Crossbones

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: May 30, 2014
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
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User Reviews

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  1. maxmanzero
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    This is one of those shows that really just entertains me. I won't bother repeating any of the appellations or the denigrations you have already heard. If you just want to be entertained it's not a bad show. My score is commiserate with my requirements. I am entertained = 10.
  2. janeausten
    Jul 25, 2014
    10
    Very good show! I love pirates, and this story of 'Blackbeard' is good. John Malkovich is a great pirate, always loved him as an actor and man of adventure. This show gives 'Comadore' a side of sensitivity and emotion, yet he is ruthless and will skin you alive if you betray him. I love it and hope it stays on for another season or more.! :)
  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 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 theFirst 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!… Expand
  4. 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.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 seasonJohn 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.… Expand
  5. 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 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 thoughtUnwatchable 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.… Expand
  6. kateG
    May 31, 2014
    7
    I started watching this last night & fell asleep. I pulled it back up today & watched the rest of it. For an initial episode, it was pretty good. I'm interested in knowing the back story of the guy in the wheel chair... Malkovitch shows promise as an evil entity. Too much gratuitous gore for me - The fight scenes could be cut down by 1/2. I did enjoy the pirate in the skull face paint,I started watching this last night & fell asleep. I pulled it back up today & watched the rest of it. For an initial episode, it was pretty good. I'm interested in knowing the back story of the guy in the wheel chair... Malkovitch shows promise as an evil entity. Too much gratuitous gore for me - The fight scenes could be cut down by 1/2. I did enjoy the pirate in the skull face paint, though & the fierce-looking bald chick!… Expand
  7. ana_melinte90
    Jun 7, 2014
    10
    This show is really good. And i don't say that very often about a tv show. I can't even compare it to Black Sails, which bored me to death. Crossbones has intrigue, action and great actors. I highly recommend it.
  8. yoli28
    Jun 28, 2014
    7
    It's Malkovich so the show deserves time to find the right pulse. This show is entertaining and the writing is smart. Other than Malkovich, the characters don't come across, at this time, as genuine. It appears this show is trying to hard to rise to the level of Game of Thrones. All involved need to step back a bit and allow the show to breathe on its own without trying to contrive.It's Malkovich so the show deserves time to find the right pulse. This show is entertaining and the writing is smart. Other than Malkovich, the characters don't come across, at this time, as genuine. It appears this show is trying to hard to rise to the level of Game of Thrones. All involved need to step back a bit and allow the show to breathe on its own without trying to contrive. Stay with it though, I am, as I believe they may be able to pull the show together because they've got the right stuff, and well, again it's Malkovich!… Expand
  9. Cyliann
    Jun 5, 2014
    2
    Absolute rubbish. When I'm not completely taken out of the experience as Blackbeard actually looks like your run-of-the-mill bald, senile old retireé with bad front dentures while also boasting a WHITE BEARD, I'm instead constantly reminded of the shoddy acting brought on with a poorly written script, using not only dialects but also phrases and philosophies from the 1800-1900~th century.Absolute rubbish. When I'm not completely taken out of the experience as Blackbeard actually looks like your run-of-the-mill bald, senile old retireé with bad front dentures while also boasting a WHITE BEARD, I'm instead constantly reminded of the shoddy acting brought on with a poorly written script, using not only dialects but also phrases and philosophies from the 1800-1900~th century.

    Mix all that in with the fact that the show has no nudity and little to no bounds on realism and you got Crossbones.    … Expand
  10. IubitorDeSerial
    Jun 9, 2014
    10
    Excellent show! John Malkovitch is really awesome! I think this will be the sensation of the summer! Each episode makes you want to see more. Watch it!
  11. mrmonster
    May 31, 2014
    6
    A little hard to follow, but otherwise an okay show. It had a nice plot, and some good pirate action scenes. I would recommend watching it, at least the pilot is worth watching.
  12. TheMetacritiqer
    Jul 15, 2014
    3
    If you watched an episode or two of Crossbones then do your self a favor and watch Pirates of the Caribbean or read about who Blackbeard actually was. It's simply forgetful material put in a tropical setting.
    It doesn't deserve recommendation but instead simply ridicule.
  13. hamchuck
    Jul 20, 2014
    5
    So-So show with John Malkovich as Blackbeard. It is funny how two shows, with essentially the same premise, show up on two networks. Think about how many Pirate television shows have you seen in the last 10 years? Anyway, this show is a little better than Black Sails, and Black Sails is pretty darn BAD! This show can at least hold your attention for more than 5 minutes.
  14. ReedBosgoed
    Aug 11, 2014
    3
    I tried to like it, but there's just too much cookie cutter stupidity. Why is it that in every single show that has married main characters, their spouse will cheat on them with their best friend/confidant? Can anybody use ANY OTHER plot device to have a character turn on their friend? Moreover, why does every character in shows set in this time period have a British accent? The blackI tried to like it, but there's just too much cookie cutter stupidity. Why is it that in every single show that has married main characters, their spouse will cheat on them with their best friend/confidant? Can anybody use ANY OTHER plot device to have a character turn on their friend? Moreover, why does every character in shows set in this time period have a British accent? The black female character is supposed to be an escaped american slave. Why the hell would THAT character have a British accent? Not to mention the way that Malkovich talks in this. What the friggin' hell kind of accent is that supposed to be? He sounds ridiculous! Like a cross of British and retard with a mouth full of maple syrup.

    The acting is weak all around.
    I did kind of like the whole tre-panning plot line, but otherwise it's just generic soap opera nonsense with the odd bit of swashbuckling thrown in for good measure.    … Expand
  15. Hyperwolf
    Aug 21, 2014
    9
    Really enjoyed this show. More so than Black Sails, although I loved that show too. It is completely the opposite of Sails in some ways, being far less on the gratuitous aspect. I found the story more enjoyable, and the characters more likable. I've seen some pretty ridiculous reviews on this show. Pick it up. It's good light entertainment. As for people knocking Malkovich's acting...Really enjoyed this show. More so than Black Sails, although I loved that show too. It is completely the opposite of Sails in some ways, being far less on the gratuitous aspect. I found the story more enjoyable, and the characters more likable. I've seen some pretty ridiculous reviews on this show. Pick it up. It's good light entertainment. As for people knocking Malkovich's acting... maybe they're watching a different show to me.… Expand
  16. Isadoran
    Jun 19, 2014
    10
    I am glad to see a pirate adventure. I am so tired of reality TV that I do not even watch TV anymore. I found Crossbones on Hulu and I hope to see more. I watch shows and movies to escape reality. It is a lot better than most of the soap opera Vampire and Werewolf teen flicks out there. If more shows like this come out or good fantasy/sci fi as well I might start watching TV again.
  17. Garrettpark
    Jul 12, 2014
    8
    While malkovich's accent could use some work, i find the storylines entertaining and it has the potential to be a great show if NBC devotes the resources it should to backdrops, cinematography, and realism
  18. RACHAEL
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    Love the show, hope it will continue. John Malcovick is wonderful. Great actor always and perfect as Black Beard. Keep it going please. Would like to see it continue into the fall and even longer.
  19. BRunoRomero
    Jul 26, 2014
    8
    Running home to watch Crossbones TV series. Crossbones, is an excellent TV series that everyone should see. For a long time I not seen a complete television series, but this one I has inflicted a great interest. The intrigue, violence and love, exude all the plot. I recommend it very seriously.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    May 30, 2014
    60
    Everything around Malkovich is workmanlike and rather predictable, if competent.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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