Arrow

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Season 1
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 968 out of 1184
  2. Mixed: 102 out of 1184
  3. Negative: 114 out of 1184
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  1. nubbinater
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    This show is fantastic. Great character development, stunning action, just overall great. Even season 3 (potentially its worst season) was great, just very dark and one-dimensional. Every season has added characters, and kept me caring about their relationships with one another as they grow.
  2. MrLulz
    May 12, 2014
    9
    When I first heard about this show, I said "A show based on the Green Arrow? Could be interesting." So when I finished the first season I was very satisfied. This show is very entertaining to watch, It may have a s**t ton of drama bombs which eventually just get hilarious and there are a lot of pop culture songs which may please you but I'm not a huge fan of. The best part was the fightingWhen I first heard about this show, I said "A show based on the Green Arrow? Could be interesting." So when I finished the first season I was very satisfied. This show is very entertaining to watch, It may have a s**t ton of drama bombs which eventually just get hilarious and there are a lot of pop culture songs which may please you but I'm not a huge fan of. The best part was the fighting in my opinion, They are very well shot and can be exciting to watch. In conclusion, Arrow is the CW's best show in my opinion, and I hope lots of people watch it.… Expand
  3. boshi
    Feb 12, 2014
    10
    an action packed and slightly dark version of the DC hero green arrow. it's story telling is great, taking place in both present time, as well as flashbacks to how the main character, oliver queen decided to become green arrow. however no one in the show refers to him as that. he's known as "the hood" . the characters, with some exceptions, are very well done. as well as great actionan action packed and slightly dark version of the DC hero green arrow. it's story telling is great, taking place in both present time, as well as flashbacks to how the main character, oliver queen decided to become green arrow. however no one in the show refers to him as that. he's known as "the hood" . the characters, with some exceptions, are very well done. as well as great action sequences all throughout.… Expand
  4. Elite
    Aug 30, 2013
    8
    Arrow: A great example of how relatively not well known heroes can become popular. Stephen Amell does a great job as Oliver Queen/ Green Arrow and I'd personally like to see him in a justice league movie (eventually). Standouts include other DC characters appearing such as Huntress and Deadshot, but what really got me excited for this: Deathstroke. While they seem to have really messedArrow: A great example of how relatively not well known heroes can become popular. Stephen Amell does a great job as Oliver Queen/ Green Arrow and I'd personally like to see him in a justice league movie (eventually). Standouts include other DC characters appearing such as Huntress and Deadshot, but what really got me excited for this: Deathstroke. While they seem to have really messed around with Slade Wilson's past and the fact that he doesn't seem like him at all really gave a strange vibe in terms of whether or not the writers knew what to do with him. A great show that really proves that you don't need extreme drama or gore to make an entertaining series. 8/10.… Expand
  5. smartyaritra
    Sep 9, 2013
    9
    Arrow season 1 delivers a great back story, Stephen Amell is brilliant as Oliver Queen..there are a few episodes which are less entertaining in a way but that does not hold you from liking the series at all..right from the entertaining pilot to the epic finale..arrow is a winner all the way..excited for the second season.
