• Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 3, 2004
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
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Critic Reviews

  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Jun 20, 2013
    90
    "Desperate Housewives" is not just back, but quite possibly better than ever. [24 Sep 2006]
  2. Deseret News
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Jun 20, 2013
    80
    Cherry delivers on his promise to make the show funnier this season. [23 Sep 2006]
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jun 20, 2013
    80
    "Housewives" appears to have gotten its humorous groove back. [22 Sep 2006]
  4. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by:  John Doyle
    Jun 20, 2013
    80
    This third season promises to be delicious. The first episode is wickedly funny and warped. [22 Sep 2006]
  5. Detroit Free Press
    Reviewed by: Mike Duffy
    Jun 20, 2013
    75
    Judging by the fine, funny - and, yes, mysterious - third season premiere, Cherry is keeping his witty, plot-twisting word ... so far. [24 Sep 2006]
  6. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    Jun 20, 2013
    75
    Sunday's third-season premiere is not Desperate at its best, but it's better than most anything the show had to offer last year, particularly at the start. [22 Sep 2006]
  7. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Adam Buckman
    Jun 20, 2013
    63
    The show seems more oriented to female viewers than ever. [24 Sep 2006]
  8. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Bianculli
    Jun 20, 2013
    60
    It's reinvigorated. The third season of ABC's "Housewives" begins Sunday night at 9 with an assurance and a knowing playfulness that was missing most of last year. [22 Sep 2006]
  9. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    Jun 20, 2013
    60
    While we've got to be grateful that last season's tone-deaf Applewhite saga has seen its end, this year's "DH" still is sounding the occasional flat note, sometimes by repeating its past and other times by ignoring it altogether. [22 Sep 2006]
  10. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Paul Brownfield
    Jun 20, 2013
    50
    It's "Desperate Housewives" all over again -- the whodunit overlaid by a titillating comedy of shame-based suburban manners and shame-based depravity, the word "bitch" used scandalously. [24 Sep 2006]
  11. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jun 20, 2013
    50
    Even in the first episode, it's clear that "Desperate Housewives" is a vastly improved series from a year ago. The passing is better; the tone is more focused. It's funnier and more focused. But it's also still "Desperate Housewives," and there's that malodorous whiff of the whole thing being past its sell-by date. [22 Sep 2006]
  12. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Jun 20, 2013
    40
    The third season finds the show going in circles. [23 Sep 2006]
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 50
  2. Negative: 2 out of 50
  1. Aug 15, 2023
    8
    After a disappointing second year, this much improved third season is a welcome return to form. The plots and characters are all as ridiculousAfter a disappointing second year, this much improved third season is a welcome return to form. The plots and characters are all as ridiculous as one came to expect from this show, and alongside the goofy comedy it made for a thoroughly entertaining watch. Full Review »
  2. Jul 6, 2011
    10
    With a mixture of scoop and scandal, comedy and drama, heroes and villains this show is the best thing that you will ever watch, so hop onWith a mixture of scoop and scandal, comedy and drama, heroes and villains this show is the best thing that you will ever watch, so hop on this roller-coaster ride and hold on tight because this is one journey that you will never forget, with the housewives and the rest of America and the world, this is so exciting and energetic that you will want to go without sleep to know how it ends! Full Review »
  3. Jun 12, 2011
    10
    For a show it is a truly amazing watch with a fine, fine story line and excellent narration. One of the best shows ever created by a longFor a show it is a truly amazing watch with a fine, fine story line and excellent narration. One of the best shows ever created by a long shot! F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is funny, like this show, but it does not have an juicy scandels or cliff hangers! MOVE OVER F.R.I.E.N.D.S.! WOOOHOOO! Full Review »