Eli Stone

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 31, 2008
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 80
  3. Negative: 8 out of 80
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User Reviews

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  1. TomO.
    Feb 1, 2008
    4
    Evil corporations -- pharma no less! -- are just a progressive cliches in scripts no more insightful than these. It's boring and predictable.
  2. GarnelleJ.
    Feb 1, 2008
    10
    My heart actually felt lighter after watching the pilot. This show is very good.
  3. JerryB.
    Feb 7, 2008
    2
    Besides predictable cliches and a tone that's been done to death, I think it's totally irresponsible that a show would draw its plot from research that has been proved to be completely false. There is no scientific link between immunization and autism. Further, people who refuse to immunize their children because of this perceived link are doing their children and the world a Besides predictable cliches and a tone that's been done to death, I think it's totally irresponsible that a show would draw its plot from research that has been proved to be completely false. There is no scientific link between immunization and autism. Further, people who refuse to immunize their children because of this perceived link are doing their children and the world a grave disservice.… Expand
  4. ScottP.
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    Great show! Makes me laugh, yet touches my heart at the same time. I only hope it lasts because once I like a show on network TV, it gets canceled.
  5. PeterK.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    Eli Stone delivers laughs and intrigue, but may suffer from having too selective an audience (those who remember the '80s). A quirky writing style and unexpected plot twists kept me fully engaged in the premier episode.
  6. JacksonP.
    Feb 5, 2008
    3
    Boring, uninspired, and poorly written, Eli Stone may be the dullest thing I've seen on television in years. For all its other flaws the worst thing about Eli Stone may be the camerawork. Filmed like a late-90s B-movie than an edgy late-night comedy the show somehow manages to flounder through an entire hour making the viewer feel like they are being kept at arm's length through Boring, uninspired, and poorly written, Eli Stone may be the dullest thing I've seen on television in years. For all its other flaws the worst thing about Eli Stone may be the camerawork. Filmed like a late-90s B-movie than an edgy late-night comedy the show somehow manages to flounder through an entire hour making the viewer feel like they are being kept at arm's length through startlingly uninspired cinematography. Six stars for the concept, but negative three stars for truly pathetic direction.… Expand
  7. Abigail
    Mar 7, 2008
    10
    Brilliant casting. Jonny Lee Miller is a delight (how can the Brits do American accents so perfectly?) and the rest of the cast are wonderful as well. This show is a keeper...which unforunately means, they'll cancel it and give us more damn reality programming. Viva la Eli!
  8. JoeC.
    Apr 14, 2008
    9
    Great entertaining show.
  9. Michelle
    Apr 5, 2008
    9
    Wasn't sure how to feel after the first episode...I knew I liked it, but had a little trouble with my suspension of disbelief. But...as the show progresses, the episodes keep getting better and better, and now I love this show! If you can accept the premise that Eli has no control over how he reacts to his visions, which apparently seem all too real for him, then the "singing in the Wasn't sure how to feel after the first episode...I knew I liked it, but had a little trouble with my suspension of disbelief. But...as the show progresses, the episodes keep getting better and better, and now I love this show! If you can accept the premise that Eli has no control over how he reacts to his visions, which apparently seem all too real for him, then the "singing in the lobby" moments won't bother you too much. Then you can really focus on appreciating the sharp writing, the character development, the clever story lines, and the great cast performances.… Expand
  10. MarieH.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    A breath of fresh air. Though "Eli Stone" isn't for everybody (i.e., cynics), you can't help but root for it to succeed. Funny, charming, and hopeful? It feels like a show I could stick with for a long time.
  11. WendyR.
    Feb 10, 2008
    10
    I have to give this show a 10 because my favorite actor, JLM, is the star. He is wonderfully classic but he is even more wonderfully classic with his British accent!
  12. EdM.
    Feb 18, 2008
    0
    Wow, another quirky tv show about a lawyer. How original. How about a show about a talking horse that is a lawyer? Don't make me drive to Hollywood and force them to make a good tv show. It wont be pretty.
  13. LeslieM.
    Feb 2, 2008
    10
    Our grandson who is three has recently been diagnosed with autism, this show has brought attention to this issue. I like many followed the links to the CDC and found their answers and comments to be helpful. The show was moving, insightful and in my book a winner, incidentally this is the first time I have ever spoken about a show. GOOD JOB, looking forward to future programs.
  14. JenniferE.
    Feb 26, 2008
    8
    This show is very funny and uplifting.
  15. TheVegan
    Mar 3, 2008
    4
    I enjoy the drama of the cases Eli works on but I don't enjoy, at all, when he is experiencing supposed symptoms of his aneurysm. The whole thing is way too far out there and just too much for me. And this is coming from someone who loved Ally McBeal. I watched 3 full episode of Eli and during the 4th I just couldn't take it any more. The reason I gave it a four is I did enjoy, I enjoy the drama of the cases Eli works on but I don't enjoy, at all, when he is experiencing supposed symptoms of his aneurysm. The whole thing is way too far out there and just too much for me. And this is coming from someone who loved Ally McBeal. I watched 3 full episode of Eli and during the 4th I just couldn't take it any more. The reason I gave it a four is I did enjoy, as stated above, the drama involved in the cases but that was it.… Expand
  16. SThomas
    Apr 7, 2008
    10
    Jonny Lee Miller is brilliant! This is a wonderfully unique show and should definitely stay on the air!
