Black Box

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 24, 2014
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 68 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 68
  3. Negative: 27 out of 68

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User Reviews

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  1. Curlyq456
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    Hope this is not pulled, as this is one of the best new shows in years. This is drama, not reality, so I don't mind some of the creative liberties others criticize. Very innovative and is must watch TV in our house!
  2. hfmadison
    Jun 4, 2014
    10
    Black Box is the most compelling, interesting new show this season. As another reviewer has stated, unless you have known someone whose behavior can turn so dramatically when meds are missed, the lead character's behavioral changes may seem absurd. I find the various plot lines to be engaging, NOT confusing. You do have to watch all episodes in sequence, and it is very helpful to be ableBlack Box is the most compelling, interesting new show this season. As another reviewer has stated, unless you have known someone whose behavior can turn so dramatically when meds are missed, the lead character's behavioral changes may seem absurd. I find the various plot lines to be engaging, NOT confusing. You do have to watch all episodes in sequence, and it is very helpful to be able to re-play to fully understand all the interplay. I sincerely hope the show will be renewed for future seasons.… Expand
  3. lukechristiansc
    May 23, 2014
    10
    I do not understand critics and peoples reviews on black box there is nothing wrong with the show . The show is a psychological story its basically wonderful show . Grade A+
  4. Faithinjesus
    Jun 9, 2014
    10
    My favorite series of all time. I like being able to relate to the things that happen on the show. I can't wait to watch more episodes. I think there should be more shows like this. Bipolar is a real disease, and people need to be educated on what happens. Society needs to understand how much mental illness affects peoples lives.
  5. marromc0
    May 17, 2014
    10
    This show has the potential to be as deep and riveting as any out there. It started slow in the pilot and I almost gave up on it. I am glad I did not. While it tends to be a bit over the top on drama, the real life issues dealt with in the series are fresh and raw.
  6. mcksmom
    May 23, 2014
    10
    I can see where a viewer who hasn't lived with, or been close to, a mentally ill person wouldn't "get" this show. Nevertheless, with the population of mentally ill persons skyrocketing daily, everyone should watch this show and learn. When I saw the premiere, I was dumbfounded to see someone act EXACTLY like my loved one when meds are missed. This program has helped me to look at mentalI can see where a viewer who hasn't lived with, or been close to, a mentally ill person wouldn't "get" this show. Nevertheless, with the population of mentally ill persons skyrocketing daily, everyone should watch this show and learn. When I saw the premiere, I was dumbfounded to see someone act EXACTLY like my loved one when meds are missed. This program has helped me to look at mental health in a different and less condemning way because I'm able to see it portrayed by a character that I'm not emotionally attached to. Can't say "thank you" enough!… Expand
  7. MssBev
    Jun 9, 2014
    9
    Was initially skeptical of watching this show, glad I DVR it!! Considering this is the 1st season the drama is set just right. I'll rather watch this than REALITY TV!!!
  8. saintkid112
    Jul 21, 2014
    10
    This show is an absolute masterpiece. With Kelly Reilly leading the cast with a groundbreaking realistic portrayal of Bipolar syndrome, there is simply no other television show that has come this close to re-in acting a true sense of emotional tension between personal life, work life, and how to keep a balanced life a midst the chaos of one's emotions. The show is paced unbelievably well,This show is an absolute masterpiece. With Kelly Reilly leading the cast with a groundbreaking realistic portrayal of Bipolar syndrome, there is simply no other television show that has come this close to re-in acting a true sense of emotional tension between personal life, work life, and how to keep a balanced