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Wendell & Vinnie
Wendell & Vinnie
Wendell & Vinnie
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Wendell & Vinnie
GenreSitcom
Created byJay Kogen
Starring
Theme music composerMauli B
Mateo Laboriel
Opening theme"Never Felt So Good"
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producersJay Kogen
Aaron Kaplan
Producers
  • Jerry Trainor
  • Matt Fleckenstein
  • Richard G. King
Production locationsWarner Bros. Studios
Burbank, California
Running time23 minutes
Production companiesPassable Entertainment
Kapital Entertainment
Nickelodeon Productions
Original release
NetworkNickelodeon[1] (episodes 1–14)
Nick at Nite (episodes 15–20)
ReleaseFebruary 16 (2013-02-16) –
September 22, 2013 (2013-09-22)

Wendell & Vinnie is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from February 16, 2013, to September 22, 2013.[2][3] The series stars Jerry Trainor and Buddy Handleson. The first official trailer for the show was released on December 21, 2012. On August 15, 2013, the series was cancelled after one season.[4][5]

Premise

[edit]

Vinnie is the owner of a pop culture memorabilia store and lives in Los Angeles without a care in the world. After his brother and sister-in-law suddenly die six months before the setting of the show, Vinnie finds himself as the legal guardian of his wise-beyond-his-years nephew, Wendell. With a little help from Vinnie's sister, Wilma, and his next-door neighbor, Taryn, Vinnie gets the hang of being a parent. At the same time, Wendell finds himself trying to keep his immature uncle under control.[6][7]

Cast and characters

[edit]
  • Jerry Trainor as Vinnie Bassett, the uncle of Wendell. He is considered to be a manchild, even saying in one episode, "I know what 12-year-old boys like 'cause I've been one for 20 years!" He runs a pop culture memorabilia business, and is fond of video games, comic books, and eating junk food. He realizes that he was given custody of Wendell because Wendell's parents wanted to give Vinnie a chance and knew that Wendell is making his way no matter where he lives.
  • Buddy Handleson as Wendell Bassett, an intelligent 12-year-old who has a number of hobbies. His parents died six months before the events of the series, as a result, he lives with his uncle Vinnie. He is stereotypically nerdy and does not have many friends. He enjoys magic tricks and homework.
  • Nicole Sullivan as Wilma Bassett, Vinnie's older sister, Wendell's aunt, and personal injury attorney. She does not understand why Wendell's parents left Vinnie in charge and wants to be Wendell's legal guardian for herself. She often tries to get men to date her, even if it means she must be dishonest.
  • Haley Strode[8] as Taryn Kleinberg, the beautiful recently divorced new neighbor of Wendell and Vinnie and close friend of the two. She comes from Houston, Texas. Vinnie was originally attracted to her but she rejected him after Vinnie stopped asking her out he asks out someone else and she said yes. In the series finale, Taryn noticed that she loves Vinnie and shares a kiss with him but then Vinnie tells her that he's involved with someone else.
  • Angelique Terrazas as Lacy, Wendell's best friend whom he met in detention. She threatened him at first, but then she revealed that she is not really mean, but just wanted to look tough in front of her friends. She sometimes gets Wendell into trouble—Wendell's grandfather considers her a bad influence - but Wendell still likes her. She enjoys eating corn dogs. It is revealed that Vinnie is in a scrapbook club with Lacy's grandmother.

Production

[edit]

On August 2, 2012, Nick at Nite announced that Wendell & Vinnie had been picked up for 20 episodes.[9] However, on February 7, 2013, it was announced that it would premiere on Nick instead.[2] Writing and filming of Wendell & Vinnie began in late 2011/early 2012 at Warner Brothers Studios,[10] and the show had its first official trailer on December 21, 2012. It premiered on February 16, 2013.

Episodes

[edit]

The series was canceled by Nickelodeon on August 15, 2013. After the cancellation, the final six episodes aired on Nick at Nite on Sunday nights.

