Los Angeles Daily News' Scores

  • TV
For 191 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 54% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 40% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.8 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average TV Show review score: 66
Highest review score: 100 Black Mirror: Season 4
Lowest review score: 30 Dr. Ken: Season 1
Score distribution:
  1. Mixed: 0 out of 116
  2. Negative: 0 out of 116
116 tv reviews
  1. If crazed killings and macabre laughs aren’t your thing, you may want to avoid the show. So far, though, Scream Queens is outlandishly fun.
  2. The thriller created by Martin Gero can seem overly intricate at times, but the conspiracy doesn’t get in the way of the show’s early momentum. Where it goes from here is definitely worth checking out.
  3. Throughout Homegrown, the four of them [The daughter of a victim and the shooter’s brother. And the sister of a young man found guilty of incitement to commit acts of terrorism and a government analyst who helped make the decision that the man was a threat to the U.S.] offer articulate discussions of their situations and feelings, which gives this compelling documentary added impact.
  4. The series enjoys deconstructing superhero tropes but in its own offbeat way. You will probably need a few episodes to get into “The Tick, but the first part of the first season builds up nicely. By Episode 6, the series is all powered up.
  5. Limitless makes for a lively show with an addictive potential.
  6. Transparent succeeds most of the time. The cast--led by Tambor--are terrific as usual. This year there are some rich, funny and moving moments, and the series continues to take chances other shows wouldn’t dare.
  7. This is a pretty lively Whovian world.... Clara is the sunshine to the Doctor's sadness, and Coleman makes her shine.
  8. The eight-part series, based on the popular children’s books by Daniel Handler, is delightfully weird or weirdly delightful, depending. The hourlong show can be both light and unexpectedly dark.
  9. While the mysteries on Broadchurch are compelling, they can be a bit scattered at times, with some weird detours. Yet the magnetic performances of Tennant and Colman keep the series together; the two acclaimed actors are always able to navigate the show’s odder moments with interesting takes.
  10. Although a bit over-frenetic at times, the series seems to take inspiration from a man-on-the run Hitchcock thriller.... So far it’s one of the most-promising new shows, and Chopra is someone worth keeping an eye on.
  11. The 10-episode Mr. Mercedes isn’t a horror story. King’s tales are generally known for capturing middle-class angst, and the series has creepily translated that to the screen.
  12. While none of the information in Dirty Money is particularly new, the episodes--directed by different filmmakers--solidly lay out the stories to make them understandable. However, there is something to be said about getting all this information in one sitting instead of in bits and pieces, and in this Dirty Money delivers.
  13. The series has something of a “True Lies” feel, with its plot winking at itself. There is plenty of action and suspense and even a “Timecop” twist. J-C, though, is a different sort of action-figure, filled with more self-doubt and regret then you usually see in the movies. But even with that, the series smartly never takes itself too seriously.
  14. The brilliant Black Mirror returns Friday for a third season--and its best one yet--on Netflix with six new episodes.
  15. The series has always moved between clever parody and outright silliness, but this year Archer seems to be paying more attention to the plot along with the jokes.
  16. The Looming Tower is compelling television, even as it marches toward its tragic end.
  17. Wacky is probably the best word for You, Me and the Apocalypse, created by Iain Hollands. But give the series credit, each episode keeps upping the weirdness, comedy and, surprisingly, the dramatic ante. It’s unexpectedly good.
  18. Bosch is a welcome change of pace from the many procedurals on the networks, especially those that overwhelm their stories with technological jargon. Amazon’s 10-epsiode series is perfect to binge on, a long, involving mystery in which the detective still does leg work.
  19. Both events [Watergate and the Pentagon Papers] are covered extensively in The Newspaperman. There is not a lot new there, but it’s interesting to hear it from Bradlee’s perspective.
  20. Watching the series is a bit like skipping through the magazine--a little of this, a little of that, always interesting.
  21. Seven Seconds can be a bit obvious at times--a shot of blood in the snow with the Statue of Liberty seen off in the distance--but ultimately it settles into a worthwhile character-driven crime thriller.
  22. The series has an impressive feel and period look to it. The first episode directed by Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland”) deftly opens up mysteries and invites you into the strangeness. Adapted by Bridget Carpenter, 11.22.63 isn’t for everyone. You have to like what-if fantasy stories. But like many of King’s stories, once you’re in, you’re in. Enjoy the trip.
  23. I can’t think of another show like Comrade Detective on the TV landscape, and while it’s a strange trip, it’s often a delightfully odd one.
  24. The series is a wild ride, an old-fashioned Western with a contemporary edge. It carries the sweep and breadth of a grand tale with the larger-than-life ornery characters you expect to find living and dying in that rugged, lonely land.
  25. It looks like Sutherland has another winner on his hands.
  26. Since each year is stand-alone it’s easy enough to enjoy Season 3 on its own. While the series boasts a good cast, it’s Welliver’s show. He brings a solid presence to the character of Bosch.
  27. It looks like this will be a fun season. The first episode is called “The Pilot,” and in its way reintroduces us to the Doctor by seeing him through Bill’s uninitiated eyes. ... Mackie, a relative unknown, proves instantly likable, and the character distinguishes itself from the other companions in the series.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The most impressive quality "The 4400" boasts is the fact that, after tonight's episode, there are any number of directions the drama could head. There hasn't been anything this wide-open unpredictable on TV in years, and for that reason alone, it's worth overlooking the premise's flaws and following this wherever it may head. [11 July 2004]
    • Los Angeles Daily News
  28. It doesn’t break any new ground, but unlike most crime procedurals, it’s neither facile nor jokey. Whether in the end Naz is guilty or innocent may not matter. The series ultimately succeeds on its mystery and as a provocative trip through the justice system.
  29. It can never have the immediacy of Ryan McGarry’s documentary about County/USC that inspired it, but the series does capture the film’s spirit and that is a welcome change when it comes to medical dramas. Harden, as usual, provides a strong presence, which helps anchor the show, and Guzman is a plus for any series. Code Black is worth keeping an eye on.

Top Trailers