Derek

:

Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16

Critic Reviews

  1. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    Sep 11, 2013
    100
    It's hilarious, and sad, and ironic, and rich.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Sep 6, 2013
    83
    The dramedy's first season is alternately nuanced and maudlin, wise and sentimental. You can pick-pick-pick at it--too many metaphors, easy foils, and musical montages--but the whole is greater than the parts, and builds to a reflective, stirring conclusion that is mostly earned.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Sep 10, 2013
    75
    It may be the nicest show you'll ever see.
  5. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Sep 9, 2013
    75
    Gervais has written, produced and directed a thoughtful and thought-provoking dramedy that celebrates everyday heroes and the power of kindness while attacking materialism and the way society often forgets people "just because they're old and poor and weak."
  6. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Sep 6, 2013
    75
    Even if his acting feels like a sentimental stunt, Gervais wrote and directed the series with gentle skill. [16 Sep 2013, p.41]
    All this critic's reviews
  7. Slate
    Reviewed by: Willa Paskin
    Sep 11, 2013
    70
    Derek is a fascinating, well-meaning mess, without being a particularly offensive one.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    In a way, Gervais himself is the weakest link in what’s otherwise a thoughtful, sometimes-moving seven-episode run.
  9. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 13, 2013
    60
    The existential aspects of Derek are its best traits (and yes, there will be a second season). The drama and comedy elements are more of a mixed bag.
  10. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Sep 12, 2013
    60
    Derek is engaging and sometimes very funny. Parts of it are ostentatiously sentimental, verging on gooey.
  11. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 12, 2013
    60
    The ever-present but unseen film crew adds a layer of patronizing self-consciousness to a series that is at its best when it relaxes into the slow rhythms of the Broad Hill nursing home, whose residents aren't nearly as hopeless and forlorn as they look.
  12. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Sep 12, 2013
    60
    There's an appeal to the gentle spirit of Derek but it would have a stronger pull if the plotting was less dull.
  13. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Sep 15, 2013
    58
    It's more of a character sketch than a fully realized story.
  14. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Oct 3, 2013
    50
    It [the (pseudo-documentary) cameras] was effective in The Office; here it’s just repetitive and annoying.
  15. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chuck Bowen
    Sep 16, 2013
    50
    Gervais's efforts to adhere to a coming-of-age formula with a bit of regard for life as it's actually lived are admirable, but his vision is incomplete and often borders on smug.
  16. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Sep 12, 2013
    50
    It is, by turns, hilarious and histrionic, illuminating and infuriating.
  17. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Sep 11, 2013
    40
    The mush outweighs the wit, with episodes ending on tides of sentiment.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best TV Season of 2013
44
#44 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
65
#65 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 79 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 89
  3. Negative: 6 out of 89
  1. aitken
    Sep 18, 2013
    9
    Derek is a hidden gem. Ricky Gervaise is a brilliant actor and director, Too bad many critics want to lock him into a narrow "in your face"Derek is a hidden gem. Ricky Gervaise is a brilliant actor and director, Too bad many critics want to lock him into a narrow "in your face" kind of comedy. If you are watching this in the USA I recommend you turn on the subtitles. It is easier to pick up on the nuances of this very British comedy/ drama set in a nursing home. There are many surprisngly touching and heartwarming moments.… Full Review »
  2. TrustProjects
    Feb 5, 2014
    10
    The rating here is completely misleading. This show is incredibly cleverly written and beautifully acted.
    The performances are tender,    The rating here is completely misleading. This show is incredibly cleverly written and beautifully acted.
    The performances are tender, nuanced, layered and very considered.
    The photography is reminiscent of The Office for obvious reasons.
    It's the subtleties which make this a truly great piece of work, like the little glances to camera.
    The soundtracks chosen for some of the episodes is almost inspired. Some of the actors performances are incredible, main characters and bit parters alike. It's so clever you very easily begin to sympathise with the characters plights, it takes a great deal of effort to remember they're actors!
    Overall, a fabulous endeavour, absolutely not to missed, and a real credit to all concerned.
    I laughed and cried. Thanks.    … Full Review »
  3. Gigs
    Sep 21, 2013
    9
    First half of the show I thought it was going to be the office done with a premise in bad taste. I was then hooked by the end of the firstFirst half of the show I thought it was going to be the office done with a premise in bad taste. I was then hooked by the end of the first episode. Its a thought provoking show with humour mixed in.

    With the touchy subject of how we treat our aging population and those with mental Gervais walked balanced the show perfectly without being offensive.

    A must watch!    … Full Review »
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