Californication

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 13, 2007
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 338 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 295 out of 338
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 338
  3. Negative: 23 out of 338
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  1. smoothieblit
    Mar 12, 2015
    10
    The series finale in my opinion was a bit too "deep" and not out there like I like it. I would have been great if they actually went through with the pairing of couples, the marriage, the rekindling between two lovers, etc instead of implying that it would happen in the near future. Very repetitive in some aspects but in many episodes it was a very deep message that gave the viewerThe series finale in my opinion was a bit too "deep" and not out there like I like it. I would have been great if they actually went through with the pairing of couples, the marriage, the rekindling between two lovers, etc instead of implying that it would happen in the near future. Very repetitive in some aspects but in many episodes it was a very deep message that gave the viewer sympathy for Hank or moments where one could relate. Great writing just not played out amazing by many actors, but don't get me wrong David Duchovny was fantastic in conveying a nonchalant, loving father attitude.… Expand
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 19, 2015
    7
    Entertainment in the form of pure filth. Main character "Hank" (Duchovny) spends his time doing drugs and having sex with any skanky chick who will get into bed with him. All the while he talks about getting his crap together and fixing the relationship with his ex so that his daughter can have her family together. Of course for the first half of the season none of that actually happens.Entertainment in the form of pure filth. Main character "Hank" (Duchovny) spends his time doing drugs and having sex with any skanky chick who will get into bed with him. All the while he talks about getting his crap together and fixing the relationship with his ex so that his daughter can have her family together. Of course for the first half of the season none of that actually happens.

    He continues to talk about changing while not actually doing it. Instead going from bimbo to bimbo and feeling sorry for himself. The show fixes itself eventually when situations arise that force Hank to grow up. However two questions remain throughout; why should we care about Hank Moody and why do these women keep jumping into bed with him? The show's biggest issue is that it treats women as nothing more than sluts who will jump at the chance to sleep with someone even the least bit decent looking.

    Is Moody good looking? Yes. Is he even remotely likable? No. Yet despite that it's hard to not enjoy the show. Watching this scumbag character reach new lows is disturbingly entertaining. It can be quite humorous at times and I stayed invested with the hopes that he would change for the sake of his daughter.

    It's almost sickening how enjoyable this sleazy show can be. All of it's characters are morally bankrupt people who want to and will have sex with anything that will drop it's pants, and the show tells us it's okay because it's just sex. Even worse is that none of them get any sort of punishment for their reprehensible actions. The whole thing tells viewers that it's okay to be a scumbag because in the end you are somehow charming and will get a happy ending. I can't say that it's not a realistic portrayal of everyday life. A disturbingly entertaining portrayal.

