Watch Benders

Benders is a comedy series that follows a group of friends in their 30s who play on a local amateur ice hockey team in New York City. The show premiered on IFC (Independent Film Channel) in October 2015 and was created by Jim Serpico and Tom Sellitti. The main character of the show is Paul (Andrew Schulz), who is a bartender and the captain of the hockey team. He is married and has a young son, but he still enjoys playing hockey with his close-knit group of friends. The other members of the team include Anthony (Chris Distefano), who is single and looking for love; Sebalos (Mark Gessner), who is in a committed relationship with Karen (Lindsey Broad); and Dicky (Ruy Iskandar), who is the wildcard of the group.

When the team isn't playing hockey, they spend most of their time hanging out at the local sports bar, owned by Joey (Steve Schirripa), who is also an avid hockey fan. Together, the group of friends navigates the ups and downs of their personal lives while trying to achieve their dreams on the ice.

The show touches on a variety of themes, including friendship, loyalty, competition, and growing up. While the hockey games are certainly a highlight of the show, Benders is ultimately about the relationships between the characters and how they navigate the challenges of adulthood together.

One of the most striking things about Benders is its unabashed love for ice hockey. The show does an excellent job of capturing the excitement and intensity of the sport, as well as the camaraderie that exists among players. Whether the team is celebrating a hard-earned victory or commiserating after a tough loss, the bond between them is palpable.

Another strength of the show is its cast, which features a mix of established comedians and up-and-coming actors. Andrew Schulz is a standout as Paul, bringing a likability and honesty to the role that makes him the perfect anchor for the show. Chris Distefano also shines as Anthony, infusing the character with a lovable goofiness that makes him both funny and endearing.

Lindsey Broad delivers a strong performance as the only female lead on the show, Karen. While her character doesn't play hockey, she is integral to the group, providing a level-headed perspective and a voice of reason when the guys get too carried away.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of the show is that it doesn't always hit the mark when it comes to humor. While there are certainly laugh-out-loud moments, there are also times when the jokes fall flat or feel forced. Additionally, some of the subplots feel underdeveloped, with certain characters getting shortchanged in terms of screen time and character development.

Despite these flaws, Benders is an enjoyable comedy series that offers a fresh take on both the sports and ensemble comedy genres. With its strong cast and genuine love for its subject matter, the show is sure to appeal to hockey fans and comedy lovers alike.

Benders is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 1, 2015 and on IFC