• Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 19, 2005
  • Season #: 1
Metascore
53 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 24
  2. Negative: 6 out of 24
  1. 80
    Proves that a conventionally made sitcom can still produce laughter.
  2. 80
    In Keenan and Lloyd's world of dizzy, barb-tossing sophisticates, this group is confident and well-armed: Channing's patented ladies-who-lunch tartness, Winkler's nervous defensiveness, Burrell's blasé arrogance, Marshall's droll delivery and Gorham's frustrated sensitivity all mix like a well-shaken cocktail, even if it's the kind that gets tossed in somebody's face.
  3. Its supporting players steal the spotlight from the central character.
  4. 75
    Practice is the kind of show that will probably appeal to those who like their comedy theatrical.
  5. 75
    "Out of Practice" is that increasingly rare old-fashioned sitcom that delivers decent laughs.
  6. 70
    "Practice" has the kind of easy flow that comes from veteran sitcom experts.
  7. Tonight's episode employs the same he's-talking-about-one-thing, she's-talking-about-another, and neither-one-knows-it farcical convention that was frequently featured in Frasier, and goes back at least to Moliere. These pros bring it off with panache.
  8. Reviewed by: Phil Gallo
    70
    [It] already feels like it's been on air for three seasons... in a good way.
  9. With its superb cast, impeccable direction and mostly sharp writing, "Out of Practice" demonstrates simultaneously how polished and professional a sitcom can be and why TV comedy, with a few notable exceptions, is in such a funk.
  10. At least Henry Winkler didn't ditch Arrested Development for a show that totally blows. [7 Oct 2005, p.64]
  11. 60
    Boasts the strongest cast of any new sitcom.
  12. 50
    These pros deserve better than bad jokes and swinging doors.
  13. Although there is nothing compelling... ["Out Of Practice" is a] professional job and not hard to watch.
  14. It isn't as funny as it should be.
  15. 50
    If someone turns down the volume, ''Out of Practice" has the potential to become a likable, if conventional, sitcom.
  16. Reviewed by: Michael Abernethy
    40
    Had Keenan and Lloyd devoted more time to providing their characters with depth and less to flinging insults, viewers might have developed empathy for them and better understood why they feel such aggression toward one another.
  17. 40
    Has a few funny lines.
  18. 38
    In the first few episodes, nothing's happening. No pulse. Doctor, what's wrong? [24 Oct 2005, p.41]
  19. "Out of Practice" relies on trite misunderstandings and crude dialogue, both go-to gags for uninspired sitcom scribes.
  20. 25
    "Out of Practice" lives in a comedy vacuum: All its laughs are trapped inside and can't get out.
  21. 10
    A purported sitcom, it draws no laughs... but does manage the impressive achievement of making Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler, playing Gorham's parents, thoroughly unlikable.
  22. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    10
    If you expect the worst, your expectations will probably be met.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 35
  3. Negative: 2 out of 35
  1. VivekA
    9
    This was a great show. I am waiting to see the new episodes
  2. serferd
    10
    Best TV comedy in years.
  3. Danab
    10
    I loved the show, It was so funny. I was looking forward to seeing it come back. Now that its not on anymore I'm disappointed. Please bring it back. Full Review »