Champions (TV Show)

2 Min Read
Title — Champions
Available on — NBC.com, Prime Video
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2018
Years after getting his girlfriend pregnant, washed-up jock Vince meets his eccentric son Michael and learns about fatherhood, one show tune at a time.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

Champions: A Story of Family, Laughter, and Unexpected Twists

In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, the charismatic gym owner Vince Cook is living a carefree bachelor’s life alongside his younger brother Matthew. Vince’s world of casual dating and brotherly camaraderie is turned upside down when his high school flame, Priya, unexpectedly drops off their 15-year-old son Michael at their doorstep.

Vince, played by the talented Anders Holm, finds himself facing the challenges of fatherhood he never anticipated. Fortune Feimster brings comedic relief as Ruby, a lovable character who adds a touch of humor to the mix. Josie Totah shines as Michael Prashant Patel, a teenager caught between two worlds, trying to find his place in the new family dynamic. Mouzam Makkar portrays Britney, adding depth and warmth to the ensemble cast.

As the series unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, family bonds, and the inevitable chaos that ensues when unexpected responsibilities arise. The interactions between Vince, Matthew, and Michael are both heartwarming and hilarious, showcasing the complexities of family dynamics in a modern setting.

With a talented ensemble cast including Anders Holm, Fortune Feimster, Josie Totah, and Mouzam Makkar, “Champions” brings to life the challenges and triumphs of a makeshift family finding their way through the ups and downs of life in Brooklyn. The series, created by Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, captures the essence of love, laughter, and the unpredictable journey of parenthood.

Although “Champions” graced the screens for only one season, the impact of its storyline and characters resonated with viewers, leaving a lasting impression of heartwarming moments and comedic brilliance. The cancellation may have left fans yearning for more, but the legacy of “Champions” lives on as a testament to the power of family, love, and the unexpected joys that come with embracing life’s surprises.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Anders Holm, Fortune Feimster, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, Robert Costanzo, Ginger Gonzaga, Mindy Kaling

Movie Casting:

Actor Role
Anders Holm Vince Cook
Fortune Feimster Ruby McClure
Andy Favreau Matthew Cook
Josie Totah Michael Patel
Mouzam Makkar Britney Sundaram

💬 Reviews and feedback

Imagine walking into a comedy club where the headliner is a stand-up comic you’ve adored for years, only to find out the jokes are a tad stale, but the supporting acts still manage to get you chuckling. That’s “Champions” for you – Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy’s new sitcom that fumbles with the punchlines but scores with its heart. Let’s dive into this TV show and see what makes it worth your time, despite its flaws.

Plot:

“Champions” centers around Vince (Anders Holm), a gym owner living a bachelor’s life in New York City. His world gets upended when his teenage son Michael (J.J. Totah) – from a past fling – moves in with him. The twist? Michael is an openly gay theater kid with Broadway dreams, who brings a refreshing contrast to Vince’s frat-boy lifestyle.

Themes and Tone:

The show tackles themes of family, acceptance, and identity with an easy-going vibe that makes it light-hearted without trivializing serious issues. It navigates sensitive topics like biracial identity and LGBTQ+ experiences through Michael’s character, making it progressive albeit sometimes clumsily executed.

Acting and Characters:

  • J.J. Totah as Michael: This 15-year-old steals the show! Totah’s portrayal of Michael is both vibrant and nuanced, effortlessly bringing humor and depth to his character.
  • Anders Holm as Vince: Playing the stereotypical bro, Holm does what he can with the material given but often feels one-dimensional compared to Totah’s layered performance.
  • Mindy Kaling as Priya: Although her appearances are sporadic, Kaling delivers her characteristic wit and warmth as Michael’s mother.

“Is Champions good on Netflix?”

This is where things get tricky. Despite its strong talent pool – courtesy of “The Office” and “The Mindy Project” alumni – “Champions” can be cringeworthy at times. Some jokes fall flat or feel outdated, leading to moments that drag rather than delight. Yet there’s something oddly comforting about it; it’s like rewatching old episodes of your favorite sitcoms during lazy afternoons.

“Why was Champions canceled?”

No matter how charming or occasionally funny “Champions” might be, it failed to captivate the US audience as expected. The series found moderate success internationally but couldn’t crack the American market – ultimately leading NBC to pull the plug after just one season.

“Will there be a season 2 of Champions?”

The short answer: no…at least not on NBC. There’s always a flicker of hope for fans that another network or streaming service might pick it up in the future (Hey Netflix! Just saying!). But for now, we must bid adieu after one brief season.

If you’re still on board after all this back-and-forth about its merits and missteps, here are some insider tips:

Binge-watching Tips:

  • Pace Yourself: Episodes are roughly half an hour long – perfect for squeezing into your lunch break or winding down before bed!
  • Cameo Watch: Keep an eye out for fun guest appearances by familiar faces from other Mindy Kaling projects!

