Code Black (2015)

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 30, 2015
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 90 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 90
  3. Negative: 20 out of 90
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User Reviews

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  1. mrssptr
    Oct 28, 2015
    8
    it's getting better and better each episode! So realistic, not all that glossy glitzy medical drama like Grey's and ER or private practice. It's literally all about saving lives, waiting in the ER, dirty locker room, etc.
  2. lynnie
    Oct 4, 2015
    10
    I like the first episode really. I'm gonna be watching. I really like the "MAMA" nurse. I really like the characters so far. It is a very interesting show. I know some of the situations in the "ER" ,is not typical, but it is for entertainment. I do hope it is a HIT
  3. angiedesvignes
    Oct 29, 2015
    9
    LOVE LOVE LOVE the show! Cried at every episode based on humanity! Fantastic actors on the show and I look forward to it the new episode every week! Hopefully there will be a NEXT season!! Awesome series, two thumbs up!!
  4. West3rd
    Nov 2, 2015
    10
    more gritty and realistic than any other medical show, this by far one of the best new shows of the season. episodes are getting more and more intense. it's an emotional rollercoaster - even my husband has cried on a few occasions!
  5. Ljlindsay
    Oct 30, 2015
    10
    About time we get another good medical show. Absolutely love this show each episode is better than the last one. Absolutely hate it when a commercial comes on!
  6. Tdigs510
    Oct 29, 2015
    10
    Each episode gets better and better - there hasn't been one I've seen where I haven't cried or questioned humanity. I haven't seen a show like this since ER. Don't listen to the critics, they are only basing things off of the pilot episode. It gets better, just stick with it.
  7. exstasie
    Oct 30, 2015
    10
    I really enjoyed this show from the beginning. My wife is a nurse and says that it is quite a bit more realistic than many of the other hospital based shows. We've definitely been missing some good hospital drama since ER has left and based on the first few episodes this seems like the show to fill that void! It is very intense and leaves you on the edge of your seat feel all kinds ofI really enjoyed this show from the beginning. My wife is a nurse and says that it is quite a bit more realistic than many of the other hospital based shows. We've definitely been missing some good hospital drama since ER has left and based on the first few episodes this seems like the show to fill that void! It is very intense and leaves you on the edge of your seat feel all kinds of emotion. Probably on the verge of tears during each episode, but that's what you want! If you like hospital dramas, and are tired the boring comedic non-realistic shows like Grey's, then this is definitely the show to watch. It will fill that missing ER void.… Expand
  8. Vintageandmod
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    Amazing writing and stellar acting/cast. Great stories and characters that draw you in every week! Can't wait for more. A worthy show with heart!
  9. romaaaaay
    Dec 6, 2015
    10
    Love the fact that the drama is kept inside the hospital - forms clever relationships in house without over dramatizing the characters back stories. The whole cast is fantastic and believable even throughout sneaky, slightly cheesy one liners.
  10. SoulG
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Love love love!!! From episode 1, I knew this show was going to be a favorite♡ I have been on the edge of my couch from day 1; shocked, anxious, tearful. One of the best dramas I've watched for the 2015/2016 season. Please RENEW!!!!!!
  11. AngelaH123
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    Was unclear if I'd like this past the pilot but since sticking with it through four episodes, it has grown on me significantly. It's one of those shows you must pay attention to else you'll miss something important, but as long as you do pay attention, you'll find sheer brilliance in the writing, the acting (ahem, Marcia Gay Harden anyone??), and the depth of the humanity. It's grippingWas unclear if I'd like this past the pilot but since sticking with it through four episodes, it has grown on me significantly. It's one of those shows you must pay attention to else you'll miss something important, but as long as you do pay attention, you'll find sheer brilliance in the writing, the acting (ahem, Marcia Gay Harden anyone??), and the depth of the humanity. It's gripping (especially this last episode (#4), and it's heading in a great direction, at least I hope, because this seems like a show with Emmy potential. Great ensemble cast and strong lead by MGH.… Expand
  12. kroberts1140
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    I can't say that any show on TV right now has moved me emotionally as much as Code Black has in just a few episodes. I have to see more! The cast is amazing, and there are minor medial errors here and there, but not enough to spoil the realism. I laugh, cry, and smile every Wednesday night.
