Big Love

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 12, 2006
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 123
  3. Negative: 31 out of 123
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User Reviews

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 3, 2022
    7
    Intresting premise written with enough care to warrant your attention. Complicated family drama that explores polygamy from an objective eye.
  2. plathooon
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    just an amazing show! and an amazing last season. Big love has ever been a great series, and i'll regret it because big love talked about family, lobe, anger. Big love doesn't nly focus on polygamous, it focus on life.
  3. naamah
    Nov 16, 2010
    0
    I just started watching this series. I hate it. I watched the first episode and hated it, but figured I would watch a couple more to see if it could change my mind. Needless to say I haven't changed my mind. This program makes me feel sick to my stomach watching it. I am not religious so I don't care how that concept is presented in this series. What I care about is the genderI just started watching this series. I hate it. I watched the first episode and hated it, but figured I would watch a couple more to see if it could change my mind. Needless to say I haven't changed my mind. This program makes me feel sick to my stomach watching it. I am not religious so I don't care how that concept is presented in this series. What I care about is the gender inequality. How anyone can watch this and enjoy it is beyond me. Women have lived too long under the thumb of men. Why is it that it would be nearly impossible for a woman to entertain the notion of having more than one husband, while men are still able to get away with having more than one wife?… Expand
  4. AndyN
    Sep 10, 2009
    0
    I really wanted to give this a higher rating - like others I think Bill Paxtons acting is spot on. The trouble I have with giving any rating to this show is it is not based on truth. As we all know good comedy and good drama etc.needs that. What you have here is the functional equivalent noteably simular to when bad sci-fi becomes just silly bad sci-fantasy- not based on anything I really wanted to give this a higher rating - like others I think Bill Paxtons acting is spot on. The trouble I have with giving any rating to this show is it is not based on truth. As we all know good comedy and good drama etc.needs that. What you have here is the functional equivalent noteably simular to when bad sci-fi becomes just silly bad sci-fantasy- not based on anything scienticfic whatsoever. Honest history is ignored, facts are completely obliterated for want of $-greater-$ sensationalism. Used to be comedy was the only place where nothing was sacred, now we have decended below even a hint of respect for Americas most successful Christian Church worldwide. Tom Hanks proved to me that he hated the Catholic Church with his involvement with The Da Vince Code, etc. Now he's bent on castigating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through this flagrant misuse of their sacred ordinance etc.. Everyone involved in the production of this pulped up fluff should take note of the possible kind of persecution this may cull up in the most ignorant and hatemonkering of our society. HBO shame on you!… Expand
  5. MaryBethS
    May 31, 2009
    10
    Interesting insights into an intriguing lifestyle. We are a monogamous household hooked on "Big Love."
  6. NessyD.
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    I have heard about the show when it was starting up but had no real interest in watching it. I decided not to change the channel one day while a rerun was on and got curious and watched the entire previous seasons on demand, back-to-back. To my satisfaction it was not a waste of time. The cast is very talented and shares great chemistry. The storyline is interesting, keeps one asking for I have heard about the show when it was starting up but had no real interest in watching it. I decided not to change the channel one day while a rerun was on and got curious and watched the entire previous seasons on demand, back-to-back. To my satisfaction it was not a waste of time. The cast is very talented and shares great chemistry. The storyline is interesting, keeps one asking for more. I hope to see more seasons to come: Long Live "Big Love"!!… Expand
  7. David
    Mar 10, 2009
    0
    This could have been interesting and good, and has had its moments. Instead it is gradually stooping to gutter levels lower than most soap operas, and tries to make up for its lack of quality by dragging the Mormon Church through the mud for ratings. This is becoming more like something that Jerry Springer would do. Tom Hanks should be embarrassed.
  8. JessiB
    Mar 10, 2009
    5
    It's an interesting idea. I was fascinated to see what polygamy looked like in our society, but as it turned out, the wonder wore off quickly and I was left watching a random family drama that really didn't bring much excitement to my tv watching life. I think I'll sit this next season out.
  9. StevenL
    Mar 8, 2009
    2
    Just don't get the fascination.
  10. EvanM
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Everything you need to know about Mormonism you will learn from this show. Unfuckingbelievable.
