Colony

:

Season 1
  • Network: USA
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 14, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 124
  3. Negative: 14 out of 124
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User Reviews

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  1. buffnfaith
    Jan 14, 2016
    9
    Much better than I expected with a solid story and acting all around, Colony tells the story of an invasion and the divided society in the aftermath. There are collaborators with their leader LA proxy Alan Snyder played by Peter Jacobson (House M.D.) and the resistance with a mystery leader nicknamed Geronimo. The Bowman family falls in the middle of this war zone and try to survive whileMuch better than I expected with a solid story and acting all around, Colony tells the story of an invasion and the divided society in the aftermath. There are collaborators with their leader LA proxy Alan Snyder played by Peter Jacobson (House M.D.) and the resistance with a mystery leader nicknamed Geronimo. The Bowman family falls in the middle of this war zone and try to survive while they are looking for their missing son. The pilot sets up the general concept of the show nicely and keeps you entertained well enough. I think this show deserves a chance. I am giving it a 9 with the hope that the storyline won't get too convoluted and it won't raise more questions instead of answering the current ones first. I'll be tuning in for more.… Expand
  2. gmonster320
    Jan 16, 2016
    9
    "Colony" opens as every family drama does. The Bowmans prepare for a new day. There's a mother (Katie), father (Will), two kids (Bram and Grace) and a dog. All are loving and happy. The first sign something is amiss is when the camera follows Bram outside and we see razor wire. A gigantic wall surrounds Los Angeles and divides it into several sectors (called blocs). The citizens are"Colony" opens as every family drama does. The Bowmans prepare for a new day. There's a mother (Katie), father (Will), two kids (Bram and Grace) and a dog. All are loving and happy. The first sign something is amiss is when the camera follows Bram outside and we see razor wire. A gigantic wall surrounds Los Angeles and divides it into several sectors (called blocs). The citizens are trapped. There are armored personnel carriers on the streets.

    In the first episode we learn about the occupiers and the resistance. Note: we never actually see the hosts (as the aliens are referred to). Will is forced to join the occupiers in order to find their missing son Charlie and to protect the rest of his family. Katie will take another path.

    This USA series features some major star power including Josh Holloway from "Lost" as Will and Sarah Wayne Callies from "The Walking Dead" as Katie. Carlton Cuse of "The Strain", "Bates Motel" and "Lost" is it's creator (along with Ryan Condal). Episode 1 does a good job of setting up this new world. There is a significant amount of "data dump" but none of it feels unreal. Interestingly, "Colony" focuses on the fate of the Bowman family and other LA citizens instead of worrying about what the aliens want. It could be the story of any occupied group. The pilot provides a good start to what I hope is a riveting series. There are 10 episodes planned.    … Expand
  3. timjohnsonod
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    Picture a world where freedom is just a sad, sick memory. Drones fill the air, and "red hats" patrol the streets. The only way to survive is to hustle one way or another.

    A well-written and thought-provoking story, enhanced by choice acting performances all around, and excellent direction, and staging, make this serial the best new show of the last five years.
  4. danielsons
    Jan 18, 2016
    10
    Creating a solid plot, even when is too many mysteries and not many answers the pilot previews a instigating and amazing season.
    With good acting and focus on people the tv show seems to focus more in the people them the "aliens".
    Let's just hope that the show only gets better.
  5. Theprofundity
    Apr 17, 2017
    7
    One of those shows you try because you have already watched all your regulars, only to find out it has a very interesting storyline. Definitely not as strong for character build as it seems to be moving in a shorter timeline, and the season 2 premiere was slightly confusing at first until the end of the episode, but overall great tv show. Will keep me going until I start watching new GameOne of those shows you try because you have already watched all your regulars, only to find out it has a very interesting storyline. Definitely not as strong for character build as it seems to be moving in a shorter timeline, and the season 2 premiere was slightly confusing at first until the end of the episode, but overall great tv show. Will keep me going until I start watching new Game of Thrones :D… Expand
  6. Kaleeshi
    Mar 9, 2016
    10
    Sociocritcal. Excellent. Likeable characters. Smooth story line. Pleasant setting and amazing graphics. Unexpected twists and ideas. Photography is amazing. My family and I see every episode twice at least. The second time wo sound just to enjoy the envrionment.
  7. JungleWise
    Oct 26, 2016
    10
    The acting rocks. Great story line, not cheesy. Completely engaging from episode 1. Can't wait for season 2. Writer manage to create believable, thick tension in every episode. That's talent.
  8. Khalazza
    May 8, 2017
    8
    Picture a world where freedom is just a sad, sick memory. Drones fill the air, and "red hats" patrol the streets. The only way to survive is to hustle one way or another.
  9. shoulderoforion
    Jan 14, 2016
    8
    After watching the first episode I thought this was great, and a shock seeing "Laurie" again on the screen, can't wait to see the "visitors" after they're revealed, looking forward to the rest of the season.
  10. Partygambler
    Apr 13, 2018
    5
    Just another catch the terrorist crime show. Who is expecting a good SF show will be seriously disappointed.
  11. profroman
    Feb 13, 2016
    0
    This is simply the biggest piece of crap I have ever seen on TV. The idea of fighting an alien enemy who appears only with a 1950's version of a drone (THE WAR OF THE PLANETS) as seen in old sci-fi movies...and what is worse...the humans who call themselves collaborator confuse all of the audience...cancel this crap right now!
  12. AljosaO
    Aug 15, 2016
    8
    Colony is a series, which takes us at a same time to the future, and to the past. We are thrown in the midst of this repressive and dystopian regime, where we meet our protagonists, married couple Will(Josh Holloway) and Katie Bowman(Sarah Wayne Callies). Each of them wants to fight the present alien occupation and at the same time find their missing son.

