Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

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Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 218 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 200 out of 218
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 218
  3. Negative: 5 out of 218
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User Reviews

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  1. sylvercz
    Oct 23, 2016
    10
    I love this show! Bizarre, funny, and plenty of head-scratching moments, much like the books. I really felt like I was on some sort of twisted journey with our characters and can't wait to see where it leads.
  2. marcmyworks
    Dec 19, 2016
    8
    Dirk Gently started off as one of the most frustrating shows I had ever seen. Dirk himself as a character that selects specific information to give when it is obvious he knows more; however as the series progresses, the chemistry between the characters and the performances, especially by veteran Elijah Wood, really make the show worth watching.
  3. LockeJohn
    Oct 26, 2016
    8
    The first episode was good, with some very funny scenes. I can't tell whether the rest of the first season will be as good. Cast is good, but I am not entirely sure Samuel Barnett is a good fit.
  4. joherl
    Dec 21, 2016
    10
    At first, I thought the series was disjointed, difficult to follow and somewhat random, but as the season went on, I realized everything was connected. I think that's the beauty of the show - it perfectly captures the absurdity of the Dirk Gently universe even in the way it's presented. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who likes quirky comedy and science fiction.
  5. ablaise82
    Dec 3, 2016
    8
    very nice to see something different on tv that is actually quality. An interesting supernatural mystery show with well done effects, good acting a well written story thus far
  6. Kakaloto
    Dec 21, 2016
    10
    Metacritic's "Critic Scores" are being offset by a small handful of blogging dullards. I was hesitant to dive into Dirk Gently as he came off almost forcefully 'Who'ish in the first episode. After a few episodes I realized that it was like the new Dr.Who for adults, (as the remake under Steven Moffat has become a horrible, bumbling children's show).
  7. tobiasd
    Dec 17, 2016
    10
    I loved the hitchhiker books, haven't read the Dirk Gently book(s), but this is an awesome show. It's funny, absurd, tense. I binge-watched it in a couple of days, can't wait for the next season.
  8. Magnum87
    Dec 20, 2016
    7
    I'm a firm believer of watching at least 4 or 5 episodes of a series before passing judgement. Most shows take at least 2 or 3 episodes just to introduce you to the characters properly. Dirk is a quirky, happy-go-lucky show with confusion, intrigue, and mystery thrown in. It's almost like a song that you really like but can't figure out why because it's not like all the other songs thatI'm a firm believer of watching at least 4 or 5 episodes of a series before passing judgement. Most shows take at least 2 or 3 episodes just to introduce you to the characters properly. Dirk is a quirky, happy-go-lucky show with confusion, intrigue, and mystery thrown in. It's almost like a song that you really like but can't figure out why because it's not like all the other songs that you like. Dirk is an acquired taste that will keep you coming back for more.… Expand
  9. Hoxton
    Jan 7, 2017
    9
    Excellent show! It's funny and quirky with some drama thrown in and some nice twists as well. with an intricate plot and great cast there's plenty to wait for in season 2.
  10. Dubeau
    Jun 29, 2017
    8
    Quite a nice surprise. Dirk Gently is a very original TV series. I find it funny with drama. The first episodes hides a lot of information that you get later, and it's a nice sens of finding the truth and discovery. The acting from the two main characters (Elijah is very good) and the main villain is quite amazing, but the secondary actors are a work in progress. The best is to watch themQuite a nice surprise. Dirk Gently is a very original TV series. I find it funny with drama. The first episodes hides a lot of information that you get later, and it's a nice sens of finding the truth and discovery. The acting from the two main characters (Elijah is very good) and the main villain is quite amazing, but the secondary actors are a work in progress. The best is to watch them in a succession of 2-3 episodes because it's eclectic you can be discourage to watch just one episode at a time. I recommend this series very gently at a rating of 85%.… Expand
  11. tasmaniandevil
    Mar 6, 2018
    10
    My feelings towards this show can be summed up very briefly: this is the only time I've ever been sad about the cancellation of a show. This show is very close to my heart and I'm devastated to see it go but I will forever cherish the existing seasons. Maybe a bit confusing at the beginning, but definitely worth watching. Everything will make sense later, I promise. And it will be so satisfying.
  12. charlie0
    May 7, 2018
    3
    Oddly enough the worst bit of this whole thing is Dirk Gently. When it's just Elijah Woods trying to escape this hypnotic maze the shows truly BAFTA worthy. Visually and conceptually on par with Legion (if not exceeding it) But then Dirk Gently stumbles on, despite being overbearing and energetic to the point of anguish, this boot leg Matt Smith smothers all the intrigue out of the storyOddly enough the worst bit of this whole thing is Dirk Gently. When it's just Elijah Woods trying to escape this hypnotic maze the shows truly BAFTA worthy. Visually and conceptually on par with Legion (if not exceeding it) But then Dirk Gently stumbles on, despite being overbearing and energetic to the point of anguish, this boot leg Matt Smith smothers all the intrigue out of the story and visuals. Seriously, this show minus DG would equal masterpiece, but as is, it's a tease at best.… Expand
  13. FilippoAD
    Jan 30, 2017
    10
    With Westworld its the best show of 2016. What a performance from the actors!!! I was doubtful to see it cause the low metacritc scores fortunately I believed the user scores!! What a show, so good so entertaining, i hope for a second season!
  14. JorgeLestre
    Dec 3, 2016
    6
    The show has an amusing storyline and enjoyable characters but sometimes gets "lost in translation". It is still worth watching but it's hard to explain whether it will succeed or fail.
  15. Killing_Jay
    Nov 6, 2016
    0
    Horrible show compared to the brilliant BBC 3 version we had a while back. Awful