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
Nickelodeon
1"Vinnie & Wendell"[11]John FortenberryJay KogenFebruary 16, 2013 (2013-02-16)1012.34[12]
Vinnie is a guardian of his twelve-year-old nephew Wendell. Vinnie tries to ask his new neighbor Taryn out, but she refuses. When Wendell is bullied in school because of his intellectual appearance, Vinnie tries to help him be more popular by teaching him to ride a skateboard. But at the park, Vinnie gets distracted while talking to Taryn, and Wendell gets hurt. Wilma comes to the hospital to visit her nephew. Social Services comes to the apartment investigate the accident and to determine whether Vinnie is a good guardian. Taryn helps him to prepare and cook dinner, but they make kung pao chicken, which has peanuts, to which Wendell is allergic. He has to go to the hospital again. The inspector from Social Services Department sees the reports of twelve recent visits to the emergency room, and wants to take Wendell away from Vinnie and give him over to Wilma's care, but they all three inform him that Vinnie had been the patient for the earlier visits. Vinnie remains Wendell's guardian.
2"Rule Breakers & Date Makers"[13]Adam WeissmanMatt FleckensteinFebruary 23, 2013 (2013-02-23)1062.38[14]
When Vinnie learns that Wendell's vice principal has a thing for fathers of troubled children, he convinces Wendell to get in trouble in order to get closer to her. However, Wendell gets detention for his efforts and meets a tough and savvy girl named Lacy.
3"Mock Law & Order"John FortenberrySteven James MeyerMarch 2, 2013 (2013-03-02)1022.31[15]
Wendell faces off against Lacy in a mock trial and Wilma acts as co-counsel, facing off against her rival. Their case is jeopardized, however, when Vinnie dates Wilma's rival and he leaks their defense.
4"Abra & Cadabra"[16]Victor GonzalezAndrew Hill NewmanMarch 9, 2013 (2013-03-09)1092.38[17]
When Wendell wants to become an amateur magician, Vinnie is afraid that Wendell will fail, as he did.
5"Valentine's & the Cultural Experience"[16]Rob SchillerSteve SkrovanMarch 16, 2013 (2013-03-16)1052.10[18]
Valentine's Day has everyone scrambling for a date. Wendell seeks to share a cupcake with a classmate while Vinnie tries to make a connection with Taryn.
6"Big Dogs & Bicycles"[16]Leonard R. Garner, Jr.Steve SkrovanMarch 30, 2013 (2013-03-30)1101.40[19]
Wilma and Vinnie convinces Wendell to participate in the school fundraiser to join the family tradition of salesmanship. However, their efforts reignite their sibling rivalry and jeopardizes Wendell's friendship with Lacy.
7"Wendell & The Sleepover"[16]Rob SchillerSusan BeaversApril 6, 2013 (2013-04-06)1041.64[20]
Hosting a sleepover proves challenging when instead of helping Wendell make new friends, Vinnie takes over and becomes the center of attention. In the end, Wendell proves he also knows a little bit about how to have a party.
8"Baseball & Bad Dates"[16]Jon RosenbaumHarry HanniganMay 2, 2013 (2013-05-02)[21]1031.56[22]

Vinnie wants to teach Wendell to love baseball but is dismayed when Wendell defies family tradition and becomes a Yankees fan instead of a Dodgers fan.