life a midst the chaos of one's emotions. The show is paced unbelievably well, and the character development has unfolded nicely as each character have faced something that has challenged them or pushed them to the edge. I realize that some people may not like this show simply because it has an extremely strong realism aspect to it, and people who have not been related to or been with a Bipolar person may not understand it, but that should not detract from the perceived quality of the show. I've told so many others about this show, and i plan to continue that as I honestly don't know what I would do if it was cancelled. With a show this high in acting caliber and powerful cinematography , it would simply make no sense to not allow it at least another season to draw more viewers in, because I know given time this show will grow to be one not many will forget. Its like a big melting pot of wonderfully scripted drama, realistic psychological thrill, and powerful characterization that really succeeds at keeping the viewer hooked on seeing where each one will go and do, I will say it again. Its an absolute masterpiece.… Expand
  9. Finn471
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    Many of these reviews were written by people who only watched the pilot. The show is 13 episodes and gets better each week. It is unique on network television in that it deals in an entertaining way with complex subject matter. I love this show and am anxious it get another season. If you only watched one, look again. You'll be surprised. It's intelligent, great network television.
  10. aberlove
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    I am 16 and can relate to this show. People who don't know what it's like to live with a mental illness may feel it is all a joke or overly exaggerated, but that is what I think this show could change. Black Box helps people with a mental illness see they are not alone, it shows mental illness is not taboo. Some people may not care if Black Box continues, but for me I hope it does, notI am 16 and can relate to this show. People who don't know what it's like to live with a mental illness may feel it is all a joke or overly exaggerated, but that is what I think this show could change. Black Box helps people with a mental illness see they are not alone, it shows mental illness is not taboo. Some people may not care if Black Box continues, but for me I hope it does, not just because it makes me feel less alone, but because over time it might change the stereotypes surrounding mental illness. To me Black Box is not just a show, but a step to a better understanding.… Expand
  11. Jrrichards97
    Aug 3, 2014
    10
    One of the best shows I've seen in a long time. I love the entire cast. This show is compelling, intriguing, and very exciting. I love the whole premise of the show. Abc has outdone themselves with this show. Totally recommend this show.
  12. MattArmando
    Apr 24, 2014
    7
    Very solid, somewhat borderline. Yet at the same time, compelling and intriguing enough to bring you back for the next 12 episodes. The show can be VERY melodramatic at times--yet the tone, mood, and aspects of the show row along nicely to make this psych medical drama worth-watching--but mostly because of Vanessa Redgrave's stellar performance and the suspense that Kelly Reilly brings toVery solid, somewhat borderline. Yet at the same time, compelling and intriguing enough to bring you back for the next 12 episodes. The show can be VERY melodramatic at times--yet the tone, mood, and aspects of the show row along nicely to make this psych medical drama worth-watching--but mostly because of Vanessa Redgrave's stellar performance and the suspense that Kelly Reilly brings to Dr. Catherine Black.… Expand
  13. jeremyp
    Apr 26, 2014
    4
    An unbelievably (can't get past the first commercial) bad show. Having been a mental health professional and wondering if the visual media would ever do a decent series about mental health I am again disappointed. The writing is bad, the acting is bad, the thinking is bad! I knew it might be terrible when I saw Vanessa Redgrave in the credits. How often do we have to see great talentsAn unbelievably (can't get past the first commercial) bad show. Having been a mental health professional and wondering if the visual media would ever do a decent series about mental health I am again disappointed. The writing is bad, the acting is bad, the thinking is bad! I knew it might be terrible when I saw Vanessa Redgrave in the credits. How often do we have to see great talents whoring themselves in old age? This is like "Monk" on steroids, "Sherlock" on PCP, or Jim Carrey on Viagra. Somebody read R.D. Laing and drummed the old hoary idea that the mentally ill are just misunderstood geniuses, and then threw in the M.D. from "House" (why do Brits always play these roles?) to oversee the asylum.… Expand
