Fargo

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 15, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,191 out of 1249
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 1249
  3. Negative: 34 out of 1249
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. silasbodnick
    Apr 16, 2014
    10
    We've been talking about this for years now, but it's a sad state of affairs when the first episode of a TV season is better than 90% of all movies released in a given year. This is truly superb stuff. Brilliant casting, serious as a heart attack, and yet has the light comedic touches of the film. They certainly didn't waste any time getting into the nasty bits.
  2. Finn471
    Jun 30, 2014
    8
    The pilot was interesting and it's a great good versus evil parable. The lead actress is refreshing and Billy Bob is terrific. After the pilot there are many eps that are slow, boring and poorly plotted. But it comes together in the end with a strong finish. Overall if it were half as long I'd like it twice as much. Many, many scenes about nothing. But then something cool happens.
  3. AxeT
    Aug 20, 2015
    7
    This does pass the ultimate test of merit for a TV show: Does it have you waiting for the next episode? Very stylish and quirky in the vein of the original film by the Coens capitalizing on the regional accents and culture. It's a little too cute at times, and some of the detail from the period is sloppy.
  4. Veber
    Sep 17, 2014
    5
    The series starts pretty good, with nice mix of comedy and detective action, getting viewers to sympathize with protagonist, even despite what he/they have done. Unfortunately, the show takes nosedive in Vegas episode, with problems and contrived conveniences pilling up rapidly, culminating in convoluted ending.

    I'm not sure if Coen brothers' involvement was the cause of this, but I'm    The series starts pretty good, with nice mix of comedy and detective action, getting viewers to sympathize with protagonist, even despite what he/they have done. Unfortunately, the show takes nosedive in Vegas episode, with problems and contrived conveniences pilling up rapidly, culminating in convoluted ending.

    I'm not sure if Coen brothers' involvement was the cause of this, but I'm inclined to think so, considering their past works    … Expand
  5. WJS
    Sep 16, 2015
    9
    I loved the way this show capture the spirit of the original movie even with its changes in cast, characters and story. It's very well acted, written and directed and feels very cinematic in style. Kudos to all involved!
  6. nerzhin
    May 3, 2014
    9
    Писати рев'ю суржиком на англомовному сайті? Вмію, практикую, як то кажуть. Сезон тільки розпочався, але сюжет захоплює з перших хвилин пілота. Каст теж вражаючий: мені достатньо Біллі Боб Торнтона та Мартіна Фрімена, але й Кіт Керредін, Колін Хенкс з Декстера та Боб Оденкірк з ББ органічно вписалися в сюжетну павутину. Маст вотч цього року!Писати рев'ю суржиком на англомовному сайті? Вмію, практикую, як то кажуть. Сезон тільки розпочався, але сюжет захоплює з перших хвилин пілота. Каст теж вражаючий: мені достатньо Біллі Боб Торнтона та Мартіна Фрімена, але й Кіт Керредін, Колін Хенкс з Декстера та Боб Оденкірк з ББ органічно вписалися в сюжетну павутину. Маст вотч цього року!
  7. YoursTruly
    Apr 18, 2014
    9
    One episode in and wow. What a promising introduction. From the first musical note of the title scene to the last second of the end credits...enthralling. (So far) It's careful, quiet and suspenseful all while being pushed through a heavily darkened ambiance of cool-handed murder. And Billy Bob is bad as f*ck. Dope material right here. I even laughed out loud a couple of times.
  8. skim123
    May 14, 2014
    9
    Wow. After Breaking Bad ended, I was looking for a great new show to fill that void, but I was doubtful I could find one. Fargo has filled that void. The amazing casting alone makes this show a success. A lot of the "mainstream" networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, TNT) fill their shows with actors who are bland "model types" - people who are just boring to watch. It's refreshing to find a showWow. After Breaking Bad ended, I was looking for a great new show to fill that void, but I was doubtful I could find one. Fargo has filled that void. The amazing casting alone makes this show a success. A lot of the "mainstream" networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, TNT) fill their shows with actors who are bland "model types" - people who are just boring to watch. It's refreshing to find a show that casts interesting actors who aren't just cookie-cutter Ken and Barbie clones. The writing is great, but the interesting and likable actors really take this show to another level. It's great when you can tell the casting director wasn't trying to just fill all the roles with "hot people", but rather trying to find people who were charismatic and believable in their roles.… Expand
  9. lenny68
    Apr 16, 2014
    8
    After Breaking Bad came to an end I thought it would be a long wait before TV dished up something as captivating. I was wrong.