Note: This episode was originally meant to air on April 20, 2013 but was rescheduled due to unknown reasons. Some websites incorrectly list it as S01E10. This was the first new episode to air on a Thursday rather than Saturday.
9"Fathers Of Fathers & Sons"[16]Victor GonzalezSusan BeaversMay 9, 2013 (2013-05-09)1141.46[24]
Vinnie's father believes that Lacy is a bad influence on Wendell, so he tells him to tell Wendell to make some other friends, but they end up being jerks.[23]
10"Pick Ups & Drop Offs"Rob SchillerHarry HanniganMay 16, 2013 (2013-05-16)1171.32[25]
Wendell and Vinnie try to join a swanky car pool at school, but their test run doesn't go smoothly. Elsewhere, Wilma persuades Taryn to file a lawsuit against a beverage corporation.
11"The Dutch & Us"Victor GonzalezElliott OwenMay 23, 2013 (2013-05-23)1081.46[26]
Wendell bonds with a new Dutch student, who then ditches Wendell for the popular kids. However, Vinnie finds a way to reunite the two of them.
12"Sick & Tired"Rob SchillerMatt FleckensteinMay 30, 2013 (2013-05-30)1151.12[27]
Vinnie feels guilty for shirking his responsibility of watching a sick Wendell.
13"Lost & Found"[28]Jay KogenAllan RiceJune 6, 2013 (2013-06-06)1181.35[29]
The guys find a tote bag and try to locate its owner, but Wendell underestimates Vinnie's detective skills.
14"Swindle & Vinnie"[28]Victor GonzalezJay KogenJune 13, 2013 (2013-06-13)1201.32[30]
The guys have a twist and Wendell ends up selling one of Vinnie's most beloved collectibles for an unreasonably low price, hoping to get his uncle angry with him. However, Vinnie is just disappointed and Wendell feels sorry for his actions. He tries to get the collectible back, but it seems like swindling is the only way.
Nick at Nite
15"Vinnie & The Toad"[28]Rob SchillerShawn SimmonsAugust 18, 2013 (2013-08-18)1111.10[31]

Vinnie meets up with an old friend the toad, who attempts to get them tickets to Vinnie's hero Jack White. Meanwhile, Wilma takes care of Wendell.

Note: This episode premiered in June 2013 on Nickelodeon UK.
16"Vinnie & The Man Crush"[28]Leonard R. Garner, Jr.Laurie ParresAugust 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)1130.76[32]
The irresponsible uncle pushes Wendell to hang out with a comic-book writer's son. While the boys become firm friends, Vinnie gets bored of his hero's company.
17"Of Mothers & Gardens"[16]Adam WeissmanMax BurnettSeptember 1, 2013 (2013-09-01)1070.77[34]

Wendell asks Vinnie for help convincing the PTA to build a school garden, and Vinnie soon discovers PTA politics. Vinnie and Wilma help him fulfil his dream.[33]

Note: This episode premiered in June 2013 on Nickelodeon UK.
18"Smart Girls & Dumb Guys"[16]Rob SchillerChuck HaywardSeptember 8, 2013 (2013-09-08)1120.97[35]
Vinnie uses Wendell's talking points to impress a woman; Vinnie asks Wendell to pretend that everything in the apartment belongs to him.
19"Wendell's & Vinnie's"[16]Victor GonzalezShawn SimmonsSeptember 15, 2013 (2013-09-15)1190.74[36]
The boy genius goes to work with his uncle - but ends up making the shop a less enjoyable place to hang out in.
20"First Dances & Last Chances"Rob SchillerMax Burnett & Andrew Hill NewmanSeptember 22, 2013 (2013-09-22)1160.64[37]
Wendell becomes head of the dance committee and enlists Vinnie and Wilma's help to make it successful; Vinnie reconnects with a former crush.

International broadcast

[edit]
Country Channel Release date Title in Country
 United States Nickelodeon
Nick at Nite		 February 16, 2013 Wendell & Vinnie
United Kingdom Nickelodeon June 10, 2013 Wendell & Vinnie
Canada
 YTV August 12, 2013[38] Wendell & Vinnie
Australia Nickelodeon September 3, 2013 Wendell & Vinnie
Brazil Nickelodeon
Rede Bandeirantes		 December 9, 2013[39]
January 3, 2015		 Wendell & Vinnie
Russia Nickelodeon 2013 История Венделла и Винни (English translation: The Tales of Wendell and Vinnie)
NLD
BEL		 Nickelodeon October 14, 2013
South Africa Nickelodeon January 26, 2014 Wendell & Vinnie
Germany Nickelodeon October 4, 2014 Wendell & Vinnie
Croatia Comedy Central Extra 2013 Wendell & Vinnie