  11. ritaf
    Jan 5, 2009
    8
    I was a huge fan of "True Blood" but I never watched "Big Love". Last night they were having a bit of a marathon and I decided to see what the fuss was with this show and I must admit I watched it. Than I went to HBO on Demand and watched the next episode. The verdict is stil out BUT I am going home tonight and watch a couple more episodes. I am watching last season. I am a fan of Bruce I was a huge fan of "True Blood" but I never watched "Big Love". Last night they were having a bit of a marathon and I decided to see what the fuss was with this show and I must admit I watched it. Than I went to HBO on Demand and watched the next episode. The verdict is stil out BUT I am going home tonight and watch a couple more episodes. I am watching last season. I am a fan of Bruce Dern and Grace Zabriske. I have always liked Harry Dean Stanton even though he is so creepy in this. I have this feeling I am going to be hooked, something about each episode drew me further into these families.. I will be back with my verdict.… Expand
  12. SusanL.
    Mar 1, 2008
    3
    Nope. I don't get it.
  13. SusanC
    Nov 9, 2007
    5
    HBO has a track record for making good shows about things that the American public has a delicious, shameful curiosity about (the mafia, funeral parlors) and polygamy should be no exception. But there comes a point where, no matter how compelling the curiosity, you have to actually *like* the characters for the show to work. Despite the fantastic acting, most of the characters feel a HBO has a track record for making good shows about things that the American public has a delicious, shameful curiosity about (the mafia, funeral parlors) and polygamy should be no exception. But there comes a point where, no matter how compelling the curiosity, you have to actually *like* the characters for the show to work. Despite the fantastic acting, most of the characters feel a little flat to me. Ho-hum, lots of petty in fighting. Once I got used to everybody, the show's appeal waned and I turned to "Mad Men".… Expand
  14. KevinL.
    Sep 24, 2007
    6
    Brilliant Show. It isn't the best show on television but it has the strong base that holds itself up on its feet by the end. Don't be fooled when you don't like the beginning of the series but after you really start to see its outstanding performances, writing and acting throughout. Its ideas are well executed with such a captivating tone.
  15. AlyA.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    I love this show! I think that Heidi B. who gave it a zero is wrong. It isn't necessarily meant to be perfect in every way and isn't truly based on one family but many that may live that lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that could be interpreted many ways. How about shows that are supposed to be based on certain places that don't say things right. If a show is based in I love this show! I think that Heidi B. who gave it a zero is wrong. It isn't necessarily meant to be perfect in every way and isn't truly based on one family but many that may live that lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that could be interpreted many ways. How about shows that are supposed to be based on certain places that don't say things right. If a show is based in Seattle then the characters should say the town names correctly (i.e. Frasier and Lake Chelan among others). Only the cold hard facts should be taken into consideration when judging shows and this show is not based on cold hard facts but many many different facts and aspects put together. Maybe some shows should learn the city their based in and the surrounding cities' and places' names before they worry about whether they are truly depicting a family that most likely doesn't truly exist but many people put together. It is very intriguing and interesting to look into a type of life that I don't really know about or see and the trails they face even if it is not based one hundred percent on facts.… Expand
  16. maryw
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    I LOVE Big Love. I lived in Nevada some time ago and knew many types of Mormons. This is ingenious, right on, and cutting edge. I saw one episode and couldn't wait for more. I see the show as a cross between The Soprano's and Twin Peaks. It hits the pulse of "cult" and is a real eye opener. I love the writing, directing, acting, and styling. The "look" is SO right on!
  17. HeidiB.
    Aug 3, 2007
    0
    I have to say that I've been addicted to this show. But I'm done. After such offensive scenes as in the last episode I can't go on watching with a clear conscious. I can't let 3X material into my home. Disappointed that a show with potential has to stoop to that level. Also the LDS research was not done very thoroughly. They say things that are so distorted and so I have to say that I've been addicted to this show. But I'm done. After such offensive scenes as in the last episode I can't go on watching with a clear conscious. I can't let 3X material into my home. Disappointed that a show with potential has to stoop to that level. Also the LDS research was not done very thoroughly. They say things that are so distorted and so just- wrong! Do more research. Get it right or move on.… Expand
  18. reginal
    Jul 30, 2007
    10
    I love the show it keeps me on the edge of my seat. There is always something new happening at the Hendrickson's. I hope to see more of this show next season. Don't be a hater be a fan.
  19. barekah
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    its one of the most well written shows. the premise of the show is original and what i like the most is that its not only about the 3 wives.
  20. LoisR.
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    Great ensemble acting, super great caste, story lines that actually pick up all the threads...Polygamist Sopranos without the hype.