    The cast aren't as likeable, the writing is sloppy and you can tell it has Max Landis written all over this.
  16. BaukCro
    Dec 19, 2016
    5
    I have to admit series is different from previously seen, the theme is unique, slightly crazy and tangled course humoristic. But I'm not fascinated honestly do not know why maybe because actors ..
  17. Alkatraz
    Feb 7, 2018
    10
    Dirk Gently is a breathe of fresh, original, binge worthy air that seriously had me wanting more. I rarely watch series, I just haven't got the time - this series though had me wanting more, coming back every night on Netflix to watch it, and talking sci-fi theory with friends. I read many reviews for this show with a negative rating that either related to Max Landis or not being basedDirk Gently is a breathe of fresh, original, binge worthy air that seriously had me wanting more. I rarely watch series, I just haven't got the time - this series though had me wanting more, coming back every night on Netflix to watch it, and talking sci-fi theory with friends. I read many reviews for this show with a negative rating that either related to Max Landis or not being based closely enough on the book - to these people I say this: you're rating it poorly for the wrong reasons; you're rating a series not on it's merit but from external factors that don't discuss the quality of the show itself.

    I gave this show 10/10 because I was never bored, never fatigued, always intrigued, constantly guessing, laughing AND crying during both seasons. The real travesty is that there are currently only 2 seasons, and Dirk Gently somehow manages to successfully pull off story plot and clean narrative cohesively whilst remaining unpredictable. One more thing, those reviewers who negatively mark Dirk Gently for not being coherent - it is, and those that do so, you need to re-watch it. It can be complex, and difficult to follow - but not due to incompetence. It is intentional, to lure the viewer into a position of misunderstanding to understanding. It's just brilliant.

    To sum the review up, of which I hope helps all of you, this show makes you feel like you're Dirk Gently after Season 2 - guessing, fumbling hopefully, a life changer, but ultimately resolving obstacles that get in your way. Give this series more than just a chance - enjoy it.    … Expand
  18. OscarTheGrouch
    Dec 17, 2017
    9
    Charming, fun, exciting, weird. Mix 'em all together and you get this show.