Interactive Element:

  • If you’re into shows like “Two and a Half Men”, you might enjoy comparing how each handles similar comedic dynamics differently!
  • Your Turn! What’s your take on blending sensitive themes with comedy? Is it empowering or risky business? Drop your thoughts below!

Cinematography & Production Design:

The visuals are pretty standard fare for sitcoms – nothing groundbreaking here but competent enough not to distract from what’s happening on-screen. The gym setting adds novelty though; it’s not every day you see one turned into a central hub for comedic antics!

Direction & Editing:</p

Mindy Kaling & Charlie Grandy’s direction leans heavily on their previous successes yet doesn’t quite hit those high notes consistently throughout “Champions”. Editing-wise there aren’t any notable complaints; transitions flow smoothly keeping pace brisk despite occasional script hiccups.

Pace & Dialogues:</P

The pacing feels fine overall though certain scenes do linger longer than necessary especially when humor misses mark leaving pauses awkward rather than punchy.Dialogue writing shines brightest through younger cast members particularly Michael whose quick-witted retorts keep things lively even during slower segments.

Score:

A light-hearted soundtrack accompanies proceedings adding charm without overshadowing narrative beats.Scores fit mood well enhancing emotional moments whether comedic heartfelt alike.

Cinematography:

Sitcom standards apply here too shots feel cozy intimate capturing characters interactions effectively within confined spaces most notably gym locale which serves primary backdrop throughout season.

SFX/Production Design:

No major special effects come play given genre focus stays grounded reality allowing set designs costumes subtle enhancements rather spectacle-driven distractions keeping true essence story intact.

Binge-Watching Tips:

Pros Cons
A charming cast Cringeworthy comedy
Good-natured approach to sensitive issues Failed to crack the US market
Promising comedy Not fully formed compared to other NBC gems
Low-pressure progressive streak Cancelled after one season

Feedback

  • Champions (American TV series) - Wikipedia

    Championsis an American television sitcom created by Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling that aired on NBC from March 8 to May 25, 2018. The series stars Anders Holm, Fortune Feimster, Andy Favreau, Josie Totah, and Mouzam Makkar.

  • Champions (TV Series 2018) - IMDb

    I’m interested to find out the other characters’ stories so I hope they get more than one season. Give it a shot, people.helpful•3813

    • astalmeiel
    • Apr 21, 2018
    • How many seasons does Champions have?Powered by Alexa

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  • Champions: Season 1 | Rotten Tomatoes

    Championsdoesn’t quite live up to its creators’ comedic reputations, but a charming cast and good-natured approach to sensitive issues make it a worthwhile watch.

    Season 1 – ChampionsWhere to WatchChampions — Season 1

    Buy Champions — Season 1 on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

    What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew

    Anders HolmVinceFortune FeimsterRubyAndy FavreauMatthewJosie TotahMichaelMouzam MakkarBritneyHasan MinhajGuest Star

  • Champions (NBC) Trailer HD - Mindy Kaling comedy series

  • Watch Champions Episodes at NBC.com

    • S1 E10 | 05/25/18Deal or No DealVince is torn when his friend offers him a dream job that would require him to move to Louisiana; Michael’s crush joins the guys for dinner at their place so Vince can suss him out.
    • S1 E9 | 05/25/18Opening NightMichael receives a surprise visit from his mother, Priya, who wants to bring him back home to Cleveland with her; meanwhile, Matthew is in charge of employee performance reviews.
    • NepotismChampionsDana and Matthew fight over sharing an office at the gym; Michael auditions for the leading role in the musical he wrote; when Dana’s dog goes missing, Vince and Matthew look for it.
    • Matt Bomer PosterChampionsWhen Vince discovers a sexy poster of Matt Bomer on Michael’s wall, he realizes that he needs to have “the talk” with his son; meanwhile, Michael helps Matthew study for the GED.
    • Grandma DearestChampionsMichael asks to meet his grandma, so Vince reluctantly reaches out to his mom, who has a track record of being selfish and disappointing; meanwhile, Michael works on a new website for the gym.

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⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the series “Champion,” the story revolves around the South London music scene, focusing on a family drama at its core. The main characters are siblings Bosco and Vita, who have always aspired to be part of the London music scene. However, their journey is filled with challenges and conflicts.

From a young age, Bosco achieved fame in the music industry while Vita supported him behind the scenes, even writing his song lyrics. Despite her contributions, Bosco never acknowledged Vita’s efforts or considered making her his manager. This lack of recognition led to a fallout between the siblings.

The turning point in their relationship occurs when Vita, feeling unappreciated, decides to pursue her own music career. This decision is catalyzed by an incident at Big Bulla’s studio, where Vita’s talent is recognized, causing tension and jealousy among the characters.

