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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User Reviews

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  1. SallyP.
    Sep 8, 2007
    9
    Moments where you can't help but laugh out loud. This show is, no doubt, different than anything else on television. The way the Deadwood was during its (too) brief airing. I am interested to see more, and that's saying something. If you have a brain...if you have some form of intellect... if you like nonsensical, blatant, touching and occasionally smutty ("smutty" the way we Moments where you can't help but laugh out loud. This show is, no doubt, different than anything else on television. The way the Deadwood was during its (too) brief airing. I am interested to see more, and that's saying something. If you have a brain...if you have some form of intellect... if you like nonsensical, blatant, touching and occasionally smutty ("smutty" the way we normal people act out our own strange, personal "smut"), you will like this show. I was surprised at how much I did.… Expand
  2. JimM.
    Oct 1, 2007
    9
    I've never been a fan of Duchovny - until now. Plays the weary nihilist to the hilt, except in those moments when his character realizes that while sex is an occasionally fun diversion, love is what he's missing. If only he could get out of his own way. I agree with a previous reviewer that for the series to run longer it will need more characters. Hope they're added.
  3. MickelsM.
    Sep 5, 2007
    10
    The best current show right now--until Curb comes. But a nice, light funny show with a good sense of humor, which is good for a change and breaks up the monotony.
  4. MarkH.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    Never been a huge fan of Duchovny. But I think he's found his muse. He instantly takes to the character like it's his second skin. The writing is far above today's standards. It's like a deep, sarcastic, honest indie movie with legs poised for marathon greatness. Might even be ahead of it's time, but the time we get to spend in that half hour, I truly relish!
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. C.O.
    Sep 20, 2007
    8
    Noticing how well the show depicts Venice Beach, the city where the show is set, I found it hard to believe that the two worst criticisms of the show came from major Los Angeles publications. And listen to some of these negative criticism of the show. It compares it with Sex and the City and soft core porn (which is essentially the same thing, right?). And by doing it so, it completely Noticing how well the show depicts Venice Beach, the city where the show is set, I found it hard to believe that the two worst criticisms of the show came from major Los Angeles publications. And listen to some of these negative criticism of the show. It compares it with Sex and the City and soft core porn (which is essentially the same thing, right?). And by doing it so, it completely misses the point of the show. For young guys (which I presume is the target audience of the show) to see this low-life one hit wonder score women left and right is simply painful, even if it's good pain. The show brings out a mixed sense of voyeurism and excitement, all laced in some sinful envy for all the sexual conquests of the protagonist. Go ahead and deny it but Hank is everything everyone with morals and responsibility isn't. But wouldn't we all at some point during our week, even if for 25 minutes, love to misbehave like that?… Expand
  8. JoeT.
    Sep 4, 2007
    9
    Surprisingly witty in it's humour. The squimish and your grandma won't get it though.
  9. CarlH.
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    I like this show. To me, this show is on the upswing.
  10. GeoffP.
    Sep 7, 2007
    10
    Best new show on television today.
  11. Niels
    Jun 1, 2008
    10
    This is, by far, one of the best tv series of all time !
  12. 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!
  13. 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.
  14. JeffK.
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    One of the funniest shows I have seen in a very long time, great plot, and David Duchovny is hilarious.
  15. RogerT.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    Best new comedy/drama in years. Superb writing, casting, and chemistry of lead characters is irresistible.
  16. FirstL.
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    Brilliant first episode. Hope there are many more like this.
  17. JakeJ.
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    Terrific acting by Duchovny. However, this show is only meant for adults with a sexual sense of humor. If you are 60+, or under 18, this show is probably not for you. Middle aged, middle class men...eat your hearts out.
  18. ChrisB.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    I love this show. The cast, writing, directing - all fabulous. I can totally relate to Hank. Hope this show runs for a long freakin' time.
  19. veronicag.
    Aug 24, 2007
    8
    i give it an 8 just b/c im not going to give it a 10 yet, i have to watch the whole season, but so far from what ive watched i loved! i look foward to watching it every monday. it's just something fun and new to watch.
  20. C.B.
    Sep 10, 2007
    9
    Great, great writing. Duchovny is BACK!
  21. groundfisher
    Sep 29, 2007
    8
    So far, Californication has been good. However, to have genuine longevity the show needs more characters because episodes are already beginning to resemble each other. Otherwise, the show has real potential. It will be interesting to see the direction the show will take after having established its major themes and the dilemmas of its characters. Incidently, I'm not at all aroused by So far, Californication has been good. However, to have genuine longevity the show needs more characters because episodes are already beginning to resemble each other. Otherwise, the show has real potential. It will be interesting to see the direction the show will take after having established its major themes and the dilemmas of its characters. Incidently, I'm not at all aroused by the nudity in Californication, so I don't consider it pornographic. I'm pleased that the most pretentious reviewers of this show are those who are dismissing this show as pretentious.… Expand
  22. SalimN.
    Sep 5, 2007
    10
    Way better than season 3 of Weeds. Plus Hank's a cool character.
  23. DonK.
    Sep 5, 2007
    10
    Witty, but most of all, enjoyable, funny, and not too serious. Overall, a great show, and not a self-absorbed mess like the OC or John from Cincinnati.
  24. 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.
  25. ThomasC.
    Jan 27, 2008
    9
    Just watched the entire season in three sittings over the course of 24 hours, and upon the conclusion of episode 12, I found myself clapping. Clapping!! Go figure... never done that before, but this show deserved it. I laugh more at Weeds, enjoy Weeds more, but this is good.... an updated, modern soap that is so very cool. What more to say?
  26. 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
  27. nikolar.
    Feb 12, 2009
    9
    It's different then anything else out there on tv. Duchovny surprised everybody, he holds it all together.
  28. 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
  29. AH
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    Unbelievable script writing! Solid character building! This show is what everyone is thinking and wondering in their minds. The writers make you feel empathetic towards a depressed, self loathing, crass and obnoxious man who is going through a mid life crisis. Unfortunately this show is not for everyone as its hard to be open minded about hidden prejudices that we all have and he natural Unbelievable script writing! Solid character building! This show is what everyone is thinking and wondering in their minds. The writers make you feel empathetic towards a depressed, self loathing, crass and obnoxious man who is going through a mid life crisis. Unfortunately this show is not for everyone as its hard to be open minded about hidden prejudices that we all have and he natural animal instinct of mankind.… Expand
  30. JohnC.
    Nov 20, 2007
    10
    Amazing show. If u don't like it, fine. But I do and others do 2. Keep up the good work.
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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.
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  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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