Covert Affairs

:

Season 1
  • Network: USA
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 13, 2010
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 113
  3. Negative: 15 out of 113
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User Reviews

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  1. Tubie
    Nov 3, 2010
    4
    From the promotion and the looks of it this show showed some promise but it never picked up. It was mediocre at best. That only tells me that maybe I've watched way to many spy or cop shows and that it would take something remarkable to impress me.
  2. s_francesca
    Jun 12, 2011
    3
    The show calls for Annie to be a sleek strong intelligent agent rearing to explore the world, saving people on the way while being sexy and confident. Yet we are let with miss Perabo, her acting is so below par that she translates Annie into an inexperienced deer in the light intern, who seems so out of place in the CiA. Making the show so wrong and awkward. And even though it is wellThe show calls for Annie to be a sleek strong intelligent agent rearing to explore the world, saving people on the way while being sexy and confident. Yet we are let with miss Perabo, her acting is so below par that she translates Annie into an inexperienced deer in the light intern, who seems so out of place in the CiA. Making the show so wrong and awkward. And even though it is well written the simple miscasting of Piper Perabo reduces the show to less than it could have been.… Expand
  3. real_critique
    May 31, 2012
    1
    this is the biggest mistake on tv.. poor acting. total crap. i'd rather watch teletubbies. the show is just a sad attempt to infuse humour into the spy world. instead of covert affair, it should be something butterflies and sunshine with guns. i am surprised the show made it to the 3rd season. i didn't even make it beyond the 1st 20 minutes of the pilot before deciding to engage myself inthis is the biggest mistake on tv.. poor acting. total crap. i'd rather watch teletubbies. the show is just a sad attempt to infuse humour into the spy world. instead of covert affair, it should be something butterflies and sunshine with guns. i am surprised the show made it to the 3rd season. i didn't even make it beyond the 1st 20 minutes of the pilot before deciding to engage myself in something more productive… Expand
  4. cinephile
    Aug 24, 2010
    8
    Although unrealistic to the typical day at the CIA, the characters are easy to relate with and very entertaining. Christopher Gorham's depiction of a blind CIA agent makes you love him even more and the witty comments swapped between characters leave a smile on your face. All in all, a great show, that is perfect for a summer drama series. Hopefully it sticks around for a long time.
  5. KundK
    Aug 29, 2010
    5
    Neither a super-spy fantasy like "La Femme Nikita" nor a serious analytical affair like "Rubicon", "Covert Affairs" plays like "Moonlighting: Langley". This domestic (?) part of the CIA employs only extremely good-looking people who solve huge threats to the national security which conveniently gather in a 50 mile circle around (a badly made CGI wide shot of) their headquarters so thatNeither a super-spy fantasy like "La Femme Nikita" nor a serious analytical affair like "Rubicon", "Covert Affairs" plays like "Moonlighting: Langley". This domestic (?) part of the CIA employs only extremely good-looking people who solve huge threats to the national security which conveniently gather in a 50 mile circle around (a badly made CGI wide shot of) their headquarters so that they still have the time to go for a drink with their colleagues and lie to their families about what they do. Fortunately, the always adorable Piper Perabo offsets the annoying male models around her. Less fun than the first season of "Burn Notice", but watchable if you like your spy stories light, fluffy and forgettable.… Expand