  17. CharlesH.
    Feb 22, 2008
    6
    This started off pretty well but gets a little dumber each week. The first week I thought it had just a little of Pushing Daisies quirkiness, but by week 3 I thought it had way too much Picket Fences contrived preciousness. I think the little flap about autism in the first episode underscores what I'm increasingly noticing, which is this show doesn't really care if anything in This started off pretty well but gets a little dumber each week. The first week I thought it had just a little of Pushing Daisies quirkiness, but by week 3 I thought it had way too much Picket Fences contrived preciousness. I think the little flap about autism in the first episode underscores what I'm increasingly noticing, which is this show doesn't really care if anything in it is realistic or makes basic sense. The best fantasies make everything outside the fantasy itself convincing; if nothing in the show seems realistic then his visions are just another dumb thing in the show.… Expand
  18. TaylorP.
    Feb 22, 2008
    10
    This is a great show that is funny and great!
  19. BazS.
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    Love it! Quirky and funny with increasing character development as the episodes progress. I love how they have incorporated some great musical numbers into the show.
  20. Ammon
    Feb 29, 2008
    3
    too predictable and cheesy to be on prime time- should be on the Disney channel.
  21. RonaldV.
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    show appeals to those with existential angst aka mid-life concerns, vis-a-vis career, family, relationships, etc. good, diverse cast. issue-oriented despite the escapism similar to Travolta's phenomenon. looking forward to future shows.
  22. Robbie
    Mar 11, 2008
    10
    Love this show it's very funny.
  23. MaryannZ.
    Mar 13, 2008
    10
    george michael is so amazing in every way, he just keeps getting better and better! i only wish that he would make more guest appearances and sing more songs, he has the voice of perfection, that of an angel, a true gift from above! he is so sexy!!!!!!!!
  24. Del
    Mar 14, 2008
    9
    Compared to what's on right now, this is a pretty decent show. Some comedy, small amount of drama. All in all, not bad. A pleasant 1 hr.
  25. DuaneJ.
    Mar 15, 2008
    9
    Great and funny show. Unique and could be at an earlier time.
  26. JasonH.
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    Funny & inspirational as well as thought provoking & deep/smart cases.
  27. Renee
    Mar 29, 2008
    10
    I haven't liked a show this much in decades. It has it all. In fact, I've become such a fan of it, I figure it's virtually certain that it'll be cancelled.
  28. CelestaF.
    Apr 13, 2008
    10
    This show is wonderful! I love the optimistic and good nature of Eli!!
  29. ThiagoS.
    Apr 13, 2008
    10
    One of the best show i have watched in a long time, hope they will keep making a lot more of it.
  30. JosephineS.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    I love this show...I want it to continue...One of the best shows on TV!!! My favorite.
  31. ShannaB.
    Apr 14, 2008
    9
    Great Show with brilliant cast and wonderful stories
  32. Melissa
    Apr 16, 2008
    10
    Like "Michelle" said, I liked the first episode but it didnt make justice to what was to come. I kept on watching because it seemed promising and I was not disappointed. Eli is a beautiful man (and i don't mean hot) he's flawed and trying so very hard to do the hard thing. It reminds us that we cant expect to be good without struggling a little. Love it, love it love it!
  33. DarronK.
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    I cannot remember the last television show I actually looked forward to watching. TV has become absolute garbage, in my humble opinion. With the exception of this odd show Eli Stone. Anyone who has been through psychological or spiritual trauma should be able to enjoy this show. That should mean everyone, but, as is evidenced by the various reviews out there, this show is not for I cannot remember the last television show I actually looked forward to watching. TV has become absolute garbage, in my humble opinion. With the exception of this odd show Eli Stone. Anyone who has been through psychological or spiritual trauma should be able to enjoy this show. That should mean everyone, but, as is evidenced by the various reviews out there, this show is not for everyone. Most shows are incredibly dark and nihilistic-the point always ends up in the suicidal ideation of Camus or Nietzche. I became a huge fan of this show. Sure, the visions are out there, the plots are wacky, but the message, the message is pure and needed today. Surprisingly, in its simplicity, this show is actually far more complex than the majority of filth on the tube. Folks, if you are a spiritual person who has faced hardship, if you are a Christian or a spiritual libertine who has eyes towards hope, faith, and the promise of a better future, look no further than Eli Stone for great television. In fact, go buy the Season 1 DVD, it is fantastic. This is no 7th Heaven or Joan of Arcadia...there is an element of truthfullness in this fanciful show and it seeps with humanity in an inhuman time. Highly recommended from someone who can barely sit through 99% of TV today.… Expand
  34. StephenB.
    Oct 15, 2008
    9
    So often a second season disappoints and fails to carry forward the momentum of the first. Not so for Eli Stone. Yes, it is soppy and hardly an intellectual challenge. However it is also a creative and carefully crafted continuation of the story, stirring the emotions in a delicate and entertaining manner. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
  35. NormD.
    Jan 31, 2008
    5
    Wow...Ally Mcbeal with a hairpiece! And spot all the has been actors in supporting roles!!! Is that Pamela Reed as his mom? Wasn't she just recently playing the quirky looking love interest? Note: episode 2 will feature Andrew Ridgely as the dancing baby
  36. MD.
    Feb 12, 2008
    8
    A feel-good show, with an interesting sense of humor. (And to those slamming it for the first episode - it was only one episode and there was a really big notice at the end of said episode reminding viewers that it is a fictional show and that there is no known link between immunization and autism.)
