• 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. Negative: 9 out of 55
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User Reviews

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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!
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Negative: 4 out of 23
  1. 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.
  2. Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    May 30, 2014
    60
    Everything around Malkovich is workmanlike and rather predictable, if competent.
  3. 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.