Friends with Benefits (2011)
A short-lived but charming NBC comedy-drama about twentysomething friends in Chicago whose bonds blur the line between platonic and romantic.
Friends with Benefits - Series Information
- Original Title: Friends with Benefits
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Created by: Michael H. Weber, Scott Neustadter
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (21 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 5, 2011 (United States - TV-14), August 5, 2011 (Canada - 14+), August 5, 2011 (Germany - 12), August 5, 2011 (France - 12), August 5, 2011 (India - A)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Секс по дружбі (UA), friends ♥♥ith benefits (US)
- Production Companies: Big Kid Pictures, Imagine Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Friends with Benefits - Plot
Revolving around a group of twentysomething singles as they navigate the difficult, sometimes rewarding, often confusing world of dating. Loyal and devoted to one another, these friends are never too busy to help a member of the group who might be in need. In fact, their companionship often extends into a more intimate setting - the bedroom.
Where to Watch Friends with Benefits
Looking for where to watch Friends with Benefits?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Friends with Benefits - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michael H. Weber
- Scott Neustadter
Main Cast
- Ryan Hansen
- Danneel Ackles
- Zach Cregger
- André Holland
- Jessica Lucas
- Jennifer Chang
- Ali Cobrin
- Abby Wathen
- Elle Young
- Patrick Heusinger
Writers
- Scott Neustadter
- Michael H. Weber
- Isaac Aptaker
- Daley Haggar
- Owen Ellickson
Executive Producers
- David Dobkin
- Ira Ungerleider
- Michael H. Weber
- Jeff Kleeman
- Brian Grazer
Friends with Benefits - FAQs
Why was Friends with Benefits cancelled after one season?
NBC cancelled Friends with Benefits after its single 12-episode season in 2011 due to low ratings. Despite a promising summer premiere, the show struggled to build a consistent audience, and the network chose not to renew it for a second season.
Is Friends with Benefits based on a true story?
Friends with Benefits is an original fictional series, not based on any true story or real events. Creators Michael H. Weber and Scott Neustadter crafted the premise around a group of young singles navigating dating and intimacy in Chicago, drawing on universal romantic comedy themes rather than specific real-life accounts.
Where can you watch Friends with Benefits online?
Friends with Benefits is available to purchase digitally on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. There are currently no free streaming options, so buying individual episodes or the full season through either platform is the most accessible way to watch the series.
Who are the main cast members of Friends with Benefits?
The ensemble cast features Ryan Hansen as Ben Lewis, Danneel Ackles as Sara Maxwell, Zach Cregger as Aaron Greenway, André Holland as Julian 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, and Jessica Lucas as Riley Elliott, among others. The chemistry between the group drives the show's romantic comedy energy.
Is Friends with Benefits related to the 2011 film?
The NBC series and the 2011 film starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis share the same title and explore similar themes of friendship crossing into romance, but they are entirely separate projects with no shared characters, storylines, or creative teams.
Who created the Friends with Benefits TV series?
The series was created by Michael H. Weber and Scott Neustadter, the writing duo best known for crafting romantic comedies like (500) Days of Summer. Their signature blend of heartfelt emotion and sharp wit shaped the tone of this short-lived NBC comedy-drama.
Where was Friends with Benefits filmed?
Friends with Benefits is set in Chicago, Illinois, with the Windy City serving as the backdrop for the characters' romantic misadventures. The urban Chicago setting gives the series a distinct sense of place that distinguishes it from many other ensemble dating comedies of its era.
What shows are similar to Friends with Benefits?
Fans of Friends with Benefits tend to enjoy Sex and the City for its candid take on dating, Rules of Engagement for its ensemble romantic comedy dynamics, and Easy for a more contemporary, anthology-style look at modern relationships. Mike & Molly and Undateable also offer comparable warmth and humor.
More About Friends with Benefits
Explore further details about Friends with Benefits on these authoritative databases.