The Mindy Project (2012)

The Guardian praises the sitcom as a whip-smart, funny, and heartwarming ode to romance. It singles out Kaling’s portrayal of the contradictions of millennial womanhood and the chemistry of the main cast.

Seitz finds the pilot a confident, thoughtful comedy that playfully riffs on romantic-comedy clichés. He praises its stellar writing and cast, especially its understated treatment of Mindy’s Indian-American identity and assimilation.

The critic sees the final season as poised to be the show’s most meaningful, offering resolution while leaving Mindy’s romantic future open. They praise its resilient, positive portrayal of Mindy and the way it gives supporting characters their own arcs.

Goodman finds the pilot promising and calls it one of the season’s few worthwhile half-hours. He praises Kaling’s believable portrayal of Mindy’s romantic desperation, while noting that the medical-practice setting is not yet fully developed.

Lowry finds the season opener encouraging and says the central couple’s dynamic works well. He faults the weak supporting cast and calls the secondary plot disposable.

Sims finds the episode frustrating and underwritten despite some genuinely funny moments. He singles out the characters’ inconsistent behavior and the thin midwives plot as its main weaknesses.

Amatangelo is losing confidence in the series, finding Mindy increasingly unpleasant and the episode’s central plot unconvincing. She praises the joke about Mindy’s jeans, which lands with perfect comedic effect.