Damien

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Season 1
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
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User Reviews

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  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 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    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.    … Expand
  2. Chrischris
    Apr 22, 2016
    10
    Its a great remake!Promotion sucked and gave a wrong image about the show. Hope they fix this for the new season. Lucifer lacks the darkness Damien clearly has!
  3. bearguy9
    May 5, 2016
    10
    DAMIEN deserves at least Season 2. It greatly RESPECTS the source material as a horror classic, unlike the Exorcist, another great classic the ended when the movie ended (no sequels required), The Omen's final minutes always BEGGED THE QUESTION. . ."what is going to happen after this!" The Bible is great source material when treated right, and what's better than the HORROR of the words ofDAMIEN deserves at least Season 2. It greatly RESPECTS the source material as a horror classic, unlike the Exorcist, another great classic the ended when the movie ended (no sequels required), The Omen's final minutes always BEGGED THE QUESTION. . ."what is going to happen after this!" The Bible is great source material when treated right, and what's better than the HORROR of the words of Revelations? It's a slow burn, it's an intense story if they respect the true "end of the world" drama. If they did too much in Season 1, there would be nowhere to go, yet they had to prove enough in Season 1 to set up a journey. If you were a fan of THE OMEN movie, it's a chilling experience to see characters, segments, twists unknown to facts you thought you knew, the actual clips, and of course, there is THE MUSIC, which is AMAZING. My one criticism? There wasn't the slightest effort to choose a believable LOOKING adult based on the child in The Omen, and in the The Omen 2, the young actor in Omen 2 was perhaps the only good thing about the choices, and Sam Neill in Omen 3 was totally believable casting as an adult Damien. This actor in this Damien amazing, the look is off putting for this fan personally, but I am over it as of Episode 9. It's just too good to ignore.

    It's comparable to Bates Motel in many ways, and that show's first season had weak ratings until word of mouth, including myself not getting involved until season 3 and binge watching from all the rabid fans. Granted, the show isn't perfect, but the final season 1 episodes are setting up some crazy, amazing things. I hope to see them.    … Expand
  4. DarklightSeeker
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Really Love this show. I have searched a thousand movies for a plot similar to what i see in the show Damien.

    I will die happy now.

    Also i really can't wait for season 2.
  5. butts123
    May 15, 2016
    10
    Great show i cant wait for season 2. This was an amazing series that continued from the movies. I really enjoyed this and the story line. I eagerly await the Antichrist rising and his wrath. Very well executed in such a short series (10 episodes) but i'm happy they didn't do 22 and a lot of fillers.
  6. Britt397
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    If you like mind-numbing teen horror movies, then no, Damien probably isn't for you... This show needs you to think, to tune in to people's psyche, to look for symbolism everywhere.
    If you're not watching yet, you're missing out on one of the best shows on TV today.
  7. 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 are there to introduce characters. Take your time and watch beyond the pilot because I can assure you - it only gets better and better!!
  8. jewel5
    Apr 13, 2016
    8
    Ignore the reviews judging this show just from the pilot episode. The first 3-4 eps are a bit confusing, but after that it every episode gets better and better. Very creepy and well put together show.
  9. RhysHyde
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    I really like this show I dont know why people became suddenly professional film critics, its a great tv show more psychological that horror thats all! because in that way I really enjoyed it, twisted, cruel, because everybody its comparing with the previous movies isnt fair at all! they sure can get better but for me who use to enjoy famous tv show and the best films I see this one as anI really like this show I dont know why people became suddenly professional film critics, its a great tv show more psychological that horror thats all! because in that way I really enjoyed it, twisted, cruel, because everybody its comparing with the previous movies isnt fair at all! they sure can get better but for me who use to enjoy famous tv show and the best films I see this one as an interesting one , just watched episode 6 and was great full of drama and that obscure atmosphere I liked from the beginning so I cant understand what the hell is your problem people or is just as I said before, everybody its just comparing… Expand
  10. dreamleaf
    Apr 17, 2016
    10
    I love this show, especially how they are able to bring in parts from the original movie and actors and make it 1000x better than the movies and each episode gets, even more, darker and interesting.
  11. 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 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    Excellent 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.    … Expand
  12. firethecanon
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    Please do not decide not to watch based on the bad reviews. They are, except for one, based on the PILOT. Judging a show by it's pilot is like judging a book by its cover, since ya'll like deep quotes so much.
  13. WildeHilde
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    Amazing show despite the bad metacritics. There has been a lot of development in both plot and character. James is a vey convincing Damien, people who say otherwise might not have understood Glen Mazzaras concept. Hershey is absolutely briliant!
  14. Simpiiiss
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    The pilot might be a little mediocre but right after the show really kicks off, and having a mediocre pilot is something that most shows have in common so just plz don't ignore the show because of the first episode.
  15. PlasticDiet
    Apr 17, 2016
    10
    Critics are crazy for giving those bad ratings, takes a little more than just a pilot episode to get into a show. User reviews say it all and lately the show even got good critics. 15 of those 16 negative user reviews only look at the pilot. This isn't some twilight touchy teen horror, is that what left peeps being disappointed about the first ep?
  16. Qldgamer
    Apr 20, 2016
    8
    I was writing this series off after the first couple of shows but it has really kicked into a higher gear since then. Is he the devil? or is he some pawn?

