American Crime

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 5, 2015
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 112 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 150
  3. Negative: 21 out of 150
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User Reviews

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  1. JookyDalTx
    May 11, 2015
    3
    I'm 10 episodes in and for me this show is just awful. I don't understand why critics think this is so great. The acting is decent, particularly Felicity Huffman, but the show became very predictable after about episode 4. What makes this show hard to watch is the horrible editing. Extreme close-ups. People having a conversation at a table that continues while the video shifts to oneI'm 10 episodes in and for me this show is just awful. I don't understand why critics think this is so great. The acting is decent, particularly Felicity Huffman, but the show became very predictable after about episode 4. What makes this show hard to watch is the horrible editing. Extreme close-ups. People having a conversation at a table that continues while the video shifts to one character staring our a window. Sound with no lips moving. Expletives removed. This happens in almost every scene. ABC should have scheduled this show to run on cable because it looks like it's been shredded to run on network television.… Expand
  2. Benja
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    I just finished watching this season and I can't wait for the next one. Regina King and Felicity Huffman are amazing in their roles. At first I thought this series was about what actually happened the day of the crime but I was wrong. This series is about how the crime, and the way justice acts on it, affects on everyone involved. Lets hope for season 2 to be even better.
  3. RedStar42
    May 9, 2015
    5
    What this show is missing for me is someone to root for. Everyone seems way too cold and unsympathetic, way too stupid, or so mentally deranged they need to be protected from themselves. I watch with some curiosity to see how the writers will bring all the loose ends together in the end, but I feel no involvement with any of these angry, sad, depressing people and so no concern for any ofWhat this show is missing for me is someone to root for. Everyone seems way too cold and unsympathetic, way too stupid, or so mentally deranged they need to be protected from themselves. I watch with some curiosity to see how the writers will bring all the loose ends together in the end, but I feel no involvement with any of these angry, sad, depressing people and so no concern for any of them. I do like dark stories, but there must be someone with at least a spark of heroic light and humanity in them.… Expand
  4. dyshpo
    Mar 23, 2015
    1
    Unwatchable, painful, empty, awkward directionless scenes. Show has no tonal consistency it goes from high social commentary to ; God's not Dead, strawman argument . All actors have dead pan delivery. Way to much praise has been given makes me wonder if it's pity hype. This should be moved to cable it will not last long on network.
  5. Ravivenk
    May 7, 2015
    10
    I've watched nine or ten episodes so far, and I consider this drama at its best. I don't really care how this one will end, I just enjoy the show for each moment.....the script and acting are in perfect sync with each other. How this show ended up on a network, I still don't know....HBO/Showtime, gobble this up if ABC decides that this is a one-season stand!
  6. habrown
    Mar 24, 2015
    10
    This series is real dope... The best of the season so far and I've seen all of them. It's real badass dealing with crime, murder, race and inter-racial coupling, immigration, teenagers... Real dope.
  7. MattArmando
    Mar 6, 2015
    10
    A beautifully nuanced series. Impeccably directed and sharply written above all. The performances all around, especially from Felicity Huffman, Tim Hutton, Penelope Miller, Benito Martinez, & W. Earl Brown were sublime and transcendent. Excited to see where the show goes, and the more boundaries it pushes.
  8. olguitapv
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    This serie is excellent because it iS touching issues about real live. We can see element from mystery, drama, politic, race, crime, love, drug, discrimination, family, and injustice ,
  9. WestLil0
    Mar 30, 2015
    3
    Terrible topic and plot. I like to watch for entertainment not to be depressed. I would certainly not recommend this tv show to anyone who believes a show should be dark, uninspiring and depressing at every turn.
  10. Ravens1294
    Apr 25, 2015
    5
    A good show with the most hatable characters ever. I just gave up after episode 5 because I loathe all the characters and the show is being cancelled anyway because of poor ratings.
  11. PipePVelasco
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    Perfect show for the right time. Well created, original, with a cinematographic perspective. The editing put the shows in the emotional level it needs. Well acted, well written & well directed. Intense, strong, real, dark, honest. I'm really excited about how every character will be connected, and how the story will develop.
  12. DanniBoi
    Mar 6, 2015
    10
    Outstanding and Well crafted, from every aspect that you would expect to be in so fast, this show / plot takes you in a path where leads to many questions that need to be answer. And it does it with so much finesse in the way it has been written.

    P.s. Nothing else to say, just go and watch it and see for your self.
  13. MigueLito
    Mar 6, 2015
    10
    Riveting, provocative and smart TV...Felicity Huffman and Tim Hutton are exceptional. Loved how it all came together at the end. I can not wait until Regina King appears.
  14. PoeticDumpling
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    I predict this show will justifiably take over the next Emmys. This is a rare treat for network television nowadays. Based on two episodes, John Ridley has already created a masterpiece. The dialogue, the cast, the editing, the style, the story are all aces. This is film quality stuff and up there with the best of the best on other premium channels.
  15. smarttcareer
    Apr 13, 2015
    2
    The show by itself would be a good crime drama but lays to heavily on the Social Justice Warrior routine. Goes too far out of the way to making you empathize or villain-ize characters specifically because of their race and not because of their character. I'm going to go out an a limb and guess the murderer will be a straight white Christian male and we should feel bad for assuming it wasThe show by itself would be a good crime drama but lays to heavily on the Social Justice Warrior routine. Goes too far out of the way to making you empathize or villain-ize characters specifically because of their race and not because of their character. I'm going to go out an a limb and guess the murderer will be a straight white Christian male and we should feel bad for assuming it was someone else.… Expand
  16. zouz123
    Mar 30, 2015
    9
    I didn't know what to expect from this show, so I gave it a shot, and i'm so glad I did. Although i'm neither American nor live in America, I found myself immersed in the story and characters, and definitely related to one aspect of it or another. This show is not CSI or NCIS, it is some intense and raw real life TV. Great season debut for a potentially great series.
  17. RichardGonci
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    The usual John Ridley over-writing, but my God, how freakin' great that something this raw shows up on network where more than a relative handful of people will see it! Let's stop navel-gazing, people, and be thrilled at the risk-taking involved here. No heroes. All complexity. Which face in the mirror are you, or I? Plenty of mirrors to go around. Maybe this kind of story requires theThe usual John Ridley over-writing, but my God, how freakin' great that something this raw shows up on network where more than a relative handful of people will see it! Let's stop navel-gazing, people, and be thrilled at the risk-taking involved here. No heroes. All complexity. Which face in the mirror are you, or I? Plenty of mirrors to go around. Maybe this kind of story requires the heavy hand of Ridley. It's not about nuance, afterall, or subtlety. This ain't no Downton Abbey nonsense, thank God! I doubt PBS would have had the cojones to run anything this relevant, unless it originated in Great Britain first! So, all praise to ABC and Ridley.… Expand
  18. SBMike1
    Mar 29, 2015
    10
    Thus is something new to cable television that I think brings an edge. Yes, there are some dramatic parts and scenes, but that is totally okay with the great plot out together. This tackles issues we see today in all communities, something almost anyone can relate to. This could be one of the best shows of 2015.
  19. shoulderoforion
    Jan 10, 2016
    9
    What a treat this show was. Unexpected greatness & true to life storytelling. Entire season reminded me of a Hunter S. Thompson quote "The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over." . My only critique is their tying up the stories a bit too hopefully, other than that a great, at times difficult,What a treat this show was. Unexpected greatness & true to life storytelling. Entire season reminded me of a Hunter S. Thompson quote "The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over." . My only critique is their tying up the stories a bit too hopefully, other than that a great, at times difficult, watch. Recommended.… Expand
  20. JayNel
    Mar 12, 2015
    0
    The show was slow and boring. A different format but not appealing. T was very interested due to the cast and advertising but the show did not produced. Won't be watching it again.
  21. RenanAAlmeida
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    Too smart and well done to be in network television. I can see a gem like this getting cancelled easy. I'm not saying the network shows are dumb and bad, they are just not well made as this one, and network audiences tend to rarely enjoy the style the show has. If HBO, Showtime, FX or AMC had this show on their channels, it would probably get a better shot at having multiple season. IToo smart and well done to be in network television. I can see a gem like this getting cancelled easy. I'm not saying the network shows are dumb and bad, they are just not well made as this one, and network audiences tend to rarely enjoy the style the show has. If HBO, Showtime, FX or AMC had this show on their channels, it would probably get a better shot at having multiple season. I truly hope I'm wrong.… Expand
  22. Bgrod
    Mar 31, 2015
    10
    Simultaneously beautiful and painful to watch. Dramatic acting doesn't get any better than this. The cinematography and direction is theatrical film caliber great. While the subject of the story telling won't appeal to fans looking for light soapy entertainment like Scandal or Empire, this is one of the most important dramas to appear on either broadcast or cable in many years. Bravo toSimultaneously beautiful and painful to watch. Dramatic acting doesn't get any better than this. The cinematography and direction is theatrical film caliber great. While the subject of the story telling won't appeal to fans looking for light soapy entertainment like Scandal or Empire, this is one of the most important dramas to appear on either broadcast or cable in many years. Bravo to all those involved and to ABC for airing it in their most valuable time slot (after Scandal).… Expand
  23. jazzpunkfuzed
    Mar 6, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. possible spoilers, first time reviewing on this site, not so much a review as a statement of how it felt to watch this show.

    The intensity of this show was palpable.

    The scene where Hutton goes to the facilities and just aches for the loss of his son felt very real to me.

    The character that plays the grieving mother, was so believably rigid and unforgiving that I felt tremendous sadness for Hutton's character.

    The deceptive tactics the police used to find and arrest the initial suspects was also painful to watch.

    I look forward to the unfolding story with the full understanding that this will be an intense emotional journey.    … Expand
  24. drambuie_
    Jun 27, 2016
    0
    Seriously it does not worth watching it even if you are bored. It doesnt has a plot , nothing really happens , awkward attempt mixing crime, race,immigration (?) the story with tony was completely irrelevant , they just squished it among the others . Empty characters , not even one of them was a little bit heroic or compassionate so we could hope for good ending, they were annoying meSeriously it does not worth watching it even if you are bored. It doesnt has a plot , nothing really happens , awkward attempt mixing crime, race,immigration (?) the story with tony was completely irrelevant , they just squished it among the others . Empty characters , not even one of them was a little bit heroic or compassionate so we could hope for good ending, they were annoying me episode after episode with just being passive ,i could not feel their pain their despair nothing .
    Finally the direction was misplaced many many times    … Expand
  25. mariodefe
    Apr 24, 2015
    5
    sorry to say, interpreting is good, but plot is too much of a drama for me, plot is quite simple, focusing too much in the characters, I hope that acting-purists enjoy the show, I will move on to a different one. Good luck
  26. behzadhoseini77
    Apr 17, 2015
    0
    This shows some promise so far, no cheesy music, fake lens flare or lines designed to make every character look a smart ass. A good cast and the way the characters are linked reminded me of Crash, the way it deals with the grief of the family surrounding these events reminded of Rectify. What I think will let it down is the crime has been perpetrated, not having an ongoing situation limitsThis shows some promise so far, no cheesy music, fake lens flare or lines designed to make every character look a smart ass. A good cast and the way the characters are linked reminded me of Crash, the way it deals with the grief of the family surrounding these events reminded of Rectify. What I think will let it down is the crime has been perpetrated, not having an ongoing situation limits the story lines and takes a dimension away that could have created a more complexed set of motives amongst the characters… Expand
  27. Brake1223
    Mar 15, 2017
    0
    Just got done watching Season 1 . I thought it was decent but very predicable . Started watching the season 2 and the people in season 2 are the same actors that died in season 1 playing different roles. That sucks turned it right off..Won't watch again.
  28. insert_here
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    Not just the best show on TV, but the best show by a wide margin. Brilliant writing and a contemporary plot that covers much of what is relevant today while leaving out the typical gimmicks that most cripple most shows today. American Crime respects its audience's intelligence. Kudos to ABC.
  29. LindaNP
    May 23, 2015
    10
    Fantastic writing makes this well worth every second you watch it. The emphasis on one's own culture becoming the basis for one's beliefs is challenged in a brilliant way!
  30. cxfoster
    May 17, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was ready to score this as a 10 until the final episode. I thought the acting was excellent all around and characters were aggravating but realistic. However, IMO, the finale was kind of empty, very frustrating and, in some cases, illogical.… Expand
  31. j1train
    Jun 25, 2015
    6
    Superbly acted and fascinating in its artful cinematography and editing. But heavily humorless and depressive. 'American Crime' has a lot to say about class and race, but it's a lot to take.
  32. albuddha
    May 26, 2015
    9
    Desolate and engrossing. Slow moving but terrific performances. Looked forward to each new episode. Great to see Timothy Hutton still doing good work, along with a cast of not-familiars. Heart wrenching, intense.
  33. bshelton
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    I'm late in the game on this show to write a review but it is such an amazing series, I had to add my two cents! Instead of getting mired in a standard "who done it?" procedural formula, the show dives in the characters lives an how the impact of the couple killed in the first few minutes of the pilot impact EVERYONE involved. Just simply brilliant writing and acting by simply everyI'm late in the game on this show to write a review but it is such an amazing series, I had to add my two cents! Instead of getting mired in a standard "who done it?" procedural formula, the show dives in the characters lives an how the impact of the couple killed in the first few minutes of the pilot impact EVERYONE involved. Just simply brilliant writing and acting by simply every character on the show. This season definitely deserves Globe/Emmy recognition. I'm thrilled it was renewed Each episode is so powerful we are watching it slowly. Only halfway through at this point. Check it out if you haven't seen it!… Expand
  34. vanhuizum
    May 21, 2015
    10
    Excellent enactment of the cross culture of issues effecting our world today. Drug addiction, crime, racism, delusion... this series covers it all. Very well done and although disturbing to so many for it's candid look into our society. I couldn't wait for the next episode week by week... looking forward to another season.
  35. brentwshelton1
    Jun 28, 2015
    10
    I'm late in the game on this show to write a review but it is such an amazing series, I had to add my two cents! Instead of getting mired in a standard "who done it?" procedural formula, the show dives in the characters lives an how the impact of the couple killed in the first few minutes of the pilot impact EVERYONE involved. Just simply brilliant writing and acting by simply everyI'm late in the game on this show to write a review but it is such an amazing series, I had to add my two cents! Instead of getting mired in a standard "who done it?" procedural formula, the show dives in the characters lives an how the impact of the couple killed in the first few minutes of the pilot impact EVERYONE involved. Just simply brilliant writing and acting by simply every character on the show. This season definitely deserves Globe/Emmy recognition. I'm thrilled it was renewed. Each episode is so powerful we are watching it slowly. Only halfway through at this point. Check it out if you haven't seen it!… Expand
  36. WJS
    Feb 11, 2016
    8
    This show is extremely well acted, written and directed but it's also very frustrating to watch. Some of the things that go on fill me with anger because the people are just so ignorant of what real life is all about, especially the parents of the young men involved. I guess the fact that I have such a visceral response to the content is a testament to just how very well made it is.
  37. mal2013chi
    Nov 21, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really was a good show but without any music to set the mood and the fact that the ending was the good old "end of the story;kill all the characters" thing made the ever so true to American society of this show slap you in the face. Also the "villain" or the one who did the crime got away.… Expand
  38. Panchulein
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    Una obra maestra del gran John Ridley, con un excelente guión y un reparto de actores impecables. American Crime será la serie más subvalorada por la audiencia de los últimos tiempos.
  39. JCHUSAFVET53
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    I think it is one of the best shows on TV today. Writing Acting all of it. It is a rough one to watch, but it deals with the subject really well I think overall. All aspects denial, pain, doubt, fear all of it.
  40. JohnMcQ
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    Season 2 of American Crime is the best work on television I have ever seen. John Ridley has created such a breathtaking piece of art that manages to arouse every possible emotion. The acting, the directing, cinematography, editing, even choreography of the dance sequences roped in with the main story line are terrific. Every episode manages to be better than the last. This truly is theSeason 2 of American Crime is the best work on television I have ever seen. John Ridley has created such a breathtaking piece of art that manages to arouse every possible emotion. The acting, the directing, cinematography, editing, even choreography of the dance sequences roped in with the main story line are terrific. Every episode manages to be better than the last. This truly is the most under rated show on television and without a doubt, the best.… Expand
  41. jakenolan2
    Mar 10, 2016
    5
    This series and this season specifically could have been a lot better than it was. While, it is not necessary to have a definitive resolution to the actual crime. The way this finale was crafted seems disingenuous. The major plot has been exploitative to homosexual people. This season exploited male on male rape to be shocking and get viewers. After it did not do a very good job showingThis series and this season specifically could have been a lot better than it was. While, it is not necessary to have a definitive resolution to the actual crime. The way this finale was crafted seems disingenuous. The major plot has been exploitative to homosexual people. This season exploited male on male rape to be shocking and get viewers. After it did not do a very good job showing the fallout that comes from this accusation beyond the 5th episode. The whole school shooting aspect of this season bogged it down in convoluted plot lines. Male on male rape( and female rape victims) victims rarely use violence. The main problem with rape is how it destroys the victim because they tend to internalize the act. The idea of showing a host of other hot-button issues in 10 hours "buried the lead." I really feel that the stories told would only be shocking to white, middle-aged, straight people. Most of the groups represented in this season already know the truth about what is going on in school and the community at large, so for me this show really only seems to be a way to make this segment of the population aware of what others see everyday. I guess this show is not really for those who check the non white or other boxes.… Expand
  42. night4
    May 12, 2016
    5
    The show is a little schizophrenic at times, jumping around even within the same scene. And it moves more quickly than I expected, which I guess is good. I don't really care about the characters though.

    It's exhausting to watch because there's no break, no comedic relief, nothing.
  43. EPMD
    Mar 11, 2017
    4
    I think they forgot to make the show enjoyable. If you look at a show like The Wire...yes it's depressing, but there are comedic moments and amazing characters that keep you coming back for more. I ran away from American Crime because it gave me all of the depressing drama with nothing enjoyable to latch onto.
  44. junctionview
    Sep 6, 2016
    2
    This show completely ran out of air around episode 5. Then all the other problems with it--unconvincing dialogue, contrived reactions, over-weaning earnestness--became completely unbearable. It was like they wanted to pack as many social issues into the show as they could. Every conversation is one note: intense and fierce and outraged. Actors do their best. It's technically very wellThis show completely ran out of air around episode 5. Then all the other problems with it--unconvincing dialogue, contrived reactions, over-weaning earnestness--became completely unbearable. It was like they wanted to pack as many social issues into the show as they could. Every conversation is one note: intense and fierce and outraged. Actors do their best. It's technically very well done. But the writing is a disaster.… Expand
  45. newsomeq5a
    Oct 29, 2016
    9
    Very good acting, writing and dramatic camera work. The story pulls you in and takes you for an emotional ride where you may least expect to go. This series, mimics life in that all endings aren't the happiest or the ones you are ready for.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best TV Season of 2015
30
#30 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Mar 9, 2017
    100
    A searing, humane drama that succeeds at making urgent, artful pop culture by engaging the world, not looking away from it.
    Read full review
  2. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Mar 5, 2015
    88
    Take a look if you think all the good drama is on cable.
    Read full review
  3. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Mar 5, 2015
    80
    With American Crime, ABC and Ridley are at least trying something. That they succeed far more often than they fail is worth praise in and of itself.
    Read full review
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