Better Things

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 8, 2016
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 116
  3. Negative: 7 out of 116
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User Reviews

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  1. JaneHamilton
    Jun 30, 2017
    3
    I really wanted to like this show. She's great. I loved her as Bobby Hill, Louie, "The Facts of Life" even "The Sure Thing". But it just doesn't live up to the hype. There's a lot of "look at me" directing choices that detract from the story. As a fellow single mom I get where she's coming from. However I never get the sense that she views parenting as anything but a source ofI really wanted to like this show. She's great. I loved her as Bobby Hill, Louie, "The Facts of Life" even "The Sure Thing". But it just doesn't live up to the hype. There's a lot of "look at me" directing choices that detract from the story. As a fellow single mom I get where she's coming from. However I never get the sense that she views parenting as anything but a source of aggravation. Where is the tenderness? Why is Dad not involved? The kids are not little so he had to be involved for years. It was frustrating. Here's a crazy suggestion, establish some boundaries. Of course it's crazy when three girls do whatever they want, whenever they want. It's hard to relate to her burden when a lot of it is self induced. I gave up halfway through episode 4.… Expand
  2. olimpia
    Dec 24, 2016
    2
    I thought I was going to see the B side of a Hollywood actress but it developed into the story of the struggle of a mother and her three problematic girls. Only for mothers with problematic girls.
  3. NotchFilter
    Sep 9, 2016
    2
    What a dismal show.

    The coming attractions of the past month had set the bar pretty low, yet the pilot episode didn't even clear the lowered bar.

    If you're having a really good day, and want to quell the happiness, this looks like the show to watch.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best TV Season of 2016
59
#59 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Las Vegas Weekly
    Reviewed by: Josh Bell
    Sep 8, 2016
    60
    The sometimes clichéd showbiz material isn’t as effective as the family dynamics.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 8, 2016
    80
    Better Things isn't groundbreaking when judged merely as a single-mom sitcom, but it finds its freshness in how Adlon examines it in her personal world; the stories and struggles are familiar even though they are contained within a world most people aren't part of, and she makes whatever daily struggles she faces with her family relatable.
    Read full review
  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Sep 8, 2016
    90
    Better Things is its own beguiling blend of sitcom moments and true-to-life frustration.
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