Firefly

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 20, 2002
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 481 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 411 out of 481
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 481
  3. Negative: 57 out of 481
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  1. jsous
    May 3, 2011
    10
    perfect. smart, funny, action packed. Such an amazingly enjoyable show. I cherish the few episodes that were made because in my opinion they are some of the very best television produced.
  2. Tnetennba
    Apr 23, 2011
    10
    Brilliant dialogue full of intrigue, drama suspense and ass-kickery. There is a lot of character development over its short episode list and will keep viewers pining over what might have been. Its fourteen episodes are some of the most best sci-fi television ever made.
  3. steven
    Mar 30, 2011
    10
    Firefly transcends the sci-fi genre. The characters are multi-dimensional, the writing superb and the chemistry between the actors and actresses are palpable. The spaceship was just an added bonus. It's too bad the show did not really get off the ground due to Fox's incompetence of airing the show out of order.
  4. ncoulombe
    Feb 23, 2011
    10
    Absolutely amazing. Truly clever writing, great acting, interesting stories, superb cinematics. This show is quite possibly the best show to be cancelled. Don't listen to what professional critics say, they are used to giving thumbs up to anything that fits in with what is 'the norm', this show is breaks the mold, and is definitely unlike anything else I've seen on television.
  5. SchroederRock
    Apr 10, 2012
    10
    If there was one show that should have never been cut off, it was Firefly. There's not another TV series that captured the imagination like Joss Whedon's Firefly. And though it received a movie (Serenity) to bring some form of closure, there has never been a greater travesty than the cancellation of this absolutely wonderful TV series. One can only hope that a day is coming where a TVIf there was one show that should have never been cut off, it was Firefly. There's not another TV series that captured the imagination like Joss Whedon's Firefly. And though it received a movie (Serenity) to bring some form of closure, there has never been a greater travesty than the cancellation of this absolutely wonderful TV series. One can only hope that a day is coming where a TV executive has the brains to get the band back together for an encore season or two.… Expand
  6. xXRenTyrellXx
    Aug 17, 2011
    10
    It's TV series like Firefly that let us know what true entertainment is. Firefly is part of our history, a part of it we will never forget. And although it is very unfortunate that the show was canceled, (way to soon I mite add!) 14 episodes is all we need to call Firefly one of the greatest series of our time. We will never forget the fun, and adventurous times we had with thisIt's TV series like Firefly that let us know what true entertainment is. Firefly is part of our history, a part of it we will never forget. And although it is very unfortunate that the show was canceled, (way to soon I mite add!) 14 episodes is all we need to call Firefly one of the greatest series of our time. We will never forget the fun, and adventurous times we had with this spectacular series, and will continue to have, for many, many more years.… Expand
  7. cmpgk1024
    Oct 30, 2011
    10
    This has to be the best TV show ever. The mix of sci-fi and western themes make for a show that simply can't be missed. Why are you still reading this? Go rent it on Netflix or something!
  8. DavidS
    Oct 18, 2011
    10
    Firefly is a masterpiece and a very special series of the sort which only ever happens once. Every aspect of the series is profoundly well done, and comes together perfectly. The setting is highly creative, and completely convincing. The way it brings together western themes with a sci-fi setting and combines it with multicultural elements is risky, but works like a dream. TheFirefly is a masterpiece and a very special series of the sort which only ever happens once. Every aspect of the series is profoundly well done, and comes together perfectly. The setting is highly creative, and completely convincing. The way it brings together western themes with a sci-fi setting and combines it with multicultural elements is risky, but works like a dream. The characters are all completely unique and have real depth. I love the way all nine of them are equally important. It is impossible to imagine Serenity having even one less character. The acting is astonishingly good. Every single actor is perfectly cast, and I honestly can't imagine a better performance from any of them. I want to give special mention to Summer Glau as River. I thought her performance had nuanced depth and complexity. She acted a difficult role at a young age but made River utterly convincing. The relationships between the characters are realistic, and we can identify with them. In fact, one quality of Firefly is that it avoids excess. There are no tiring soap opera elements, nor does it include any aliens. Even River's physic characteristics are deliberately understated. The story in each episode was creative and gripping, and there was no recycling, nor any weak episodes. Each episode bring new ideas to the table, and the series stay fresh all the way through. The themes combine exciting western/sci-fi characteristics with universal human elements. The cinematography is also bold. The camerawork is deliberately rough, which really complements the down-to-earth western and human themes. Overall I rate this series a ten, because I honestly can't think of a single flaw. It's tragic that it ended early, but at least it ended on a high note.… Expand
