Crossbones

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: May 30, 2014
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 23
  3. Negative: 4 out of 23
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Critic Reviews

  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    May 29, 2014
    80
    It’s sophisticated, well-acted television for a warm-weather series.
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    May 29, 2014
    75
    An oddity with additional oddness in the form of Malkovich. But as summer diversions go, this looks to be a good one.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    May 27, 2014
    75
    It is filled with adventure on the high seas and sex and intrigue on dry land. And, yes, above all, it's fun.
  5. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    May 30, 2014
    70
    You might not want to sign on for a summerlong journey right away, but Malkovich's theatrical pirate probably deserves an hour or two hosting this after-dinner cruise before you decide if NBC's gone completely overboard.
  6. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Dorothy Rabinowitz
    May 30, 2014
    70
    By the time the three episodes available for review end, a plot is thickening suspensefully, Blackbeard is exhibiting still more interesting propensities, and nobody can possibly mind not being able to figure out which woman in the Commodore's court is doing what with whom.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    May 30, 2014
    70
    The plots that spin around the two main characters unfortunately suffer by comparison.... But in all honestly, Crossbones is all about Blackbeard being John Malkovich.
  8. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Sara Smith
    May 27, 2014
    70
    The series hits its stride a few episodes in, when Lowe and Blackbeard finally get on a boat together to fight a common enemy, knowing they’re each just waiting for the right moment to kill the other. Their dynamic evokes the tense partnership between Al Swearengen and Sheriff Bullock in "Deadwood."
  9. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    May 30, 2014
    67
    Crossbones rises and falls on Malkovich’s inspired delivery and is under­cut by the show’s joyless, convoluted plotting, especially in next week’s episode.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 55
  3. Negative: 9 out of 55
  1. Charlemagne
    Jun 2, 2014
    0
    Unwatchable show trying to leach the success of Black Sails. Where Black Sails attempts authenticity, this has hip looking people forcingUnwatchable show trying to leach the success of Black Sails. Where Black Sails attempts authenticity, this has hip looking people forcing cheerfulness during battles and people with modern trendy hairdos pursuing a sci-fi 'MacGuffin'. The show actually has techno-babble... in a pirate show! I can't believe how bad this is. Some marketeers thought they could cash in and no doubt thought spending serious money on Malkovich would cinch it. It even has an Eleanor knock off that looks and acts a lot like her. I cringe.… Full Review »
  2. Smee
    May 31, 2014
    0
    John Malkovich's acting is pathetic.He talks like wearing dinosaur dentures.So Pilot episode mad with limited funds and lousy script.CastingJohn Malkovich's acting is pathetic.He talks like wearing dinosaur dentures.So Pilot episode mad with limited funds and lousy script.Casting also pretty bad ,bunch of mediocre actors and actresses This can't out run Black sails tv series.It's a joke someone think they can make PG13 pirate TV series,without having sex violence and foul language.This will surely face axe after first season ,or highly doubtful that they may even air the shooted episodes in Season 1.… Full Review »
  3. BogKid
    May 31, 2014
    7
    First rate production values. Acting ranging from good to excellent. Malkovich's Blackbeard (more precisely Greybeard) draws its own newFirst rate production values. Acting ranging from good to excellent. Malkovich's Blackbeard (more precisely Greybeard) draws its own new picture of the villain with oddly likable characteristics. Some professional critics have said that the show (I've seen only the pilot) is not as much fun as it should be. I tend to agree with that, but there is enough fun compared with some of the current summer network/cable offerings to make it worthwhile watching. And, of course, there is Malkovich!… Full Review »
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