Party Down: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 61 Ratings

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8.6

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8.6	User Score Universal acclaim based on 61 Ratings

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Party Down: Willow Canyon Homeowners Annual Party

Now Playing: Party Down: Willow Canyon Homeowners Annual Party

Season Details & Credits

Starz | Season Premiere Date: March 20, 2009

Starring: Ken Marino, Adam Scott, Martin Starr

Summary: The Starz comedy explores the lives of six waiters working for a catering company in Los Angeles.

Creator: Paul Rudd and Rob Thomas (II) and John Enbom

Genre(s): Comedy

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E10. Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception
Air Date: May 22, 2009
tbd
S1:E9. James Rolf High School Twentieth Reunion
Air Date: May 15, 2009
tbd
S1:E8. Celebrate Ricky Sargulesh
Air Date: May 8, 2009

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Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Maureen Ryan

There is bitterness aplenty, but Party Down didn’t create these characters simply to mock them. There is also bittersweet sadness lurking behind these droll, incisive portraits of failure and self-deception. Read full review

Andrew Wallenstein

Lurking behind the surface of this raucous comedy is an astute meditation on the promise and peril of leading an unconventional life, something about which aspiring actors know a thing or two. Read full review

Matthew Gilbert

All of the characters are misfits, and the pleasure of Party Down is watching the actors riff off one another as they go to extremes. Read full review

Emily Nussbaum

Party Down’s satirical aim is unsteady, and the second episode (featuring Young Republicans) is so dated it’s practically unwatchable. But there’s sharp dialogue and insight into the nature of snuffed ambition. Read full review

David Hinckley

The warning bell is that since the team begins as caricatures, the show could become a string of situation jokes. There's room for growth, though, as they say, and the creators wisely mixed up the cast. Read full review

Ellen Gray

Tone--and we're talking cringe humor here--only takes you so far, and those looking for "Mars"-like subtlety should look elsewhere. But those who miss Veronica and company might want to tune in for the reunions alone. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

There's no shortage of comedy with a semi-improvised flair trafficking in detached irony, but by the end of three catered affairs, I felt every bit as bored and blase about life as Henry. Read full review

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User Score

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8.6

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Mixed:

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User Reviews

justbychance

Jan 19, 2012

I seem to have a 'thing' for cancelled comedies and it astounds me that some managed to pass me by - thankfully I took a gamble on a recommendation from a site that said 'if you like this, you'll probably like this'. Two perfect seasons.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

KimmyTee

Mar 11, 2011

I absolutely love Party Down. This show is so hilarious and I love the cast. The cast has great chemistry and are likable and fun. This show always keeps me laughing.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

alec

Jun 29, 2011

Excellent overlooked comedy series that should have been more successful. Witty, dry humor, and great actors. Not for everyone though, lots of mature content.
"Are we having fun yet?"

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

gracea

May 8, 2009

Great writing, smart and funny, and a good, solid premise. A few of the actors could scale it back a bit, but a nice ensemble.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

AusT

Oct 27, 2009

Smart, quirky, and funny. Way better than most of what's out there. Recommend.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

beth

Jun 15, 2009

I LOVE this show!!!!!! Amazing cast, great premise w/ so much potential, and writing that genuinely makes me laugh from the gut. I don't understand what the critics are missing? There is so much dreck out in the world that gets applauded, but a show with wit, edge, and interesting I LOVE this show!!!!!! Amazing cast, great premise w/ so much potential, and writing that genuinely makes me laugh from the gut. I don't understand what the critics are missing? There is so much dreck out in the world that gets applauded, but a show with wit, edge, and interesting characters gets overlooked or dismissed. I used to work the catering industry and believe me when I say that this is not far fetched. I have known these people and specifically Henry. I hope it finds an audience and sticks around. I'd be sad to see it get canceled so soon.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

TVCritical

Jan 29, 2012

This show has very intricate and intriguing story of the week that doesn't focus on the main characters. The stories that do are just bad but I have to admit not too bad the thing I can't get over is how bumbling, self-centered, and whiny these characters are. I can't believe the creators ofThis show has very intricate and intriguing story of the week that doesn't focus on the main characters. The stories that do are just bad but I have to admit not too bad the thing I can't get over is how bumbling, self-centered, and whiny these characters are. I can't believe the creators of this show expect us to feel sorry for these people for not making it in the media. These people are good looking and one is even Jewish and they expect us to believe these people have it really tough gaining success in the media and if they do then boo hoo hoo who gives a **** there are plenty of people who have it tougher than these people from minority races, to elderly people, to gay people, and average looking people. I can't give a bleeding **** for these whiny losers who cry over the fact they didn't make it there are thousands of people who don't make it my advice is get over it!!! This show if it wants to stop being mediocre and start being great should focus less on the main characters I didn't become famous sob story to the great comedic storylines each week that comes due to the catering business these people work for. If it wasn't for Ken Marino's character Ron Donald for being the everyman that just wants to make something of themselves and the acting of not just Ken Marino but also Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, and Jennifer Coolidge I would've never even given this show a 5. Although Adam's acting is GREAT his character's story is just plain bad. But I have to say the truly horrible part of this show is the acting of Lizzy Caplan and Martin Starr and their characters along with Ryan Hansen's character. Although for Ryan Hansen I have to say his acting wasn't bad thou he wasn't bad but he wasn't good either he was just mediocre in this but when it comes to Veronica Mars he was PLAIN AWESOME!!! and in Friends with Benefits he's also surprisingly Fantastic!!! I now in one final say I **** HATE LIZZY CAPLAN AND HER CHARACTER PLUS MARTIN STARR'S CHARACTER SHOULD JUST **** STICK A SOCK IN IT OR I'LL PUNCH THE **** OUT OF HIM!!!â… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

SEE ALL 14 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

75

Series Overview
Season 2

84
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: April 23, 2010
Season 1

66
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: March 20, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E10. Stennheiser-Pong Wedding Reception
  Air Date: May 22, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E9. James Rolf High School Twentieth Reunion
  Air Date: May 15, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E8. Celebrate Ricky Sargulesh
  Air Date: May 8, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E7. Brandix Corporate Retreat
  Air Date: May 1, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E6. Taylor Stiltskin Sweet Sixteen
  Air Date: April 24, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E5. Sin Say Shun Awards Afterparty
  Air Date: April 17, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E4. Investors Dinner
  Air Date: April 10, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E3. Pepper McMasters Singles Seminar
  Air Date: April 3, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E2. California College Conservative Union Caucus
  Air Date: March 27, 2009
- tbd
  S1:E1. Willow Canyon Homeowners Annual Party
  Air Date: March 20, 2009