The Goodwin Games is an American television comedy-drama that premiered on FOX on May 20, 2013. The series stars Becki Newton, Scott Foley, T.J. Miller, Kat Foster, and Melissa Tang, and was created by Carter Bays, Craig Thomas, and Chris Harris. The show follows three estranged siblings who come together after their father, a wealthy patriarch, passes away and leaves them with a large inheritance but only if they compete in a series of challenges that he has set up for them.
The series is set in a small town in New Hampshire, where the Goodwin family owns a large home and the local newspaper. The siblings - Henry (Scott Foley), Chloe (Becki Newton), and Jimmy (T.J. Miller) - have not seen each other in years and have very different lives. Henry is a successful surgeon living in New York City, Chloe is a shallow, unemployed former lawyer, and Jimmy is a petty thief fresh out of prison. Upon their father's death, they each receive a box with a set of clues that lead them to a bank vault where they discover that their father has left them his fortune, which amounts to 23 million dollars. However, they can only inherit the money if they work together and complete a series of challenges that their father has set up.
The challenges range from physical, mental, and emotional tasks such as staying overnight in the family mausoleum, throwing the first pitch at a minor league baseball game, and reconciling with an old flame. The challenges not only bring the siblings together but also force them to confront their past and their relationship with their father. As they complete each challenge, they learn more about each other and their family history.
The dynamic between the siblings is a central part of the show, with each character bringing their own unique personality and quirks to the mix. Henry is the responsible, level-headed brother who tries to keep everything under control, while Chloe is the wild card who often causes trouble but is also fiercely protective of her family. Jimmy is the lovable but unreliable brother who has a criminal record but is desperate to prove himself to his family.
As the series progresses, the three siblings also deal with personal issues such as Henry's divorce and struggle with addiction, Chloe's questioning of her life choices, and Jimmy's desire to turn his life around. They also encounter various obstacles and setbacks in their quest for the inheritance, including a rival family member who wants to claim the money for himself and a conniving neighbor who tries to steal their clues.
The Goodwin Games received mixed reviews from critics and ended up being canceled after only seven episodes. Some critics praised the show for its unique premise and strong performances by the cast, while others felt that it lacked substance and was too predictable. Despite its short run, the show still has a dedicated fan base who appreciate its quirky humor and heartwarming moments.
Overall, The Goodwin Games is a charming and fun series that explores the complexities of family relationships and the value of working together towards a common goal. The challenges that the siblings face are both entertaining and meaningful, and the show's cast is charismatic and engaging. While it may not have had a long run, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of lighthearted comedies with heart.
The Goodwin Games is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between May 20, 2013 and on FOX