• Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 15, 2006
  • Season #: 1 , 2
Metascore
45 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 24
  2. Negative: 10 out of 24
  1. Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    83
    Finally, a clever new sitcom. [17 Mar 2006, p.108]
  2. 75
    It's a fresh, darkly comic workplace/social life farce peppered with good laughs.
  3. It's funnier than a similar new Fox sitcom, "Free Ride," about a college graduate who moves back in with his parents. Partly that is because "The Loop" has a faster pace and bolder writing.
  4. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    70
    Yes, "The Loop's" a winner, although let us be the first to admit that the usual attributes associated with "winning" are probably stretched beyond all recognition in this context.
  5. 63
    Presumably, the actors will settle into their roles and get a better grip on timing and volume. They're over-the-top for material that's already zany.
  6. 60
    It may not have the subtlety or sophisticated wit of "Arrested Development," but it's not supposed to. It's more a combination of "The Office" and "Four Kings" -- with really good music and a distinctive, energetic visual style.
  7. 60
    The Loop's constant jokes about hot bodies and alcoholic excess would doubtless wear thin very quickly if not for a lunatic cast of young unknowns and gifted veteran character actors.
  8. You probably can tell that this thing isn't bound for the sitcom hall of fame, but it's a good time.
  9. Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    60
    If the writing can rise to [Harrison's and Hall's] performances, The Loop could take flight.
  10. A crude comedy filled with frat-boy humor.
  11. Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    50
    The Loop is half funny.
  12. 50
    The show moves along briskly, and it benefits from the lack of a laugh track. But you have to accept the relentless repetition of some flagrantly juvenile jokes to enjoy yourself.
  13. 40
    When you watch this show, you can almost hear some big, dumb executive animal saying, "We want a single-camera comedy that's weird and dark and fun, you know, like 'Arrested Development,' except with a young, sexy cast!"
  14. 38
    Seldom has a series expended more energy with less entertaining results.
  15. A painfully contrived premise can't be glossed over by pretty faces and pithy dialogue.
  16. There are some very funny lines and moments... Unfortunately, the good stuff isn't worth slogging through the rest of this sitcom.
  17. "The Loop" is much more failure than success.
  18. It's satirical all right, paced roughly like "Arrested Development," but not very funny or believable.
  19. [Episode 2's] Jenna, we learn, has basically been drunk since January, which is probably a pretty good condition for anyone who wants to get real laughs out of The Loop.
  20. Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    20
    The show basically approximates that commercial where a young guy is working an office job and his dorky friends keep bugging him, as a generic twentysomething dude seeks to prove he can straddle adult obligations and youthful pastimes by partying all night and working all day. Sorry, but been there, drank that.
  21. 12
    The jokes are dismally unpleasant and vaguely depressing.
  22. Reviewed by: Chip Crews
    10
    The show is particularly misbegotten and -- fatal for a comedy -- not funny at all.
  23. As for "The Loop," well, it's just heinous. True, we've said that before. But it can't be said enough. "The Loop": heinous.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Negative: 5 out of 31
  1. JeffA
    1
    This show had so much potential after season 1. Well, the changes to the show have made season 2 perhaps the worst television show I have ever seen. Why, for the love of god, why? Full Review »
  2. BaduncadonkH
    10
    The first season was wobbly, but the second is absolute brilliance. Writing is fantastic; this show deserves to become a hit!
  3. MikeY
    10
    This is the funniest show I have seen in years. It is just what we need in these crazy times.