  9. lifeinrewind
    Jun 29, 2011
    8
    While Firefly may not be quite as amazing as some make it out to be, it certainly features a strong cast of characters, great humor, and an abundance of fun and adventure. Firefly showed a lot of promise in its one season, and would have probably become even better if given more time to grow. A few episodes aren't up to the standard of the rest, but "Ariel" and "Out of Gas" stand out inWhile Firefly may not be quite as amazing as some make it out to be, it certainly features a strong cast of characters, great humor, and an abundance of fun and adventure. Firefly showed a lot of promise in its one season, and would have probably become even better if given more time to grow. A few episodes aren't up to the standard of the rest, but "Ariel" and "Out of Gas" stand out in particular of Firefly at its best. Joss Whedon showed once again his strengths at writing believable characters who still spout out witty, amusing dialog. This "space-western" has great re-watch potential and it was a crime that it did not get a chance to further the mythology with more seasons. Luckily, the excellent film "Serenity" gave some resolution to the show, but it deserved even more. Firefly is a lot of fun. Overall score: 8/10… Expand
  10. JamboBuenna
    Jan 18, 2012
    10
    Favourite show, would love to see it return. Whedon's finest hour. The characters are multi-dimensional, the writing superb and the chemistry between the actors and actresses are palpable. The spaceship was just an added bonus. It is a shame it has not been picked up again.
  11. PQuinny
    Jan 15, 2012
    10
    This was a terrific show. I just recently started watching it about a year ago and I was so upset to find it had been cancelled after the first season. I mean what happened Fox? Did you hire a bunch of morons who decided it wasn't good enough? Joss Whedon did such an excellent job with the plot and characters of this show and it's a shame Fox had to ruin it.
  12. RavenousGrue
    Jul 3, 2012
    10
    Firefly has characters and dialog that are truly memorable. In a single season, I really felt like I got to know these people and it is a crime that I won't likely see them again. Where is the Kickstarter campaign for Firefly the TV series? I'd contribute to that.
  13. AlphaBoss
    Apr 19, 2013
    10
    Undoubtedly the best sci-show to have ever aired for such a short period of time. This shows first season(and only season) was enough to demonstrate it's potential. This genre of western and science fiction blend in perfect harmony. If this show was given a chance, there's no telling how good it could have gotten.
    Remember it is a TV show, many people who have only watched chopped    Undoubtedly the best sci-show to have ever aired for such a short period of time. This shows first season(and only season) was enough to demonstrate it's potential. This genre of western and science fiction blend in perfect harmony. If this show was given a chance, there's no telling how good it could have gotten.
    Remember it is a TV show, many people who have only watched chopped portions will give it low ratings. Ignorance are no grounds for a bad review.    … Expand
  14. dylanlp
    May 2, 2013
    10
    An excellent show by far the best live action TV show I have ever seen. It provided a complex, deep, and perfectly put together form of entertainment that network TV shows almost never have. The acting is excellent, the stories are interesting and intriguing, and the script is great. Its cancellation doesn't surprise me I know that the typical folks watching FOX on weekdays have noAn excellent show by far the best live action TV show I have ever seen. It provided a complex, deep, and perfectly put together form of entertainment that network TV shows almost never have. The acting is excellent, the stories are interesting and intriguing, and the script is great. Its cancellation doesn't surprise me I know that the typical folks watching FOX on weekdays have no interest in such a show I think this sort of show is more suited for cable and premium like AMC, SyFy, HBO, Showtime etc. Overall, I would reccommend this to anyone a great show.… Expand
  15. DrunkGentleman
    May 1, 2013
    10
    Although the series was as short as 14 episodes it was probably the best thing I've ever watched,the characters and the story blended together so well,the humor was well applied and each character also had a personal story or a secret .Every episode had an enjoyable scenario and an interesting outcome.All in all i would like to congratulate fox for ruining something so brilliant justAlthough the series was as short as 14 episodes it was probably the best thing I've ever watched,the characters and the story blended together so well,the humor was well applied and each character also had a personal story or a secret .Every episode had an enjoyable scenario and an interesting outcome.All in all i would like to congratulate fox for ruining something so brilliant just because they felt like it.… Expand
  16. heromoder
    Apr 21, 2015
    9
    Joss Whedon's finest television by a country mile. Great characters, stunning settings and terrific chemistry between the cast produces a unique and fresh TV experience. Make sure you check out "Ariel", the best episode of the series. A favourite.
  17. bfedor
    May 5, 2014
    10
    I love this show! Once again FOX makes an asinine decision to cancel something that is well written and much loved by fans. I cannot say enough good things about this show! It has such a large following and I wish they would sell the rights to it so someone could bring it back!
  18. JackKasket
    Apr 15, 2015
    10
    After watching this show for the first time on Netflix, I can finally appreciate what the hype is all about.

