Barry

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 25, 2018
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 199 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 155 out of 199
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 199
  3. Negative: 11 out of 199
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User Reviews

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  1. shoulderoforion
    Mar 25, 2018
    8
    I don't like Bill Hader, but since all my other cable shows seemed to take the night off I figured I'd burn a half hour watching the first episode of Barry. This show was so good, it made me giggle after it was over. I'm eagerly awaiting next weeks ep and hope it stays true to this first one, could have an absolute legendary series in the making.
  2. Voodoo123
    Jun 27, 2018
    6
    Highly watchable dramedy punches above its weight class to produce entertainment that fails only by being predictable in places which reveals that the writing does, on many an occasion, lack depth. Excellent cast elevate certain key scenes allow the mostly two dimensional characters the illusion of greater depth.
  3. Kenmei
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    I'm not usually a huge fan of Hader and his solo stuff but this show really grew on me as it progressed. Hader plays a hitman who discovers his love of acting and wants to quit the game. Most of the comedy bits of the show come from the Chechyan mob who are pulling the strings behind the story. Noho Hank is clearly the star of the show and he really stands out during his scenes. While theI'm not usually a huge fan of Hader and his solo stuff but this show really grew on me as it progressed. Hader plays a hitman who discovers his love of acting and wants to quit the game. Most of the comedy bits of the show come from the Chechyan mob who are pulling the strings behind the story. Noho Hank is clearly the star of the show and he really stands out during his scenes. While the story itself isn't as good as I think the writers think it is, it has its moments. The show also had some growing pains with a couple of plot holes and some characters not really fitting in very well with the rest of the cast. I am excited to see that this has been picked up for another season. I really feel like the show was just getting into its groove towards the end of its short 8 episode arc. Another season could really do wonders for its growth. As of now, it's a good start for a show with tons of promise that just goes through some minor growing pains during the first season.… Expand
  4. johnmocon
    Mar 26, 2018
    10
    I went to a special premiere screening while in Portland, and I must say that the series really has something special on it's hands. The good guys are funny, the bad guys are funny, all the while the plot remains engaging and witty. Music is spot on and the tone is more of a comedy with sprinkled bits of dark subject matter.

    Summation: Excellent
  5. ivy1
    Mar 27, 2018
    10
    Funny and surprisingly touching, a truly original crime comedy with great performances.
  6. 3ebfan511
    Jul 30, 2018
    4
    I've watched parts of 2 episodes and have no interest in seeing any more. The premise is simply not beiievable as a hitman and acting, if somehow brought together, would maybe be by some super extroverted type of person, not some introvert with no personality which he plays. So, this character is neither belivable as a hitman OR as an actor...as literally 0 of the things portrayed.I've watched parts of 2 episodes and have no interest in seeing any more. The premise is simply not beiievable as a hitman and acting, if somehow brought together, would maybe be by some super extroverted type of person, not some introvert with no personality which he plays. So, this character is neither belivable as a hitman OR as an actor...as literally 0 of the things portrayed. Making it rather boring and uninteresting from the get-go. Could not get into and it was not good in any way shape or form. I did like Henry Winkler in his role, and the premise had promise, but it was not very well done, or believable.… Expand
  7. AllyAndro
    Apr 23, 2018
    6
    I think that overall this is a good comedy. My only comment is about actress Sarah Goldberg. I think that either this role does not fit her, or the director has not made much impression on her.
  8. superlongears
    May 8, 2018
    10
    Bill is the bees kneez..! This show captivated me with action, comedy, and great performances. I'd like to make a 'shout out' to Season1 Ep 7 for the amazing performances, just wow..! Set the hook and reel'n me in. GREAT work keep it up, please!
  9. WhiskeyStories
    May 18, 2018
    8
    Barry has layers man. I don't know how, but Bill Hader & friends made the simplistic and sorta worn out premise of a hitman struggling to retire into something truly special. This show is unexpectedly profound, the acting is top-notch (especially by Hader, who truly gets to shine) and last but not least it's just simply funny (Henry Winkler is effin hilarious). Couldn't recommend itBarry has layers man. I don't know how, but Bill Hader & friends made the simplistic and sorta worn out premise of a hitman struggling to retire into something truly special. This show is unexpectedly profound, the acting is top-notch (especially by Hader, who truly gets to shine) and last but not least it's just simply funny (Henry Winkler is effin hilarious). Couldn't recommend it enough, each episode is better than the last (except for ep. 7, that episode is absolutely fantastic).… Expand
  10. OlivierPiel
    May 8, 2018
    4
    I love Bill Hader, but this show is just a cartoon with very simplistic characters. The saviour of this show is Henry Winkler. America should enjoy this wonderful human being and actor while he's alive.
  11. teawls
    Mar 30, 2018
    9
    This show is perfect. Why? Because Dexter has been off the air for too long. Plus, it's only 30 minutes long! And in weekly installments instead of a whole friggin' season at once! I will look forward to each episode. Great stuff!
  12. revelc
    Apr 25, 2018
    7
    Barry is a good show. It has great concept and story. I love Bill/Barry and his older friend as well. The only flaws is the HBO's so called leftist agenda is so pronounced. Not only they don't even try to get at least a single feminine beauty, the slow and sure progressive feminism is ruining the mood. Sure it's a comedy but it is also an entertainment. It should be entertaining in theBarry is a good show. It has great concept and story. I love Bill/Barry and his older friend as well. The only flaws is the HBO's so called leftist agenda is so pronounced. Not only they don't even try to get at least a single feminine beauty, the slow and sure progressive feminism is ruining the mood. Sure it's a comedy but it is also an entertainment. It should be entertaining in the eyes of audience like me, especially when you have to pay extra money to see this. Slow down with the lecture and get a nice and pretty girl on the screen. Keep going with the agenda, you won't have a chance against legendary Dexter.… Expand
  13. eva3si0n
    Jul 11, 2018
    8
    Comedy version of Dexter. Morals and life experience it is lowered in a plot. The plot is simplest and transparent. Chechens who speak bad Russian raise only a smile. As the start of a franchize the first season looks not bad. I expect the second season in which there will be more 8th episode.
  14. Citylady
    Jul 25, 2018
    10
    Absolutely phenomenal television. Very weird and captivating. Taut fantastic writing and script. I’m not usually a Bill Hader fan but he really shines in this production and is incredibly impressive. Henry Winkler is absolutely sensational in this and a national resource. I love these performances and all are pretty much outstanding. I didn’t think Sarah Goldberg was as fabulous as someAbsolutely phenomenal television. Very weird and captivating. Taut fantastic writing and script. I’m not usually a Bill Hader fan but he really shines in this production and is incredibly impressive. Henry Winkler is absolutely sensational in this and a national resource. I love these performances and all are pretty much outstanding. I didn’t think Sarah Goldberg was as fabulous as some of the other reviewers said but still strong and very convincing . I think she was over acting and could dial it back a bit. The main take away is the originality and juxtaposition of the comedic and horrific elements at the same time. Definitely worth watching and I’m looking forward to season two. The actor who plays the Chechen leader is also in Billions ( Goran) and his group reminds me of a slapstick Sopranos. Soho was also a brilliantly executed character. Stephen Root always awesome but funny in this show. Usually he’s way more chilling and sinister. Incredible story line. Kudos.… Expand
  15. drlowdon
    Apr 21, 2019
    8
    Former Marine turned hitman, Barry Berkman, accepts a hit in Los Angeles but finds himself joining a theatre group and begins dreaming of a different life.

