Hopefully you weren’t waiting for a second season of the Benched sitcom. USA Network has cancelled the TV show after one season of 12 episodes.
On Benched, a high-powered corporate lawyer (Eliza Coupe) experiences a fall from grace and lands in the rough and tumble world of public defenders. The series also stars Jay Harrington, Oscar Nunez, Maria Bamford, Jolene Purdy, and Carter MacIntyre.
The series debuted in October 2014 to a disappointing 877,000 viewers with a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The ratings for subsequent episodes were both a little better and a little worse but were basically the same.
The season ended up averaging 830,000 viewers and a 0.3 in the demo. It was the least-watched scripted series on USA and Benched tied Covert Affairs (also cancelled) for the lowest demo rating.
Sitcom Playing House had just slightly better ratings but was renewed. According to Deadline, it did well in DVR and VOD viewing so USA decided to bring it back under a different VOD business model. Benched isn’t getting the same second chance.
The final two episodes of Benched aired on December 30th.
What do you think? Did you like the Benched TV show? Do you think that it should have been cancelled or renewed for a second season?
I am totally frustrated with the news that Benched was cancelled. Wonderful show however it was sandwiched in between episodes of “Chrisly knows best”. Yuck! I told so many friends and family about the show but it’s late night appearance made it difficult for some to watch. I’m sure it’s “on demand” download was good. I ended up watching it there a few times. That was the first show that I ever memorized it’s show time and channel. Most of the programming today is not worth my time.. Bring it back please! Laughter is good for the soul!
When my family and I watched the first episode we were hooked. We liked the story line of each character, and he the connected and acted like a family. We ALL miss the show and we would definitely follow it on a another channel.
I loved Benched! I told everyone about it. My son in law is an attorney and even though he said it was completely unrealistic he enjoyed watching it with my daughter. Our whole family liked it. Such clever quips, you had to listen closely or miss the humor. I was really looking forward to the next season to see what happens w/ Nina and Phil. Please reconsider and bring it back. It was my new favorite show.
about the people who make the decisions to cancel such fresh and funny shows, such as benched and bad judge and a few others, its their employment that should be cancelled. In the age of advanced technology executives can now read and listen to the real critics; the people who actually watch the shows.
Geez!!! Why do they cancel the good ones? I can think of several not half as interesting that should have gone instead of Benched. They could have at least finished it with a second season. I suppose they’ll replace it with a brainless reality shoe……Maybe it wasn’t dirty enough, gross enough, graphically discussing enough or because it showed some true entertainment.
I loved the show! Can’t believe they have cancelled it. One of the very few shows I made sure I didn’t miss! USA – bring it back! More advertising of the show!
Funny and different. USA what is wrong with you?! Try moving the show to another day/time.
I watch a lot of shows on USA because they have some shows that are quirky and different. One of my all time favorites was “In Plain Sight”. Benched is right up there. Despite the fact that it was on at a horrible time I either watched it or recorded it. I am beyond disappointed. For what used to be one of my favorite stations, it has now turned into rerun city. Just how many hours of Law and Order, CSI, or wrestling do you need. I am stunned. I recommended this show to my friends, because I literally would… Read more »
Best show ever. I told ten people about this show and all ten people said it was their fav. uSA is not smart!
I thought it was funny. I really like Harrington. I thought he was awesome in Better Off Ted. Another very good (cancelled) show. I can’t stand the Big Bang Theory though and that’s one of the most popular shows on TV so I obviously don’t know quality programming. Or Bones. There’s a winner. How does that crap stay on?
What is wrong with USA?? They use to be one of my favorite channels but not anymore especially after cancelling “Covert Affairs” and now “Benched”. Benched is one of the best comedies ever on any of the networks and now it is cancelled. The only one left on USA I watch is “Suits” and right now I don’t even want to watch USA anymore.
The show was by far funnier and better done than most others that seem to be on TV long after they should be cancelled. Carter MacIntyre was great in the role of ‘attractive villan’.
We loved the show!!! Why do all the good ones get cancelled?
I resent the ratings being based on 18-49 y.o. audience…..
Honestly, going into this series it didn’t seem like USA was very confident in it at all. There just wasn’t much energy, or enthusiasm. Add to that how they pulled out of comedy development, and this news isn’t surprising in the least.
Kind of a shame too, Eliza Coupe was the first Happy Endings alumnus to lose her job on her next show.
Of course it was cancelled… that’s because it was a very funny show w/terrific script writing and great acting. But boy, let a show stink & it’s on for years!
I could not agree more! The shows I would never consider watching, remain on the air for years but shows such as Benched, does not get the respect it deserves!
I am so sure USA will look for more reality shows. UGH!
You are both SO right on this!!!!!! It happens ALL the time…. The good shows get cancelled and the stupid ones stay on forever…. I also resent that the networks base ratings on the 18-49 age group. Apparently, if we are younger or older, our opinion doesnt matter. I know it is supposedly based on who spends money on the products in the commercials but I think so many of us record the shows and FF the commercials now, that way of measuring is no longer valid either. They need to re-vamp the whole system…in the meantime another good show… Read more »
You are both SO right on this!!!!!! It happens ALL the time…. The good shows get cancelled and the stupid ones stay on forever…. I also resent that the networks base ratings on the 18-49 age group. Apparently, if we are younger or older, our opinion doesnt matter. I know it is supposedly based on who spends money on the products in the commercials but I think so many of us record the shows and FF the commercials now, that way of measuring is no longer valid either. They need to re-vamp the whole system…in the meantime another good show… Read more »