    Although it's too early to say for sure, on the strength of the first episode I think this could be a hell of a ride. Here's hoping.
  10. DenKnight-
    Sep 19, 2014
    10
    This is a must-see if you have a fundamental understanding of good film/TV making. It's well written, brilliantly directed, artisticly beautiful, funny, painful and disturbing. All at once. Every scene gushes precision. Many scenes do things I have never seen before. Also, I read some of the bad reviews here, and I can say is don't trust them. You can tell they're the types not to enjoyThis is a must-see if you have a fundamental understanding of good film/TV making. It's well written, brilliantly directed, artisticly beautiful, funny, painful and disturbing. All at once. Every scene gushes precision. Many scenes do things I have never seen before. Also, I read some of the bad reviews here, and I can say is don't trust them. You can tell they're the types not to enjoy this type of production.… Expand
  11. Issu
    Jul 2, 2014
    5
    This Tv show is simply over rated . I have watched all 10 episodes some how and it was moving like a snail most of the time. Credits be given to Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman for their impeccable acting else this would have been 2-3 rated show for me .
    I dont how most rated it so high, may be the movie was good but this one was simply a predictable story line with lotta ice here    This Tv show is simply over rated . I have watched all 10 episodes some how and it was moving like a snail most of the time. Credits be given to Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman for their impeccable acting else this would have been 2-3 rated show for me .
    I dont how most rated it so high, may be the movie was good but this one was simply a predictable story line with lotta ice here and there .Martin Freeman some times looked like he has stammering disease and then all of a sudden he is mr scarface planing and dealing dead bodies and ****
    The villian was acted as realistic by Billy Bob Thornton and the deputy role too was okay in the hands of Allison Tolman. Seeing the saul goodman of breaking bad, (Bob Odenkirk) in such a dull avatar was painfull, he is a guy suited for some energetic character and this one was the exact opposite of that. All in all, its just a watchable show , if you miss it nothing is gonna happen, simply over rated everywhere because of the old oscar winning movie    … Expand
  12. Lemay
    Jul 28, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Has some similar looks with Breaking Bad, black humor, excessive violence, photography ..Billy Bob was amazing, Odenkirk too, but I think some scenes were little unreal, last scene, with his broken leg was incredible...but it captivates us without doubts.… Expand
  13. frandecurgez
    Aug 3, 2014
    8
    Not my favorite show of the season. I have to say that it is good, though. The acting is great; I particularly loved Martin Freeman's and Allison Tolman's work. Watch it!
  14. nicholasbert
    Dec 17, 2014
    9
    Good shows are out there for those willing to watch them - and Fargo is one of them. Recapturing vibe from the Coen film, it casts us in a wintry whiteout of philosopher hitmen, murderous insurance salesmen and the obvious incompetent police, all surrounded by Minnesota nice and the dark humour from the source material. A brilliant cast, refined photography, and catchy score ensure theGood shows are out there for those willing to watch them - and Fargo is one of them. Recapturing vibe from the Coen film, it casts us in a wintry whiteout of philosopher hitmen, murderous insurance salesmen and the obvious incompetent police, all surrounded by Minnesota nice and the dark humour from the source material. A brilliant cast, refined photography, and catchy score ensure the success of Fargo. "Heck" is all one can say.… Expand
  15. Carrottoes
    Apr 20, 2014
    8
    I'm remaining skeptical until I see the rest of the season but the first episode was pretty great. The first 30 minutes were a bit slow but it picked up. Billy Bob Thornton's acting was fantastic as well, not a big fan of Martin Freeman's accent but it didn't take me out of the show.
  16. BanZaiHD
    May 20, 2014
    9
    Up to now, the series is great. The actors are terrific and the storytelling is slow but very good. The dark humor of the Coen brothers film is well use. There's maybe the charm of the music and the wide shots of characteristics places that were used in the movie that would have been a great plus but overall it's great.
  17. gameofthrones95
    Jul 1, 2014
    8
    Intense dramatic climaxes with a steady build and solid acting. Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo; a ridiculously good serial killer, is a true standout, no legendary performance and the show deserves a watch.
