Is Lisa Kudrow's performance enough to save Netflix's disappointing comedy?

In the United States, Netflix recently released its new comedy series No Good Deed on December 12, 2024. The series has garnered attention for its star-studded cast, which includes Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano, and Linda Cardellini. It revolves around a couple, played by Kudrow and Romano, who list their luxurious Los Angeles villa for sale in hopes of a fresh start, while trying to conceal the dangerous secrets that cling to the home. The series comprises eight episodes and showcases a mix of comedic and dramatic elements, trying to engage viewers with its intriguing premise. Despite its promising premise and the involvement of acclaimed creator Liz Feldman, known for her work on Dead to Me, the show has faced critique and a lukewarm reception from various critics. Reviews have described No Good Deed as “flimsy” and “shaky,” indicating that even the impressive ensemble cast could not compensate for its perceived deficiencies in storytelling. According to TVLine, the narrative structure lacks a coherent flow, while Alison Herman of Variety noted that the show’s overreliance on plot twists detracts from its overall effectiveness. Critics have also singled out Lisa Kudrow's performance as a standout element amidst the unfavorable reviews. Many argue that she effectively carries the series, with comments emphasizing her ability to switch between light-hearted and darker themes through her character, Lydia Morgan. Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian praised Kudrow for making the series' twists feel binge-worthy. In contrast, Carol Midgley from The Times echoed these sentiments, stating that Kudrow is instrumental in saving the overall comedy, showcasing her talent to hold the audience's attention. However, not all reviews were as forgiving. The AV Club's Saloni Gajjar criticized the show for being “pretty boring” with poor execution of its ideas, highlighting disjointed story arcs and a lack of suspense that make the show feel unworthy of investment. Furthermore, the show's conclusion received its own share of criticism for feeling overly neat and sentimental, with a descriptive analysis from Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times noting that it felt like the series had “run out of breath” towards its finale. Overall, while there are glimpses of potential in No Good Deed, the aggregate of critiques suggests that it may struggle to maintain viewer engagement amidst a backdrop of inadequate writing and complexities in its delivery.