    Barry is well written, expertly mixing dark comedy and drama in the same way the excellent Fargo TV series managed across its three seasons. Bill Hader, most famous for his stint on SNL, demonstrates just what a good actor he is and    Former Marine turned hitman, Barry Berkman, accepts a hit in Los Angeles but finds himself joining a theatre group and begins dreaming of a different life.

    Barry is well written, expertly mixing dark comedy and drama in the same way the excellent Fargo TV series managed across its three seasons. Bill Hader, most famous for his stint on SNL, demonstrates just what a good actor he is and he is ably supported by a cast that includes the always watchable Henry Winkler and the hilarious Anthony Carrigan.

    I look forward to season two.    … Expand
  16. imthenoob
    Mar 1, 2019
    8
    It took a few episodes for me to really get into it but by the end, I couldn't wait for more. The memorable characters really help sell the show and it's the right mix of dark comedy and action that sets it just right. And from a storytelling aspect, It's right up there with the quality HBO normally delivers. Can't wait for season 2.
  17. Bananafish
    May 9, 2021
    5
    It's a shame that television is so starved for genuine creativity that when something with an iota of wit comes out, organizations (cough cough... ) label it a "must see". This is a ridiculous show with ridiculous two dimensional characters, and a predictable and boring plot. Snore.

    Must see? NOPE.
  18. BioTofu
    Nov 22, 2018
    9
    A funny version of Dexter that was able to deliver similar dark themes in more effective and powerful way thanks to the ditectors' story telling. It started off as a pretty good show and then rocketed to a 9 for me from ep5 onwards! the first season's ending was very well crafted and executed. the comedy was just right, something similar to atlanta and SNL, that helps get the savagelyA funny version of Dexter that was able to deliver similar dark themes in more effective and powerful way thanks to the ditectors' story telling. It started off as a pretty good show and then rocketed to a 9 for me from ep5 onwards! the first season's ending was very well crafted and executed. the comedy was just right, something similar to atlanta and SNL, that helps get the savagely gloomy dark themes across without really putting the audience down too much, think rick and morty. good use of cliff hangers between some episodes too.… Expand
  19. carlossolrac
    Nov 16, 2018
    9
    Winkler is the man and nails this. The bald mob guy too...that dude is hilar.
  20. greenisgood
    Oct 31, 2020
    7
    TL;DR - Seeing all the glowing reviews and general positivity I feel maybe I missed something. Not that Barry is a trash show, it is good but there were quite a few problems primarily in the writing of the show. It felt quite messy and distracted as if they were not sure what they should be focusing on, the show is saved because of amazing performances by the lead and supporting cast butTL;DR - Seeing all the glowing reviews and general positivity I feel maybe I missed something. Not that Barry is a trash show, it is good but there were quite a few problems primarily in the writing of the show. It felt quite messy and distracted as if they were not sure what they should be focusing on, the show is saved because of amazing performances by the lead and supporting cast but hopefully Season 2 will provide better and focused storytelling.