  6. NYUSA
    Sep 18, 2010
    5
    This show to me is a poor copy of Alias, more like "Alias-Lite", but I find the acting a bit weak and Annie just doesn't do it for me as a covert agent. I think I was spoiled by Jennifer Garner and after watching Nikita, this show just is weak. It's the only way I can describe it.
  7. funsizekid
    Sep 22, 2010
    1
    covert affairs painfully asks women to look more masculine than they are, making the actors look awkward in their roles. The story line is so cliche of a chick flick but to be honest, if you're like me and you're a fan of shows like criminal minds and city homicide seeing a show like covert affairs really pisses you off because the story line is so **** I WANT BLOOD AND GUTS PEOPLE!!!!!
  8. JoanN
    Jul 16, 2010
    4
    Annie Walker is a cliche--only 27 years old, speaks seven languages, aces her training tests, outsmarts everyone around her, and, oh yes, she's blond, beautiful and secy. How often have we seen that done!
  9. MartinS
    Jul 16, 2010
    5
    Fantastic cast but familiar story. Does anybody honestly believe the C.I.A. are the good guys anymore?
  10. Denise
    Aug 12, 2010
    10
    In the otherwise bone dry desert of summer broadcasting, this is a refreshing hour of fun. Like movie popcorn, it won't fill you up or nourish you, but it's pretty darn tasty!
  11. arlene
    Jun 20, 2011
    0
    saw the show - loved the story - cant watch anymore because the lead lady is so annoying by flipping her hair constantly. why does she insist on doing that?
  12. tomizawa
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    In so many words, really uplifting show. This series will become one of your favorites if you love spy stories and comedy entwined. Brilliant and believable acting, great writing. Some stories may seem over the top but they manage to keep us tuned.
  13. RyanB300
    Sep 22, 2010
    6
    Oh, what will Annie do next? She'll most likely break some sort of CIA protocol while ignoring an order and still manage to save the day with the help of her blind friend. Oh, yeah, and don't forget about Ben, the rogue agent, who is nothing like Annie. He'll pop up with another dilemma that forces Annie to choose her trusted CIA or the man who she has spent three weeks with. Hmmm. WhatOh, what will Annie do next? She'll most likely break some sort of CIA protocol while ignoring an order and still manage to save the day with the help of her blind friend. Oh, yeah, and don't forget about Ben, the rogue agent, who is nothing like Annie. He'll pop up with another dilemma that forces Annie to choose her trusted CIA or the man who she has spent three weeks with. Hmmm. What will she do? I think we already know.… Expand
  14. Broyax
    Apr 10, 2019
    0
    Une superbe blonde entre à la CIA... et à partir de là, on peut enchaîner les blagues sur les blondes qu'on connaît sans discontinuer, le temps de tenir quelques épisodes, voire nettement moins si pas d'affinités.