    What a pleasant surprise Dirk Gently has been. I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about the series, and came out a fan.
  19. theSplund
    Apr 2, 2019
    9
    As a fan of the books ('Teatime' is in my top 10) I was pleasantly surprised at this incarnation given the lackluster BBC3 series that tried desperately, and failed, to stick to the original idea. Season 2 may not be as good, IMHO, and probably veers away from the spirit of DAs books, but Season 1 was a hoot.
  20. lairyboy
    Jan 21, 2018
    10
    Truly captivating. This bizarre and interesting series has so much going for it. Exaggerated plot and larger than life characters are refreshing, the show doesnt take itself too seriously but is really just-one-more-episode TV at its best. Very funny in places, this show explores the connectedness of the Universe where coincidence and serendipity are the major plot movers. I loved it andTruly captivating. This bizarre and interesting series has so much going for it. Exaggerated plot and larger than life characters are refreshing, the show doesnt take itself too seriously but is really just-one-more-episode TV at its best. Very funny in places, this show explores the connectedness of the Universe where coincidence and serendipity are the major plot movers. I loved it and the second series is just as good.… Expand
  21. chesaro
    Jan 15, 2018
    9
    This is a completely weird series, not for everybody, and a must for some others.
    I haven't read the books it is based on, but i would absolutely loved to get them just to know how was the author's original idea on the characters, elijah wood has done something like this (i think it was named wilfred), a complete bizarre series-thing that you love or hate... I'm in the love section by the way
  22. nilsy
    Sep 20, 2017
    8
    Somehow Elijah wood never impressed me with the lord of rings movies, sure he was good but the movies were good rather then him being especially amazing.
    Its first in this tv show i realize his actually a really great actor, he really is the STAR in this show.
    Maybe its since the rest of the actors are not of the same quality as Lord of the rings movies actors were and he just stands out    Somehow Elijah wood never impressed me with the lord of rings movies, sure he was good but the movies were good rather then him being especially amazing.
    Its first in this tv show i realize his actually a really great actor, he really is the STAR in this show.
    Maybe its since the rest of the actors are not of the same quality as Lord of the rings movies actors were and he just stands out here.

    Think its a fun and fast show but it seems to be just have 3 tires instead of 4 and the whole thing just gives me a woozy drunk-like experience.
    But Elijah to me is what holds it together and brings it alive for me making it a great overall experience

    Find it ironic how a the average book gets a good tv show while the brilliant hitchhiker gets a failed movie    … Expand
  23. dr9188
    Feb 12, 2017
    7
    It's hard not to compare this to 2010's BBC UK version (titled "Dirk Gently"), as well as the source material. Some of the changes are questionable (Dirk Gently here having a sports car and trendy clothes, in comparison to Stephen Mangan's depiction looking quite trendy but otherwise clearly living in a mess). The 2010 version had a strong feeling that this is actually how a Doctor Who orIt's hard not to compare this to 2010's BBC UK version (titled "Dirk Gently"), as well as the source material. Some of the changes are questionable (Dirk Gently here having a sports car and trendy clothes, in comparison to Stephen Mangan's depiction looking quite trendy but otherwise clearly living in a mess). The 2010 version had a strong feeling that this is actually how a Doctor Who or Sherlock-type character would come across in the real world; a smart arse, entirely dislikable person with such an ego he is (or at least acts) blind to the fact he can't actually afford to even pay for his secretary or anything (although humorously speaks as if it is all part of his plan).

    Sadly, the Dirk Gently here does seem to go back much more to the showy, quirky British sci-fi hero archetype. When you get over that, however, the way Stephen and Elijah's relationship plays out on screen is pretty brilliant.

    The plots begin to border on a bit too bizarre, and in a way that doesn't quite fit with the earlier series. What drew me in with the earlier series is that the cases in those episodes always seemed to centre around the mundane, with the higher-level stuff almost being accidental to the importance of the rest of the plot: saving the cat. This really seemed to ride the "interconnectedness of all things" idea home, and gave a bizarre legitimacy to Gently's non-sensical manner (how is there a "common sense" method to detective work when you're being hired to track down a cat). In contrast, this depiction shows Gently going off on random tangents, which feel more like doing the random for the sake of it rather than taking actions that "appear" random but actually are inextricably methodical and deliberate. Even if that was just an excuse, what was brilliant is the fact he spent almost as much time thinking up the long-winded explanations. This version seems to lack that point about his ego (at the moment).