    The counter plots and twists are well crafted.
  17. Coffeekiller
    Apr 18, 2016
    10
    So twisted and dark, you don't see it coming! Excellent casting choices made, very thrilling writing. While some scenes feeled like an unnecessary filler first, its all starting to come together. Thriller with nice horror and drama edges.
  18. besuto
    Mar 9, 2016
    7
    I like it. I cannot say that this first episode is good but I quite fond of it.
    It really can bring me back to 'The Omen'. It has the tone of old horror movie.
    However, I expect for more than this.
    It might be good if Damien becomes Antichrist with good reason.
    And I expect to see some stunning death scene as in 'The Omen".
  19. bbat
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    I thought it is a great show with even greater potential.
    A well acted and diverse cast, a great story line with dark undertones and very good special effects for a TV Show! I don't understand where all the negativity is coming from? Give it a try there is nothing else on TV like this Show.
  20. Swobotich
    Apr 16, 2016
    9
    Different than expect,in the very best way. Was worried it would be another cliché filled classic adaption buy Damien did not disappoint! I don't know why people rate only on the pilot, which wasn't bad at all but it got better every week. Episodes are strong, tense and loaded with surprises. Bravo to cast and crew!
  21. sue-seifert
    Apr 20, 2016
    10
    Much more fun to watch than Lucifer! Very thrilling and creepy without being obscene. I did not like the pilot but it is worth sticking with this show.
  22. ariestess
    Apr 23, 2016
    10
    Damien is a series that any self-respecting fan of psychological horror needs to be watching. While a bit light on the gratuitous violence and gore, it more than makes up for that with spine-tingling psychological suspense that keeps you riveted to your seat. Each episode gets more intense and sucks you in further, until you're not entirely sure which end is up. And you likely won't evenDamien is a series that any self-respecting fan of psychological horror needs to be watching. While a bit light on the gratuitous violence and gore, it more than makes up for that with spine-tingling psychological suspense that keeps you riveted to your seat. Each episode gets more intense and sucks you in further, until you're not entirely sure which end is up. And you likely won't even care. Plus, there's the added bonus of flashbacks to Damien's childhood via clips from The Omen, something any avid fan will love.

    The entire cast works in ways that may not seem apparent initially, but their combined chemistry gels with each interaction, particularly after the pilot, until you find yourself looking forward to the exchanges that result from any combination of the cast. Bradley James and Scott Wilson are brilliant in their respective roles as Damien Thorn and John Lyons respectively, and offer a nice undertone of familial connection in all of their scenes. Omid Abtahi (Amani Golkar) and Megalyn Echikunwoke (Simone Baptiste) offer a nice counterbalance in their chemistry with James. David Meunier brings an understated sense of balance and skepticism as the outsider cop, Detective Shay. Melanie Scrofano (Veronica Selvaggio) and Robin Weigert (Sister Greta Fraueva) round out what I consider to the be main cast, bringing their own elements of intrigue and chemistry to the mix. Even the guest and minor roles all have a part to play in the ultimate battle of good and evil. But the standout role goes to Barbara Hershey, without question or hesitation. Ann Rutledge is one of the most intricately layered characters I've ever seen, and weaves herself into every single thread of the tapestry that is this show.

