Franklin & Bash (TV Series 2011–2014) Poster

(2011–2014)

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7/10
I Like It
TamPalm2 July 2011
At first, I didn't want to tune into this show. I had chalked it up to just yet another soon-to-fail court show of Mark Paul's aka Zach Morris. But seeing as how it was hyped sooo much, I broke down and gave it a try...It's been on my DVR ever since.

While the bravado of the two lawyers is a bit over-the-top and you'll find yourself wanting the show to be more like "Law and Order" in which the lawyers don't magically win EVERY case, you eventually come to terms with the rules of the show and it doesn't bother you too much. This is because the witty writing, appealing characters, and solid acting outweigh the show's weak points. At its core you come to accept that this is not a drama, it's a comedy centered around the law, not the other way around--and that's all it wants to be. And it works.

7.5 out of 10 so far.
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8/10
The successor to Boston Legal?
butterflybaydesign2 July 2011
One of the reviews above suggested that the fans of Boston Legal and The Practice wouldn't appreciate Franklin & Bash. I have to disagree! Boston Legal is my favorite show of all-time, and I still mourn it's demise, and when watching Franklin & Bash I keep wanting to see a BL crossover. The shows would mesh perfectly.

While neither of the main characters has the 'passion' that Alan Shore displayed, they are both set to build into characters that are just as wonderful, given the chance. I really look forw3ard to seeing how this show and the characters develop.

Also - Malcolm McDowell rocks!
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7/10
Yes, People Over 40 Watch
jennface129 July 2012
This show is a fun little ride for what it is. Malcolm McDowell in anything is enjoyable to watch as he chews the scenery. As for Franklin & Bash they are good time boys that will give you a good time. No expectations and a whole lot of fun that is no where near believable. It's good for what it is. The networks offer nothing on Tuesday. I can't say it's a great fit with Rizzoli and Isles but I just started watching that show too.

TNT is doing something right to get two 40 somethings to watch on Tuesdays and that my husband doesn't bitch the whole time...you're doing great.
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10/10
Better then I thought it would be
Maniac-93 February 2012
I turned into the pilot episode since there was nothing else on that night so it's like "sure why not give the show a chance", thinking there might be a 50% chance I like the show so it could be a new show to add to my weekly watching schedule. After that first episode I was absolutely hooked. The show was not only funny but actually a decent show about lawyers. But at the same time still having some interesting cases that aren't done on other law shows. And unlike Law & Order and so on all the cases aren't just murder cases.

It's a good overall cast with Mark Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer in the leads with Malcolm McDowell as their boss. Even has Reed Diamond from Homicide and The Shield fame on the show.
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10/10
Don't write this show off just yet
reneweddan21 June 2011
This show seems to be improving with every episode. The series premiere was great, but episode 2 was better, and episode 3 was even better.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer, alongside the other cast members all perform well.

Franklin and Bash is truly refreshing with creative dialogue, unique (extremely unique) scripts, and quality acting. The show is quality compared to many other legal shows I've seen.

I agree that this show might not be the next Lost, but it definitely succeeds at entertaining and that's all that matters to me. This series is great for what it is and it does what it's suppose to do: entertain.

Give this show a chance, but if you can, let it grow on you since the first three episodes progressively improve.

Hopefully this show lasts as long as possible, granted quality does not falter.
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Painless, enjoyable legal dramedy
Dr_Sagan5 October 2014
Franklin and Bash are 2 buddies who work together as a lawyers and represent their clients using unconventional ways. They like to party and to have a good time but that it is not get in their way for winning the cases they have been entrusted.

Fast dialogs, one-line jokes, teasing, and quirky humor make this basically a comedy and the many scenes between just the 2 main characters has a strong "buddy-movie" feel, but the legal drama is also present nevertheless.

The series it survived 4 seasons already and that can tell you something about its success. The main problem is that the producers somehow feel obliged to surpass previous cases and events, so you might feel overwhelmed, but in series like this, that is to be expected.

