• Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 16, 2015
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 25
  2. Negative: 3 out of 25
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Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jan 12, 2015
    100
    With the recent Ebola scare, the show’s premise is timely. Plus, it’s a trippy, roller coaster ride as we learn, along with Cole and Cassandra, who is responsible for killing 7 billion people.
  2. Reviewed by: Mekeisha Madden Toby
    Feb 25, 2015
    80
    As actors, Stanford and Schull have to convince TV audiences that they are not dishing out reheated versions of the performances Bruce Willis and Madeleine Stowe did in the original. Thankfully, that's not the case and these two actors are quite compelling as a couple of lost souls trying desperately to make things right.
  3. Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jan 16, 2015
    80
    For as long as it has, 12 Monkeys works beautifully as a fast-paced sci-fi thriller that is actually far more complex.
  4. Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Jan 16, 2015
    75
    It's different enough from the original that you may be better off looking at it fresh, as a promising and more straightforward (okay, relatively straightforward) sci-fi adventure series with the requisite shadow conspiracy and, for those in the past, a looming Armageddon.
  5. Reviewed by: Sara Stewart
    Jan 16, 2015
    75
    It’s Stanford who will hold this thing together, and he seems up to the challenge. I’m ready to look at this whole story again with fresh eyes. It may not be quite on the level of a “Battlestar Galactica” overhaul, but, then, its source material isn’t nearly as campy.
  6. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Jan 16, 2015
    75
    Intelligent adaptation absent the dark humor, satire--or horror--of the original.
  7. Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Jan 15, 2015
    75
    The first two episode of 12 Monkeys move along crisply and effectively.
  8. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Feb 20, 2015
    70
    Syfy's best new show in ages. [16 Feb-1 Mar 2015, p.15]
  9. Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    Jan 15, 2015
    70
    The series is less cryptic than the movie, more of a straightforward action drama, and that’s probably a good thing.
  10. Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    Jan 15, 2015
    70
    The script sometimes ties itself in knots trying to explain all the theoretical physics and horology that drive the plot, but in the early going, it hangs together pretty well.
  11. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Jan 9, 2015
    67
    The polished, muscular pilot is more concept than substance. As far as movie-to-TV adaptions go, 12 Monkeys is far from Fargo, but at least it's watchable. [16 Jan 2015, p.71]
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 237 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 11 out of 237
  1. Aug 17, 2015
    10
    I have a feeling that the critics only watched the first episode or two. This show is amazing, it gets better every episode. This is one ofI have a feeling that the critics only watched the first episode or two. This show is amazing, it gets better every episode. This is one of the best shows on TV for 2015. Full Review »
  2. Jan 17, 2015
    9
    I really enjoyed it. ScFy has really stepped up production value. This show doesn't have that 'film school graduation project' feel to it.I really enjoyed it. ScFy has really stepped up production value. This show doesn't have that 'film school graduation project' feel to it. Much more polished. Acting is good, several story lines are opened up, I'll be watching. Full Review »
  3. Oct 27, 2015
    8
    Very good show! nice chemistry between the two main characters cassandra and otter eyes, i really enjoyed the show and im waiting for more,.Very good show! nice chemistry between the two main characters cassandra and otter eyes, i really enjoyed the show and im waiting for more,. so far it had strong characters, misterious figures, time travelling crazyness,good music, etc etc... very well done for the 1st season. Full Review »