down by flat jokes, poor delivery and bad casting; it's also not silly enough to keep up with the surreal humour you find in successful comedies (30 Rock, Community, Arrested Development and the like) but instead relies on very tired scenarios to eek out the laughs.

I was really looking forward to this as Jay Harrington absolutely made Better Off Ted as the put-together protag - such a travesty that it got cancelled. Sadly, his role in Benched as the work-shy swindler Phil just doesn't fit - it would have been potentially better for him to be Trent (but a more interesting version). He also comes across as if he knows the show isn't going to last, and doesn't put any effort into...not putting any effort in.

Eliza Coupe is...angry. I know that's supposed to be 'funny' and endearing, but she just comes across as irritating and unbelievable (a lawyer but all-too-gullible for example). Someone else as the female lead would have saved the day (Christina Applegate? Gillian Jacobs? Jaime Presley?) A wasted opportunity. I hope the show makes better use of such talent soon, or else I fear it'll be curtains.

Assembly line viewing

[puplover · 2/10 · 4 November 2014]

A female lawyer (Eliza Coupe) has the standard breakdown (a mascara soaked frenzy of vitriol while the elevator is closing, but doesn't close all the way..riotous.) So she is relegated to the crude and wacky world of the public defender's office w/ a racist boss, a lascivious male co-worker, a fat intern, and the hot ex-fiancée whom she didn't know was working there. Have you seen this all before? In 3 seconds we could tell that Nina likes to drown her sorrows in the occasional bottle of Pinot Noir, that her mother fears for her singledom, that she power drinks Starbucks, and will be ruminating over the booty call she had with her ex with a half pound bag of Peanut M&Ms. This is all going to happen because it's been cranked out since Mary Tyler Moore aired.

Coupe (a little too wink wink nudge nudgey) does try, I'll give her that. It's obvious she can be adept at comedy. Rest of the cast; same. There is an audible thud after most of the jokes. By and large, Cringe-worthy mediocrity.

Less funny than Suits

[katanaknights · 4/10 · 4 March 2016]

For a self-described comedy, it has fewer laughs than Suits, a drama with a few laughs.

The laughs per minute rate is too low. I watched whole episodes without laughing once and started to count the jokes. There's not that many of them. It's mostly a series of awkward moments, slightly droll anecdotes, nothing actually funny.

I saw this as a huge fan of Happy Endings. That show had it all and these solo acts ain't working. It's similar to the curse of Seinfeld. One Big Happy, Benched and Marry Me were all weak, while Happy Endings was amazing. I think they should've found a new home for Happy Endings or kept trying again and again (like "Freaks and Geeks" and "Undeclared" both cult classics) until it was successful (Happy Endings was already funny). In "Marry Me" Annie is the same character as Penny was on HE and here Nina plays a very similar role to Jane on HE, but with way fewer jokes.

Episode 1 sees her having a breakdown at work, insulting everyone and everything (just like Annie's extended "Why won't you marry me?" rant on Marry Me) and getting fired/losing her job.

There is not much humor here. They recycle jokes 3 episodes in - the smell of the public defendants' office, the smell of the courtroom and the smell of the meeting rooms for jailed prisoners. Not only are the jokes repeated, Nina keeps complaining the smell over and over. The bad smell is a big theme in the first 3 episodes. It wasn't funny the first time, keeping complaining about the smell does not make it any more funny and doing it every episode over and over just makes it annoying.

Another example of a show that does not have enough jokes to sustain itself. There's just not enough jokes in there, the ones that are there aren't that good and the story is not funny on its own. You just end up watching some light, slightly weird court drama.

The supporting cast is a backdrop for Nina - they just set her up and add little to the show.

All these things should've been noticed reading the screenplay. I don't know how something this half-baked made it out on TV.