    The premise seem a little    Colony is a series, which takes us at a same time to the future, and to the past. We are thrown in the midst of this repressive and dystopian regime, where we meet our protagonists, married couple Will(Josh Holloway) and Katie Bowman(Sarah Wayne Callies). Each of them wants to fight the present alien occupation and at the same time find their missing son.

    The premise seem a little overused, however it is convincing because all the mystery surrounding The Aliens and their arrival aside, we can clearly see the real issues- how society works under tremendous pressure. On one side we have the collaborators, on the other, the rebels. One one side the husband, on the other the wife. And that's the silver lining of the show.

    Central characters(Will, Katie, Snyder) are well built, but supporting characters need a little more development(that can be easily repaired in a few episodes time): Acting is(as expected with this stunning cast) original, consistent and very realistic. The story(at least the main one) is very well written, with enough twists and turns to keep us interested. Ditto dialogue. I had a problem with Maddie's storyline, because it was not all that interesting as we do not care(yet) for that character.

    Colony needs to keep the story strong and interesting, reveal us something about the aliens and fully develop the supporting characters and it can be even better!    … Expand
  13. Plucheke01
    Jul 30, 2017
    6
    First two episodes move slowly..even a bit boring. Not much action, but a lot of talking.it s a shame because i liked the actors on other shows. Decent idea, but lousy directed
  14. cherold
    Jan 25, 2016
    4
    The Colony is, I assume going for a slow build. The first episode moved slowly, offering little information as it followed it's bland leads. The only bright moments come courtesy of that guy who used to be on House, whose cheerful approach to collaboration suggests that it's a lot more fun to be the bad guy.

    Perhaps this is all building to something, but life is short and I don't plan    The Colony is, I assume going for a slow build. The first episode moved slowly, offering little information as it followed it's bland leads. The only bright moments come courtesy of that guy who used to be on House, whose cheerful approach to collaboration suggests that it's a lot more fun to be the bad guy.

    Perhaps this is all building to something, but life is short and I don't plan to watch any more episodes.    … Expand
  15. EludiumQ36
    Jan 16, 2016
    2
    "Colony" has the look and feel of a mystery-drama from the '90s. And if that's not bad enough, it's a hodge-podge of mysteries you've seen since then: X-Files, Fallen Skies, Dark Skies, Firefly, The Event, Jericho, V, the horrid Terra Nova, and why not plagiarize the Wall from the Divergent Series of movies, or Aeon Flux. And it's family-friendly, ugh, so everyone in your stereotypical"Colony" has the look and feel of a mystery-drama from the '90s. And if that's not bad enough, it's a hodge-podge of mysteries you've seen since then: X-Files, Fallen Skies, Dark Skies, Firefly, The Event, Jericho, V, the horrid Terra Nova, and why not plagiarize the Wall from the Divergent Series of movies, or Aeon Flux. And it's family-friendly, ugh, so everyone in your stereotypical household will find a character to identify with. And it stars executive producer Josh Holloway, who everyone keeps mistaking for his character "Sawyer" in "LOST". People, you loved "Sawyer", not Josh. And let's not forget that series creator Carlton Cuse was half the creative team behind the disappointment that was "LOST", so has his 5-yr exile been long enough? Do we trust him again? No, because of everything written to this point. I'll not waste my view-time with this seen-it-done-it excuse for a series. Thank gahd "Blacklist" has returned, and "Suits" (also a USA property) returns on 1/27. Also during Colony's time slot you can find "Portlandia", "London Spy" (new on BBCA), and "Baskets" (new on FX), any of which you'll find your viewing time better spent.… Expand
  16. carnassier
    Jan 25, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is something like a new Terranova. The pilot was solid and not bad, but the next episode simply awful. Super ET drone everywhere, solders everywhere, but why the resistance shelter has a size of a stadium? Really?… Expand
  17. helohe
    Jan 29, 2016
    0
    Just cancel it already. Should have known when I saw the list of actors that this will be not worth watching. Watched 1 and a half episodes regardless. But that is enough. I had to switch off halfway into the second episode after there was an incredibly obvious and annoying product placement. "They are Sennheisers, Oh my god". I will see that new movie about drying paint instead.
  18. SenSether
    Jan 31, 2016
    0
    Watched the first 3 episodes to determine if this apocalyptic show was worth watching further. First episode wasn't very impressive in establishing characters. Vague development of the reason why rebels are fighting in the first place, besides rich vs poor thing. Use of drone tech, to try and rope in scifi fans was obvious... Drones themselves look more like futuristic sports cams thanWatched the first 3 episodes to determine if this apocalyptic show was worth watching further. First episode wasn't very impressive in establishing characters. Vague development of the reason why rebels are fighting in the first place, besides rich vs poor thing. Use of drone tech, to try and rope in scifi fans was obvious... Drones themselves look more like futuristic sports cams than alien or advanced tech. The acting by the leads were tired.… Expand
  19. marshlung
    Apr 2, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. *** This review may contain spoilers ***

