Champions (American TV series)

Did You Know?

• Hasan Minhaj appeared as Ro, Michael's uncle and Priya's brother.
• The series was canceled on June 29, 2018, and failed to find a new home by September 13, 2018.

Cast and characters

Fortune Feimster plays Ruby, a childhood friend and trainer at the gym. Andy Favreau is Matthew Cook, Vince's absent-minded younger brother. Josie Totah appears as Michael Prashant Patel, Vince's talented and ambitious theater-kid son. Mouzam Makkar plays Britney, Vince's on-again, off-again girlfriend and a trainer. Yassir Lester portrays Shabaz, a trainer; Ginger Gonzaga is Dana, the bookkeeper; and Robert Costanzo plays Uncle Bud, a trainer. Mindy Kaling appears as Priya Patel, Michael's mother. Kevin Quinn plays Gregg, a classmate; Edgar Blackmon is Dean Pasquesi; Jon Rudnitsky portrays Asher, Dana's boyfriend; Hasan Minhaj appears as Ro, Michael's uncle; Karan Brar plays Arjun; Carolyn Hennesy and Kether Donohue appear as Gayle and Denise; and Aloma Wright plays Sister Timothy.

Production

On October 5, 2016, NBC gave a put pilot commitment to an untitled script by Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy, stemming from a deal Kaling had with Universal Television. Universal Television, Kaling International, and 3 Arts Entertainment were set to produce. Kaling, Grandy, and Howard Klein were expected to executive produce. On January 26, 2017, NBC ordered a pilot, and on May 13, 2017, a series order. Michael Alan Spiller became an executive producer and was expected to direct; Eyes Up Productions joined the production companies. NBC canceled the series on June 29, 2018. Before cancellation, producers had discussed a potential pickup with Netflix, which carries the series internationally, but those talks did not lead to a renewal. On September 13, 2018, it was announced the series had failed to find a new home. Casting announcements included Mindy Kaling as Priya, Mouzam Makkar, Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, and Josie Totah in February 2017; Nina Wadia in a series regular role on March 6, 2017; Fortune Feimster joining the main cast on October 6, 2017; and Ginger Gonzaga in a recurring role on December 13, 2017.

Reception

The series received positive reviews from critics upon its premiere. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 63% approval rating with an average rating of 6.23 out of 10 based on 19 reviews; the critical consensus reads, 'Champions has a charming cast and good-natured approach to sensitive issues which make it a worthwhile watch.' Metacritic assigned a score of 64 out of 100 based on 13 reviews, indicating 'generally favorable reviews.' The San Francisco Chronicle's David Wiegand praised the consistently funny writing and credible performances, especially Josie Totah's. Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter noted Totah's talent but found Michael's myopia not always believable and the workplace elements a work-in-progress. Variety's Sonia Saraiya offered restrained praise, calling the show disjointed but noting its diverse cast and smart writing. The New York Times' Margaret Lyons called Totah's performance 'superb,' highlighting her comic energy and humanity.