Reception

[edit]

Common Sense Media gave the show 2 out of 5 stars, saying "Lackluster sitcom has mixed messages about parenting".[40]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wendell & Vinnie

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wendell & Vinnie is an American television series created by that aired on from February 16, 2013, to September 22, 2013, consisting of 20 episodes across a single season. The series follows Vinnie Bassett, a laid-back, immature bachelor and owner of a pop culture memorabilia store, who suddenly becomes the of his highly intelligent 12-year-old nephew Wendell after the boy's parents die in an accident. Starring Jerry Trainor as the goofy and irresponsible Vinnie and Buddy Handleson as the precocious Wendell, the show explores their uncle-nephew dynamic as Vinnie learns responsibility while Wendell navigates adolescence and offers clever advice. The supporting cast includes Nicole Sullivan as Wilma, Vinnie's responsible sister and Wendell's aunt, and Haley Strode as Taryn, the helpful neighbor who provides comic relief and occasional romantic interest for Vinnie. Produced initially for Nick at Nite, the series was ordered for 20 episodes in August 2012 but faced scheduling shifts before Nickelodeon canceled it in August 2013, with the remaining episodes airing to conclude the run. The program blends buddy comedy with family drama, addressing themes of , maturity, and unconventional through humorous scenarios involving , friendships, and Vinnie's bachelor lifestyle. It received mixed reception, praised for Trainor's comedic performance and heartfelt uncle-nephew moments but criticized for glossing over serious issues like loss and in favor of lighthearted gags, as well as including mild adult themes such as crude language and . On IMDb, it holds a 6.7/10 rating from over 1,000 users, reflecting its appeal as a family-oriented targeted at tweens and young teens.

Series Overview

Premise

Wendell & Vinnie is an American sitcom that centers on Vinnie Bassett, a 30-something immature bachelor who owns a pop culture memorabilia store in , and his sudden role as the of his precocious 12-year-old nephew, Wendell, following the tragic death of Wendell's parents in a car accident. The core premise revolves around the uncle-nephew duo navigating their new living arrangement in Vinnie's cluttered bachelor pad, where Vinnie's carefree, childlike lifestyle—marked by video games, comic books, and —frequently collides with Wendell's advanced maturity and . This relational dynamic forms the heart of the show's humor, as Vinnie's attempts to parent often lead to comedic mishaps, such as improvised solutions to everyday challenges that highlight the generational and temperamental gaps between them, while Wendell provides pragmatic insights that force Vinnie to confront his own . Support from members and quirky neighbors occasionally intervenes to mediate their adjustments, adding layers to their evolving household routine without overshadowing the central uncle-nephew bond. Thematically, the series explores unconventional family structures forged through adversity, emphasizing themes of personal growth, the balance between indulgence and accountability, and the redemptive power of familial responsibility, all through the lens of the duo's daily interactions and mutual learning.