    Here's my number one take-away from the show: I used to hate Nathan Fillion's stupid smug face and every single thing he did. I just could not bring myself to watch Castle, because I just wanted to smack the stupid grin off his face. Oh how have the tables turned Nathan. How very    After watching this show for the first time on Netflix, I can finally appreciate what the hype is all about.

    Here's my number one take-away from the show: I used to hate Nathan Fillion's stupid smug face and every single thing he did. I just could not bring myself to watch Castle, because I just wanted to smack the stupid grin off his face. Oh how have the tables turned Nathan. How very much so.

    I absolutely love the crew of Serenity, particularly Fillion's portrayal of captain Reynolds. The spaghetti western meets space age is reminiscent of Cowboy Bebop, but with its own unique charm. While some episodes are a bit long-winding, there are enough charming dialogue or surprise lynchings to keep me interested.

    Truly, one of the best sci-fi shows ever made, and truly an unacceptable fate in the hands of Fox executives.    … Expand
  19. goettel
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    Having just revisited Firefly, again I'm amazed how good it is: the casting, dialog, acting and sets are all top notch, and the whole thing is just a ton of fun. Whedon's finest hour. It just makes me sad that it can never return in its current form.

    [spoiler] Killing off Wash and Book in the movie feels like an angry Whedon smothering his baby out of spite over its cancellation.    Having just revisited Firefly, again I'm amazed how good it is: the casting, dialog, acting and sets are all top notch, and the whole thing is just a ton of fun. Whedon's finest hour. It just makes me sad that it can never return in its current form.

    [spoiler] Killing off Wash and Book in the movie feels like an angry Whedon smothering his baby out of spite over its cancellation.

    The movie also lacks the humor which made this short-lived series so much fun. So, I'm going to treat myself to a rerun of what could have panned out to be my favorite series of all time. *sigh* =(    … Expand
  20. GenuineOpinion
    Jun 12, 2012
    10
    I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. These characters, and the episode plots were simply wonderful. I can't think of anything off the top of my head that I did not like about it.
  21. Zal
    Dec 19, 2012
    9
    Having watched this series from start to finish, I can definitely understand why Firefly is the cult classic it is. The characters were fun and interesting, the acting was supurb, the writing was clever, and the sets were creative. It's really a shame that this show got cancelled after the first season yet awful shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager are only cancelled after 5Having watched this series from start to finish, I can definitely understand why Firefly is the cult classic it is. The characters were fun and interesting, the acting was supurb, the writing was clever, and the sets were creative. It's really a shame that this show got cancelled after the first season yet awful shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager are only cancelled after 5 SEASONS (on the bright side, it's finally going to end)! Oh, what a world.… Expand
  22. ramblemancy
    Mar 9, 2012
    9
    As cautious as cats held close to fire by metallic creatures, their hands guarded by angular men with rounded features, this world, this space opera is where I want to live. A real estate agency should be established, an asteroid with enough atmosphere to somehow make rural California arise long enough for filming. But here is the ramblemancy a pocket deep or rather more wide and deep toAs cautious as cats held close to fire by metallic creatures, their hands guarded by angular men with rounded features, this world, this space opera is where I want to live. A real estate agency should be established, an asteroid with enough atmosphere to somehow make rural California arise long enough for filming. But here is the ramblemancy a pocket deep or rather more wide and deep to hold a gun and a coat and a future detective author. There is, there must be, an episode sixteen. To create a spaceship and fly it to other planets, to dodge and flee from either those with great power or those with intents to theft and to create "skin made lamps", to bring along a brother of many famous men and lovely woman who eventually will love her Marine Husband despite his terrorist leanings and some other types whose careers vary from a slow cave dice to simply mowing lawns in East Hollywood, to do all of this, these words, a ramblemancy of text, surely meant they created more episodes. Maybe they are waiting, as some might wait, for the curse and collection of future networks, some broadband something.… Expand
  23. StaticSpine
    Mar 7, 2015
    9
    Fantastic characters, great stories, awesome universe. It's a shame Firefly was cancelled. A must-see for any Sci-Fi fans. The potential of this was enormous.
  24. yune2
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    Great, original characters and a fantastic setting makes this one great TV series that should not have been cancelled. A great cast and a great director has made Firefly an unforgettable experience.
  25. Rox22
    Apr 12, 2013
    9
    A fantastic show that got cancelled too soon. Great premise, great characters and great episodes. The first few episodes were a little rough around the edges, but that quickly went away once the actors were comfortable in their roles. A dying shame that it never got a chance to grow into what it could have been. At least there's Serenity.
  26. Yorkshirebaster
    Jan 8, 2015
    10
    a masterpiece mix of sci-fi and western mixed in with some great characters, action and most memorable comedy. it was canceled just after one season, yet it still is up there with the greats, the follow on film was also very memorable and all together makes one hell of an adventure. this show stands out for me as one of the most original to ever be made, and i think it was and inspirationa masterpiece mix of sci-fi and western mixed in with some great characters, action and most memorable comedy. it was canceled just after one season, yet it still is up there with the greats, the follow on film was also very memorable and all together makes one hell of an adventure. this show stands out for me as one of the most original to ever be made, and i think it was and inspiration for such films as guardians of the galaxy. after i watched guardians, (which i enjoyed) it reminded me so much of firefly and serenity that i could not help but go back and watch firefly from start to finish, im now on serenity i think i might shed a tear at the end as i know they won't be anymore. joss whedon may of made buffy but he done good with this, firefly + serenity legendary till the end. :)… Expand
  27. dtg12
    Dec 12, 2018
    9
    The only negative - it's way too short! Other than that, I have nothing to complain about.
  28. greenisgood
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    An absolute loss of good, deep and complex writing came with the death of this show. And though this was a wholly character driven show I can't say I Do not understand why the low ratings killed the show.

    The characters serious approach with their portrayals of their persona and relatively grounded tone of the show is probably was probably what turned off the casual sci-fi $hit    An absolute loss of good, deep and complex writing came with the death of this show. And though this was a wholly character driven show I can't say I Do not understand why the low ratings killed the show.

    The characters serious approach with their portrayals of their persona and relatively grounded tone of the show is probably was probably what turned off the casual sci-fi $hit exploding in space with massive VFX loving popcorn munchers.
    On the other side and the reason this show gained it's cult status was because we needed to see the underlying deconstruction of the smart ass ship captain and crew which was the key focus.
    Even though Cpt. Malcom Reynolds always acted like he could do no wrong and sometimes even pissed us fans off with his on screen actions, he would always redeem himself though sheer grit, well written story and excellent Screenplay execution.

    Joss Whedon is not a god, trust me I know this but i cannot deny he is a damn good writer and I thank the fanbase for the Serenity Movie existing to allow us fans some closure for the Universe. It is difficult to see the show return considering the gap and I think it is good since we have Firefly and Serenity for endless watches and Good Feels.    … Expand
  29. muzziklover
    Feb 12, 2012
    10
    Best cancelled show ever. I curse FOX forever for cancelling this sci-fi masterpiece. I know quite a few failed tv shows that I like but Firefly is the only show that I wished they continued. Each episode is absolute gold and its storylines leave such a huge impact even with only 14 episodes available. The main reason to watch Firefly and what made it so great is its cast of characters,Best cancelled show ever. I curse FOX forever for cancelling this sci-fi masterpiece. I know quite a few failed tv shows that I like but Firefly is the only show that I wished they continued. Each episode is absolute gold and its storylines leave such a huge impact even with only 14 episodes available. The main reason to watch Firefly and what made it so great is its cast of characters, the Serenity crew. In just 14 episodes, you grow attached to these characters because of their unforgettable and likable personalities. If you come across the dvd of this great show, don't even hesitate. Buy it.… Expand
  30. Ravenous
    Nov 19, 2010
    10
    Truly brilliant. Firefly delivers clever storytelling along with perhaps one of the finest ensemble casts ever assembled. The witty dialogue, the drama, the fantastic humor... everything is absolutely top-notch. Joss Whedon is perhaps the most talented mind in the television industry. Firefly, Buffy, and Angel are easily three of the best shows from the modern era, if not for all time. TooTruly brilliant. Firefly delivers clever storytelling along with perhaps one of the finest ensemble casts ever assembled. The witty dialogue, the drama, the fantastic humor... everything is absolutely top-notch. Joss Whedon is perhaps the most talented mind in the television industry. Firefly, Buffy, and Angel are easily three of the best shows from the modern era, if not for all time. Too bad Dollhouse was a trainwreck.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best TV Season of 2002
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2002
8
#8 Most Shared TV Season of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 30
  3. Negative: 5 out of 30
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jun 28, 2013
    40
    There are no aliens, no teleporters and no lasers. And sadly--given creator Joss Whedon's track record with Buffy the Vampire Slayer--no laughs or thrills.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 14, 2013
    83
    'Firefly' benefits enormously from Whedon's ability to take the clichés of any genre and give them a good, hard yank.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Feb 24, 2013
    70
    The whole space cowboy gimmick shouldn't work, but Whedon and co-creator Tim Minear have managed to create a world where space stations and men on horseback can plausibly co-exist. Little touches like deliberately old-fashioned dialogue - one character describes the bar fight as "just an honest brawl between folk" - help immensely. [19 Sept 2002]
See all critic reviews »