  18. calbertuk
    May 28, 2014
    9
    Fargo is the perfect tv hour to fill your Breaking Bad void, it is a dense show which brings amazing quirk to television. Great casting, great characters and great storyline, Fargo has it all.
  19. Raftastic
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    The series starts off with possibly the greatest pilot ever and it stays just as good through out season 1. The series isn't as dark as the movie but still has the atmosphere and humor of the Coen Brother's 1996 classic. The film has great casting and great performances by all the actors. Billy Bob Thorton could play this role in his sleep, I wasn't too sure of Martin Freeman but all myThe series starts off with possibly the greatest pilot ever and it stays just as good through out season 1. The series isn't as dark as the movie but still has the atmosphere and humor of the Coen Brother's 1996 classic. The film has great casting and great performances by all the actors. Billy Bob Thorton could play this role in his sleep, I wasn't too sure of Martin Freeman but all my doubts went in the pilot, he delivers the BEST performance of his career. The show has great writing, brilliant humor and legendary performances, it really helps prove that in this day and age, TV is better than Movies.… Expand
  20. podaddy
    Aug 4, 2014
    10
    Top notch. Everything about this show is just that. With the departure of Breaking Bad, the void was surprisingly filled by True Detective, but to have a second show come along so quickly that is of BB caliber is pretty amazing.Can't say one bad thing about Fargo other than I'm not sure how i feel about a second season as the one and done approach is why, I believe, the writers were ableTop notch. Everything about this show is just that. With the departure of Breaking Bad, the void was surprisingly filled by True Detective, but to have a second show come along so quickly that is of BB caliber is pretty amazing.Can't say one bad thing about Fargo other than I'm not sure how i feel about a second season as the one and done approach is why, I believe, the writers were able to give is a masterpiece with each ensuing episode.… Expand
  21. shellview
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    It is the great character actors that make this such a great pilot. Everyone from Martin Freeman (so great as "Watson") to Billy Bob are spot on. Funny, scary, disgusting, and so much more describes this version of Fargo. The broadcast stations just do not produce anything near as good as the shows we find on the cable stations. Fargo can join with Breaking Bad, Justified, The WalkingIt is the great character actors that make this such a great pilot. Everyone from Martin Freeman (so great as "Watson") to Billy Bob are spot on. Funny, scary, disgusting, and so much more describes this version of Fargo. The broadcast stations just do not produce anything near as good as the shows we find on the cable stations. Fargo can join with Breaking Bad, Justified, The Walking Dead, and others in the pantheon of television programs.… Expand
  22. DownByTheRiver
    Jun 18, 2014
    10
    Truly some of the best T.V I have ever witnessed! If you're a fan of the original movie then you should give this a watch, quite possibly better than the movie and that's a damn good movie! I won't say much but I will say [practically everything about it it great. Fargo is must watch T.V No need to do a stand-out episode for this one, they're pretty much all great!
  23. Chaz779
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    After watching the pilot episode, I find it hard to believe that they will make the rest of the season as consistently good as the first episode. It is probably the best pilot episode ever made. But if somehow they manage this, it will be a triumph!
  24. RedOwlReviews
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    There is something quietly magical about watching FX's Fargo. Despite sharing so many qualities with the 1996 film – the frivolous, ubiquitous small talk; the washed-out sets and arctic blue exteriors; the ironically cinematic score (which works even better on television); the facetious, heavily accented overuses of "oh yeah," "well heck," and "aw jeez" – this FX original is not Fargo. TheThere is something quietly magical about watching FX's Fargo. Despite sharing so many qualities with the 1996 film – the frivolous, ubiquitous small talk; the washed-out sets and arctic blue exteriors; the ironically cinematic score (which works even better on television); the facetious, heavily accented overuses of "oh yeah," "well heck," and "aw jeez" – this FX original is not Fargo. The characters have been tweaked, reimagined, and shifted to match a more dynamic, open-ended storyline. The infuriatingly clueless and eternally weak Lundegaard is replaced with a more willful and self-aware Nygaard. Comfortable, stable Marge Gunderson becomes aspiring, youthful Molly Solverson. But most significantly, the dysfunctional kidnapper duo is trashed in favor of a drifting assassin, the instigating and innately cynical Lorne Malvo. The inclusion of these different characters provides for a unique dynamic not found in the original.