Mark, Bosco’s rival and Bulla’s manager, manipulates the situation by using Vita’s recorded criticisms of Bosco to create a scandal during a rap battle. This event leads to Bosco’s arrest and strains the already fragile relationship between the siblings.

Despite the turmoil, the series concludes on a hopeful note as Bosco and Vita reconcile on stage, ending their rivalry. The family finds closure, and the characters experience personal growth and redemption.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating:

The TV show “Champions” has been rated TV-14, which means it is suitable for viewers aged 14 and above. This rating indicates that the content may contain some material that parents or guardians may find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.

Parental Guide:

Parents should be aware that “Champions” contains the following content:

  • Violence & Scariness: The show portrays violence in a comedic manner, such as when a man pulls.
  • Sex, Romance & Nudity: The characters in the show are mostly single.
  • Positive Messages: The main character is proudly gay and accepted by all.
  • Positive Role Models: The main character is portrayed as a bit of a snob and a complainer.

Given the TV-14 rating, parents are advised to watch the show first and determine if the content is appropriate for their teenagers based on their maturity level and personal values.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
NBC.com Watch Champions Episodes on NBC.com
Prime Video Watch Champions on Prime Video – amazon.com. Rent or buy the episode or start a free trial

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • At the end of the day, I walk with the heart of a lion.
  • I hated every minute of training, but I said…. Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
    Muhammad Ali
  • Everyone has the fire, but the champions known when to ignite the spark.

🤖Champions Reddit Talks

Champions TV Show: A Critical Analysis

Despite its promising premise and talented cast, the Champions TV show failed to live up to expectations and was canceled after just one season. While it had its moments of charm and humor, the show struggled to connect with audiences in the United States, which was a key factor in its demise.

Positive Reviews

  • Charming cast: The show’s ensemble cast, including Anders Holm, Mindy Kaling, and Fortune Feimster, was praised for their chemistry and likability.
  • Good-natured approach to sensitive issues: Champions tackled important topics such as race, gender, and sexuality with humor and sensitivity, earning praise for its progressive and inclusive storytelling.

Negative Reviews

  • Failed to live up to expectations: Despite the involvement of talented creators like Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, the show’s writing and execution were deemed underwhelming by many critics.
  • Lack of originality: Champions was criticized for being too similar to other sitcoms and lacking a distinctive voice or identity.
  • Inconsistent humor: The show’s attempts at humor often fell flat, with some episodes being more successful than others.

Reasons for Cancellation

  • Failure to crack the US market: Champions failed to gain a significant following in the United States, which was a crucial market for its success.
  • Lack of investment from NBC: NBC did not fully support the show, limiting its promotion and marketing efforts.
  • Competition from other sitcoms: Champions faced stiff competition from other popular sitcoms airing at the same time, making it difficult to stand out.

Fan Reactions

  • Disappointment over cancellation: Fans of the show expressed disappointment over its cancellation, citing its positive messages and relatable characters.
  • Appreciation for the cast and crew: Many fans praised the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication, despite the show’s shortcomings.
  • Hope for a future revival: Some fans remain hopeful that Champions will be revived in the future, either on a different network or streaming platform.

Overall, Champions TV Show was a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed sitcom that failed to live up to its potential. While it had its moments of charm and humor, the show’s inconsistent writing and lack of originality prevented it from gaining a wider audience.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Champions a good show?

Champions doesn’t quite live up to its creators’ comedic reputations, but a charming cast and good-natured approach to sensitive issues make it a worthwhile watch.

Why was the Champions TV series Cancelled?

No matter how successful the series was, it failed to crack the US market, which led to its cancellation after the first season.

What special powers did The Champions have?

The Champions was a fantasy show about three agents with powers like telepathy, super strength, and others given by a mysterious monk.

What happened to the show Champions?

Champions, an American television comedy, was officially cancelled on June 29, 2018, after its first season failed to secure a renewal.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

Similar TV Shows to Champions:

  1. We Are the Champions: A documentary series exploring unique competitions around the world.
  2. Cheer: A docuseries following the competitive cheerleading team at Navarro College.
  3. Bad Sport: A documentary series that delves into scandals and controversies in the world of sports.
  4. Limitless with Chris Hemsworth: A series where Chris Hemsworth explores ways to live healthier and improve longevity.
  5. Six Nations: Full Contact: A sports documentary series covering the Six Nations Rugby Championship.
  6. The Boys: A superhero series that explores the darker side of being a superhero.
  7. Umbrella Academy: A show about a dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings who reunite to solve the mystery of their father’s death.
  8. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: A Marvel series following the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as they deal with various threats.
  9. The Bionic Woman: A sci-fi series about a woman with bionic implants who becomes a secret agent.

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