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?
My husband and I love the show. Please don’t cancel it.
I just love the show. I mean this series was funny and make the serious things look funny. I just love eliza coupe’s acting as Nina. Omg and i just sooooo curious with what happens next between Nina and Phil, because in the last episode, i didn’t get satisfaction ending. Sooo pleaseeee just renewed the series for season 2 and not cancelling thisss. I know you didn’t wanna dissapointed us, so please renewed :)) thankyou!
Absolutely love this show! Hilarious, refreshing and original. Definitely needs to be renewed!
Love this show…so funny…refreshing to have a show that’s just good solid comedy!
This is a genuinely funny show. It’s smart with it’s jokes andwith it’s characters, boring Larry is my favorite. I hope it gets renewed.
I am begging you not to cancel this show!!! this is one of the first shows in a long time that my husband and I finally look foward watching together very week! I am already getting withdrawls from it being over.
Watched this show last night for the first time. I laughed so much. It appeals to all age groups; I am a 68 year old grandmother. Please, please do not cancel this hilarious show.
Love Love this show. Haven’t laughed out loud at a TV show for a long time.
Good and should be brought back for a second season.
My family LOVES Benched!!!! Hoping for season 2 !!!
Eliza is a terrific comedic actor. I’ll bet she’s got drama chops as well. This series needs to stay on TV!
Love the show. Bring it back for sure!!
Didn’t expect to like this show as much as I did. Hands down the best new comedy. Eliza is hillarious, Jay is cool. Some many funny characters. pleas bring it back fro another season.
Very funny show with a great ensemble cast. Eliza Coupe’s physical comedy is reminiscent of Lucille Ball on ‘I Love Lucy’, especially last night’s episode when she went falling over off her wheel-less chair! Look forward to another season!
Best comedy on television. Renew!