    The Good
    I have never seen Happy Days, but I generally like Henry Wrinkler in almost everything I seen him in especially the two Sandler movies that I have seen, he was always one of the best performances. Harry Wrinkler steals the show out of everyone here, even from Bill Hader who is the next best thing after Harry. I could not believe how good of an actor he still is pulling off an experienced and slightly narcissistic Acting Coach who is a good person under his theatrics with Wrinkler, unfortunately being one of the co-leads and not a lead himself.
    Even though his story beats were mostly B Plots it was still interesting, also having a better and believable Romance arc out of the two in the show with Paula Newsome who is someone I will be looking out for in other stuff.

    Bill Hader always also just like Harry has stood out to me in the various movies I have seen with him usually being a supporting cast, but glad to see he has good range and can go beyond just the comedic relief. Being the star he gets a little overshadowed by Henry through the show but usually is the best on screen when Cousineau is not with him. Stephen Root is pretty good as well and vibes with Bill Hader as a father figure/Contract Giver, this dynamic is something we should have got more of in this season but hopefully it is expanded on.

    The cinematography is generally good, not sure how much budget the show has but it makes good use of it. The supporting cast of the Acting School students, the Bolivians, the Chechens, the millitary buddies were alright but they mostly blend into the story beats. The dialogue writing was not great but serviceable, it would now and again have some janky character interactions but the pacing was pretty well done and moves on quickly to better scenes. The general plot was extremely intriguing not something novel but enough deviations from 'Assassin wanting Out' storylines that we may have seen. Comedy works well for the most part of the show, blending in with the more darker aspects of the shows themes it is good that the fun of watching the premise is not lost or muddled.

    The Bad
    The writing of the show is good for the most part, but at points when it stumbles it faceplants hard. Primarily the forced Romanctic Drama with the two leads is totally jarring and sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the good stuff. Sarah Goldberg was a decent actress but her character is so pointless in the story and when that pointless gets forced into some more pointless Romantic Drama just because we need the two leads to get in bed together it really drags the show.

    Romance/Hook Up Culture focus should have not been part of the leads characters with everything related to it; the scenes, the dialogue, the drama mostly a waste of time and boring.
    Even the ending abruptly shoves both the leads back into a supposed relationship from the onscreen portrayal in the last 10 min of the show, now it could be just a dream sequence or something from how abrupt it was but I am yet to see season 2 and hopefully that ending was not real.

    Barry is a bit uneven in places but the good certainly outweighs the bad. Will be checking out season 2 soon and hopefully the good is expanded upon and the mis-steps will be kept to a minimum. I wonder when it will get to a point where they understand that lead actor pairs do not need to have a romance subplot, all the drama that you need can be written better into the characters without making them look like idiots.    … Expand
  21. jaimecorveno
    Nov 21, 2018
    6
    There are some funny moments and acting is fine. Yet something is missing and in the end the series just leaves you cold. It's quite boring actually. Too bad, I really wanted to like this one...
  22. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    Violently funny and endlessly captivating this unseemly debut kicks off an original unlikey presmise about an assassin who wants to become an actor(see:get shorty) but elevates it with pristine writing, astonishing casting and a dramedy for the ages.
  23. jessiec
    Nov 27, 2018
    5
    There are some funny moments and acting is fine. Yet something is missing and in the end the series just leaves you cold. It's quite boring actually. Too bad, I really wanted to like this one.
  24. geewah
    Jan 12, 2021
    9
    An original, hilarious dark comedy that has some unforgettable characters who have been brilliantly cast.
    One of 2018's best shows.
  25. DunyG
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    So hilarious yet so dark. Bill Hader and everyone else involved is amazing. I would encourage you to try it out, if you want to.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best TV Season of 2018
43
#43 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. IGN
    Reviewed by: Emma Fraser
    Jun 1, 2023
    90
    Barry is another HBO series going out while the creative juices are still flowing, and this is a bittersweet (but necessary) goodbye.
    Read full review
  2. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Kevin Fallon
    Apr 25, 2022
    100
    It’s nice when a masterpiece returns and is still a masterpiece. This is still the best show on TV.
    Read full review
  3. Vanity Fair
    Reviewed by: Richard Lawson
    Apr 2, 2018
    85
    The show slowly earns our trust with its zany, disarmingly warm affect and amiable actors.
    Read full review
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