  6. AvantGuardian
    Oct 9, 2013
    9
    A Television Series does not get much better than the CW's Arrow. It's got literally everything you could want a show to have, and it does it well. It's real, it's gritty, well-scripted, not over the top, has an attractive cast that is both unique, and likable and features action sequences that rival those seen in high budget majors films. At the moment, there is no other series on airA Television Series does not get much better than the CW's Arrow. It's got literally everything you could want a show to have, and it does it well. It's real, it's gritty, well-scripted, not over the top, has an attractive cast that is both unique, and likable and features action sequences that rival those seen in high budget majors films. At the moment, there is no other series on air like Arrow. It feels like a darker, more Comic-book oriented Smallville, with a higher budget, and a lot more death. Highly recommend this show to fans of Smallville, Nikita, and The Human Target… Expand
  7. JasonTodd
    Oct 18, 2013
    9
    Arrow is amazing! Perfect for a superhero TV series. It is perfect, Green Arrow/Oliver Queen is a perfect choice for a TV series, because he isn't as popular as Batman or Superman to go on the big screen so it's very good. It dramatically shows his origin story and it almost has no holes in the story so far. It has flash backs then there. It also has its twists and the dark DC touch to it.Arrow is amazing! Perfect for a superhero TV series. It is perfect, Green Arrow/Oliver Queen is a perfect choice for a TV series, because he isn't as popular as Batman or Superman to go on the big screen so it's very good. It dramatically shows his origin story and it almost has no holes in the story so far. It has flash backs then there. It also has its twists and the dark DC touch to it. My only criticism on it is not to "Nolanize it too much: meaning don't make the story too realistic add more "Comicbook" to it. That is why I am very interested to see flash in it. I highly recommend this to Comicbook fans and especially dc fans. … Expand
  8. Zombifaction
    Oct 20, 2013
    8
    Arrow is an adaptation of the DC comic hero Green Arrow on The CW. As a fan of the character of Green Arrow I have to say I was worried by the idea of making him a "real" person. I've seen the failures of other people to turn comic characters into "real" people. That said I have to say on the whole Arrow is a very enjoyable show.

    The story as far as Season 1 goes the story was very    Arrow is an adaptation of the DC comic hero Green Arrow on The CW. As a fan of the character of Green Arrow I have to say I was worried by the idea of making him a "real" person. I've seen the failures of other people to turn comic characters into "real" people. That said I have to say on the whole Arrow is a very enjoyable show.

    The story as far as Season 1 goes the story was very strong in my opinion. We see Oliver Queen, Green Arrow, attain amazing feats in order to get rescued off of what appears to be an uninhabited island, from there we meet interesting characters such as his family, friends and soon to be allies and enemies. From here we watch an intriguing mystery rise from the broken pieces of the past through flashback and secretive character interactions. The characters are interesting and seem to have personalities some more prominent than others but they have what appears to be the beginnings of real "character".

    The second season has just started and from the looks of it we are looking at new but familiar characters, more secrets and a new Green Arrow.    … Expand
  9. Aje404
    Oct 31, 2013
    9
    I'm only 10 episodes in, but this show is the If you can suspend disbelief for Batman swooping in and punching guys with machine guns, you should be able to afford the same suspension for Arrow. If you can't, you're honestly watching the wrong genre. Sure, it's a bit of a knock-off, and there's an excess of drama, but it's very entertaining. The show focuses on characters to the detrimentI'm only 10 episodes in, but this show is the If you can suspend disbelief for Batman swooping in and punching guys with machine guns, you should be able to afford the same suspension for Arrow. If you can't, you're honestly watching the wrong genre. Sure, it's a bit of a knock-off, and there's an excess of drama, but it's very entertaining. The show focuses on characters to the detriment of the plot, but there is a solid premise nonetheless. It's got a solid start; it's up to the writers whether it goes up or down from here. The Asus commercial built into every episode is getting a bit flagrant and annoying.… Expand
  10. Ulkefaderen
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    At the beginning of season 1 i thought it sucked badly but it got a lot better quickly and i got really hocked on it. Now its a must see for me every week
  11. eagleeyeviking
    Sep 25, 2014
    5
    Season 1 of Arrow is polarizing with a lot of strong episodes countered by a lot of weak ones. This show tries too be different from other shows, but with its similarity to Nolan's stellar Batman franchise + CW's forced love triangles, it just feels unoriginal. The flashbacks are far more interesting than the Starling City plot too. The season starts of episodic and boring but ends on aSeason 1 of Arrow is polarizing with a lot of strong episodes countered by a lot of weak ones. This show tries too be different from other shows, but with its similarity to Nolan's stellar Batman franchise + CW's forced love triangles, it just feels unoriginal. The flashbacks are far more interesting than the Starling City plot too. The season starts of episodic and boring but ends on a string of powerful episodes that sets up decently for Season 2.… Expand
  12. masterjohnson1
    Apr 7, 2014
    10
    I enjoyed everything in this season and I going to watch season 2 when I can, it is an enjoyable experience that anyone will enjoy and get a kick out of watching. I hope they don't ruin the series and that the next one is just as good
  13. HelloimSvend
    Mar 31, 2014
    10
    This show is just great! Great characters, story and drama. I really recommend this show it's the best i have ever seen. And i love the mix of superhero and just a normal guy.