Format and Production Style

Wendell & Vinnie employs a traditional multi-camera format, consisting of 22-minute live-action episodes filmed before a live with an accompanying to enhance comedic timing. Each installment features standalone stories that resolve within the episode, centering on the humorous clashes arising from the uncle-nephew dynamic without ongoing serialized arcs. The production style combines physical comedy—often driven by Vinnie's immature antics—with pop culture references to elements like comic books, Star Wars, and memorabilia, interspersed with heartfelt moments that highlight familial bonds. Designed for family viewing on , the show maintains kid-friendly content through its lighthearted, character-driven approach, avoiding explicit themes while delivering quick-witted dialogue and situational humor suitable for young audiences. Visually, the series utilizes bright, colorful sets in a modern condo and a pop culture memorabilia store, fostering a vibrant, inviting tone that underscores the fast-paced editing focused on physical gags and banter. This stylistic execution reinforces the sitcom's emphasis on energetic, accessible entertainment.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Jerry Trainor stars as Vinnie Bassett, the immature and goofy uncle who reluctantly takes on guardianship of his nephew after the boy's parents pass away, often shirking adult responsibilities in favor of comic books and video games while running a pop culture memorabilia store. His portrayal draws parallels to the eccentric Spencer Shay from Trainor's previous role on iCarly, emphasizing a childlike reluctance to mature amid family obligations. Buddy Handleson plays Wendell Bassett, the 12-year-old nephew who is wise beyond his years, displaying a mature and straight-laced demeanor that contrasts sharply with Vinnie's antics, as he navigates hobbies like astronomy and while guiding his uncle through parenting challenges. This marked Handleson's debut lead role, following minor guest appearances in shows like Hannah Montana and Shake It Up. Nicole Sullivan portrays Wilma Bassett, Vinnie's responsible older sister and Wendell's aunt, a driven attorney who provides through her exasperated attempts to mediate family dynamics and enforce rules on her slacker brother. Her character frequently offers unsolicited advice, highlighting the tension between her structured approach and Vinnie's free-spirited chaos. Haley Strode appears as Taryn Kleinberg, Vinnie's quirky next-door neighbor and recent divorcée from , whose eccentric personality injects workplace-adjacent humor into the series through her involvement in the Bassett household antics despite her independent life. She often finds herself entangled in Vinnie and Wendell's escapades, adding layers of romantic tension and lighthearted support. Angelique Terrazas plays Lacy, Wendell's school friend and subtle crush met in detention, who introduces youthful subplots with her extroverted, risk-taking nature that contrasts Wendell's cautious intellect and draws him into more adventurous social dynamics. Her tough-yet-kind persona provides comic opportunities for Wendell to explore peer relationships beyond his mature hobbies.

Recurring and Guest Characters

The sitcom Wendell & Vinnie featured a variety of recurring supporting characters who added depth to the family dynamics and everyday scenarios at the Bassett household and Vinnie's pop culture memorabilia store. These roles often highlighted comedic contrasts between Vinnie's immature lifestyle and Wendell's precocious nature, while also exploring subplots involving school life and community interactions. Among the recurring characters, played Mr. Lipshitz, the grumpy yet well-meaning landlord of the Bassett apartment building, who frequently interacted with Vinnie over maintenance issues and building rules, providing opportunities for slapstick humor in several episodes. recurred as Aziz, Wilma's ex-boyfriend and owner of a local magic shop, contributing to romantic and family tension subplots through his persistent attempts to reconnect with Wilma. appeared as Miss Pimmentel, the strict vice-principal at Wendell's school, whose interactions with Wendell often underscored themes of authority and adolescent rebellion. Additionally, played Henry, a former and brief romantic interest for Wilma, adding layers to her character's personal life in select episodes. Lacy (Angelique Terrazas) also recurred as Wendell's classmate and friend in multiple episodes, supporting storylines about his social challenges. Notable guest stars brought high-profile talent to single-episode arcs, enhancing the show's pop culture appeal and providing fresh comedic energy. In the episode "Swindle & Vinnie," guest-starred as Natasha Kraf, Vinnie's former boss; appeared as himself, an eccentric sci-fi enthusiast; and played Lord Derek, a down-on-his-luck , all tying into themes of Vinnie's business antics. Robin Givens had a memorable turn as Nichelle in "Mock Law & Order," portraying a formidable in a mock court scenario involving Wendell, which amplified the episode's courtroom comedy. guested as Judge Salvatori in "Mock Law & Order," contributing to the humorous proceedings. These recurring and guest characters played key roles in facilitating side stories that expanded the ensemble comedy, such as Wendell's school friends offering peer perspectives or Vinnie's store patrons sparking oddball interactions, thereby balancing the central uncle-nephew relationship without overshadowing the main cast.

