Detroit 1-8-7
ABC | Release Date: September 21, 2010
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
63
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews
Positive:
12
Mixed:
10
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
USA TodayRobert Bianco
Season 1 Review: What will remain is the terrific, admirably diverse cast; the tough-but-uncynical attitude; and, perhaps best of all, the out-of-the-TV-norm location. The show isn't just set in Detroit; it's shot there, which gives it an authenticity and a palpable sense of place. Read full review
80
The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley
Season 1 Review: Detroit 1-8-7 is a lovingly updated tribute to shows that were on the air so long ago that almost none of the detectives were black. Read full review
80
Zap2it (Inside the Box)Rick Porter
Season 1 Review: The location shooting and some very strong performances lift it above standard cop-show fare. Read full review
75
People WeeklyTom GliattoDec 14, 2010
Season 1 Review: The series has developed its own original rhythm, each week breaking cases down into unexpectedly punchy vignettes. The cast is excellent. [6 Dec 2010, p.50]
75
NewsdayVerne Gay
Season 1 Review: Absent the overworked conceit of actors glancing at the camera to register annoyance or irony, this has turned into just another well-produced cop show with some excellent actors, like Imperioli or James McDaniel, who plays Det. Jesse Long and played Lt. Arthur Fancy on "NYPD Blue." Read full review
70
Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert
Season 1 Review: Ultimately, Detroit 1-8-7, ABC's new cop series just may have enough forward thrust and raw emotion to take off. Read full review
70
Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm
Season 1 Review: NYPD Blue's James McDaniel joins Imperioli and a fine cast, including the City of Detroit itself, in this show that tries to imbue a Cops-like documentary feel to its action, all shot on location. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterErik Pedersen
Season 1 Review: It's definitely worth sampling, but impatient viewers might not return to the scene of the crimes. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineMatt Roush
Season 1 Review: Besides the location, there's little about Detroit that is particularly new or groundbreaking, but it should easily satisfy the millions who seem to have a bottomless appetite for this genre. There are plenty that do it worse. Read full review
70
PopMattersChris Conaton
Season 1 Review: Detroit 1-8-7 has a long way to go before it comes close to equaling Homicide, but it's off to a promising start. Read full review
67
Boston HeraldMark A. Perigard
Season 1 Review: Detroit's on-location shooting aids its authenticity, but the show goes awry when it goes for a joke. For example, medical examiner Abbey Ward (Erin Cummings, "Mad Men") carries bruises from her after-hours avocation: roller derby. Detroit 1-8-7 is one of those shows that is going to need some time to finds its destination. Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyDan Snierson
Season 1 Review: 1-8-7 doesn't pop with the gritty-city dynamism of, say, The Shield, leaving us to wonder whether this is another perfectly fine cop show going by on the assembly line. Read full review
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