  14. speedofsound
    May 8, 2014
    10
    the first episode of this show is phenomenal. The show makes deep speeches about what really defines a person. If a disorder is part of who you are, how do you prevent the trauma that's associated with it. Many geniuses like van-gogh had mental illnesses but they ultimately led to their death. However, these diseases are built into the brains of the people that deal with them. Medicatingthe first episode of this show is phenomenal. The show makes deep speeches about what really defines a person. If a disorder is part of who you are, how do you prevent the trauma that's associated with it. Many geniuses like van-gogh had mental illnesses but they ultimately led to their death. However, these diseases are built into the brains of the people that deal with them. Medicating them away is also medicating away apart of a person. Society looks for simple answers to things. Whether it be school shootings or mental illness. A person with mental illness has a responsibility to take care of themselves, but this shouldn't lead to a visceral reaction toward any positive look at mental illness. the show does show other viewpoints like with the patient with schizophrenic symptoms who thought that he was being engulfed by flames. I believe the solution to dealing with mental illness is to prevent the occurrence of mania at the very least and deal with only that. psychiatric drugs have tons of possible interactions which essentially are designed to put the entire brain in a stupor so the person isn't a danger to society.… Expand
  15. crawlord
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    i just logged in to comment. I doubt many that have not experienced a loved one with mental illness could come close to identifying with this show. Mental illness is swept under this here hefty american rug.
    I love the show .
  16. Ally1
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    Thank you, for finally having a brilliant Doctor with Bipolar Disorder. I am a very severe Rapid Cycling Bipolar One, IQ 167, a Corporate Executive, with the 3rd largest Medical Company in the world. We finally have Kelly, who shows Bipolar as it actually is. A very dangerous disease, that can be managed with work and compliance. The show also provides a glimpse into the dangers of theThank you, for finally having a brilliant Doctor with Bipolar Disorder. I am a very severe Rapid Cycling Bipolar One, IQ 167, a Corporate Executive, with the 3rd largest Medical Company in the world. We finally have Kelly, who shows Bipolar as it actually is. A very dangerous disease, that can be managed with work and compliance. The show also provides a glimpse into the dangers of the disease. Addiction to Euphoric Mania, extreme sexuality, ditching meds. However, for once, we have a show that shows us as we are, smart, creative, cultured, educated, quirky, compassionate, caring people. Not as the Serial Killer in every Detective show on TV. THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE CAST, WRITERS, DIRECTORS, PRODUCERS.… Expand
  17. Alxlry
    Apr 25, 2014
    8
    Very interesting show. It can be a bit over the top; however, everything still fits. It has a very distinct tone which plays wonderfully through the background of jazz. I am interested in the show already and would love to see where it goes.
  18. OSU07
    Apr 29, 2014
    10
    After watching the pilot episode my roommates and I decided we liked it and would for sure keep watching to see how the story progresses. Katherine black has potential as a character and the show in General is compelling and interesting. It shows potential for surprising and scandalous twists and turn that leave viewers wanting to see what happens next.
  19. Bauermej
    Apr 30, 2014
    3
    After watching the first episode my only thought was, "Please put this show back in it's box!"

    The dialogue was strained, the plot predictable and the acting was pretty poor.

    Maybe the second episode will be better. I'll record it and give it a half hour to recover. If not, I'll move on.
  20. wordsilk
    Apr 27, 2014
    0
    The dialogue was so bad, the setup so unlikely, it was actually painful to watch. Couldn't get past a half hour of it -- we just deleted it. Reilly is one of the worst actresses I've seen in a long time -- more SyFy movie of the week caliber than serious series caliber. What a mess of a show.
  21. Seppo
    May 4, 2014
    0
    Such a great principle. I think there should be more media about mental health issues, and what a great fun it should be! For god sakes, it's like a mecca of plot! However, as much as I like this principle, and the script is even ok, the actress is so awful that it makes the show unwatchable. I don't want to sound awful, but I don't know how she could work as a character actor, let a lead.Such a great principle. I think there should be more media about mental health issues, and what a great fun it should be! For god sakes, it's like a mecca of plot! However, as much as I like this principle, and the script is even ok, the actress is so awful that it makes the show unwatchable. I don't want to sound awful, but I don't know how she could work as a character actor, let a lead. Watching the show is kind of like an exercise in hate, because of how bad Kelly Reilly's acting is. Sweetie, you might need to go back to being a waitress... hopefully you are less snarky for a tip.… Expand
  22. Love2Review
    May 10, 2014
    0
    Simply stated: "Black Box" is a terrible show. While the commercial draws a typical viewer in, the actual show is horrendously written, acted and produced. As a person who is diagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder, I know first hand how traumatizing a show like this can be in its "attempts" at casting realism. It brands a person with mental illness as craving the "disorder" of a mentalSimply stated: "Black Box" is a terrible show. While the commercial draws a typical viewer in, the actual show is horrendously written, acted and produced. As a person who is diagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder, I know first hand how traumatizing a show like this can be in its "attempts" at casting realism. It brands a person with mental illness as craving the "disorder" of a mental disorder. Instead of demonstrating the complexities of life with a mental illness, "Black Box" leads the viewer through a self-destructive array of scenes that may leave an uneducated audience into believing its ignorant premise: a mentally ill person indulges in sex, drugs and rock & roll without regard to him/herself and others. If ABC wants to be known as a family station, it will cancel this show given its utter disregard and insult to injury plot.… Expand
  23. HighPriestesa
    May 17, 2014
    4
    It's all kinda messy... Too much is going on too fast.

    I don't feel the characters. I didn't connect with any of them, and I don't see it happening. :/ Like, you see all the truble and pain but you just can't feel it. There's something missing there.

    I just don't buy it.
  24. MostlyComplains
    May 26, 2014
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The main problem with the first episode of Black Box (I do not wish to watch more) is how everyone, even the character herself, is constantly talking about how smart and important Black is without the story giving sufficient evidence to show that this is in fact the case. In House M.D., everyone is also constantly talking about how much of a genius is, but the show actually demonstrates this idea by having more instances of him being a genius than instances of people saying that he is a genius.

    What's more, the show seems obsessed with demonstrating that Black is very much a hip maverick with such a unique point of view. In one scene, when walking into her patient's room, she discovers two nurses trying to subdue the patient with an injection. The nurses explain that the patient is hurting himself to the point of bleeding so that he could use the blood to fuel his need to continuously paint on the wall. Although the nurses' decision to inject the patient to prevent him from further hurting himself is completely justified, Black scolds them and tells them both to leave ( because how dare they even think of doing such a thing!). Can't the audience see that only Black can understand the poor soul? Conveniently at this point, the patient becomes calm and is not hurting himself. Who knows what Black would have done if this were not the case. Perhaps the show is trying to convey that Black's mere sympathetic presence alleviates manic episodes. It doesn't really matter because whatever the case, this scene was silly.

    Also, at the only point in the episode the patient seems to have a hallucination (the audience can see the fire he sees), Black sees the patient slightly look side to side and responds "What are you seeing?" Aside from when he is cured and when he has a bout of lucidity, that patient is always acting "abnormal." Of course the one time he has a hallucination, while giving no clear indication of acting any differently from his usual self, Black is able to know that he is having one with such certainty that she asks "What do you see?" instead of "Do you see something?"

    But perhaps the most cringe-worthy scene in the whole episode is when Black is walking on a beach, apparently suicidal, and calls her therapist to know why she shouldn't kill herself. The plot thus far had not at all built up enough reason for Black to want to kill herself. The idea that she doesn't want to be like her mom, being bipolar and having kids, was not being aggravated by the boyfriend/fiancee. The only thing he said about having kids was that although Black doesn't want them now "you may change your mind." He never said that having kids is extremely important to him. Also, the idea that life is mediocre when she is not bipolar does not seem to be the reason because she has somehow lived the last year problem-free, without going off her medication. She seems to go off them simply because she wants to, not because of some external pressure. So, her therapist on the other line of the phone tells Black to go on because her work is so important to the world. Even if this is the case, there's no way for the audience to sympathize with that because the audience doesn't know what she does. There's no lead to believe her work is important other than Black thinking it's true and people saying it's true. There's no indication in the episode that she does research or the like. Anything medical or surgical in the episode was handled by other doctors. All Black did was have unjustified, pretentious personal issues and appear in the hospital to be contrarian to the doctors who weren't blessed with Black's hip point of view.

