Back to Life

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 10, 2019
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 7 out of 31
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User Reviews

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  1. Mumof3
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    Sad, funny, fabulous acting! Absolutely loved it! It’s been compared to fleabag by the press but two completely different shows and as a massive Fleabag fan I have to say I preferred Back to Life. Hope there’s a season 2!!
  2. shoulderoforion
    Nov 15, 2019
    4
    Disjointed is the best word I can come up with to describe this show. The quirk was overwhelming, and the funny didn't ever quite land, as many times as they tried. I mean, the story was terrible, things didn't make sense or add up, you don't get sentenced to that amount of time in prison for manslaughter in the UK. I couldn't help but compare this show to the far superior TheDisjointed is the best word I can come up with to describe this show. The quirk was overwhelming, and the funny didn't ever quite land, as many times as they tried. I mean, the story was terrible, things didn't make sense or add up, you don't get sentenced to that amount of time in prison for manslaughter in the UK. I couldn't help but compare this show to the far superior The Unforgiven (UK), and even though it's almost a completely different animal, it paled in comparison. I can't say I'd recommend this… Expand
  3. alexlovesmovies
    Nov 18, 2019
    10
    Amazing show! Sad, funny, fabulous acting! Absolutely loved it! It’s been compared to fleabag by the press but two completely different shows and as a massive Fleabag fan I have to say I preferred Back to Life. Hope there’s a season 2!!
  4. BooRadley71
    Dec 16, 2019
    10
    Daisy Haggard (and the rest of the cast) is simply superb. She wrote and starred in this beautifully lyrical, quintessentially British melancholy, feel good series. And yes, the contradictions were intentional. Shout out to the guys that did the score too.
  5. truerock
    Nov 15, 2021
    7
    Back to Life is of the "life after prison" genre.
    It is a series that you can't appreciate by watching just the first 2 or 3 episodes. You need to watch all of the season 1 episodes to appreciate the series.
  6. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 18, 2022
    7
    Daisy Haggard (and the rest of the cast) is simply superb. She wrote and starred in this beautifully lyrical, quintessentially British melancholy, feel good series. And yes, the contradictions were intentional . A story that is told with warmth, compassion and great humour. Daisy Haggard is sensational in the lead role.
  7. geewah
    Jan 13, 2021
    8
    A story that is told with warmth, compassion and great humour. Daisy Haggard is sensational in the lead role and is ably supported by her fellow actors.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best TV Season of 2019
77
#77 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
85
#85 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Aug 9, 2021
    100
    Bouncing unpredictably between somber dejection and daffy dark humor, Back to Life shouldn't work at all. Yet it does, wonderfully.
    Read full review
  2. The Times
    Reviewed by: Carol Midgley
    Jan 7, 2020
    80
    It is growing on me largely because it is well written and multi-layered, managing to be sweet, tragic and a little bit sick. Oh, and quietly funny, which is not easily done in these circs.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Lily Moayeri
    Dec 20, 2019
    80
    A keen ear is necessary to catch all her slick comments, so many of which are razor-like in their humor. The funny factor spikes in every scene with her parole officer Janice (Jo Martin), who rivals Haggard with her natural comedic delivery and priceless lines.
    Read full review
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