Production

Development and Creation

Wendell & Vinnie was created by Jay Kogen, an Emmy-winning writer and producer known for his work on The Simpsons, Frasier, and Malcolm in the Middle. The series was produced by Kapital Entertainment and Nickelodeon Productions, with Aaron Kaplan serving as an executive producer. It was developed as a multi-camera family sitcom centered on an immature uncle who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his young nephew, drawing on dynamics of unconventional family caregiving. In March 2012, ordered a pilot for the series as part of its programming block, aiming to expand its live-action comedy offerings following the success of shows like . By August 2012, the network greenlit the full series with a 20-episode order, reflecting confidence in its potential to attract family audiences through humor rooted in relatable generational clashes. Pre-production advanced quickly after the series pickup, with the first official trailer released on December 21, 2012, to build anticipation among tween viewers by highlighting the show's blend of lighthearted antics and everyday challenges. The pilot episode was completed in late 2012, setting the stage for the the following year.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Filming for Wendell & Vinnie primarily took place at Studios in . The production employed a multi-camera setup, allowing for live-audience tapings that captured the sitcom's comedic energy in front of studio crowds. Key interior sets constructed on the lot included Vinnie's bachelor apartment and the pop culture memorabilia store where he works as proprietor. Writing and filming began in late 2011/early 2012. Episodes were helmed by directors such as Victor Gonzalez, whose multi-camera experience contributed to the show's efficient shooting rhythm. Sound design integrated a lively to underscore humorous moments. Post-production, encompassing editing, effects, and final audio mixing, was conducted in-house by Productions to streamline the workflow for the network's family-oriented content.

Episodes and Broadcast

Episode Structure and Season Overview

Wendell & Vinnie aired for a single season in 2013, consisting of 20 episodes produced as part of a straight-to-series order by . Each episode runs approximately 22 minutes, adhering to the standard half-hour format with commercial breaks, and features self-contained stories without multi-part arcs. Of the 20 episodes, 14 were initially broadcast on the channel, while the remaining 6 aired on following a schedule shift. The series employs a classic structure, typically dividing each episode into an A-plot centered on the uncle-nephew duo's adventures and mishaps, and a B-plot involving supporting family or school-related sub-stories that intersect with the main narrative. This format allows for parallel development of humorous conflicts, such as Vinnie's immature antics clashing with Wendell's more responsible outlook, often resolving in comedic resolutions that highlight their evolving relationship. The pacing maintains a brisk , balancing , dialogue-driven humor, and brief heartfelt moments within the constrained runtime. Recurring themes throughout the season focus on Vinnie learning responsibility through a series of bungled situations, including school events and antics at his pop culture memorabilia store, which serve as backdrops for the characters' growth. Episodes frequently explore dynamics and the challenges of guardianship, with Vinnie's personality providing contrast to Wendell's maturity, leading to gradual bonding over shared experiences. These themes emphasize lessons in and accountability, often framed through lighthearted, age-appropriate rather than deep emotional exploration. The progression across the season shows the central pair transitioning from awkward to a more cohesive uncle-nephew bond, underscoring the show's core premise of unconventional adjustment.

U.S. Airing and Cancellation

Wendell & Vinnie premiered on on February 16, 2013, airing its pilot episode in the Saturday night lineup at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series initially occupied regular Saturday evening slots, with the first 14 episodes broadcast from February through June 2013, drawing an average of approximately 2.3 million total viewers for the opening four installments. As viewership declined—reaching just 1.3 million for the 14th episode aired on June 13, 2013—the network adjusted its programming strategy. On August 15, 2013, Nickelodeon announced the cancellation of Wendell & Vinnie after its single 20-episode season, citing mediocre ratings as the primary factor. The decision aligned with a broader shift in focus toward higher-performing properties, such as the newly launched Sam & Cat, which debuted earlier that summer. The remaining six unaired episodes were subsequently slotted into Nick at Nite's Sunday night schedule at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, beginning August 18, 2013, to target an older audience demographic. The final episodes aired from August 18 to September 22, 2013, concluding the series run on September 22 with "First Dances & Last Chances." This late-night placement on marked an anomaly for a original, reflecting the show's perceived appeal to adult viewers amid underwhelming kid demographics. No further episodes were produced or aired domestically following the conclusion.