    There seemed to be no break to the mess that was Black Box. I would not recommend the show to anyone unless he/she tends to like these kind of series. The show would seem to appeal to people who see its pretension as inviting because doctors have to be smart to be doctors, and if doctors, even television ones, think someone is a genius, then the audience member watching the show is by extension glorified by recognizing that the genius is smart.    … Expand
  25. Iismeisi
    May 26, 2014
    1
    As a clinical psychologist I was interested in seeing if Hollywood could portray the field of neurology and mental health in a realistic and interesting way. No, not this time. Stupid, incorrect, badly written, poorly acted, and boring. I tried watching four times and got to the third commercial break only once.
  26. MM0204
    May 29, 2014
    1
    Horrible....white girl engaged to black man.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  27. BogKid
    Apr 26, 2014
    5
    As is obvious from the few reviews in already, this show about a woman/doctor with bi-polar disorder is getting bi-polar responses. Manic or depressive. Like or hate. While I watched the show I was initially impressed by the fact that they got their medical terms and symptomatology essentially right. Not always true on TV medically oriented shows.

    My wife, understandably, found the    As is obvious from the few reviews in already, this show about a woman/doctor with bi-polar disorder is getting bi-polar responses. Manic or depressive. Like or hate. While I watched the show I was initially impressed by the fact that they got their medical terms and symptomatology essentially right. Not always true on TV medically oriented shows.

    My wife, understandably, found the show too intense and therefore somewhat annoying. That might be a reflection of Ms. Reilly. Cameron Diaz (Homeland) did mental intensity lots better. Basically, I enjoyed the show and would like to see it continue and develop. I do think the actor playing the egotistical surgeon needs to explain if his first name is really "Ditch".    … Expand
  28. Rjonesthree
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    This is a wonderful medical drama with an all-too-human face: that of Dr. Black, played by Kelly Reilly. It's a brave choice to not only feature a bipolar sufferer as your protagonist but also to portay her honestly, as a deeply flawed human being who makes bad choices even though she's highly intelligent. Black Box is very like "House" in that way; we may lose patience with theseThis is a wonderful medical drama with an all-too-human face: that of Dr. Black, played by Kelly Reilly. It's a brave choice to not only feature a bipolar sufferer as your protagonist but also to portay her honestly, as a deeply flawed human being who makes bad choices even though she's highly intelligent. Black Box is very like "House" in that way; we may lose patience with these protagonists at times, just as we do with disturbed friends or relatives, and some of the things Dr. Black does may be painful to watch. But she's a complex, sympathetic character struggling to do the right thing despite her illness.

    The most recent episode (with the shooter on the roof) was the best one yet, and the series keeps getting better. I hope it's renewed.    … Expand
  29. tonibjones
    Jul 1, 2014
    10
    Black Box is one of the more intelligent shows on TV. A doctor's test of will power against a self destructive disease, throw in a love affair with her head turned towards a bad boy and dramatic medical dramas and you have a very interesting hour of entertainment.
  30. cricket0330
    Jul 4, 2014
    1
    I like Will and I don't like the direction the series is taking. I like the neuroscience part but if I don't like the characters I won't continue with a series.
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
44

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 27
  3. Negative: 13 out of 27
  1. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 24, 2014
    40
    Reilly is intense and watchable.... But other elements of Black Box feel unconvincing, and overfamiliar, which is disappointing, considering the potential.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Apr 24, 2014
    42
    There’s no way to self-medicate against the relentless drear of this new medical drama.
    Read full review
  3. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Apr 24, 2014
    33
    A clumsy, pretentious, cliché-riddled mess that just happens to have a woman at the center of things.
    Read full review
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