• Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2010
  • Season #: 1
The Defenders Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: Pete Kaczmarek (Jerry O'Connell) and Nick Morelli (Jim Belushi) are two Las Vegas defense attorneys who go all out for their clients.
  • Genre(s): Drama
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    83
    The show is an old-fashioned courtroom procedural, but the pilot has enough sharp writing and well-greased plot twists to suggest future promise.
  2. The Defenders which, like those other shows, is a pretty straightforward legal procedural, has a surprising amount of fun with its familiar building blocks.
  3. On the correct assumption that almost no one watching TV today remembers the original "Defenders" series, CBS has created a new one with more swash, more buckle and results that are modestly entertaining.
  4. Belushi and O'Connell are two jokers who love the law and practice in Las Vegas and ... oh, forget it. The show is lousy.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. This is my new favourite show. Intelligent, funny and usually morally conscious, "The Defenders" is a smart legal thriller that outshines predecessors with it's mixture of mystery, humour and drama. I hope this show sticks around because I wasn't much of a fan of Belushi after the horrible "According to Jim" but he shines here, alongside his more than competent co-star Jerry O'Connell who has always put forward his A-Game. A worthwhile show that rewards more and more with continued viewing. Expand
  2. 8
    the cast is great, the stories are well fit to a 50 minutes show.
    and for sure, after watching a lot of new shows. this is one of the best the
    re is.
    if you love all the law shows, and you want to laugh a little bit, this is the show for you.
    hope it will stay on the air.
    Expand
  3. I didn't think I would like the show but Jim Belushi does a good job with his character and there are nice twists with the legal battles. It is not deep or preachy and does touch on social issues but without being heavy handed. I find I really am looking to see just how the case will be handled. Expand
  4. I expected lots of this show. I tried watching this, but right when the first commercial break came up, I made a dash out of the room. I like the idea, and the cast, but the overall show is boring and lame. They get so hyped over a billboard. Then again, I get hyped about commercial breaks. Go figure. Expand

See all 5 User Reviews