  14. zouz123
    Apr 22, 2014
    7
    When i saw the first 3 episodes, i thought this show was amazing. Then, the story became boring and repetitive. If you're looking for something to blow you away, then watch another series.
  15. CiaranBohan
    Apr 21, 2014
    8
    A brilliant first season with resemblance to that of Christopher Nolan's 'Batman Begins.' The enemies having accuracy of stormtroopers can be ignored due to a gripping story filled with brilliant characters. John Barrowman's performance I found to be a major highlight of the series. The shows beginning, although good enough, falls in comparison to the rest of the season as it takes a fewA brilliant first season with resemblance to that of Christopher Nolan's 'Batman Begins.' The enemies having accuracy of stormtroopers can be ignored due to a gripping story filled with brilliant characters. John Barrowman's performance I found to be a major highlight of the series. The shows beginning, although good enough, falls in comparison to the rest of the season as it takes a few episodes before the cast and crew really get a clear understanding of how to best present this otherwise fantastic show.… Expand
  16. light1998
    Jun 3, 2014
    10
    I really like this serial and i strongly recomand it..The story in my opinion is pretty good but always can be better .Hope 3rd season will come soon.
  17. pacifier666
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    The show is absolutely awesome.Got a great cast and premise and is very dark in a chris nolan kind of way .Hopefully since there are spinning of flash and introducing superpowers in the mix they don't make it cartoonist. A la fantastic four movie
  18. vikesh2206
    Nov 10, 2014
    5
    Season 1 of Arrow is polarizing with a lot of strong episodes countered by a lot of weak ones. This show tries too be different from other shows, but with its similarity to Nolan's stellar Batman franchise + CW's forced love triangles, it just feels unoriginal. The flashbacks are far more interesting than the Starling City plot too. The season starts of episodic and boring but ends on aSeason 1 of Arrow is polarizing with a lot of strong episodes countered by a lot of weak ones. This show tries too be different from other shows, but with its similarity to Nolan's stellar Batman franchise + CW's forced love triangles, it just feels unoriginal. The flashbacks are far more interesting than the Starling City plot too. The season starts of episodic and boring but ends on a string of powerful episodes that sets up decently for Season 2.… Expand
  19. bondthereviewer
    Aug 10, 2014
    5
    Would i say this is an entertaining show? Hell yes. It is. But is it worth "Universal acclaim"? Far from it. Not only is the dialogue terribly bland and flat, some of the actors on the show have the worst delivery i've seen. Every episode has the same elements: Oliver being this grieved and tortured soldier, uses his 5 years on the island as an excuse for his behavior, argues with a familyWould i say this is an entertaining show? Hell yes. It is. But is it worth "Universal acclaim"? Far from it. Not only is the dialogue terribly bland and flat, some of the actors on the show have the worst delivery i've seen. Every episode has the same elements: Oliver being this grieved and tortured soldier, uses his 5 years on the island as an excuse for his behavior, argues with a family member or close friend- the friend will say "I wish you died on that island" and they will apologize before the episode is over saying they're sorry for saying that. In addition, i feel they should have stuck to the source material for Oliver Queen's character instead of blatantly ripping off Bruce Wayne. The threatening "Hood" approach just doesn't work and comes across as laughable. With that being said, its not terrible.… Expand
  20. Octomort
    Mar 25, 2015
    4
    I think this show will appeal mainly to American audiences in the 12 to 24 bracket. I wanted to like it, have watched season 1 and part of season 2, with quite a bit of fast forwarding, but cannot like it. I have no empathy with the main character, every female except his mother instantly falls for his chiseled features and moody demeanour, not his billionaire status. He has all theI think this show will appeal mainly to American audiences in the 12 to 24 bracket. I wanted to like it, have watched season 1 and part of season 2, with quite a bit of fast forwarding, but cannot like it. I have no empathy with the main character, every female except his mother instantly falls for his chiseled features and moody demeanour, not his billionaire status. He has all the personality of a haddock. The women in the show belong on some 1980s daytime soap as does much of the dialogue.

