Benson poster

Benson

★ 7.2 5K votes 1979–1986 7 seasons · 158 episodes Ended ABC
SitcomClassic comedy rhythm, multi-camera or single.This show: 9/10Family-safeNothing to worry about with anyone in the room.This show: 8/10EpisodicSelf-contained episodes you can watch in almost any order.This show: 8/10Easy watchingLow-demand television where half your attention is enough.This show: 8/10WorkplaceThe job and its social ecosystem as the stage.This show: 7/10Warm humorAffectionate comedy that genuinely loves its characters.This show: 7/10
Rate this series
Starring
Robert GuillaumeJames NobleInga SwensonMissy GoldRené AuberjonoisEthan Phillips
Written by
Susan Harris
Starring
Robert GuillaumeJames NobleInga SwensonMissy GoldRené AuberjonoisEthan Phillips
Written by
Susan Harris
Ratings per Episode
246810
Votes per Episode
0306090120

Benson Episode Ratings Heatmap

AvgE1E2E3E4E5E6E7E8E9E10E11E12E13E14E15E16E17E18E19E20E21E22E23E24
S17.78.08.07.77.47.58.17.87.97.77.67.26.88.28.07.57.57.17.57.17.47.38.37.77.6
S27.78.28.08.17.87.77.86.67.97.97.07.77.07.48.39.08.37.57.47.67.77.67.6
S37.78.77.68.37.47.27.67.77.48.07.47.57.57.87.77.77.67.97.77.27.67.88.0
S47.26.86.66.96.67.17.17.67.47.58.67.48.06.77.46.87.27.07.16.97.87.46.5
S57.47.08.08.16.77.78.07.26.97.57.46.47.27.17.96.96.97.06.87.18.17.48.0
S67.37.97.67.27.87.86.86.47.87.37.36.66.97.47.77.67.18.17.86.98.16.77.27.26.5
S76.86.76.56.67.66.37.16.16.97.26.27.26.17.26.66.67.36.67.27.26.66.96.8

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About

"A butler who quietly runs the whole government."

Benson follows the sharp-witted household manager Benson DuBois as he moves from a chaotic mansion into the governor's residence, gradually working his way up the political ladder while keeping the bumbling administration in line. It's a warm, breezy sitcom built on quick verbal sparring and gentle workplace-family dynamics rather than big plots. The tone stays light and reassuring, with the pleasure coming from watching a competent, dry-humored lead outmaneuver the well-meaning fools around him. Easy, comfortable viewing rather than must-binge television.

Watch it for

the lead's effortless comic timing as he outsmarts everyone around him.

Maybe skip if

you want serialized stakes rather than gentle, episodic workplace comedy.

Written by our AI editor to help you decide, spoiler-free by design.

All Seasons

▶
Season 11979
7.72K2410h 43m
▶
Season 21980
7.71K229h 21m
▶
Season 31981
7.7958228h 42m
▶
Season 41982
7.2946229h 44m
▶
Season 51983
7.4853228h 48m
▶
Season 61984
7.3859248h 42m
▶
Season 71985
6.8776228h 22m

Full Cast & Crew

Cast

Robert Guillaume Benson DuBois
James Noble Governor Eugene Xavier Gatling
Inga Swenson Miss Gretchen Wilomena Kraus
Missy Gold Katherine 'Katie' Olivia Gatling
René Auberjonois Clayton Runnymede Endicott III
Ethan Phillips Peter 'Pete' John Downey
Didi Conn Denise Florence Stevens, Denise Florence Stevens Downey
Caroline McWilliams Marcy Hill
Billie Bird Mrs. Rose Cassidy, Appears in opening title credit only, Appears in opening title only
Lewis J. Stadlen John Taylor

Crew

Susan Harris

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