    The show did keep me invested in the sleazy antics of it's anti-hero and often laughing throughout. It's content means that it's not for those who can't put up with watching dark and dirty content, but those who can are sure to find something they can relish in. As far as I go I found this first season to be entertaining, but not entertaining enough to come back for season 2. I'd rather not fill my mind with anymore of it's trash no matter how enjoyable it can be at times.    … Expand
  3. gamingbuff
    Oct 23, 2014
    9
    This show was extremely clever, well written and had some great acting by Agent Mulder. Very funny stuff, hot girls, good actors.... probably the best comedy on TV for a long portion of its run. If you are a SQUARE / PRUDE / NOT FUNNY / DOUCHEBAG/ IN AN OLD AGE RETIREMENT HOME you will not like this show like some reviews below.
  4. Dundeeclan
    Aug 17, 2014
    10
    It's incredible how we can get so immersed in a TV series. I have, avidly, watched all 7 series and find myself a little "vacant" that I won't be able to get my Californication fix again.
    The character, Hank, reminds me a bit of myself. I'm not quite the "cad" Hank is albeit I can so easily relate to this guy. Just like Hank, I spent my life in "self destruct" when it came to the true    It's incredible how we can get so immersed in a TV series. I have, avidly, watched all 7 series and find myself a little "vacant" that I won't be able to get my Californication fix again.
    The character, Hank, reminds me a bit of myself. I'm not quite the "cad" Hank is albeit I can so easily relate to this guy. Just like Hank, I spent my life in "self destruct" when it came to the true love of my life.
    I just hope that my ending is as positive...perhaps?
    A brilliant piece of adult writing. I'm very sad it's over. I know all good things come to an end so thanks Tom for making the last 7 years amusing and thought provoking.    … Expand
  5. Kaige
    Jun 22, 2014
    10
    Californication is a great TV series is hilarious and i love his sense of humor. This TV series is my favorite and Hank Moody is my idol. I am completely hooked on this series
  6. Trevor_Benoit
    Dec 20, 2012
    10
    Californication is one of those rare shows that exploit that flaws that we have to face. Duchovny portrays that character in a way that no one else would, plus he has always been more successful on television than film. Hank Moody is the antagonist that can be the protagonist. A terrific show!
  7. Dezuuu
    Apr 4, 2012
    8
    Witty, exciting and sometimes emotional. David Duchovny does a great job playing Hank Moody, and the music used for the series is great. Certainly not for everybody, and let's just say that male viewers may enjoy it most.
  8. Sabrinna
    Nov 22, 2011
    8
    This show is pointless and that's what's good about it. If you've ever felt like you don't know where you're going in life; if you've ever made dumb decisions, if you've ever had friends who stand by you despite those dumb decisions, then male or female you can identify with the shows protaganist, Hank Moody. With a hedonistic bent this series is hilarious and at times just a tad too over the top.
  9. Landao
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    Awesome show. I feel like I'm watching the life I wish I had the balls to live. A flawed character who is taking life a day at a time. However, it does take a bit of an open mind to watch. As some parts could be offensive for your grandparents.
  10. jediboy
    Apr 5, 2011
    9
    This review encompasses Seasons 1 through 4.

    Duchovny's character, Hank Moody, from the get-go is a tragically-flawed anti-hero. Immature, childish, hedonistic, to say the least but endearing. As his circle of friends are introduced, love interests, family, and so forth layers of his character shine through. A slick and polished production from start to finish and Duchovny's best work    This review encompasses Seasons 1 through 4.

    Duchovny's character, Hank Moody, from the get-go is a tragically-flawed anti-hero. Immature, childish, hedonistic, to say the least but endearing. As his circle of friends are introduced, love interests, family, and so forth layers of his character shine through.

    A slick and polished production from start to finish and Duchovny's best work to date, and there are some similarities, in terms of self-satire, to Jay Mohr's Action.