Distribution and Availability

International Broadcast

The international distribution of Wendell & Vinnie was managed by Viacom International, which handled licensing and broadcasting rights for networks worldwide. The series aired in dubbed versions in multiple languages, including Spanish for Latin American markets and for , allowing adaptation to local audiences while preserving the original format. In the , Wendell & Vinnie premiered on UK on June 10, 2013, airing weeknights at 7:00 p.m. and weekends at 8:30 p.m., shortly following its U.S. debut on February 16, 2013. The full season of 20 episodes was broadcast, with additional new episodes introduced in June 2014. saw the series premiere on YTV on August 12, 2013, as part of the network's fall lineup, airing Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and covering all 20 episodes. In Latin America, the show debuted on Nickelodeon Latin America on December 9, 2013, with a Spanish dub, and simultaneously on Nick Brazil in Portuguese; both regions aired the complete season without major format alterations.

Home Media and Streaming

The series has not received an official physical home media release, such as DVD or Blu-ray, in the United States. Digital purchases of select episodes are available, including Wendell & Vinnie: Volume 1, which can be bought on platforms like Amazon Video and Apple TV. As of November 2025, Wendell & Vinnie is not available for free streaming on major subscription services, including Paramount+ and . It remains accessible for rent or purchase digitally in the U.S. via Amazon Video, Apple TV, and at Home. No 4K or remastered versions of the series have been produced. Availability has been inconsistent over the years due to licensing rights complications.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Wendell & Vinnie received mixed reviews from critics, who praised elements of its humor and performances while critiquing its formulaic structure and messaging. Common Sense Media awarded the series 2 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "lackluster sitcom" with trite content that delivers laughable but predictable exchanges, though it glosses over serious topics like bullying and grief in favor of comedy. The review highlighted questionable messages for children regarding healthy family relationships, rating it appropriate for ages 9 and up. On IMDb, the show holds a user score of 6.7 out of 10 based on 1,072 ratings (as of November 2025), reflecting a generally middling audience response. Critics commended Jerry Trainor's comedic timing as Vinnie, noting his "goofy charm" and ability to carry much of the show's appeal through his portrayal of an immature yet well-intentioned guardian. Variety emphasized the charm in the uncle-nephew chemistry between Trainor and , positioning the series as a family-oriented suitable for 9-year-olds despite its flaws. The Los Angeles Times similarly praised Trainor's "floppy human golden retriever" energy, leveraging his familiarity from iCarly to provide built-in appeal. However, reviewers frequently criticized the show's formulaic writing and lack of originality, with the calling the juvenile adult versus mature child dynamic a "familiar story" that feels "obvious and prefab." echoed this by pointing to its predictable plots and mixed parenting messages, while Variety noted the supporting cast, including , often came across as over the top without strong balance.

Viewership and Cultural Impact

The premiere episode of Wendell & Vinnie on February 16, 2013, attracted 2.4 million total viewers, marking a solid debut for the in its initial Saturday night slot. However, viewership averaged 2.3 million across the first four episodes, with subsequent Saturday airings seeing a decline to 1.5 million for episodes five and six (1.4 million and 1.6 million, respectively), and further dropping to an average of 1.4 million for the final four in that timeframe. The series' shift to Sundays in July 2013 provided a modest rebound for its remaining six episodes, though overall numbers remained below expectations for renewal. Ratings trends reflected challenges in capturing a broad audience, particularly amid competition from established kids' programming on networks like during prime family viewing hours. While specific demographic breakdowns for the tween audience (ages 2-11) were not publicly detailed in Nielsen reports for the series, the show's total viewership decline contributed directly to its single-season run, with only 14 of 20 produced episodes airing before cancellation was announced in August 2013. Post-cancellation, Wendell & Vinnie left a minor cultural footprint as a short-lived entry in Nickelodeon's lineup, receiving no major awards or nominations during its run. The series provided an early starring role for young actor Buddy Handleson as Wendell Bassett, boosting his visibility and leading to subsequent lead parts, including Newt Van Der Rohe in the Nickelodeon comedy Bella and the Bulldogs from 2015 to 2016. Its legacy endures primarily through nostalgic recollections among early 2010s Nickelodeon viewers, though it has not achieved widespread enduring influence in pop culture.