    Regarding the action, I have no problem suspending my disbelief, but I will not shoot myself in the common sense to do so! I can accept superman being hit by bullets to no effect, the Flash dodging them, The Hulk smashing them but a chiseled model with no superpowers other than shed loads of money dodging close range submachine gun fire, too far, too much and it dumbs down what should be fun action. The fact that people actually do die I give a point or two for, as it does show an underlying desire not to glamourise violence.

    Dark and moody I don't mind, but confused and dreary is what this is.
    The plot lines are either obvious to the point of needing to vomit with boredom, or forced and convoluted making me grab for the fast forwards.

    Over all a shallow dumbed down insult to the genre. As it is dumbed down no doubt it will draw in commercial success from the younger audiences who have been subjected to a life time of such TV drudgery!

    However I like Diggle, strange that a working class white Brit relates better to an Afro-American character than any of the supposedly white-American blue collar characters, says something about the characterisations and scripting. So I will add a couple of points for him.    … Expand
  21. StatlerWaldorf
    Oct 29, 2015
    4
    I made it to episode 9 or something. This was on the second attempt, after watching the first season of “The Flash” and feeling like the constant, forced attempts at crossover were a sign to try again. It’s still not good. Oh, sorry, *Spoiler Alert* “Arrow” is not a good show *End of Spoilers*. If that does not spoil it for you then: congratulations, in a way. You are better at bathing inI made it to episode 9 or something. This was on the second attempt, after watching the first season of “The Flash” and feeling like the constant, forced attempts at crossover were a sign to try again. It’s still not good. Oh, sorry, *Spoiler Alert* “Arrow” is not a good show *End of Spoilers*. If that does not spoil it for you then: congratulations, in a way. You are better at bathing in predictable and uninspired tubs of tepid water than I am. There are twenty-something episodes in a season. That is SO many hours. If “True Detective” is a dark, rich truffle, then “Arrow” is a Big Hunk bar, notable for its length and being difficult to swallow. Bonus complaint: the graceless cherry on top is the all of the pop music they shoehorn into the empty spaces between the actors. It really cinches that I-am-in-a-Dentist’s-waiting-room feel they seem to be going for here. I think if it came out of the soap opera closet I would be more comfortable with it. There are brief endearing moments that beckon you to care about its characters even though they speak to one another like they are all just pamphlets, similarly trapped in the aforementioned waiting room. Oliver’s flashbacks offer a glimpse into a show that might have been worth making but was not made because… there was nowhere to put all that pop music. I can almost go along with the attempted grittiness on the island, but the posturing that spills into Starling City is ridiculous and impossible to care about. The stakes feel so low, I started reading Wikipedia in parallel to amp things up. Now I just stick to Wikipedia.… Expand
  22. G_man
    Dec 23, 2015
    4
    I used to like this show. I just couldn't get over how bad some scenes are. For example, specially in the first 2 seasons, the Arrow kept making unrealistic shots; Like when he shoot his enemies' weapons from the side while running behind them. Another example is from Season 4. Queen was in a car surrounded by armed soldiers who were shooting the car. He was taking cover in the back seatI used to like this show. I just couldn't get over how bad some scenes are. For example, specially in the first 2 seasons, the Arrow kept making unrealistic shots; Like when he shoot his enemies' weapons from the side while running behind them. Another example is from Season 4. Queen was in a car surrounded by armed soldiers who were shooting the car. He was taking cover in the back seat for a while before he slowly climbed from the back seat to the front, while being shot at from different directions by trained soldiers, and drove away. The only reason why I continued to watch the show is for the Flash tv series which is much better than this one.… Expand
  23. disankey
    Dec 25, 2016
    4
    This show started off great. The first two seasons were well written, directed and acted. Season 3 got a bit boring for me. Season 4 was second best to season 1. Sadly, season 5 so far is awful. I am so tired having a show where I like the actors and team then poof, they are mostly gone. Another thing that is annoying is the way shows portray relationships never working out and getThis show started off great. The first two seasons were well written, directed and acted. Season 3 got a bit boring for me. Season 4 was second best to season 1. Sadly, season 5 so far is awful. I am so tired having a show where I like the actors and team then poof, they are mostly gone. Another thing that is annoying is the way shows portray relationships never working out and get off all the whining. I'm not a prude but hey come on, so many shows write that the characters jump in and out of love more often than they shower. Ya know, some people still believe that when you say I love you it really means something but these writers only devalue the concept of love and truly binding relationships. On the other hand, I admit, this is the soap opera drama crap that so many people seem to soak up and think is how real relationships work. The other thing that is getting rather annoying in this show as well as others is the constant self recrimination bit. Come on, you make a choice, you commit and go for it. If it doesn't work out you learn and just move on. Stop all the self loathing, whining and BS. I will try one or two more episodes in hopes in improves.… Expand
