Ben Donovan is a self-involved manager of a second-rate San Diego sports arena who begins to re-evaluate his life on his 40th birthday. Working alongside him is his boss and arena owner, Crystal--attractive, powerful and highly erratic; Alice--the cute, tomboyish marketing director and Ben's friend with benefits; Alonzo--a former basketball player, handsome and unbelievably happy; Ben's assistant, Heather--pretty, sweet, but terrifying because she once lit a boyfriend on fire; Crystal's son, Roman--sweet-faced, clueless and Ben's newest employee; and a hapless operations crew whom Ben refers to collectively as the "Steves."
Cast: Matthew Perry, Andrea Anders, James Lesure
Season 1
9 episodes
1. PilotOn what would have been just a typical day at work – trying to get rid of a hockey rink that won't melt so the circus can go on that night, looking for an elephant lost in the building and arranging an impromptu press conference to repair one of his boss's PR nightmares – Alice ends her casual relationship with Ben to commit to another man. This happens on Ben's 40th birthday, just as he's realizing he doesn't want to be alone.TV-PGCC22minFeb 9, 2011
2. Employee of the YearCrystal decides to hold a contest to determine the Employee of the Year, but unbeknownst to the staff, a winner has already been pre-determined. Meanwhile, as Ben contends with catering to Eli's needs, he must also keep the rest of the employees from being distracted by the fake contest and get the arena ready in time for Eli's performance.TV-PGCC22minFeb 16, 2011
3. Heather's SisterWhen Heather sets Ben up on a blind date with her sister, Stephanie, he finds he has a lot in common with her... until he realizes Stephanie is crazy. In an effort to help Roman muster the courage to ask Heather out, Ben finds himself reluctantly on a group date with Stephanie, Roman and Heather. Meanwhile, Crystal has asked Alonzo to walk her dog in a dog show, and Alice tries to impress her best friend who's come for a visit.TV-PGCC22minFeb 23, 2011
4. Hostile WorkplaceBen's plan to get his employees to like him backfires. Meanwhile, Crystal invites Alice and Alonzo on a double date with her new beau, and Ben gives Heather the responsibility of finding a new halftime act when the Sunshine Center mascot suddenly quits.TV-PGCC22minMar 2, 2011
5. Crystal on IceBen discovers Roman has no place to stay and reluctantly takes him in. Crystal harbors animosity for a certain ice dancing group, and Alice feels guilty when she fails to keep up with her "perfect man," Alonzo.TV-PGCC22minMar 9, 2011
6. Lingerie FootballWhen Ben discovers it's Crystal's anniversary with Billy, one of her ex-husbands, he encourages her to find him so she can get the closure she's needed from their relationship. While he helps Crystal, Ben looks to Roman to entertain his date – the hot quarterback of a woman's lingerie football team – and Alice lends Alonzo a hand with two unruly, internet billionaires.TV-PGCC22minMar 16, 2011
7. Celebrity TennisIt's a dream come true for Ben when he teams with Alonzo to play doubles against tennis legend Jimmy Connors and actor Fred Savage in a celebrity tennis tournament. Meanwhile, Ben feels the need to reveal to Alonzo his past with Alice, and a careless act on Crystal's part brings her closer to son, Roman.TV-PGCC22minMar 23, 2011
8. The AssistantWhen Alice asks Ben for an assistant, he gives her Roman. Roman may not be what Alice had in mind, but she finds a connection with him that surpasses her expectations. Meanwhile, Crystal wants to honor a passing friend with a funeral at The Sunshine Center, and Alonzo comes clean about a past relationship.TV-PGCC22minMar 30, 2011
9. Ben and VivianBen is in for a surprise when his one-night-stand turns out to be Crystal's new assistant, Vivian. When Ben and Vivian try to continue their "no strings attached" relationship, Ben discovers something about himself. Meanwhile, Crystal's efforts to be a responsible mom to Roman are derailed, and the mascot sends Alonzo over the edge.TV-PGCC22minApr 6, 2011
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Ben Donovan is a self-involved manager of a second-rate San Diego sports arena who begins to re-evaluate his life on his 40th birthday. Working alongside him is his boss and arena owner, Crystal--attractive, powerful and highly erratic; Alice--the cute, tomboyish marketing director and Ben's friend with benefits; Alonzo--a former basketball player, handsome and unbelievably happy; Ben's assistant, Heather--pretty, sweet, but terrifying because she once lit a boyfriend on fire; Crystal's son, Roman--sweet-faced, clueless and Ben's newest employee; and a hapless operations crew whom Ben refers to collectively as the "Steves."
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Matthew Perry, Marc Firek, Alex Barnow
- Studio
- Anhedonia Productions, Barnow and Firek, FanFare Productions