Overall: It's a good, easy-watchable show to say the least.
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8/10
Wild, offbeat, sexy and witty rule breaking legal series!
blanbrn20 June 2011
Been watching this new TNT series this summer and this legal drama which pushes the button even for a cable series, is downright fun and enjoyable! Franklin & Bash is full of wit, pleasure, rule breaking and sexy scenes to make one wish they were living the life of these two hot young lawyers! The work and chemistry from the actors is top notch with veterans Mark Paul Gosselaar("Raising the Bar" and "Saved by the Bell")and Malcolm McDowell("A Clockwork Orange")and enter new guy on the block Breckin Mayer who's also a treat, plus the show provides plenty of eye candy with appearances from the hot ladies and frequent guest stars give it spice to go along with the sweet and crazy sugar type cases that the duo try to defend! Set in the city of Angels and sunny southern Los Angeles, California these two young and hot lawyers Peter Bash(Mark Paul Gosselaar)and Jared Franklin(Breckin Mayer)who enjoy pop culture movie trivia, video games and searching for hot young women have their own ways of winning cases of the law! Even though they slack some they know the tricks and trade of the legal system and the behind the scenes and under the table ways to win measures of justice! Because a little background and undercover work will help win cases! And many of their cases are crazy many involve something that relates to sex! Wild and push the envelope series, still this uncommon and unorthodox success catches the eye of a powerful firm leader(Malcolm McDowell). After joining the ranks the sky is the limit for this young tag team legal duo. Overall good series that does things it's own way still in the meantime it's a feel good guilty pleasure that's watchable.
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10/10
Great Show
cali-10713 September 2011
I found this show by mistake. It was such a pleasant surprise.

I have not enjoyed a show so much in a very long time.

I hope a lot of people tune in and keep it on the air.

I look forward to watching in the future.

Should be advertised more.

I think the show should have much more exposure to the public.

If that happens it will be a long running show.

\Love it Love it....

The actors are excellent along with the scripts.

I look forward to watching future shows
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7/10
Entourage Meets Boston Legal
ayochristian22 June 2011
First off, I think this show is more directed toward viewers in their early 20's and for people not so critical about law.

With that being said, I think a lot of the older cats who watched Boston Legal and The Practice will write this show off. The humor, plot, and characters relate more to the younger crowd than the old.

Cool music, hot chicks, and two funny friends having a good time being lawyers.

If you like Entourage and know enough lawyer jargon, then I recommend this show. Also, if you liked The Lincoln Lawyer (the movie), check this show out.
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9/10
Very entertaining.
Shopaholic3514 July 2014
What a jerky and arrogant show...I love it! Everything about Franklin & Bash is childish, they feel like the male version of Legally Blonde. Successful due to luck and charisma, not hard work. It's a crazy idea that makes the law fun. So far i've found that this show is more comedy drama than serious legal show. The cases just provide the outline of the episodes but Jared Franklin & Peter Bash are the stars.

Even though everything feels so far away from reality that's not an issue. Their goofball antics are for your television viewing pleasure nothing more. Don't take it too serious and you'll find yourself getting sucked into their charm.
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7/10
entertaining, but overly contrived
Filmbrewer21 July 2011
Franklin and Bash is entertaining, but it's so contrived every plot line reaches way beyond reality. Their legal tactics need quite a bit more thought and creativity from the writers. The producers could at least bring in some attorneys for consultation and give a foundation for this show to stand on because for the most part, they win court cases based on emotion rather than fact and evidence.

The redeeming factor, however, is the chemistry of the characters which makes up for much of the absurdity of the show. This show and these characters would work much better in a detective scenario rather a court drama IMAO.