    Très mignonne la blonde, oui vraiment mais quelle... et à partir de là, des noms, des tas de noms d'oiseaux qui finissent en -asse me viennent à l'esprit -entre autres idées    Une superbe blonde entre à la CIA... et à partir de là, on peut enchaîner les blagues sur les blondes qu'on connaît sans discontinuer, le temps de tenir quelques épisodes, voire nettement moins si pas d'affinités.

    Très mignonne la blonde, oui vraiment mais quelle... et à partir de là, des noms, des tas de noms d'oiseaux qui finissent en -asse me viennent à l'esprit -entre autres idées poétiques. Des noms en -ard m'inspirent également pour désigner le reste de la distribution... masculine. D'ailleurs, je crois que la parité est plus ou moins respectée ici.

    Mais si à la CIA, ils embauchent des débutants et des caves, des débutantes et des cruches, je comprends pourquoi c'est devenu la pire agence de renseignements au monde. On me dira évidemment qu'il s'agit d'une série comique ou d'une comédie épisodique (comment ? me trompé-je ? c'est très "sérieux" tout ça ?!?...en fait ?) mais la bêtise a ses putains de limites.

    Si au moins c'était drôle... y compris au 50ème degré... mais même pas !    … Expand
  15. yudya
    Jul 16, 2010
    8
    Blinded by the reasonably cute sightless Gorham "The rest still unwritten".
  16. FreeJeff
    Jul 14, 2010
    8
    An engaging drama well balanced with mystery a just the right touch of comedy. One of my new favorites!
  17. jamesu
    Jul 14, 2010
    10
    Smart language, excellent acting, top film making, and humor..what's not to like.
  18. Rienye
    Sep 10, 2010
    7
    Great series, but needs a little more cloak and dagger. Its a little to easy right now hoping from one episode to the next with each mission being successfully completed. It needs to step up a gear...needs to be a little more Alias and a little less Charlie's Angels.
    PS: Why does the blind guy need a computer monitor?
  19. nbc
    Aug 17, 2010
    10
    Don't get stuck on the "Alias" comparisons. They are two different shows. "Covert Affairs" is much more down to earth than "Alias" was. It's fun to watch and Piper Perabo is very enjoyable.
  20. arandomethough
    Aug 19, 2010
    10
    Truly enjoyable. Fun and exciting, clever dialogue, great timing, excellent acting and just such a refreshing show. The main characters' good chemistry is palpable.
  21. bishopsring
    Sep 21, 2010
    7
    This is a nice show, I am not a fan of the main character and her sister. Probably baggage from House, but nonetheless not my interest in this show as I fast forward through her scenes. I partake in the events and the missions, though definitely not the Bourne Trilogies, it does keep my interest. It definitely is a nice substitute while I wait for Burn Notice as this show is not evenThis is a nice show, I am not a fan of the main character and her sister. Probably baggage from House, but nonetheless not my interest in this show as I fast forward through her scenes. I partake in the events and the missions, though definitely not the Bourne Trilogies, it does keep my interest. It definitely is a nice substitute while I wait for Burn Notice as this show is not even close, but does try to resemble it. Not enough drama for me to care about the characters, meaning if one died in the show, I do not think it would matter to me at all.… Expand
  22. DAVID1966
    Sep 30, 2010
    7
    Sexy, hip, fast, and fun. And shallow. Like a fun summer romance. This show reminds me of a pop ballad performed by a rock group: critics hate it because it panders to the teenage masses while suffering in true artistry and creativity. It seems like the stories are written backwards, that the writer figures out where to end and goes backwards to the beginning. Refreshing charactersSexy, hip, fast, and fun. And shallow. Like a fun summer romance. This show reminds me of a pop ballad performed by a rock group: critics hate it because it panders to the teenage masses while suffering in true artistry and creativity. It seems like the stories are written backwards, that the writer figures out where to end and goes backwards to the beginning. Refreshing characters (we love Auggie, anything with Peter Gallagher ... and holy smoke, where did Kari Matchett come from, and where has she been all my life?!). The plots are a bit clunky and most notably the relationship between Annie and her sister is utterly and dreadfully not believable. Too many long chase and fight scenes, not enough true drama and intrigue. But this show is on our TIVO "must record" list and we can't wait for new episodes - it's fun, exciting, adventuresome, sexy, hip, full of characters and relationships that are intriguing and leaving you wonder who to trust. Fun show, worth looking forward to, but not the most intelligent/provocative show you'll see in this genre.… Expand
  23. AvantGuardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    8
    Covert Affairs is a CIA drama. Those of you familiar with the CIA know that they operate only outside of US Soil, and Covert Affairs has seen Annie Walker, played by the lovely Piper Perabo in almost every country you can think of. Covert Affairs takes you to far and exotic places like no show before it has, and it does not use greenscreens. The pace is fast and the threats are epic. TheCovert Affairs is a CIA drama. Those of you familiar with the CIA know that they operate only outside of US Soil, and Covert Affairs has seen Annie Walker, played by the lovely Piper Perabo in almost every country you can think of. Covert Affairs takes you to far and exotic places like no show before it has, and it does not use greenscreens. The pace is fast and the threats are epic. The cast is likeable, dynamic and good at their jobs. I highly recommend this intelligent covert drama. If you are a fan of Burn Notice, 24, or any other CIA-esque shows, this one will win your heart.… Expand
  24. Slickstar16
    Nov 5, 2010
    1
    I have to say there was only 2 good things about this show I mean the pilot got me hooked and left me wanting more. But after that it was dull episode after dull episode I mean i fell asleep after first 25 mins of the show. The other good thing was Christopher Gorham's character the rest i just would want to leave because i did not care about them at all. I mean Annie had to be saved soI have to say there was only 2 good things about this show I mean the pilot got me hooked and left me wanting more. But after that it was dull episode after dull episode I mean i fell asleep after first 25 mins of the show. The other good thing was Christopher Gorham's character the rest i just would want to leave because i did not care about them at all. I mean Annie had to be saved so many times she could not do anything without being saved by another male character (and i say male because Matt Corman
    said she was supposed to be better then bourne could ever be yeah right) and the rest of the cast was just so unrealistic like the married couple who kept arguing i just wanted them to shut up already. im only going to watch the first 2 or 3 episodes of the second season and hope they improve pretty much everything instead of wasting my time again with this show    … Expand
  25. Film_Fanatic_15
    Nov 22, 2010
    7
    What could be better than a show that involves the CIA? Corny right? Not really. The show deserves credit for being better than average for a crime related series, but season 1 soon lacks brilliance from the 1st episode. It tries to make everything important, when it doesn't need to be, which is not letting me look forward to a great second season.
  26. Wigram
    Jan 26, 2011
    8
    Enjoyable new show, thanks mostly to Piper Perabo and Kari Matchett. Bring us back to the good old days of television when shows had untainted heroes and well-defined bad guys.
  27. CRL
    Jul 26, 2011
    7
    Putting the fact aside that this is about as dishonest a portrayal of the CIA as possible... this series is pretty good. Every story is a load of fun, and yes Annie Walker is a bit cliche, but she's likable and perfectly balanced by Auggie's (Christopher Gorham) dry wit. After a while you even grow to care about them.
  28. roadjones
    Jul 23, 2011
    8
    In this reality TV obsessed society we currently live in I am thankful that there is still television around that is just sit down in the evening after a day's work and the supper dishes have been put away entertaining fun and USA's Covert Affairs is a great example of such television. I could use fancy intelligent words to describe the series and try to sound like a major televisionIn this reality TV obsessed society we currently live in I am thankful that there is still television around that is just sit down in the evening after a day's work and the supper dishes have been put away entertaining fun and USA's Covert Affairs is a great example of such television. I could use fancy intelligent words to describe the series and try to sound like a major television critic and most of the people who post their views here but why? Just watch it. It's simply entertaining and fun TV.… Expand
  29. Meth-dude
    Jul 22, 2016
    8
    The acting was good, the action scenes are well made and the show is entertaining. Covert Affairs Season 1 is definitely one of the best show of 2010.
  30. JadeRegent
    Jan 8, 2015
    3
    Annie Walker is probably the most inept, incompetent CIA officer ever to work for the agency and yet despite her many failures and screw ups she's constantly lauded for her so called "Achievements". The only reason my score isn't a 1 is because of their willingness to shoot scenes on location, the changes in scenery do a lot to make the series bearable through Annie's bumbling joke of anAnnie Walker is probably the most inept, incompetent CIA officer ever to work for the agency and yet despite her many failures and screw ups she's constantly lauded for her so called "Achievements". The only reason my score isn't a 1 is because of their willingness to shoot scenes on location, the changes in scenery do a lot to make the series bearable through Annie's bumbling joke of an attempt at espionage.… Expand
  31. pajama-time
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    this is an extraordinary show, entertaining and spellbinding! Piper Perabo and Christopher Gorham are amazing. It will keep you on edge from beginning to end.
  32. kritickal
    Mar 6, 2015
    3
    This show is almost **** Concentrated on good looking perabo. No real craft behind the stories. Why is Annies friend blind? Annie keeps on breaking CIA protocols and orders episode after episode and has to be saved in each episode. I mean I say die already. Keeps on making bad decisions and still coming out front like she knew it all along.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best TV Season of 2010
23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
43
#43 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    70
    The mood is bright and whimsical--easy to take and just as easy to forget.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    42
    Right from the start, Perabo's Annie Walker is after a foreign agent, ''one of the most danger- ous men in the world.'' Yes, the dialogue spells things out like that.
    Read full review
  3. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Aaron Barnhart
    60
    Unfortunately, whoever developed this show couldn't trust the audience to accept Piper Perabo's character as strong enough to get out of a pickle or two without male intervention. I won't reveal how, because the first episode is otherwise very enjoyable, thanks to a solid supporting cast including "O.C." dad Peter Gallagher, Kari Matchett and former WB/UPN heartthrob Christopher Gorham.
    Read full review
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