Network: USA
Episodes: 12 (half-hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: October 28, 2014 — December 30, 2014
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Eliza Coupe, Jay Harrington, Oscar Nunez, Maria Bamford, Jolene Purdy, and Carter MacIntyre.
TV show description:
This single-camera comedy follows a high-powered corporate lawyer who experiences a fall from grace and lands in the rough and tumble world of public defenders.
Nina Whitley (Eliza Coupe), a distinguished corporate lawyer, has given up everything in her climb up to the top. But, when she learns that her ex-fiance is getting married and that she hasn’t made partner at her high power firm, Nina snaps. She ends up breaking vases and burning bridges.
Shunned by the corporate world, the only place she can get a job is at the Public Defender’s office — home to the underfunded, understaffed, and overworked lawyers.
In addition to her new clients, Nina must learn to connect with her co-workers. They include charmingly disheveled Phil (Jay Harrington), idealist Carlos (Oscar Nunez), useless and empathetic Cheryl (Maria Bamford) and dedicated intern Micah (Jolene Purdy).
If all of that isn’t tough enough for Nina, she’ll also be going head-to-head with her ex-fiance Trent (Carter MacIntyre), the rising star of the District Attorney’s office.
Episode #12 — Brief Encounters
Nina wonders if her night with Trent was a dream. Nina apologizes again to Phil for the whole PD of the Year award thing and he assures her that everything is fine. Afterward, Carlos asks if the thing between Phil and Nina is still happening. Phil says he’s not Nina’s type so he must have misread the signals. After an encounter in the broom closet, Trent tells Nina they have to file papers to disclose their relationship if they want to make it official.
As Nina considers this, she tells Cheryl and Carlos that she’s helping her friend “Penny” decide whether or not to go public about getting back together with her ex. Nina’s argument is pretty convincing — especially to herself. However, when it comes time to submit the form to the clerk’s office, Nina hesitates.
It’s Phil’s job to get Nina to show up to Don Guardo’s for the surprise party celebrating her PD of the Year win but Nina isn’t sure what to make of Phil’s invitation. Nina tells Cheryl and Carlos that “Penny” suddenly has cold feet because she just got butterflies for another guy.
Nina lets Trent know that she’s having second thoughts. Old Nina wanted him so badly but she has grown and changed. Phil admits to Morris that his lights were off until Nina walked in like a crazy train. Now they’re back on again.
Nina tells Phil she’s had a change of heart about the drinks. She’s in. But Donna the court clerk doesn’t rip up Nina’s form like she asked. Instead Donna gives it to Judge Nelson who immediately spreads the word.
Phil gets the same text, which makes him leave the party. Nina chases after him and asks him not to disappear. He says that he’ll see her on Monday.
First aired: December 30, 2014.
What do you think? Do you like the Benched TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a second season?
Love the show. Please renew!
SPOILER ALERT don’t read here if you haven’t seen the last episode! I am mortified that the writers of the show took it in this direction. Having Nina sleep with Trent is the worst thing that could have happened. Yes, I am sure this adds great fodder to the Nina / Phil animosity relationship, but the show could have explored it so much better with Nina turning Trent down, and becoming more secure in her own self. Having her give in takes the show in an awful direction. OK, here’s how to fix it. Have the next episode start at… Read more »
Funniest show on tv.
I love this show. DON’T Change anything (unless you want to make it an hour long)!!!!!
I watched the final 2 episodes tonight and am really ready for more!!
The writing is awesome and Eliza’s comic timing is amazing.
I love it!
This sitcom brought me and wife back to what we both loved about each other…its quick humor …awesome joke timing and drama…it’s feels real and it’s what we need in this sad “reality tv” sickness were forced to watch!
My husband and I love the show and I am really hoping to look forwards to another season!
Sorry, I meant USA…not TBS. More evidence to support that USA doesn’t do a good job advertising it’s shows…I didn’t even know what channel it was on!
This show is unique, well-written, and funny. The cast is the perfect mix of talent and looks. TBS needs to do a better job advertising it, and would be crazy NOT to renew it for another season!
This is one of the few comedies that I really enjoy. I will admit that I tape it because I also like Person of Interest. But I will watch Benched two or three times during the week because it is so funny!
Benched is perfect the way it is do not give her a better job and absolutely do not give her a family For you who want needless drama watch soap operas but leave this delicious comedy alone
Saw my first episode last week and really enjoyed it. Didn’t know the original premise—really doesn’t matter at this point. Still a funny show.
Love “Benched” – Love the ensemble of actors on the show….sure she probably could get
a better job at another law firm…but I love that she has to deal with defending
people who are not of her snooty world. I wish it was an hour show and there was a little
more drama added to get to know the lawyers and the defendants back stories more.
Give her a much better job with a romance and a family. With what she has gone through, she has to have parents and others who would be glad to give her another job
It doesn’t make sense that a high powered lawyer couldn’t get another great job. She acts nutty. She’s a good actress, but the writing is nonsensical.
I REALLY LOVED THE SHOW! It was funny and entertaining. However, I have just one minor problem: It is ONLY 30 minutes long!
I laughed from the beginning to end.
I absolutely agree with CSmith. LOVE this show! ONLY 30 minutes isn’t long enough! My husband and I LAUGHED, wishing there was more. We missed this weeks show, and I forgot to record.
This show is engaging and my wife and I have never laughed so hard!!..I completely agree…it has a Modern Family grip on us!