Escape At Dannemora

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 18, 2018
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Nov 19, 2018
    60
    Brett Johnson and Michael Tolkin structure the eight-part series well enough, scripting crisp dialogue and tense scenes that allow Benicio Del Toro, Patricia Arquette and Paul Dano to rip into every frame with their performances. ... But the ponderous construction involved in getting there places a drag on its energy, to the point that the production asks not for the audience’s patience as much as perseverance.
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Nov 15, 2018
    58
    Ben Stiller, best known for his comedic turns in such films as “Meet the Fockers” and “Zoolander,” directs all seven episodes and he’s competent and maybe too thorough. The series could have easily been trimmed by a third.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Nov 15, 2018
    50
    It doesn’t have the energy or excitement of a B picture, though it does, despite its general somberness, manage to feel exploitative. ... In a seven-hour session, the series takes on an epic quality, keeping you interested on a narrative level at least; week to week, the individual episodes won’t necessarily deliver enough to make you want to come back. Dannemora, like the escape it portrays, is a meticulously planned and executed operation that doesn’t go anywhere.
  5. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Nov 13, 2018
    50
    Unfortunately, all the top-notch acting can't quite overcome the pacing problems of Escape at Dannemora. It takes five episodes to get out of the prison and even Stiller's most impressive and creative efforts at illuminating all the discovery, digging and sweat it took to get there can't make it more exciting.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best TV Season of 2018
64
#64 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
2
#2 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 65
  3. Negative: 4 out of 65
  1. nbou
    Nov 28, 2018
    0
    I"m writing from Malone. I worked Clinton (Dannemora) for 12 years. I know Palmer, Tilly was married to my cousin (before Mitchell).I"m writing from Malone. I worked Clinton (Dannemora) for 12 years. I know Palmer, Tilly was married to my cousin (before Mitchell).

    First, what's with the Chicago accents?

    Second, I've lived in that jail. Inmates don't have "papers" ( I still don't get that scene) and the yard scene is missing CO's. That just doesn't happen. There are CO's all over that yard. The picnic table scene makes no sense at all, and the "shakedown" guard's hair touches his collar. Doesn't happen.

    Also, the cell block looks like the old Oz set.

    Palmer never had keys to to catwalk. I never had them ( and he would have reported to me ).    … Full Review »
  2. EludiumQ36
    Mar 8, 2019
    2
    This film dramatizes the actual 2015 escape from this prison. I was REALLY looking forward to this but the decision to present it as sevenThis film dramatizes the actual 2015 escape from this prison. I was REALLY looking forward to this but the decision to present it as seven hour-long episodes is a Fail, which they seemingly knew since they lopped off one of the typical eight eps. Ben Stiller still struggles in television and film as either actor or director. He does nothing to distinguish himself in the latter role with this sleep-inducing series which brings you all the gray depression and sordid relationships of the prison environment. You'll be forgiven if you bail after ep1, don't waste yours and others' lives trying to power through it.… Full Review »
  3. jgzeger
    Dec 10, 2018
    6
    Despite the good acting, especially Patricia Arquette who may win an Emmy for her performance here, I found this show lacking in appeal. It isDespite the good acting, especially Patricia Arquette who may win an Emmy for her performance here, I found this show lacking in appeal. It is gritty and full of unsavory characters as might be expected in a prison film. That makes it realistic, I suppose, but still not my favorite type of story. At times it is excruciatingly boring. They could have reduced the number of episodes by half and made for a much more interesting and faster paced series. I am being generous by giving it a 6.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »