The Deep End

Chicago Sun-TimesPaige Wiser

There's nothing original about the series that wasn't already covered in "L.A. Law."

Hollywood ReporterRandee Dawn

The show benefits from a true insider's feel of the biz, and that helps spackle over the softer spots. Given half a chance, Deep should get along swimmingly.

People WeeklyTom Gliatto

The premiere delivers a show that's more winkingly cute than it really needs ro be. [25 Jan 2010, p.42]

Deseret NewsScott D. Pierce

While it's not a great show, it does do for lawyers what "Grey's Anatomy" did for doctors--create what could be a watchable soap opera on top of cases that involve real issues and real drama.

San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa TimesChuck Barney

The problem is there's nothing here that hasn't been done before, and often done better. Even more disheartening: The cast, which includes Matt Long and Billy Zane, is stocked with forgettable and/or boorish characters.

Entertainment WeeklyKen Tucker

There's nothing here you haven't seen elsewhere.

NewsdayVerne Gay

Nice cast. Otherwise, charmless. Airless. Lifeless. (Blah, blah and blah.)

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

Trouble is, it doesn't feel all that fresh. Arrogant, idiot superiors have been a bedrock of humor-infused dramas from the ancient Greeks right up through "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Ugly Betty."

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

It’s actually kind of depressing just how obviously “The Deep End’’ has been constructed of used parts from the likes of “LA Law,’’ “The Practice,’’ “Boston Legal,’’ “Damages,’’ “Eli Stone,’’ and “The Good Wife.’’

Dallas Morning NewsTom Maurstad

Judging by the pilot, it seems a safe bet that soon enough everyone will have slept with everyone else on the show. But unless the storytelling evens out, there won't be anyone watching.

VarietyBrian Lowry

The network has cast a strong ensemble adrift in a bland workplace environment.

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

The pilot offers a deft introduction to the characters and their situations. It's just unfortunate that more care wasn't taken to create a show that feels fresh--The Deep End is rather moldy.

TV GuideMatt Roush

If you’ve never seen a legal show before, maybe you’ll get something out of this; otherwise, it’s about as refreshing as wading in a kiddie pool on a scorching summer day.

Newark Star-LedgerAlan Sepinwall

Basically, The Deep End is "Grey's Anatomy" with lawyers, and the execution is as cynical and flat as that premise sounds.

Zap2it (Inside the Box)Rick Porter

Despite being populated with likable actors giving mostly solid performances, it's hard to escape the feeling that you've seen this before.

USA TodayRobert Bianco

Honestly, Deep End is the type of high-gloss, dim-bulb broadcast hour that makes you despair for broadcast hours.

Washington PostHank Stuever

Buffed up with glossy polish and thoroughly lacking in sparks between characters, the only good news about this show is that it appears to have a script and actors and sets, which means it's not a reality show or "The Jay Leno Show."

SalonHeather Havrilesky

At first glance, The Deep End looks more like plastic food: shiny, colorful and perfectly appetizing, yes, but ultimately unsatisfying.

The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley

The Deep End is a pale imitation without smart writing, imaginative casting or even a clever conceit.

Los Angeles TimesMary McNamara

Poorly conceived, badly written and indifferently acted, The Deep End is a jumble of terrible ideas from start to finish.

Boston HeraldMark A. Perigard

Here’s the kind of firm even “Boston Legal’s” Denny Crane would have the sense to close down. And I don’t think I’ve ever sat through so many penis jokes in the 8 p.m. hour.

San Francisco ChronicleTim Goodman

The Deep End is stupid. It is obvious and ridiculous and badly acted for the most part.

Miami HeraldGlenn Garvin

In the case of ABC's turgid legal melodrama The Deep End, you might not want to show up at all.