    In a nutshell, its "Sex and the City" if it were written for (and by) guys. Not for the feint of heart.    … Expand
  11. SMinSD
    Mar 19, 2011
    10
    Best show on TV (although I don't have cable so I am a couple of seasons behind and watching on Netflicks...) Brilliant writing, flawed but compelling characters, surprising, and strangely touching.
  12. BartW
    Mar 12, 2011
    7
    I only have one critique: half of the program is a sex-scene. Which obviously reduces the time to tell a story. Especially the latest episodes don't seem to have enough story to keep my interest and attention. Nevertheless, it's a always fun to watch.
  13. kwindii
    Feb 19, 2011
    10
    I don't understand how can you guys don't like? This show is really amazing its fun and sad ay the same time. Its not only about sex, sex and sex again it shows us life of a great writer who cant find his place in this life. Its dirty , it contains bad words, drugs etc. But if u don't like it you can just turn the TV off or watch something else, there's no need to write "its bad forI don't understand how can you guys don't like? This show is really amazing its fun and sad ay the same time. Its not only about sex, sex and sex again it shows us life of a great writer who cant find his place in this life. Its dirty , it contains bad words, drugs etc. But if u don't like it you can just turn the TV off or watch something else, there's no need to write "its bad for children" or something like that. People who don't like him are just jealous cuz they cant "be" with so big count of women. This is it. I said all I wanted to say. Hope this show will be shown for many years :D… Expand
  14. R.Lopez
    Jan 22, 2010
    10
    An amazing show, Duchovny got the humor, the style and the charm to pull off an outrageous and truly comedic show like this. Californication soars.
  15. VictorP
    Oct 26, 2009
    10
    All in all, the most refreshing, innovative, and addicting show out in TV right now. I have watched many a series, and even tho we are in the 3rd season, it does not get old, as the writers seem to throw in new ideas and twists that give the show a whole new feel. I hope this show does NOT get canceled any time soon.
  16. Averyc
    Aug 16, 2009
    8
    I do enjoy all the sex and drugs; however, this show is best when dealing with romantic longing, relationships, and parenting. the emotion that passes between Hank and Karen during the first season is genuine, sweet, and electric. Furthermore, some of my favorite one-liners from the past several years of television are from Season One of this show. The writing is often very good, the I do enjoy all the sex and drugs; however, this show is best when dealing with romantic longing, relationships, and parenting. the emotion that passes between Hank and Karen during the first season is genuine, sweet, and electric. Furthermore, some of my favorite one-liners from the past several years of television are from Season One of this show. The writing is often very good, the acting is very good, the casting (esp. for the secondary and tertiary cast) deserves an award. The show only casts good looking, charismatic actors, and is smart enough to rely on the charisma of its main cast. This is Duchovny's show. Period. If you like him, as I do, you'll really, really enjoy 'Californication'. The show is intelligent for a few reasons, not the least of which is Duchovny's intelligence.… Expand
  17. TorjeW.
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    Though hidden as TV serie based on normal life, it contains elements of the unnatural. Don't take it the wrong way, it has nothing to with sci-fi, just hilarious settings and plot developments that just hard to belive. In my opinion then that's not a bad thing, I don't watch TV to see how other people live their lives. I want to be entertained with humour, nakedness and Though hidden as TV serie based on normal life, it contains elements of the unnatural. Don't take it the wrong way, it has nothing to with sci-fi, just hilarious settings and plot developments that just hard to belive. In my opinion then that's not a bad thing, I don't watch TV to see how other people live their lives. I want to be entertained with humour, nakedness and depressing scenes. And that's exactly what you are getting when you watch "Californication". This is truly one of the best series I've seen in years. Some people might find the nakedness excessive, but how do you have sex with clothes on? Sure they could have left those parts out, but why would they do that? It's about life and sex is a big part of life, just ask your parents how you came to be.… Expand
  18. carries
    Feb 25, 2009
    10
    I never thought i'd have any interest in this - love david duchovny but have No Need for the sex, drugs... but i thought i should just see what they did... and ended up watching the entire disc of episodes back to back to back on repeat for 2 days until the 2nd disc arrived in the mail 2 days later from netflix - there is so much to recommend this show - but the father-daughter I never thought i'd have any interest in this - love david duchovny but have No Need for the sex, drugs... but i thought i should just see what they did... and ended up watching the entire disc of episodes back to back to back on repeat for 2 days until the 2nd disc arrived in the mail 2 days later from netflix - there is so much to recommend this show - but the father-daughter relationship is probably my favorite part - given that a modern parent-child relationship is normally portrayed so stupidly in any tv show or film - i hope they can take the sex and drugs and swearing out and sell it to TBS - and i hope we can get a show like this sometime that is PG-13.… Expand
  19. nikolar.
    Feb 12, 2009
    9
    It's different then anything else out there on tv. Duchovny surprised everybody, he holds it all together.
  20. FarhanJC
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    David Dochovony and Tom Kapinos, delivers and writes respectively, best ever "on your face" dialogues. Greatest show on earth right now at this moment.
  21. Andrew
    Nov 7, 2008
    10
