Superstore : Season 1

Total Score: 59/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged Superstore Season 1, and honestly, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. At first, the show felt super cringey. The characters came off as kind of obnoxious and self-obsessed, which made it hard to really connect right away. It felt slow, like the kind of thing you put on in the background while folding laundry. But—and this is a big but—something weird happens as you keep watching. These characters, as ridiculous and flawed as they are, start feeling kind of lovable. They’re messy and kind of annoying, but that makes them feel real. People are flawed, and Superstore doesn’t shy away from that. The first episode is probably the weakest part of the season. It’s awkward, the jokes don’t always land, and there’s this feeling like it’s trying too hard to be quirky. But if you push through, the charm sneaks up on you. By the time you’re a few episodes in, you realize you actually care about these people. They bicker, they make terrible decisions, but they grow on you. It’s not the kind of show that hooks you instantly, but it rewards patience. Would I say Season 1 is amazing? Not really. But it lays the foundation for something that gradually turns into a fun, heartfelt watch. It’s one of those shows that’s easy to overlook at first but, before you know it, you’re clicking 'next episode' because you just want to see what this chaotic group gets up to next.

Plot score: 6/10

The plot of Superstore Season 1 is pretty simple—it's your standard workplace comedy set in a big-box store. There isn’t much in terms of big story arcs, and it leans heavily on situational humor. While the episodic format works, the show feels like it’s just finding its footing. A lot of early episodes seem disjointed, with plots that don’t fully click. However, the workplace dynamic slowly becomes more engaging as the season progresses. What makes the plot interesting is how the show uses ordinary retail experiences to highlight some pretty relatable struggles

Characters score: 7/10

At first glance, the characters feel a bit exaggerated and hard to like. They’re flawed in ways that are almost too much, but as the season continues, you start to see the layers underneath. Jonah’s optimism, Amy’s frustration, Dina’s intensity—each personality clashes in a way that eventually makes the store feel like one big dysfunctional family. There’s something refreshing about how unapologetically flawed everyone is

Visuals score: 5/10

Visually, there’s nothing groundbreaking here. It’s a brightly lit retail store, exactly what you’d expect from a show set in a fictional Walmart-like environment. The visuals serve the setting but don’t add much flair. It’s simple, clean, and functional, but there aren’t any standout visual moments that leave an impression.

Pacing score: 5/10

The pacing is a bit of a struggle in the first season. Some episodes drag a little, especially early on when the show is trying to establish its tone. It takes a few episodes for the rhythm to really click. The first few episodes feel slower, but things gradually pick up as the characters become more familiar. By the latter half of the season, the show finds a steadier pace, but it still occasionally dips into slower moments that feel underwhelming.

Dialogue score: 6/10

The dialogue is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s clever and captures that perfect workplace banter, but other times it feels forced, almost like the writers are trying too hard to make the jokes land. The humor leans on awkwardness, and while that’s part of the charm, it doesn’t always feel natural. When it works, though, it really works. The back-and-forth between Jonah and Amy starts to develop nicely, and some of the sarcastic remarks from Dina and Garrett feel like authentic coworker banter. It gets better as the season goes on.

Music score: 5/10

The music is pretty forgettable. It’s mostly light background stuff that keeps the mood upbeat, but there aren’t any standout tracks or memorable moments. It does the job of filling silence without being distracting, which fits the low-key vibe of the show. There are a few fun music moments during montage sequences or store events, but nothing that sticks with you after the credits roll.

Emotional Influence score: 7/10

This is where Superstore quietly shines. While it might not hit you with heavy emotional moments right away, there’s a surprising amount of heart buried beneath the awkwardness. Watching the characters deal with their mundane jobs and personal lives builds a sense of connection that sneaks up on you. By the end of the season, you start caring about their small victories and personal dramas. It’s subtle, but the emotional attachment grows naturally, making the show feel warmer than expected.

Direction score: 6/10

The direction is solid but not standout. The show sticks to the classic workplace sitcom formula with no wild camera work or experimental choices. It’s straightforward, letting the characters and their interactions take center stage.

Bingeability score: 6/10

It’s not immediately binge-worthy, but there’s a quiet addictiveness that builds over time. The first few episodes might not hook you, but by mid-season, you’ll probably find yourself watching “just one more” to see what happens with the characters. Once you warm up to the group, it’s hard not to keep going. It’s easy to throw on in the background and binge through a few episodes without much effort.

Overall Enjoyment score: 6/10

Season 1 of Superstore is enjoyable but not groundbreaking. It’s the kind of show that grows on you the more time you spend with it. While the humor can feel cringey and the pacing slow, there’s enough charm and character development to keep things interesting. If you stick with it, you’ll probably find yourself invested by the end, but it’s not the kind of show that grabs you right from the start. It’s a slow burn, but one that eventually pays off.