  21. DanielB.
    May 18, 2007
    10
    A menage-a-quatre becomes a lens to focus the virtues and foibles of family life to white-hot intensity. Contrary to expectations, the female characters are strong and full of surprises. Head of household Bill's family was shattered by the wicked prophet Roman. Shakespearean conflict rears its fearful head as the story progresses. Dialog economical and impeccable. Situations quirky, A menage-a-quatre becomes a lens to focus the virtues and foibles of family life to white-hot intensity. Contrary to expectations, the female characters are strong and full of surprises. Head of household Bill's family was shattered by the wicked prophet Roman. Shakespearean conflict rears its fearful head as the story progresses. Dialog economical and impeccable. Situations quirky, humorous, and agonizing. Music superb. Watch with your significant other and you will find the occasion for hours of stimulating conversation. You will also learn much about each other. And what IS Bill's tragic flaw?… Expand
  22. jenl
    Mar 31, 2007
    9
    Great new show. I wasn't sure at first, but the acting is well done. It is a comedy, drama, and romance all in one. The plot is slow, but for some reason it draws me back each week. It is like a guilty pleasure.
  23. matta
    Mar 22, 2007
    7
    I think this score is pretty fair. They say that you write what you know about, and, as much time as the creators and lead writers for this show claim they spent researching Salt lake City and polygamists, they still got a lot of stuff wrong. I know because I love in Salt Lake. As far as Roman's camp goes, that is pretty spot on. There are some creepy groups in the southern part of I think this score is pretty fair. They say that you write what you know about, and, as much time as the creators and lead writers for this show claim they spent researching Salt lake City and polygamists, they still got a lot of stuff wrong. I know because I love in Salt Lake. As far as Roman's camp goes, that is pretty spot on. There are some creepy groups in the southern part of the state that are definitely similar to their group. However, I have never met (and I have met some polygamists and gone to school with their kids), or heard of a situation like Bill Henrickson's and his families. The families that actually lived in "suburbia" among the rest of us didn't have the money, or the overall normalness to their lives that Bill's does. The kids that I went to school with were seriously screwed up and total outcasts-not necessarily because they were polygamists, but because they were just messed up from their family situation. I think what the creators have done is fused what is in their minds the ideal LDS or Mormon family with a polygamist family. They don't exist, which damages the realism of the show, but I still like it because it is entertaining. I just think this is something everyone should consider while watching the show......… Expand
  24. ShariD.
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    I'm completely hooked! I now crush on Bill Paxton and sympathize with each wife. I'm going through withdrawals in anticipation of season 2.
  25. LaurenS
    Feb 22, 2007
    10
    Fabulous show! Very entertaining and I can't wait for the next season to start!
  26. brendal
    Feb 4, 2007
    9
    I love the show though it does drag on every once in awhile and for those of you that stated that salt lake city doesnt have any polygamy. Just check out a deseret industries on a Saturday.
  27. JohnM
    Jan 13, 2007
    10
    Excellent series and asks the viwer the right questions on a difficult topic. Superb cast especially Bill Paxman and this is up to the quality of previous HBO shows. Can't wait for Season 2 with more episodes hopefully!
  28. BrianH
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    love it!
  29. ChristinaN
    Dec 13, 2006
    9
    I watched the first episode one night so keep from being bored and I must say...I totally frown upon polygamy and this show makes it not look so dark. I know it is a bad subject, but the Henrickson family reminds it's viewers they can be normal human beings like the rest of the country.
  30. TicoTico
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    The Bible does not condemn poligamy as a sin. The Lord himself uses a poligamous marriage as a comparison of the Kingdom of God, in Mathew 25:1-13. And God compares Himself to a polygamous husband in Ezekiel 23. Many great men of God were polygamous, including the man who had a heart like God's, King David. He was never called an adulterer for having more than one wife, but he did The Bible does not condemn poligamy as a sin. The Lord himself uses a poligamous marriage as a comparison of the Kingdom of God, in Mathew 25:1-13. And God compares Himself to a polygamous husband in Ezekiel 23. Many great men of God were polygamous, including the man who had a heart like God's, King David. He was never called an adulterer for having more than one wife, but he did commit adultery when he took his neighbor's wife, the one who later gave birth to King Salomon. Polygamy may not be for everyone, like monogamy may not be for everyone. But it is not fair to say that there is something intrinsically immoral in polygamy, and many cultures still recognize polygamy legally, which in reality offers more protection to women and children. In countries where polygamy is prohibited, it takes place anyways, but in a way that is irresponsible many times, and dishonest. Many divorces and much pain to children could be avoided if we learned the truth about polygamy.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best TV Season of 2006
25
#25 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
15
#15 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Joy Press
    80
    Big Love... is in no hurry to unfurl its plotlines or push its charms. Give it a couple of episodes, though, and you'll be snared.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    83
    The casting is so good and the production design so sophisticated that the series' pull toward baroque psychosexual doings is, so far, pleasurable. [7 Apr 2006, p.51]
  3. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    90
    There are elements of this new series that have a quirkiness that might seem deliberate or overly clever against a different backdrop, but that feels natural in its own gracefully odd environment.
    Read full review
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