    I wasn't really sure whether I'd like it most of the time and I started skipping the agent parts of the story, but Hank's arc is very fresh and far better than outside reviews of the show would have led me to believe. Caveats: it takes a little while to get going though and I'm not sure the second season will be any good.
  22. JonD
    Sep 29, 2008
    8
    At the beginning of this series I was really worried how the crew was going to keep this going beyond a season... because I ended up liking the pilot--- but I couldn't figure out a way to end the story without being predictable. And predictable it is... predictable but enjoyable. If Duchovny doesn't act like that in true life (it's believable) it's pretty good acting. At the beginning of this series I was really worried how the crew was going to keep this going beyond a season... because I ended up liking the pilot--- but I couldn't figure out a way to end the story without being predictable. And predictable it is... predictable but enjoyable. If Duchovny doesn't act like that in true life (it's believable) it's pretty good acting. It's the perfect role for him.… Expand
  23. JackH.
    Aug 30, 2008
    10
    This show is, if not anything else, pretty enjoyable. Please do not read further if you have a 'thing' against spoilers. As I am not a professional writer, 'thing' works quite well to describe several feelings. For what I wanted to express >> Having watched the first season of Californication just recently, I was pretty awed by the way the character has been developed. This show is, if not anything else, pretty enjoyable. Please do not read further if you have a 'thing' against spoilers. As I am not a professional writer, 'thing' works quite well to describe several feelings. For what I wanted to express >> Having watched the first season of Californication just recently, I was pretty awed by the way the character has been developed. He has a laid-back approach, true, but nearing the middle to end of the season, shows that not only is he still in love with his long-term girlfriend, but is also attempting to insinuate himself back into her life. As the protagonist has been shown to have a decent outlook towards morality, excluding the unfortunate mishap involving his love's fiance's daughter, he is pretty limited in how he tries to get 'Karen' back. That however, does not stop him trying. Although the explicit scenes may come across as excessive to some, it is the underlying satire and raunchiness that intrigue the audience. Few shows manage to get the right reactions from their viewers. Californication can thankfully be counted amongst them. However, the entire show is not just about 'Hank' attempting to bring his life under a finer control. The rest of the cast plays a significant role too. Subplots of intricate details have been developed, one of the most involving being the sexual frustration expressed by 'Marcy', wife of Hank's agent 'Charlie'. The season finale was pretty exciting. Rarely have stranger things occured on a wedding set, be it in reality, or theater. I await with hushed breath for the second season. This series has impressed me beyond all bounds.… Expand
  24. ChadD.
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    This show is great! Hank always has something witty and funny to say. The acting is good, the characters are believable and they make you like/hate them. I'm glad this is coming back for a second season!
  25. OthoS.
    Jul 29, 2008
    8
    I find it interesting that the most negative reviews of Californication come from L.A. and New York critics, while the Chicago critics love it. When a program makes the commercial stage and film capitals of the country fidgety with its portrayal of writers, that's a sure sign that said portrayal is dead on. In Chicago, we take our theatre seriously, and anyone who decides not to I find it interesting that the most negative reviews of Californication come from L.A. and New York critics, while the Chicago critics love it. When a program makes the commercial stage and film capitals of the country fidgety with its portrayal of writers, that's a sure sign that said portrayal is dead on. In Chicago, we take our theatre seriously, and anyone who decides not to whore himself by selling out to Broadway or Hollywood no doubt delights in Duchovny's skewering of the shallow solipsism of the coasts.… Expand
  26. MatteoP.
    Jul 27, 2008
    8
    Something new even if uncompleted.
  27. JustinR.
    Jun 13, 2008
    10
    It might be said that this is the greatest casting for any tv show in history. The writing is phenomenal, and everyone is so balanced. People all act realistically irrationally sometimes, and hank is just quick and witty enough to be believably. Duchovny's acting is top notch, and you will find yourself relating to many aspects of this show. Easily a 10 out of 10.
  28. Niels
    Jun 1, 2008
    10
    This is, by far, one of the best tv series of all time !
  29. SnogB.
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    Didn't know Hollywood produced dark humour. They did this and did it brilliantly! Seen the first season and I'm hoping they can keep Hank in the gutter for another 12 episodes cause that's when he's at his best.
  30. IvanS
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. I was raving about it so much, my wife felt compelled to watch a couple episodes - it's now her favourite show.
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best TV Season of 2007
13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    100
    Californication--the best new TV show in a year.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    80
    Californication can be unabashedly self-centered, judgmental and off-putting, but it is redeemed by occasional hilarious moments, an appealing father-daughter relationship and Duchovny's skillful creation of a charismatic boor.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: John Leonard
    80
    Dark comedy suits insouciant Duchovny.... Here he delivers a tousled sort of aw-shucks Huck Finn, lighting out for erotic territories. McElhone, à la Rene Russo, manages to convey the notion of adult womanhood without being either drippy or schoolmarmish about it.
    Read full review
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