    Glen Mazzara and his creative team have brought the horror, the intrigue, and the humanity to this portrayal of the Antichrist in ways that I've never seen before. This show isn't a caricature or a comedy. This show doesn't rely on fantasy or sci-fi elements to convey the twists and turns of the storyline, nor does it utilize cheesy horror bits or comedic shtick. Sure, the deaths in the pilot could be easily figured out, but is it really a shock that a lot of deaths are going to happen around the Antichrist? The show is realistic and offers a fascinating "What if?" of the Antichrist happening in the world we live in currently. That they can so casually slip in the fact that there is an LGBT character in the universe of Damien, to the point that a lot of people may not even realize it, is one of the feathers Mazzara and his team can put in their collective hat.

    The research that went into creating and maintaining this show points toward a level of intelligence that hopefully won't scare away potential viewers. Just as viewers don't need to have any knowledge of The Omen to watch this show; neither do they need any deep knowledge into the Book of Revelations or the early Christian Church. But for those of us who are interested in that sort of thing, this show brings the research and makes the tapestry of Damien that much richer and delicious.

    I personally have been excited for this show since it was first announced over a year ago, and I have watched faithfully from the pilot, with multiple viewings each week as I try to find all of the breadcrumbs that I know Mazzara and team have left for us. It's renewed my interest in the religious subject matter, and it's certainly restored my faith in quality, intelligent television in an age of reality TV.    … Expand
  23. petrella
    Apr 17, 2016
    10
    I am glad I kept watching after the first episode, five and six were particular intense and loaded with surprises. The sensitive and realistic approach regarding our soldiers and their struggles with PTSD was really touching and I wish more shows would look at it like this. I didn't think the pilot was almost black and white, maybe the person who said this should check their tv screenI am glad I kept watching after the first episode, five and six were particular intense and loaded with surprises. The sensitive and realistic approach regarding our soldiers and their struggles with PTSD was really touching and I wish more shows would look at it like this. I didn't think the pilot was almost black and white, maybe the person who said this should check their tv screen settings. It was fitting. I agree with the benefit of getting to know the characters instead of having their evil sides pushed upon us. As a big fan of the Omen, I really do appreciate this and hope it gets into another season, one doesn't seem to be enough. Casting Wilson and Hershey was such a good idea, especially since their characters are standing on different sides. Hershey is such a passionate actress, always has been, and she doesn't fail to deliver spine tingling moments and leaves us in sheer wonder of her characters intention. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy Bradley James as the Anti Christ, but to me the story is very authentic. This show makes me excited for Mondays. PS: First time reviewing, I only joined to leave my heads up to this show.… Expand
  24. shadowkaiser
    May 2, 2016
    9
    Great series overall !As another user write it before, promotion sucked and gave a wrong image, this is a thriller and a drama.the story revolves around the struggle of a normal man that discover his horrific destiny. Damien is not an antagonist in the series, he is the victim, at least in the first chapters, and you can actually fell pity for the guy, even if you know the guy is the sonGreat series overall !As another user write it before, promotion sucked and gave a wrong image, this is a thriller and a drama.the story revolves around the struggle of a normal man that discover his horrific destiny. Damien is not an antagonist in the series, he is the victim, at least in the first chapters, and you can actually fell pity for the guy, even if you know the guy is the son of the devil. cause even when he is fated to be the destroyer and the bringer of the apocalypse , when he start the show, he is just a man, and not even a evil man, just a regular guy trying to be a good guy.… Expand
  25. Tati20
    May 6, 2016
    10
    Damien is the first Antichrist you got sympathy for it, he just don't let in without a fight. He is a devil with a heart, you love him from the start and you cannot stop loving him. It's a great show with horror with an emotional touch that you never saw before. It have everything you need and it's so different. I'm total in love with it. I hope more seasons will be made of this brilliant show
  26. Arabiates
    Apr 21, 2016
    10
    Hope this gets in for another season, Australia loves it! So twisted and scary. No fan of Mister James here but he rocks that role next to Wilson and Hershey
  27. Red1999
    Apr 29, 2016
    10
    Really enjoying this show. Have watched it just get better & better as the showrunner(s) find their footing. In particular the chemistry between Barbara Hershey & Bradley James is fantastic, electric. Some damned fine acting going on between those two. Love its sense of tension, heavy atmosphere & suspense. Damien deserves to be picked up for season 2.
  28. tmortaz
    May 17, 2016
    10
    First things first, CRITICS ARE ABSOLUTE IDIOTS, i have no idea who asks these people to judge something, fair enough if their judgement is justified. But their rubbish criticisms of this show is bringing it down. If there isn't a second season after that absolute cliffhanger of a finale i will personally become the anti Christ and bring the Apocalypse. But in all seriousness, this show isFirst things first, CRITICS ARE ABSOLUTE IDIOTS, i have no idea who asks these people to judge something, fair enough if their judgement is justified. But their rubbish criticisms of this show is bringing it down. If there isn't a second season after that absolute cliffhanger of a finale i will personally become the anti Christ and bring the Apocalypse. But in all seriousness, this show is amazing , fair enough its a bit slow but so is Game of Thrones, in my opinion it only expresses Damiens fight against his destiny and by the end of season one he finally accepts it. Critics are a disgrace to humanity.… Expand
  29. FullStop
    Mar 8, 2016
    0
    I had high hopes for this series but the series premier feels rushed.
    The characters are uncharismatic the dialogues strange and uninspired and a storyline is nowhere to be found.
    This seems like one of these series that get canceled before the end of the first season - I surly hope so!
  30. EludiumQ36
    Mar 8, 2016
    1
    OMG, what a horrible pilot episode! Lighting so dark it could've been filmed in B/W and you wouldn't know the difference, sullen characters, slow pacing - fell asleep twice trying to watch it - and ridiculous, implausible death scenes. Show looks like it's produced and directed by teens except that it's got a fair amount of octogenarians in it which has just got to be ratings gold.OMG, what a horrible pilot episode! Lighting so dark it could've been filmed in B/W and you wouldn't know the difference, sullen characters, slow pacing - fell asleep twice trying to watch it - and ridiculous, implausible death scenes. Show looks like it's produced and directed by teens except that it's got a fair amount of octogenarians in it which has just got to be ratings gold. Unimaginative and predictably clichéd. Not a worthy successor at all to "The Omen" legacy.… Expand
  31. Viera
    Apr 24, 2016
    1
    I watched 3 episode to see if I would like it. I must say that Damien is boring. The pace, the plot even the actors aren't the factors to enjoy this series. This isn't a horror, not psychological thriller. I had to make myself watch the episodes. The network advertised Damien as a sequel to the Omen, this series has little in common with the original film. How can Antichrist want toI watched 3 episode to see if I would like it. I must say that Damien is boring. The pace, the plot even the actors aren't the factors to enjoy this series. This isn't a horror, not psychological thriller. I had to make myself watch the episodes. The network advertised Damien as a sequel to the Omen, this series has little in common with the original film. How can Antichrist want to commit a suicide? The same kid from the Omen? If they wanted to show this kind of Antichrist they shouldn't advertise this as a sequel. Bradley James was a lot better as Arthur in Merlin than he is now in Damien. I think that they ought to end this series.… Expand
  32. marco86
    Mar 15, 2016
    2
    It's supposed to be a horror right? where's the scary part, and where's the suspense and thrill? except for the super dark screen all the time.
    And what's the plot? what's the story here?
    It was like when you go out of your house, get into your car and drive without any direction at all until you run out of gas. Then what?
  33. JennetP
    Mar 11, 2016
    2
    Let's see if I have this right. Our hero, the Antichrist, is actually a pretty nice guy, as far as he knows. Unlike most people, he's managed not to notice his dark side--which, for a normal spawn of the devil, would be his only side--until the age of 30. Check. Then, after a "baptism in blood" so obscure that a journalist has to explain it to the class, he suddenly becomes aware that heLet's see if I have this right. Our hero, the Antichrist, is actually a pretty nice guy, as far as he knows. Unlike most people, he's managed not to notice his dark side--which, for a normal spawn of the devil, would be his only side--until the age of 30. Check. Then, after a "baptism in blood" so obscure that a journalist has to explain it to the class, he suddenly becomes aware that he may be "metaphysically challenged," which seems to involve being followed around by an old lady, some dogs, and a lot of wind. No decent powers, though, unless you count the ability to shatter statues of Jesus, which, frankly, most people can manage by natural means.

    My verdict: if Damien is the Antichrist, I expect to sleep through the Apocalypse.    … Expand
  34. roinujrino
    Mar 8, 2016
    0
    What a horrible pilot episode! Lighting so dark it could've been filmed in B/W and you wouldn't know the difference, sullen characters, slow pacing - fell asleep twice trying to watch it
  35. renatomorais
    May 12, 2016
    8
    Despite some bad episodes and bad choices, Damien, specially the second half of the season, had some great episodes. The season took too long to really move the plot forward, but when the things started to gear up for the final episodes, things got awesome really fast. The final three episodes are top notch, and will please the fans of the classic movie, that's for sure. Looking forward toDespite some bad episodes and bad choices, Damien, specially the second half of the season, had some great episodes. The season took too long to really move the plot forward, but when the things started to gear up for the final episodes, things got awesome really fast. The final three episodes are top notch, and will please the fans of the classic movie, that's for sure. Looking forward to the next season!… Expand
  36. christipp3r
    May 10, 2016
    10
    Made an account just to rate the show! It is awesome and We want a Second Season! Don't know why it has so many bad reviews. Perhaps the public--those who are religious-- find it offensive and want to talk smack to get the show to shutdown! I'm Religious. I Love the Show. It has a great story! MAke a NEW SEASON (:
  37. Mrs40
    May 13, 2016
    10
    Damien is the best show on TV! It has been awhile since I have been captivated by a television show, the dribble they put on these days blows the mind, but this is extremely well acted and produced.
  38. Pericles111972
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    most critics are stupid perfectionists who loose the idea of the big picture. which is to have a series (whatever that is - always hope for the best version,remake, etc) of your favorite horror movie now that we discuss about Damien. After so many years, thank God someone took the risk to make a new plot , a new serie based on the old OMEN series. after so many! years, and what? a bunch ofmost critics are stupid perfectionists who loose the idea of the big picture. which is to have a series (whatever that is - always hope for the best version,remake, etc) of your favorite horror movie now that we discuss about Damien. After so many years, thank God someone took the risk to make a new plot , a new serie based on the old OMEN series. after so many! years, and what? a bunch of critics write some paragraphs of whether Damien lacks of horror atmosphere and blah blah. maybe they should invest their own money and time to make a better version of what they think it should be. In my opinion Damien is a very nice try to bring the old OMEN to the modern era ( an era which is of course full of sarcasm and irony in the every day dialogues ). the evil part is there . i see it! maybe with some more adjustments CGI, dialogues, photography, etc , season 2 would be better , but we have to let it continue. OMEN released 3 movies, so there re many things you can take from there and add them to season 2 episodes. my general point of view is that to make a serie based on a legendary movie is a difficult job but its not impossible because you can adjust it to the present , which sometimes is more horrific . i hope something to change and rethink about making season 2.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Mar 7, 2016
    40
    Damien has moments of nicely spooky atmospherics, but it’s neither scary nor fun, and when you’re dealing with this topic and this character, you have to move in one of those two directions, or you’ll just lose the battle to the devil of tedium.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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