Benched (USA Network 2014, Eliza Coupe, Jay Harrington)

Sitcom Benched focused on Nina Whitley, a distinguished corporate lawyer who has given up everything in her climb to the top. However, when she’s hit with her ex-fiancé’s engagement announcement and learns that she hasn’t made partner at her high power firm, Nina snaps – breaking vases and burning bridges. Now that Nina is shunned from the corporate world, the only place she can get a job is at the Public Defender’s office: home to the underfunded, understaffed, overworked, “if you can’t afford a lawyer, one will be provided…” lawyers.

In addition to her new clients, Nina must learn to connect with her co-workers, including the roguish Phil, the idealistic Carlos, the useless empathetic Cheryl and the dedicated intern Micah. If that didn’t sound tough enough for Nina, she’ll also be going head-to-head with her ex-fiancé, Trent, the rising star of the District Attorney’s office.

production details
USA / USA Network – ABC Signature – Mark Gordon / 12×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 28 October – 30 December 2014

Creators: Michaela Watkins, Damon Jones / Executive Producers: Michaela Watkins, Damon Jones, John Enbom, Mark Gordon, Andrea Shay

cast
Eliza Coupe as Nina Whitley
Jay Harrington as Phil
Oscar Nunez as Carlos
Maria Bamford as Cheryl
Jolene Purdy as Micah
Carter MacIntyre as Trent