Backstrom

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 22, 2015
Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 31
  3. Negative: 4 out of 31
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Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jan 23, 2015
    30
    Backstrom is pretty bad on a number of levels and can't ultimately be forgiven for wasting Dennis Haysbert.
  2. Slate
    Reviewed by: Willa Paskin
    Jan 22, 2015
    30
    Backstrom, Fox’s allegedly new, but heavily recycled cop procedural, pushes the definition of “charm” to its outer limits, and then past them.
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jan 21, 2015
    30
    Not only is Backstrom hackneyed for giving us another TV misanthrope who’s forgiven for his sociopathic impulses, but it’s a bad example of that genre. The tone jumps all over the place, from slapstick to black comedy to drama to dramedy, in a way that often seems accidental and usually is awkward. The cases of the week are flat-out lame. And none of the nasty lines that Backstrom mutters fly; they just lie there.
  5. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Jan 20, 2015
    30
    This is one of those shows where one starts to feel bad for the ensemble, as they trudge through bad scripts, doing all they can to elevate it but sinking into the generic quicksand as Wilson over-acts his way into cancellation.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 96
  3. Negative: 11 out of 96
  1. Swamie
    Jan 23, 2015
    9
    Going in with an open mind I thought the premiere of Backstrom was rather good. I wasn't looking for Dwight from "The Office" and to readGoing in with an open mind I thought the premiere of Backstrom was rather good. I wasn't looking for Dwight from "The Office" and to read critics saying that the show tries to copy "House" is absurd. The show puts its own spin on Backstrom that I haven't really seen in a tv comedy in a while. With the other diverse characters that are surrounding him it evens the guys rough and gruff edges down just right. The show will get better if it is allowed to remain on and I look forward to Thursday nights now knowing that Backstrom is on..… Full Review »
  2. skeptik
    Feb 9, 2015
    10
    This is a show with a lot of potential that is going through its 1st season maturation. Just hope it gets sufficient attention by EOY to gainThis is a show with a lot of potential that is going through its 1st season maturation. Just hope it gets sufficient attention by EOY to gain a following. Wilson's character is both pathetic and hilarious, reminding me very much of his Dwight character on The Office, which isn't a bad thing. It works on this show, though I'm sure some critics will object to the carry over only on principle. The story lines on the 2 shows I've seen are fine, and there are multiple dialogue segments in both shows that brought my family to tears laughing. It isn't in the same class as unfunny comedy Brooklyn 99, nor does it fit with single plot line shows like Criminal Minds. It's more like a more funny version of the old Columbo show. Does it rate a "10," no, but neither does it rate a "0" given by some reviewers. Realistically, it's currently a 7, but has potential for a 9.… Full Review »
  3. PV0247124
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    this series is a has great potential it features a dislikable detective and rainn wilson nails the role yet at the end you cant help but love the show
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