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. 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. drlowdon
    Jan 16, 2015
    6
    A comedy drama this first season of Californication wasn't without its issues. While it does get it right in places a number of scenes lack any kind subtlety, almost trying too hard to sell the emotional aspect of proceedings and too much time is taken up by sex scenes that add little to the story-line.

    The show can however be very funny in places and David Duchovny's excellent central    A comedy drama this first season of Californication wasn't without its issues. While it does get it right in places a number of scenes lack any kind subtlety, almost trying too hard to sell the emotional aspect of proceedings and too much time is taken up by sex scenes that add little to the story-line.

    The show can however be very funny in places and David Duchovny's excellent central performance pretty quickly made me forgot he ever played such a well known character as Fox Mulder. By the seasons end I'd just about enjoyed the show enough to come back for season two.    … Expand
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. AvantGuardian
    Oct 9, 2013
    5
    I watched this show for almost a whole season before it dawned on me Why am I watching this show? It's about a moderately successful writer played by the aging David Duchovny, who sleeps with every woman he sees. Women of all ages 16+, all of whom are extremely attractive, and will never sleep with you. After a while, I got so jealous I just couldn't take it anymore. The show doesn'tI watched this show for almost a whole season before it dawned on me Why am I watching this show? It's about a moderately successful writer played by the aging David Duchovny, who sleeps with every woman he sees. Women of all ages 16+, all of whom are extremely attractive, and will never sleep with you. After a while, I got so jealous I just couldn't take it anymore. The show doesn't really have any other purpose other than David getting laid. It's not a horrible show, it's got a lot of breasts and attractive women, but it's pretty offensive and pointless so, not for me.… Expand
  8. djaufre
    Jan 6, 2013
    2
    Californication is the kind of show that promotes itself as cool when it really isn't. It vulgar for vulgarity's sake, with a false sense of provocation (some will always be offended by sex
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. DarnGood
    Jun 28, 2011
    1
    Why did D.Duchovny do this awful show? The shows entire purpose is to desensitize people to smut and portray scumbags as everyday people. It's messed up.16 year olds hitting on and sleeping with an older men, cursing for no good reason, women throwing themselves on him (who look like porn stars by the way). The unrealistic premises are laughable and border on ridiculous. Every character isWhy did D.Duchovny do this awful show? The shows entire purpose is to desensitize people to smut and portray scumbags as everyday people. It's messed up.16 year olds hitting on and sleeping with an older men, cursing for no good reason, women throwing themselves on him (who look like porn stars by the way). The unrealistic premises are laughable and border on ridiculous. Every character is pretentious, and annoying. The sex scenes get old after seeing them 10 times an episode. No wonder Duchovny became a sex addict and threw away his marriage while making this show. If I wanted to watch people f**k I'd rent a porno, oh that's right I just did!… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. Philonous
    Jan 27, 2011
    5
    The TV show Californication, starred by the actor David Duchovny, who, by the way, also played in the X-files, plays the protagonist Hank Moody. Almost more than half of the time for each episode the Tv-Show is centered around Hank Moody, and from the critical aesthetic point of view this actually parallels with Hank's apparent narcissism...ok....maybe I went a little too far with that,The TV show Californication, starred by the actor David Duchovny, who, by the way, also played in the X-files, plays the protagonist Hank Moody. Almost more than half of the time for each episode the Tv-Show is centered around Hank Moody, and from the critical aesthetic point of view this actually parallels with Hank's apparent narcissism...ok....maybe I went a little too far with that, because Hank really isn't much of a narcissist but a father who cares for his child named Becka. Now, I am not one of those conservative traditionalists who underrate this film because it goes against "family values" or "christian values", because to be quite honest, I like this tv show. I like Hank Moody, his friends, and his family (well, I kind of have difficulty liking Becka), but the problem is that while Hank Moody's irresponsible, immature, uncouth, promiscuous, arrogant, mischievous, humorous, outspoken and charming behaviors makes him the most interesting character among all others, the amusement eventually wears out. He is a successful novelist whose having a writer's block, for almost 4 seasons, and never managed to write a single book that marked his accomplishment. Well, I must admit that he did write the book which the sociopath stoled from him, so I'll make an exception here, but other than that he's very ADHD-ish, is very distracted by the external sensuous desires around him, rendering him into the most hilarious yet redundant hedonist. It's redundant because while after he worked very hard to get back with his wife and daughter, since after the divorce, he still cheats on her by sleeping around with other attractive women. He practically does the same thing over and over again: gets drunk, gets high, womanizing, and insulting people. Now I have no problems with these behaviors in TV in general, but I do have a problem when that's that's all there is to show. Hank Moody may seem creative verbally, but his lifestyle only shows the lack of it. There's something about this T.V. show that's really missing...what is it again? Aha! It's purpose! That's Right! I almost forgot! House, Monk, Pickard, Angel, Buffy, Jack O'Niel, and other characters from other popular T.V. shows always have some kind of purpose, they always end up accomplishing something, and they resolve many problems. But Hank, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Very distracted (other characters are focused), very irresponsible (other characters feel responsible). There's just no purpose to this show anymore, it's simply a sheer hedonist sticking his thing where sometimes it doesn't belong. He keeps getting into trouble, making mistakes, and making a fool out of himself. Maybe that's the whole point of the T.V. show, to subvert the norms of Television shows, and to some extent I admire that and I understand that, it's kind of rebellious and individualistic, but the amusement runs out fast. Occasionally, Moody should be shown to be successful character, to express his ingenious side with writing, but somehow rarely any of that happens. I don't hate the character Hank Moody, I kind of like his personality, but I don't like how his character plays the primary role to shape the story such that it renders the story nonsensical and meaningless. There should be other characters to balance him out, there should be a greater tension, but nonetheless Hank continues to make the story less interesting by his repetitive behavior in different circumstances. I want to conclude that despite the fact that Californiacation is a unique tv series, since it seems to deviate from the norms of television, in that the character seems to be some-what of an anti-hero, who behaves nonsensically, I give it credit for that. I give Californication credit for being unique in its own right, but for me this isn't enough to make it a great T.V. show. The character House may seem relaxed, easy going, arrogant, and occasionally irresponsible, but he is also a great achiever in many things. Hank, on the other hand, is simply a novelist experiencing a permanent writer's block, and never resolves this problem but only let himself become distracted by amusing yet repetitive behavior.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. OmarH
    Oct 2, 2009
    2
    This show is cliched and shallow. It would be interesting if this show did something other than show us the usual cliches about Hollywood - that people drive expensive cars, the women are hot, drugs, sex, etc. The show wants us to feel sympathy for Duchovny's character (I guess), but he's so self absorbed he merely manages to bore me. I don't have anything against showing This show is cliched and shallow. It would be interesting if this show did something other than show us the usual cliches about Hollywood - that people drive expensive cars, the women are hot, drugs, sex, etc. The show wants us to feel sympathy for Duchovny's character (I guess), but he's so self absorbed he merely manages to bore me. I don't have anything against showing sex in general, but this show tries too hard to shock and titillate. A misogynist character might be interesting, but the show never reveals what is interesting about this particular drug addled misogynist. Instead, we are left with a cliche - the "down on his luck writer". We never even learn anything about his writing.… Expand
  22. geegolly
    Sep 8, 2009
    2
    Wow a story about a writer that who is self destructive and uses women...yeah really creative.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. nikolar.
    Feb 12, 2009
    9
    It's different then anything else out there on tv. Duchovny surprised everybody, he holds it all together.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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