References

  1. https://www.nickandmore.com/episode-lists/wendell-and-vinnie/
  2. https://deadline.com/2013/08/nickelodeons-wendell-vinnie-cancelled-564708/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2477858/
  4. https://tv.apple.com/us/show/wendell--vinnie/umc.cmc.34sfcv0d4e8hw3lv9154fruc2
  5. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/wendell-vinnie
  6. https://www.nickandmore.com/2013/08/15/nickelodeon-cancels-wendell-vinnie/
  7. https://www.ocregister.com/2013/02/16/nickelodeon-star-finds-a-new-family/
  8. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/wendell-and-vinnie
  9. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/wendell_and_vinnie
  10. https://variety.com/2013/tv/reviews/wendell-vinnie-1117949252/
  11. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-xpm-2013-feb-16-la-et-st-0216-wendell-vinnie-20130216-story.html
  12. https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/02/13/young-actor-buddy-handleson-gets-big-break-in-nickelodeons-wendell-vinnie/
  13. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/nicole-sullivan/umc.cpc.70ne0ls01gcjj37c55tm7vom3
  14. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/actress-haley-strode-discusses-her-nickelodeon-sitcom-wendell-vinnie/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2477858/fullcredits/
  16. https://wendellandvinnie.fandom.com/wiki/Mr._Lipshitz
  17. https://wendellandvinnie.fandom.com/wiki/Aziz
  18. https://wendellandvinnie.fandom.com/wiki/Characters
  19. https://ew.com/article/2013/06/13/nickelodeon-wendell-vinnie-lisa-kudrow/
  20. https://celebsecrets.com/wendell-vinnie-9/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2546870/fullcredits/
  22. https://deadline.com/2012/03/nickelodeon-orders-comedy-pilot-starring-jerry-trainor-for-nick-at-nite-block-242461/
  23. https://deadline.com/2012/08/nick-at-nite-comedy-pilot-wendell-vinnie-picked-up-to-series-with-20-episode-order-312000/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2477858/locations/
  25. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icarlys-jerry-trainor-stars-in-brand-new-nick-at-nite-family-comedy-series-wendell--vinnie-premiering-sunday-feb-17-at-8pm-etpt-187281871.html
  26. https://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/auction-meet-jerry-trainer-buddy-handleson-at-taping-of-3429098
  27. https://deadline.com/2018/07/tv-director-victor-gonzalez-deal-kapital-entertainment-latino-multi-camera-comedy-series-1202431722/
  28. https://nypost.com/2013/02/09/no-couchin-it/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2477858/episodes/
  30. https://epguides.com/WendellandVinnie/
  31. https://ir.paramount.com/static-files/3c7a3a17-e145-4b06-8ac7-25fdcc5dfbc8
  32. https://dubdb.fandom.com/wiki/Wendell_%26_Vinnie
  33. http://www.nickalive.net/2013/05/nickelodeon-uk-to-premiere-wendell.html
  34. http://www.nickalive.net/2014/05/nickelodeon-uk-to-premiere-brand-new.html
  35. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ytv-fast-forwards-to-fall-with-eight-side-splitting-new-series-512660511.html
  36. https://www.amazon.com/Wendell-Vinnie-Volume-1/dp/B00BGZBXAO
  37. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/wendell-vinnie-cancelled-by-nickelodeon-29489/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3456967/
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