Alias

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 30, 2001
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Julie Salamon
    Mar 15, 2013
    60
    There's plenty of espionage action and kick-boxing but little concern for political authenticity. The appeal rests in the heroine, played by Jennifer Garner with an attractive combination of vulnerability and entrepreneurial self-protectiveness. This lively piece of entertainment is too cartoonish to feel threatening.
  2. Newsday
    Mar 15, 2013
    50
    Alias suffers from a split personality. It's half John LeCarre, half comic book. In the field, Sydney, who looks about as formidable as your average Vogue cover girl, becomes a spike-heeled super-spy who shoots and karate-kicks her way through a horde of terrorist storm troopers as if they were targets in a video game. She's preposterous, and so is half the show. But viewers who just want to see bad guys die may not mind.
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Mar 15, 2013
    40
    Though there are surprises and crosses and double-crosses in the show's waning minutes, Alias fails to make me care much about its characters, their future or understanding who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. "La Femme Nikita" kept these mysteries beguiling in its early seasons; Alias can't manage to do that in its first episode. [30 Sept 2001, p.TV-5]
    All this critic's reviews

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best TV Season of 2001
9
#9 Most Discussed TV Season of 2001
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 93
  3. Negative: 11 out of 93
  1. RobbyP
    May 2, 2018
    10
    Really fun and unique show that expanded upon what TV could be at the time. Sydney Bristow et. al are an easily likeable cast of characters.Really fun and unique show that expanded upon what TV could be at the time. Sydney Bristow et. al are an easily likeable cast of characters. The pace is a little fast, as they try to squeeze too much into the season sometimes, detracting from better emotional build to the story. Overall a fantastic first season to a show bursting with energy, action, originality, and character. I can't tell you how many times I've rewatched it!… Full Review »
  2. JungleWise
    Oct 26, 2016
    10
    I wish they would bring this series back. It was the perfect balance of intrigue and plat twists without being ridiculous or over-sexed.I wish they would bring this series back. It was the perfect balance of intrigue and plat twists without being ridiculous or over-sexed. Garner is fantastic.… Full Review »
  3. sdhanani3
    Jun 28, 2013
    9
    Alias seems to not have received enough credit. It is continuously captivating, though I will not make the claim that its consistent. It onAlias seems to not have received enough credit. It is continuously captivating, though I will not make the claim that its consistent. It on the contrary, continuously has these crazy twists (that are sometimes ridiculous) and after 5 seasons of running after the same guy you never really come to care about, I can understand the complaints people have; however, I think the show has gripping individual stories and is still able to preserve so much mystery, suspense and drama in every episode. Spy shows claiming to be more "realistic" have come out since Alias last aired, but this "spy-fi" show stands its own ground rather well.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »