American Idol

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC , FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 11, 2002
Season #: 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14

Critic Reviews

  1. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Monica Collins
    Jun 19, 2013
    88
    The show everybody will be talking about around the water cooler. [20 Jun 2002]
    All this critic's reviews
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 4, 2013
    83
    Idol is a shamefully addictive cross between Ed McMahon's old "Star Search" and Chuck Barris' hoary, whore-y "The $1.98 Beauty Show."
  3. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jun 28, 2013
    70
    There you have the magic of Idol: British headmasterly discipline running smack into the preternatural sense of self-esteem--often inversely proportional to talent--that Americans have hardwired into them from the womb. You may wince at Cowell's barbs, but you also welcome them when Abdul or Jackson offers a wimpy "Good job" to a singer who has scraped the fingernails of her ambition down the chalkboard of her limited ability.
  5. Newsweek
    Reviewed by: Marc Peyser
    Jun 19, 2013
    70
    'American Idol' is the Mae West of TV talent shows: when it's good, it's very good, but when it's bad, it's better. [24 Jun 2002]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Slate
    Reviewed by: Virginia Heffernan
    Jun 19, 2013
    70
    American Idol... has been excellent Tuesday-Wednesday entertainment this summer. ... The individual efforts at star turns have been genuinely exciting. ... For our part, American Idol fans, who watch chiefly to see if we can pick a winner, have become accustomed to the show's tackiness, its repetitions, and its garish product placement.
  7. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Jun 27, 2013
    67
    As with all reality shows, the pleasure for viewers is the cruel one of rubbernecking a disaster.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best TV Season of 2002
9
#9 Most Discussed TV Season of 2002
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 11 out of 31
  1. martinex
    Jan 18, 2015
    0
    The biggest waist of time on television. I've never bought a single album or song from any of the vapid lounge singers that this show hasThe biggest waist of time on television. I've never bought a single album or song from any of the vapid lounge singers that this show has produced. The fact that this show has given rise to Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell alone is reason enough to despise it. It's depressing to know that more people will vote on this show than voted in the last election. This show serves as a barometer to the state of our country.… Full Review »
  2. bishopjones
    Apr 2, 2018
    8
    American Idol is a reality show that I really enjoy. What really draws me to the show is just how real it is. The judges and contestants areAmerican Idol is a reality show that I really enjoy. What really draws me to the show is just how real it is. The judges and contestants are all unique with their own personality and it works so well. Most television shows today are chock full of bad acting and obvious scripture but what happens on this show really affects the lives of its cast. The judges have iconic personalities that are so distinguishable anyone who watches television knows who they are. Simon for instance has that notorious personality for being the brutally honest judge that's well known for hurting many feelings. Then there's the actual contestants. Watching someone rise from so little is a sight to behold and the emotion behind all of it makes the show truly worth watching. I recommend this show to anyone that watches reality television.… Full Review »
  3. BrazilReviwes
    Mar 13, 2018
    10
    Great Episode,Katy Perry it's incredible in TV,so Genious and Corage to stare the critic,i love it
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