BrainDead

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 13, 2016
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
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Critic Reviews

  1. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jun 13, 2016
    25
    Despite some graphic moments of heads exploding, BrainDead is neither comic nor thrilling.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Jun 8, 2016
    25
    The cast’s good work is fatally underminded by the show’s fuzzy concept.
  3. Time
    Reviewed by: Daniel D'Addario
    Jun 13, 2016
    30
    It’s less a missed opportunity than entirely misbegotten.
  5. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Brian P. Kelly
    Jun 13, 2016
    30
    While the show shoots for Sorkinesque commentary and the hilarity of “Veep,” it doesn’t come anywhere close to either. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Danny Pino, Aaron Tveit, Tony Shalhoub and other familiar small-screen faces don’t have much to work with, given writing that’s as weak as the excuses offered during high-profile sexting scandals.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 133 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 133
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 133
  3. Negative: 17 out of 133
  1. hotterguy6969
    Jul 12, 2016
    10
    Anyone who doesn't like this show or gives it a lower score than 10 is brain dead . Excellent filming, acting,and writing. Who wouldn't like aAnyone who doesn't like this show or gives it a lower score than 10 is brain dead . Excellent filming, acting,and writing. Who wouldn't like a show about how idiotic all politicians and followers are. Ask questions no matter how crazy they are don't just agree… Full Review »
  2. PoeticDumpling
    Jun 13, 2016
    9
    It will be a miracle if this show lasts. I am already seeing a ton of comments on their FB page saying "worst/dumbest show ever". ThoseIt will be a miracle if this show lasts. I am already seeing a ton of comments on their FB page saying "worst/dumbest show ever". Those people obviously did not know what they were in for. Silly, over-the-top, satirical, campy, cult series fun... and for the most part it delivers...as a decent appetizer. I am hoping it can build up from the pilot. The elements are in play for something fresh and different, but I am surprised CBS gave in to such a shockingly fringe idea. It seems something that Cinemax or Starz might be more apt to try or even Fox. If the show can deliver a little more brains behind the mayhem and manage to balance the fun it could work. It's a bit X-Files... a bit David Cronenberg... a bit John Carpenter...a bit of a b-movie bug horror flick. If the right camp/cult audience can get behind it...it could survive, but I won't hold my breath. Will enjoy it as long as I can unless it all goes downhill from here. We shall see.… Full Review »
  3. cherold
    Jun 18, 2016
    5
    This show has an interesting premise, and after only one episode I can't really predict how well it will handle that premise, but I found theThis show has an interesting premise, and after only one episode I can't really predict how well it will handle that premise, but I found the first episode too slow and soggy to continue.

    It's hard to say what this series is. I've seen it described as comedy/drama/horror/satire, but that gives the impression of a lot more punch than this show has. There are moments that I suppose are mildly comedic, although not especially funny. It's got elements of a political drama, but not an involving one. Horror would suggest some element of suspense or chills, which were absent.

    Satire would require some bite, but the series seems to want to be a political show without politics. We don't know what the budget fight is about, the two people who will clearly have sex eventually do some mild political sparring that carefully avoids any significant conflict, and the approach is very much the both-sides-are-recalcitrant trope that doesn't jibe with the current reality of the anti-compromise Tea Party situation of the real world. (The series actually makes the Republicans seem slightly more reasonable, since their senator is just a drunk who wants to cut a deal while the other side's senator is quite Machiavellian; was this produced by a Republican or just by someone bending over backwards to even things out?).

    At some point the series may explain the invaders' purpose and why they like that Cars song so much, but based on the first episode, I don't expect the explanations to be compelling.    … Full Review »
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