    And yet, this new series manages to emulate the witty and unmistakably signature charm that made the original such a cult hit. 1996 Fargo's appeal was rooted in its unprecedented mix of dark comedy, tragedy, and heroism. Although the FX series doesn't line up perfectly with its muse (nor does it try to), it still succeeds in capturing its situational hilarity, absurd gravity, and profound melancholy through its impressive writing, mindful directing, and laudable acting. Alison Tolman plays her part stunningly, but the best performances come equally from Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, who could not have been cast any more perfectly. So although FX's Fargo is not entirely Fargo, it's heart and skin is Fargo through and through, and that's what matters the most.

    FINAL SCORE: 92.5 (almost perfect -----o--------------- perfect)    … Expand
  25. MJKPSTAN
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    A chilling dark comedy that is a stroke of genius. Noah Hawley has created something very special with Fargo, based in the same universe as the 90s classic. Billy Bob Thornton is excellent in this almost perfect show, as is Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Jokey King and Collin Hanks. 9.710 for Fargo.
  26. keatyisking
    May 28, 2014
    10
    fantastic incredible unbelievably brilliant show with top class acting and script. this is the best show i have seen .the story is said to be true but i find it hard to believe, even so the story is told so well and the script is so humorous that the entertainment value is immence.love it!!!
  27. nautico
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyed the pilot episode and look forward to more of the same. Fine casting/acting and excellent script. I was born and raised in MN and spent half of my adult life there. The accent and syntax that was first introduced in the movie, Fargo, as "Minnesotan" is pretty close to the mark, though there's some understandable exaggeration to make the point. The accent is sometimesThoroughly enjoyed the pilot episode and look forward to more of the same. Fine casting/acting and excellent script. I was born and raised in MN and spent half of my adult life there. The accent and syntax that was first introduced in the movie, Fargo, as "Minnesotan" is pretty close to the mark, though there's some understandable exaggeration to make the point. The accent is sometimes described as "Minne-wegian," a combination of Minnesotan and Norwegian. I first heard it so labeled in describing Sarah Palin's accent. It's also worth noting that it's heard mostly in rural areas. One rarely hears anyone talk like that in the Twin Cities, though we Minneapolitans used to throw in a "ya, shure, you betcha" now and then just for the fun of it.… Expand
  28. shishir2730
    May 8, 2014
    10
    FARGO is now 4 episodes old and I am already into it, completely hooked up. The story is intense and brilliant. It will end up being one of the best shows ever. Malvo will be crowned as one of the best villain ever. For people who has not started watching this amazing show, buy yourself some time and watch this.
  29. JCouch777
    Apr 16, 2014
    10
    Although very different from the movie, this show looks and feels the same. It still captures that dark, comedic tone of the original and tells a new story heavily influenced by the film. Everything in Fargo just makes sense. I love it.
  30. LamontRaymond
    Apr 16, 2014
    10
    That was probably one of the best pilots I've ever seen. Even with the weight of expectations based on the success of the film, the creators reinvented the series while keeping the tone of flavor for that part of the country. Billy Bob is an inspired choice. I can't believe they covered as much ground as they did in the very first episode. Reminds me of the final half season ofThat was probably one of the best pilots I've ever seen. Even with the weight of expectations based on the success of the film, the creators reinvented the series while keeping the tone of flavor for that part of the country. Billy Bob is an inspired choice. I can't believe they covered as much ground as they did in the very first episode. Reminds me of the final half season of Breaking Bad. No messing around. I can't wait to watch the rest of this series.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best TV Season of 2014
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
6
#6 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Jun 25, 2014
    40
    Only a fool would deny Fargo’s polish and verve, its stylized razzle-dazzle. But, for me at least, after a year of gulping down chili peppers, it takes more to make a meal.
    Read full review
  2. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 24, 2014
    80
    The setting is convincingly snowy and wintry (it was filmed in Calgary, Canada), the writing is clever, and the actors are outstanding.
    Read full review
  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Diane Garrett
    Apr 15, 2014
    80
    At times, however, Hawley goes a little too heavy on the quirk, and Thornton, who last regularly appeared on TV in the John Ritter political comedy “Hearts Afire” in the early 1990s, overly indulges in that smirk. Bits between mob enforcers Mr. Numbers (Adam Goldberg) and Mr. Wrench (Russell Harvard) also wear out their welcome. The overall quality of TV's Fargo is high.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »