Damien

:

Season 1
Metascore
37

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 10 out of 18
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Critic Reviews

  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Mar 7, 2016
    37
    Unfortunately, the premiere is more depressing than scary, often feeling as if we're being sucked slowly into quicksand.
  2. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 7, 2016
    33
    Damien is nothing more than cliche, right down to the use of Rottweilers as hellhounds.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Mar 7, 2016
    33
    The pilot is rushed, the direction is flat, the imagination is lacking. [11 Mar 2016, p.76]
    All this critic's reviews
  5. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Isaac Feldberg
    Mar 7, 2016
    30
    That a series centered around the Antichrist is this scare-free, weirdly witless, and dramatically inert comes as a deeply unpleasant surprise.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Mar 7, 2016
    30
    Just as drear and dreadful as that history would suggest.... The constant pre-apocalyptic jitters get in the way of James creating much of a character.
  7. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Michael Slezak
    Apr 6, 2016
    25
    Hershey’s commitment to the role is impressive, but it’s not enough to follow Damien into the schlockiest circle of TV hell.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Brandon Nowalk
    Mar 7, 2016
    25
    With a visual palette of dim neutrals and its only modes of darkness being dour realism and harmless fantasy, Damien suggests nothing so much as a hotel bar. Its death sequences are hit or miss when it comes to horror, but at least they display some imagination.
  9. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Mar 7, 2016
    25
    The lack of suspense and originality is depressing.
  10. Collider
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Mar 7, 2016
    20
    The pilot episode features some handsome compositions, but neither the imagery nor the predictable plodding of the story suggest any insights into concepts of fate, religion, free will, and human nature.
  11. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Mar 7, 2016
    20
    It is a show in search of the right tone, littered with laughable dialogue and a notable uncertainty of what it’s supposed to be. The horror doesn’t work, the characters aren’t defined and the plot is ludicrous. You’d be better off watching one of the “Omen” sequels.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
59
#59 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 120
  3. Negative: 28 out of 120
  1. kissorkill
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND IGNORE THE REVIEWS OF THE PILOT.

    Isn't there fun in leaving the house and getting into the car, not quite knowing    DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND IGNORE THE REVIEWS OF THE PILOT.

    Isn't there fun in leaving the house and getting into the car, not quite knowing where you'll go?! It's like that with Damien. I agree about the lack of horror elements in the pilot, but every other episode is filled with spine tingling creepy moments. Oh yeah, there aren't tons and tons and tons of blood, because some people know how to deliver horror on a much higher level. It's also filled with twists and turns, unexpected things you surely haven't seen before. But judging a show/plotline by its pilot makes you miss all the fun. Personally I'm happy to see full character development instead if being confronted with an evil badass guy, not being able to understand his darkness. Episode 6 was absolutely brilliant, giving a lot of insight into Damien and his emotions.    … Full Review »
  2. Richard_Clarke
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    Excellent series, One which over time will become darker and darker, This is one of those series that has huge promise. It needs time toExcellent series, One which over time will become darker and darker, This is one of those series that has huge promise. It needs time to build. As Damien comes to terms with who he is and his purpose, the Horror will truly emerge. Bradley James is brilliant in the lead role, and does a reasonable American accent.

    This show has huge potential, We just hope the network does not go ADD and cancel prematurely as this needs time to build.    … Full Review »
  3. jojojoss
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    An amazing show with A LOT of stories to tell! Shame that so many based their opinions on the pilot, since the first episodes usually areAn amazing show with A LOT of stories to tell! Shame that so many based their opinions on the pilot, since the first episodes usually are there to introduce characters. Take your time and watch beyond the pilot because I can assure you - it only gets better and better!!… Full Review »
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