All in all, an excellent show to watch when your DVR is empty and nothing else is on.
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9/10
This is more a rant than a review
dskywalker016 August 2021
To this day I have trouble understanding why they cancelled this show. I used to enjoy it so much, it was funny and a tad dramatic, had good actors for the main roles, it was different from your everyday courtroom drama. I was in high school when it was running and it kinda made me want to be a lawyer, pull a bunch of nonsense in court and get away with it, until I found out that's not really how it works and gave up on the idea, but it was still fun to watch! It deserved at least a last season to give it a proper ending. I'm still glad I watched it though.
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7/10
The only comedy I like
Aerin_S9 August 2012
This show is hilarious! I've been watching it from the start. I generally prefer dramas (my current favorites are Mad Men, The Good Wife, Damages, Justified, and the Game of Thrones), and I don't like any current sitcoms at all, but this show really makes me laugh. The writing is sharp and witty, and the acting is outstanding — the actors walk a fine line, but stay just barely this side of over the top. Special props to Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Malcom McDowell. They get the best guest stars in, too. Cybill Shepherd, Seth Green, Rick Fox, Sean Astin, Jane Seymour, Kevin Nealon, Shiri Appleby (a new recurring role?), Beau Bridges (recurring role) — can't ask for much more. Like the theme song, too. For those viewers who want it to be a different type of show — too bad!
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5/10
Could be great, but needs some help
dizzy78926 June 2011
I want to like this show, and it would be easy to do. The actors are great, the characters are likable, the premise is silly but enjoyable. But the writers are terrible at writing for women characters. I get the impression that the writers enjoy women, and even respect them, but don't understand them at all. I would hate to see this otherwise highly enjoyable show fail because the writing for the female characters is so ridiculous that it makes watching it unpleasant. The actresses themselves are great. I hope they get some really good female writers or at least more mature male writers to help this show out. The exception seems to be Carmen Phillips, who is played by Dana Davis. She is the only female character who seems like she could be an actual person.
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A perfect mixture of Comedy and Court Room Drama
star_kristina27 July 2011
When I first heard about this show I was sure that it was going to be one of those Law dramas without any purpose and no story line from episode to episode.

However, as I began to watch the show I realized that it was a perfect blend of comedy and court room drama. The actors in this show really portray their characters very well.

Although this show is not full of meaningful and heartwarming lessons of life, it is just purely a comedic and dramatic master peace which can be appealing to any age group, ranging from teenagers to grandparents.
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10/10
Franklin Bash Fantastic!
prisanjkrish18 August 2011
I love Franklin & Bash. Season 1 was fantastic. Looking forward for season 2. I enjoy all the characters on the show. This how is lot entertaining than drama. I like the comedy, little romance(peter and Janie), friendship etc. Gudos to the writers and the entire cast for a brilliant performance.

The chemistry between Mark Paul and Claire coffee is good. Hoping to see them more on season 2. Really enjoyed the storyline Bachelor party. Awesome acting by Mark Paul, Claire Coffee and James.

One of my favorite character is Janie Ross played by Claire Coffee. I wish they give her more scenes on season 2.
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9/10
Better than you think
employeewalmart16 April 2021
Not bad actually really funny at times I'd watch it again.
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9/10
A brilliant and entertaining series that's worth a look!
RUKIA2221 June 2013
I love Franklin & Bash it's a fun and entertaining US TV show. If you're looking for a serious courtroom show, then go elsewhere. If you're looking for escapism, laughs and some eye candy, then Franklin & Bash has this in spades... I loved seasons 1 - 2 of Franklin and Bash and season 3 looks like it's going to be great fun as well. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer are excellent sexy and so entertaining to watch. Malcolm McDowell is really funny and enjoyable as Stanton Infeld. Franklin & Bash is one of my favourite TNT shows and the most underrated gems on TV. I hope that we see more Franklin & Bash seasons. It's perfect Summer viewing and but I really enjoy the show. I like the chemistry between Peter & Jared. The chemistry between mark and breckin is fantastic and you can genuinely tell that they are having fun in their roles as it comes through on screen.
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10/10
Love it!
janni-hoppus27 August 2013
I've never been into 'laywer' series, but then I saw the ratings on this show and I just had to watch it!