  37. CameronC.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    The best new show that I have seen. I only hope that NBC brings Journeyman back, so I will have two shows to watch.
  38. JasonS.
    Mar 25, 2008
    3
    Instead of leaving open the central question of the show, is Eli really having visions or is it all a consequence of his medical condition, the producers have opted to say magic is real! Thus abandoning any pretence of a show written for adults. The central premise could have lead to a really in depth look at someone losing touch with reality and doubting himself, a la ''A Instead of leaving open the central question of the show, is Eli really having visions or is it all a consequence of his medical condition, the producers have opted to say magic is real! Thus abandoning any pretence of a show written for adults. The central premise could have lead to a really in depth look at someone losing touch with reality and doubting himself, a la ''A Beautiful Mind" but instead we get "Ali McBeal" There is also a very strong anti-science bias in the show, and there really is too much of that already.… Expand
  39. HeleneF.
    Mar 31, 2008
    9
    I love the show's concept. This is a literate, quirky, endearing show that is so desperately needed in this season's lineup.
  40. JaneZ.
    Apr 16, 2008
    10
    This is such a refreshing show and so well done. It is fun and entertaining. The cast is well suited together. I look forward every week to Thursday evening and Eli Stone. I hope it will be renewed.
  41. MarkG.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    This show is pure entertainment....something most shows don't....
  42. FrankC.
    Apr 18, 2008
    10
    Considering some of the trash ABC has had in the past, this is about the only reason my TIVO ever sees the light of day on ABC. The story is well written and well acted.
  43. Vinnygc
    Feb 14, 2012
    10
    My wife and I have watched 17 episodes so far and we're having trouble understanding why it had such a short run. The characters are real and likable, the casting seems very good, the individual scenes seem well-directed, the story lines are compelling, there seem to be enough little surprises to keep the viewers on their toes and the vision sequences offer the cast a chance to act out ofMy wife and I have watched 17 episodes so far and we're having trouble understanding why it had such a short run. The characters are real and likable, the casting seems very good, the individual scenes seem well-directed, the story lines are compelling, there seem to be enough little surprises to keep the viewers on their toes and the vision sequences offer the cast a chance to act out of character allowing them a way to expand. I wish there were more episodes.… Expand
  44. bob516
    Oct 10, 2018
    10
    I am fan of the absurd. That a prophet could be getting messages through musical numbers I thought was very creative. I am not a fan of musicals, but the singing, dancing, and choreography taking place in a lawyers office was wonderfully absurd. Too bad that idea did not last through the first season. I am giving this show a 10, not for the full season, but because I was taken withI am fan of the absurd. That a prophet could be getting messages through musical numbers I thought was very creative. I am not a fan of musicals, but the singing, dancing, and choreography taking place in a lawyers office was wonderfully absurd. Too bad that idea did not last through the first season. I am giving this show a 10, not for the full season, but because I was taken with the creativity of the concept.… Expand
  45. shineonsunfish
    Dec 17, 2012
    5
    Not terrible, but pretty uninspired. I am always annoyed by things that are blandly "spiritual," poorly acted, and full of stereotypical characters and situations. Eli Stone has all three. I often find myself thinking that the cases that Stone champions are, based on the evidence that he has, wrongly decided. A couple of good actors and fresh faces with largely innocuous plots aren'tNot terrible, but pretty uninspired. I am always annoyed by things that are blandly "spiritual," poorly acted, and full of stereotypical characters and situations. Eli Stone has all three. I often find myself thinking that the cases that Stone champions are, based on the evidence that he has, wrongly decided. A couple of good actors and fresh faces with largely innocuous plots aren't really a problem, other than the kind of obvious left-wing agenda of most of the plots. Expect evil corporations, sinister churches, greedy businessmen and the shiftless lawyers who defend them. Meh.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best TV Season of 2008
18
#18 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
65
#65 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    83
    With these superb supporting players [Victor Garber, Tom Amandes, and Loretta Devine] helping drain away any potential drippiness from the show's magical-realist trappings, Eli Stone proves as solid as a rock.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    80
    There's a strong supporting cast, including Loretta Devine as Stone's no-nonsense secretary, but the big attraction is Miller's Stone and his transformation from heartless corporate lawyer to protector of the little guy.
    Read full review
  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    60
    Eli Stone is another lawyer hour disguised as feel-good rehabilitation fluff, with Eli now compelled to use his sharklike courtroom mojo to take up the causes of wronged underdogs against the kinds of heartless corporate clients his blue-chip firm typically represents.
    Read full review
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