  13. Christina_Downs
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    I'm loving the way the writers are building up the characters, giving us little snippets every week. They developing relationships between Christa & Neal and Christa & Leanne have really drawn me in. Excited to see where the rest of the season goes. I just wish the wait between episodes was shorter. Engaging cast of Marcia Gay Harden, Luis Guzman, Raza Jaffrey, Bonnie Somerville, MelanieI'm loving the way the writers are building up the characters, giving us little snippets every week. They developing relationships between Christa & Neal and Christa & Leanne have really drawn me in. Excited to see where the rest of the season goes. I just wish the wait between episodes was shorter. Engaging cast of Marcia Gay Harden, Luis Guzman, Raza Jaffrey, Bonnie Somerville, Melanie Chandra, Harry Ford, Benjamin Hollingsworth & William Allen Young. For me, this is the break-out show of the year… Expand
  14. Ladyinw8ing
    Nov 5, 2015
    8
    Thusfar, friends I've talked to are hooked as I am! Love the casting, nonstop tension, high drama. Fast paced, less focus on twisted staff relationships & more on cases, which is refreshing. This definitely a cut above the usual hospital series. First time in a long while that I've looked forward to the next episode of a drama.Definitely a keeper.
  15. gxm143
    Oct 8, 2015
    9
    My favourite new show. Much more realistic than its ER predecessor (I did not say better); it actually addresses people waiting and the triage process. The acting, directing, and choreography of surgical scenes are impressive. Harden gives what should be an Emmy worthy performance. A touch cliche-ridden, but shows like this often lean on cliche out of insecurity, and dispense with them asMy favourite new show. Much more realistic than its ER predecessor (I did not say better); it actually addresses people waiting and the triage process. The acting, directing, and choreography of surgical scenes are impressive. Harden gives what should be an Emmy worthy performance. A touch cliche-ridden, but shows like this often lean on cliche out of insecurity, and dispense with them as they find their own cadence. Entertains through drama and humour in a fast paced hour.… Expand
  16. cadria04
    Nov 13, 2015
    10
    As a RN with time in ICU, Code Black is one of the best medically written shows. The medical procedures, labs, imaging scans, bedside procedures are very accurate. My old ICU unit had issues with being overwhelmed at times; having to scramble to get beds for patients, etc.
    As to the writing of the show, it is wonderful. Smart, well written, characters are already starting to grow into    As a RN with time in ICU, Code Black is one of the best medically written shows. The medical procedures, labs, imaging scans, bedside procedures are very accurate. My old ICU unit had issues with being overwhelmed at times; having to scramble to get beds for patients, etc.
    As to the writing of the show, it is wonderful. Smart, well written, characters are already starting to grow into their roles and we are starting to see where their character development may lead as the show progresses. Please give this show a chance. Back in the day, the show, ER, was panned and it was supposed to fail. It ran for several consecutive seasons. Please give Code Black the same consideration.    … Expand
  17. monetize
    Oct 8, 2015
    0
    Disastrous. In more than one way!

    The amount of work that goes into this show does not warrant the output. So much time is spent on making it "real" and "accurate" and upping the chaos that every other aspect does not get the appropriate attention in production.
  18. jeremyp
    Nov 14, 2015
    6
    Maximum drama with shallow dialog. Heroes diagnosing at warp speed, Doctors doing it all, to hell with nurses-except of course for Guzman the top Sergeant to Harden's Colonel of Spec Ops-to hell with patient privacy, to hell with reality. Cookie cutter medical drama on steroids.
  19. Desert_Rat
    Oct 6, 2015
    4
    The first episode was a mish mash. Seems like they took all their ideas for the season and tossed them in a blender for the pilot. They never settle on one plot line or character long enough to develop a story. The dialog was often covered up by the background noise and the annoying sound track. Maybe things will be developed in later episodes? Alas my DVR only records 2 shows at a timeThe first episode was a mish mash. Seems like they took all their ideas for the season and tossed them in a blender for the pilot. They never settle on one plot line or character long enough to develop a story. The dialog was often covered up by the background noise and the annoying sound track. Maybe things will be developed in later episodes? Alas my DVR only records 2 shows at a time and I picked "Chicago PD" and "Jay Leno's Garage" for this week. Maybe I'll watch it on On Demand and maybe I won't. One of the residents suggests it may have been a mistake to come here and I think I agree with that.… Expand
  20. SynSzatana
    Oct 6, 2015
    5
    Personally I'm not sure yet about this show.
    It wasn't bad or good.
    It has the potential to be a very good show. I hope it doesn't become the next ER cuz we already had that
  21. ChristinaKB1246
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I hope to God this show does not get cancelled. I love this show, it's just awesome and even better than Grey's Anatomy. Too many of my favourite shows get cancelled and this is right now, is replacing Rookie Blue for me so i hope it stays on air or i am done with television.… Expand
  22. teflonfairy
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    I love this drama, easily one of the best I've seen in a long time, and we need a good medical drama. The characters are interesting, the cases are generally realistic with the odd crazy one thrown in for entertainment. Kevin Dunn cracks me up and I hope he returns. They need a second season!