  24. gregoryl09
    Feb 16, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I liked this show initially, but after awhile they started getting to be more and more of a drama, until season 5 when they just flushed themselves down the toilet. This show is now to become blatant leftist propaganda, starting first with gun control promotion, sacrificing the story to promote a political agenda. Bad form.… Expand
  25. MiguelSoares14
    Apr 12, 2017
    2
    I usually do not like this type of series from Marvel or DC with Super Heroes and this one was not an exception. I gave it more than one opportunity but after the first good impression on the story i got dissapointed with it. Too many guys with arrows for me in a world with powerful guns. Every episode feel like the same and too predictable.
  26. Zadazoom
    Jul 27, 2017
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great action show with compelling back story. The character Laurel is the most annoying, however. She keeps telling Oliver (lead) she wants nothing to do with him, but we see her in almost every scene. Telling him how it can't happen between them. Duh, we get it already. And for a hard working D A she spends a hell of a lot of time in clubs and partying. And she is an as st DA in an office where there are all this comely women u under the age of 30. Where the main topic of conversation is her dating life. Yeah right. Her father the cop ( of course cliche plot device) sets himself up at every turn to harass Oliver, because he blames him for his other daughters death. Is he the only cop in the city? Like his personal vendetta would not come to the attention of his superiors? Or the family would not use their influence to get this guy off. Their backs? The holes in this should be plugged up. The actress playing Laurel is as annoying as the character she plays. The guy comes back after 5 years of abscence believed to be dead and no one gives him any slack for what he might have went through. They just expect him to be the same guy who he was when he left. Always telling him how insensitive he is. I guess this is supposed to add to the angst of his character. His best friend is a throw away character with no real value, but I suppose I. Later episodes he will be into something sinister. Another worn plot device. The actor playing Oliver / Arrow brings a dimension to the character that makes the others look shallow and decisive. Too bad. Get rid of Laurel, the side kick and maybe the show will be more intriguing.… Expand
  27. Krimson24
    Jun 9, 2018
    7
    The season was great but William is literally the worst part of the season. I want him to be killed off. His dialogue is terrible, his acting is horrendous, his timing atrocious. There is no substance of benefit in him being in the show in any way shape of form.
  28. jeanphilt
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    I agree that this show is far from being realistic, especially the bullets never hit him. This being said, I watch it with my girlfriend and we like the story, the cast and the fights. It's a good simple and fun show to watch.
  29. imthenoob
    Apr 23, 2015
    10
    Started off poorly but has quickly become one of my favorite shows to watch. I've grind watched this season rather quickly and can't wait to jump into season 2.
  30. KaylaRashelle
    Jul 10, 2014
    10
    An entertaining show full of intriguing characters and amazing action sequences. I found myself counting the days until the next episode. By far the best show the CW has put out in years, if not ever.
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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best TV Season of 2012
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
2
#2 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Nov 12, 2012
    88
    The CW's best show since Gossip Girl.... it has a forthright narrative seriousness, a respect for the gobbledy-gook that makes up any superhero's backstory--and a game cast performing with the correct degree of seriousness. [19 Nov 2012, p.35]
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Oct 23, 2012
    83
    Your interest in Arrow depends on how much you miss the troubled-in-love, conflicted-by-family heroics of Smallville--it mirrors that series' setup.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Oct 10, 2012
    75
    This slick action-drama is based on the comic book superhero Green Arrow. Prepare to quiver.
    Read full review
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