    Colony is a glimpse at a possible future where we are invaded, subjugated and then ruled by visitors from another world. Humanity is locked into walled colonies, managed by collaborators, patrolled by drones and ruled with harsh and immediate punishments.

    This series starts with a bang, then its a slow burn that escalates at just the right pace for my liking. Each episode had plenty to keep me interested and wanting to watch the next. The actors did an excellent job with their characters, who also had well written dialogue, development and motivations for their respective paths. Each one had a different view on how to deal with their lot, and I think its a credit to cast and writers that I was able to at least understand why they made the choices they did.

    Some have noted that there is not much information given about the invaders, or the rest of the world. At first I was a little annoyed by this. But then, if the idea is to show what its like for people on the ground, I get the feeling that this is all they know, and therefore that's all we know, and we will learn more as it goes on.

    There's nothing super original here, so I can't give points for that, but its more then enough to keep you engaged and it does give us another opportunity to think about how we would react in a world taken over and out of our control. 8/10    … Expand
  20. RokuGuru
    Mar 1, 2017
    9
    I love this show. I discovered it Sunday and by today (Wed) I can hardly wait for tomorrow's release after watching 1.5 seasons in 3 days. Nothing like Sci-Fi that makes you think. Who are the Aliens? What do they want? What would people do to each other in exchange for more freedom and luxuries? What would it be like to live in a modern country where the government had no rules? I wasI love this show. I discovered it Sunday and by today (Wed) I can hardly wait for tomorrow's release after watching 1.5 seasons in 3 days. Nothing like Sci-Fi that makes you think. Who are the Aliens? What do they want? What would people do to each other in exchange for more freedom and luxuries? What would it be like to live in a modern country where the government had no rules? I was never a Sawyer fan, but Holloway is superb in the lead.… Expand
  21. Bluesmanuk
    Feb 27, 2016
    7
    Make sure that you watch the pre pilot episode, or you will spend most of the pilot wondering what the plot really is, who is in control and what events came about to create the situation that the citizens have to live with. If you do though, then you will find a relatively new twist on alien visitation that centres around the human population and the control that they have placed under.Make sure that you watch the pre pilot episode, or you will spend most of the pilot wondering what the plot really is, who is in control and what events came about to create the situation that the citizens have to live with. If you do though, then you will find a relatively new twist on alien visitation that centres around the human population and the control that they have placed under. Another show that I think will be worth watching for one season, where there should be a definitive conclusion. I'm not so sure that it would survive more than a single season as there isn't enough variation that would keep me watching beyond that.… Expand
  22. hsauro
    Oct 22, 2017
    9
    I'm up to episode 8 S1 and it has me hooked so far. I prefer the slow uncovering of the plot that this series has so far done. There are unanswered questions that are slowly uncovered piece by piece. There are certainly surprises as well. This show won't please those who want a fast placed uncovering of the plot.
  23. tdawg107
    May 25, 2018
    10
    When I first started watching Colony I was hooked. It took over The Walking Dead as my favorite television show. It is so fun and great from week to week. All around Colony is the beat show ton television. Period. USA Network finally found a winner.
  24. dorffy
    Mar 13, 2019
    8
    This show was actually a surprise catch. I went into it blind and really like it. It starts off slow, while it does pick up their are times when things could move on. Really like the ominous of the world. Definitely worth watching the first 3 episodes and see if you like it as well.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best TV Season of 2016
54
#54 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
88
#88 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Michael Slezak
    Apr 6, 2016
    83
    Sure, a couple of subplots--one involving Will and Katie’s teenage son getting involved in a black-market operation, and another hinting at a romance for Katie’s sister (The Mentalist‘s Amanda Righetti)--feel a little extraneous at the moment, but enigmatic glimpses of “Factory” indoctrination promise that Colony won’t run out of ideas anytime soon.
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  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Jan 15, 2016
    80
    Colony might not be particularly original, but it’s compelling nonetheless, delving into moral and ethical quandaries via complex and engaging characters.
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  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Amber Dowling
    Jan 14, 2016
    70
    Although there’s nothing new here, per se, it’s still a solid hour of watchable drama that often plays out more like a movie than a television series.
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