  23. dolphinea
    Feb 6, 2016
    4
    Although I was looking forward to this series, and as realistic they try to be, after several episodes, the dialogue still feels awkward and many performances cardboard or forced. I'm sure it will get better once they get rid of the dreadful dialogue.
  24. pdm
    Feb 17, 2016
    0
    After watching last week show the guy with colon cancer was so stupid I have colon cancer and your not laughing that quick ostamy bags are not 10%. I hope everyone in the production had a a good laugh on people with. Please lets quit the romance and stop letting the young doctors making the decisions never seen in any emergency room where doctors qrgue over a humans life. Next time u haveAfter watching last week show the guy with colon cancer was so stupid I have colon cancer and your not laughing that quick ostamy bags are not 10%. I hope everyone in the production had a a good laugh on people with. Please lets quit the romance and stop letting the young doctors making the decisions never seen in any emergency room where doctors qrgue over a humans life. Next time u have a cancer shows tell the writers to use there brain.… Expand
  25. sinatrafan
    Feb 17, 2016
    9
    Very good medical drama. Like the characters and the actor's do a fine jobs in the roles they play, Really hope they give it a shot for next year. The really cool aspect of this show is that it is based on a medical student's documentary of a busy LA ER during his residency training.
  26. ashleebrooke123
    Feb 24, 2016
    10
    Was unsure after the first episode. Now, I am hooked! This show is amazing. In my opinion, it's this generation's "ER". I love the storylines. And, it's not all about weird medical diagnosis. It's about people and emotions and relationships. My new favorite show!!
  27. tmb66115808
    Mar 30, 2016
    9
    Great show! Lots of action and drama as well as some comic relief. It's one of my favorites. The Mama and Papa thing between the doctor and nurse is great.
  28. MR150
    May 12, 2016
    10
    Finally a medical show that is *gasp* more about medicine and less about who is sleeping with who. It did take a few episodes to flesh out the characters and find its groove but it has gotten better and better as time has gone on. The acting is some of the best and the storylines stay with you long after the show has ended. Everyone i have introduced to this show has gotten hooked, evenFinally a medical show that is *gasp* more about medicine and less about who is sleeping with who. It did take a few episodes to flesh out the characters and find its groove but it has gotten better and better as time has gone on. The acting is some of the best and the storylines stay with you long after the show has ended. Everyone i have introduced to this show has gotten hooked, even those that don't care for medical dramas. It has everything you want, action, drama, keeps you on the edge of your seat and hits every emotion. It truly shows what goes on in this country's busiest emergency rooms and puts you right in the middle of it all! Well done!! Hope to be watching it for years to come!… Expand
  29. RNSundevil
    May 28, 2016
    8
    It is getting better, but too many character changes. I am glad that it was renewed for another season. Hopefully things will settle down a bit and the characters will be more fully developed. I'd like to see the medical cases be more realistic and more nurse involvement.
  30. TVW
    Dec 7, 2016
    1
    Started out a good show. Maybe a writer left? If you are gonna write about life in a hospital, make sure you get the facts right. If a prisoner was handcuffed, no one would take the cuffs off! There are other things. Hang it up!
  31. hornysoul
    Sep 21, 2018
    9
    Ótima série, realista e emocionante! Muita ação e drama, bem como alguma comédia (escondida em situações calmas dentro do hospital). Estou apaixonado pelo Mama pela Papa!! Cada episódio é melhor do que o outro!

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
67
#67 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 26
  3. Negative: 4 out of 26
  1. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Isaac Feldberg
    Sep 30, 2015
    40
    Code Black is at war with itself, trying to sell its setting's realistically jagged edges even as it files them down to nothing.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Sep 30, 2015
    60
    The whole show is stocked with actors on Guzmán and Harden's level--pros you're never not happy to see, including William Allen Young as the hospital's longest-serving resident, and Kevin Dunn, who oversees the logistics of the ER and delivers wisecracks in his midwestern deadpan. The younger, prettier actors playing the residents--Benjamin Hollingsworth, Bonnie Somerville, Melanie Chandra, and Harry Ford among them--seem overmatched and a bit on the bland side, but that's to be expected, and if the writing on this Michael Seitzman series picks up, that could improve.
    Read full review
  3. The Salt Lake Tribune
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Sep 30, 2015
    50
    Code Black might seem more interesting if it felt in any way new. As it is, it feels like it's built from parts of medical dramas from years past.
    Read full review
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