    I do want to see more of this going forward, however. It's interesting to see BBC over the pond creating its own works (but a pain it's exclusive to Netflix in the UK... Considering BBC America is part owned by the BBC, and therefore the British License fee payer... I'm surprised BBC UK didn't at least get a right to first refusal). From that, there is a kind of national pride in wanting it to be successful, and it's very well made; it nails the look of the BBC's exports perfectly. I hope some of the issues are teething problems, and it will find its place (or more accurately it's absurdity)    … Expand
  24. Poppyharriet
    Feb 15, 2017
    10
    I love this show. All the (good)characters are 100% lovable and all actresses/actors have brilliantly crafted characters. The female characters are also amazingly portrayed with zero objectification or unnecessary romantic sub plots. A wonderful script to go along with, thanks to max landis! One character has obvious signs of anxiety as well, a character development I hope will getI love this show. All the (good)characters are 100% lovable and all actresses/actors have brilliantly crafted characters. The female characters are also amazingly portrayed with zero objectification or unnecessary romantic sub plots. A wonderful script to go along with, thanks to max landis! One character has obvious signs of anxiety as well, a character development I hope will get explored in season 2. The plot itself is full of twists, some hilarious and some shocking that have you pleasantly on edge throughout. The visuals are also awesome with funky outfits and props. Overall an amazing series that I hope will stay running long into the future!… Expand
  25. meizcom
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the strongest opening seasons to a show I've seen in a while. I watched this show after season two was announced and after falling in love with the first season just a few episodes in, I was skeptical about how good a second season could have been. After seeing the ending of season one though, I absolutely can't wait. So many great characters. So many fantastic story arcs through out the first season that I'm so glad that it's arcing over more than a season rather than picking up on a complete new case. Again, I can't wait to see what happens going forward.… Expand
  26. mrdr4gon
    Nov 15, 2017
    9
    Feels like walking into swirling chaotic tornado of scrabble tiles and finding several 8 letter triple word scores. Complete nonsense, but absolutely brilliant.
  27. Superenigmatix
    Mar 13, 2018
    10
    What f$#@wit cancelled this show, it was the best American program out there!
  28. Unioncityblue
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    Hands down one of my favorite shows ever. Head twisting, mind-bending, equal parts funny, enlightening, action-packed and whimsical all shoved inside a box that makes you think deeply about the reality we live in. The characters are brilliant and it sucks you right into their crazy screwed up journey every single time. Definitely, a must watch if you like off the cuff and quirky, probablyHands down one of my favorite shows ever. Head twisting, mind-bending, equal parts funny, enlightening, action-packed and whimsical all shoved inside a box that makes you think deeply about the reality we live in. The characters are brilliant and it sucks you right into their crazy screwed up journey every single time. Definitely, a must watch if you like off the cuff and quirky, probably not if you like really simple mainstream stuff with a quick and easy and predictable plot line.… Expand
  29. bbrmoraes
    Apr 14, 2018
    7
    Absolutely insane and kind of confusing ang bizarre, but this don't take off the funny of the show and it great evolution with the passing of the episodes.
  30. hejtyjaa
    Oct 11, 2018
    9
    Great show! Biggest surprise in my whole tv-show life - you must watch it! It's so unusual, unpredictable and weird in same time - i can't stop crying, that there won't be season 3. I feel that I will never experience something like this again.
  31. ReadyFight
    Oct 29, 2018
    8
    Note: This is basically a review for Both season 1 & 2 and some inappropriate is used

    After the cancellation of this Crime Thriller Comedy Drama Sci Fi Hullabaloo of Something or Other, i'd like to take a step back and look at the picture for all its imperfections and say it almost became a terrible show . . . almost sure, it bull **** its way around things but at least whatever they    Note: This is basically a review for Both season 1 & 2 and some inappropriate is used

    After the cancellation of this Crime Thriller Comedy Drama Sci Fi Hullabaloo of Something or Other, i'd like to take a step back and look at the picture for all its imperfections and say it almost became a terrible show . . . almost
    sure, it bull **** its way around things but at least whatever they tell you doesn't make sense actually doesn't and thats the point, you can run with it for a while because it is actually pretty fun, not like BBC's Sherlock where its supposed to be grounded with the original stories but they crap on it with the last season, except for the Abominable Bride, at least that was good fun
    apologies for the Sherlock tangent

    if you are looking for a genuinely interesting story to an extent with a combination of a whole bunch of genre flavours, this might be for you, thanks BBC America, you cancelled a good show that could have been crap in the end, thanks.    … Expand
  32. DolphinReviews
    Oct 21, 2022
    9
    One of the best Netflix originals by far. If you have a Netflix subscription check it out.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Oct 31, 2016
    88
    It’s equal parts outlandish, incoherent, funny, cartoonishly violent and confusing--all in a good way. It’s one of those series in which you just have to kick back and enjoy the ride.
    Read full review
  2. Collider
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Oct 27, 2016
    40
    The problem here is the writing, which consistently feels belabored and overtly complicated while the show itself remains largely just about Dirk and Todd and their adventures.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Oct 24, 2016
    83
    The tone bounces cannily from humor to pathos to suspense. The one knock against “Gently”? So much is going on here, the plot is so dense, this is a show that might be better off binged in a marathon. Just one more thing to look forward to, then.
    Read full review
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