And after seeing all of the episodes - I regret nothing! Breckin and Mark-Paul are great together. There's this chemistry between then and in the show - they have this incredible friendship,that I think everyone would love to have in real life, ha ha. ;)

Then there's Reed Diamond as Damien, and I absolutely love him! I think he's the perfect match for a crazy duo like Franklin and Bash. The only thing missing in season 3 tho - is Hanna. Just think she was better than Rachel.
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7/10
Good
manitobaman8130 August 2014
Breckin Meyer may be one of the most dynamic television performers of his time. This series proves that a small story can be much more meaningful than a large one. Here you will find a bit of realism existing in a delusional world. There is a real duality to all the characters. Even if you are not a fan of this kind of television show, you will be entertained by all this interesting series has to offer. I would suggest renting it, or perhaps buying it if the price is right. My final rating for this series is 7 out of 10, and it really deserves it. A masterful work that imbues you to it through its realism and quality.
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6/10
Humorous show, lots of fun
maggiesnuff30 July 2013
This show is amusing and the dialogue between the two lead protagonists is great, very refreshing and captures an element of realism when representing the rapport that college buddies have when they are hanging out...problem is, everything is super ludicrous; the legal practices, the parties at night, the chicks - it seems like they are really trying to sell the immature guy's fantasy. There is only so much I can take before it makes me roll my eyes... if they toned down the stupidity and lameness, maybe introduced more non- sexualized female characters with substance (Janie is the only character that's portrayed well which I like), the show would be AMAZING. Still, it's entertaining and light hearted fun. I think it's enjoyable.
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7/10
Not bad
Leigh-Lanee27 October 2018
The show is something light to watch while you play games on your phones, or look away to do other things. Mildly enjoyable. Not great, not bad. I wish they'd had better writers.
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1/10
Awful
thetruth4531 July 2012
This show is terrible... I'm shocked at the reviews of this show being so ridiculously high (7.8). The writing and acting are both in the gutter. Usually good writing or good acting can save the other loose end but not here...neither helps the other, not even a little. Cheeseball lines from Zach Morris still trying to act like he's in saved by the bell...problem is he's now a 40-year-old attorney and this is supposed to be cool/funny? What's the demographic of this show? No 20-year old is going to find Zach Morris interesting, and no 40+ is going to find Zach Morris even remotely funny.... I'm shocked this show got picked up for a 2nd year.
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I Like It!
AnnaShade16 June 2011
I've only seen the pilot so far, but the main characters have great comedic timing and great chemistry with each other - that's rare to get in a pilot.

Sure, the show is a little silly, but it's a buddy comedy - it's supposed to be silly! And the two main characters pull off the ridiculous moments really well (and make them entertaining), which is something that a lot of new shows fail at.

Franklin, in my opinion, is the funnier of the two, but they're really best together. You completely get that they've been friends for a long time and are very close. The moment in the pilot when they realize their new job has them in separate offices is hilarious - they both seem confused at being separated and have the wall between the offices taken down to make one big one. Just their faced and timing on the lines alone make it very funny!

I hope this show stays good and gets better. I worry about really fun pilots that I like because that tends to signal that the show won't stay good. Here's hoping that doesn't happen with this one!

I recommend that you give this a shot. If you like things like "Psych" that have two buddy main characters, you might like this, too.
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7/10
Fun chemistry
SnoopyStyle11 November 2014
Lifelong friends Jared Franklin (Breckin Meyer) and Peter Bash (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) are outlandish lawyers using outrageous tactics. They get recruited by mercurial Stanton Infeld (Malcolm McDowell). Damien Karp (Reed Diamond) is Stanton's entitled nephew working in the firm. Other characters include the guy's agoraphobic roommate Pindar Singh (Kumail Nanjiani) and their street-smart assistant Carmen Phillips (Dana Davis).

The show works because of the fun chemistry of Meyer and Gosselaar. McDowell has some fun as the most interesting man in the world. Pindar is also a fun character and it's a shame that they lost him in the last season. This lasted 4 x 10 episodes which is probably a good run. The last season was flagging anyways.
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