Forever (2014)

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2014
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 295 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 253 out of 295
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 295
  3. Negative: 30 out of 295

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User Reviews

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  1. JasonSorn
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Forever is the first appealing show to come out in a long time. It doesn't lean heavily on non-classy gimmicks such as sex to promote a truly original supernatural twist on the age old premise of crime fighters. It's a good balance of action, story, and character development. Highly recommend it. I can only see it getting better and more intriguing as the season unfolds.
  2. coloradobookie
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Rarely does ABC tv have such a fun new series. The actors may pull off the limitations ina basic tv show. Hope it only gets better. Ive watched the pilot twice impatiently waiting for the series to start.
  3. imhellspawn12
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    I have been watching forever ever since it came on tv and all i have to say about this show is that I WANT MORE and i really hope this show is not one of those ones axed in the first few episodes.
  4. iamsiaho
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    I watch very little TV, so when a new show arises, and I like it, and its reviews suck, I take some offense.
    While it seems we have way to many crime drama shows (being second only to reality TV), when pulled off well, they can be quite entertaining to watch.
    what I like about Forever: His immortality. brought about by unknown forces, and viewed by the lead as a burden rather than a    I watch very little TV, so when a new show arises, and I like it, and its reviews suck, I take some offense.
    While it seems we have way to many crime drama shows (being second only to reality TV), when pulled off well, they can be quite entertaining to watch.
    what I like about Forever:
    His immortality. brought about by unknown forces, and viewed by the lead as a burden rather than a gift, it adds another dimension to the lead character while also giving story writers a lot to play with.
    His relationships: from the mutual respect and attraction he and the cop, Jo, feel, to the amusing but not too-embarrassing-to-watch dealings with his assistant, to his, frankly, sweet father/son relationship with Abe, to the memories of Abigail. They flesh him out as a character, and they are also interesting, real feeling characters in their own right.
    his deductive skills: this is what puts so many people off. they act like he is ripping on the idea of Sherlock Holmes. Well, i think that that point has legitimacy, but i also feel that it is overblown, and that he SHOULD be the detective he is. After living for 200 years, it makes sense that you would know things others simply don't, and see patterns in places others don't. when you take a very intelligent person, who is naturally observant and aware, and you give him 200 years to hone those skills, he SHOULD make Holmes look like an amateur.
    his deaths: 4 episodes in, and he has not died nearly as much as you'd expect, given the big deal his immortality is treated with. In episode 4, for example, he did not die at all, nor even came to a point where it seemed he would. this shows me that the show cares more about the story than the gimmick.

    I am personally of the opinion that this show is well written, well acted, and intelligent, and i would be VERY upset to see it get cut short. That may change. In another 4 episodes it is entirely conceivable that enough could change that I'd be ready to write this whole thing off, but somehow I doubt it.

    I think one of the worst things that could happen for this show is if it is given the disgusting treatment 'Almost Human' was given, where it is allowed to run its first full season, and then just quietly killed.    … Expand
  5. Alexlee
    Feb 8, 2015
    10
    Forever is just plain good. the Pilot was brilliant and promising.
    the main plot is fairly astonishing. the twist, the surprise, the story line, the flashback timing, all are in a great position.
    the deduction skill and method used here are splendid too. there are things here that happens to be more than classic Sherlock Holmes do, the deductions are in a perfect shape triangle, with    Forever is just plain good. the Pilot was brilliant and promising.
    the main plot is fairly astonishing. the twist, the surprise, the story line, the flashback timing, all are in a great position.
    the deduction skill and method used here are splendid too. there are things here that happens to be more than classic Sherlock Holmes do, the deductions are in a perfect shape triangle, with every detailed precise reasoning, and not just jumping all around, blabbering, and suddenly epic conclusion in the end, so that the viewers are able to follow every details presented. it might seems pretty hard to make but it came out pretty good actually.    … Expand
  6. nikkiloohoo23
    Sep 25, 2014
    8
    This show is a lot like one Fox put out a few years back titled New Amsterdam. Similar concept - man who lives and keeps on living, the main characters are both attractive men, and there's a female cop in the mix. Aside from that, not many other similarities. I liked the show, it was entertaining, and kind of brought me in with the person who suffers from the same...affliction, if youThis show is a lot like one Fox put out a few years back titled New Amsterdam. Similar concept - man who lives and keeps on living, the main characters are both attractive men, and there's a female cop in the mix. Aside from that, not many other similarities. I liked the show, it was entertaining, and kind of brought me in with the person who suffers from the same...affliction, if you will, as Henry Morgan.… Expand
  7. ronsterzz
    Sep 30, 2014
    8
    The show is very appealing, sort of a new thing in police procedural shows. I noticed that the main actor carries the show, the rest of the cast like the detectives are much less compelling. Sure they are good actors and actresses but none can match the charisma and charm of the leading actor, which kinda puts it a little off balance. Perhaps a little more role for the detectives thanThe show is very appealing, sort of a new thing in police procedural shows. I noticed that the main actor carries the show, the rest of the cast like the detectives are much less compelling. Sure they are good actors and actresses but none can match the charisma and charm of the leading actor, which kinda puts it a little off balance. Perhaps a little more role for the detectives than sidekick, much like Castle and Beckett sort of thing would be nice. Giving the detective more knowledge and experience in police work would be nicer.… Expand
  8. LPS808
    Feb 4, 2015
    10
    I love this show, it's very clean, refreshing and has a cuteness to it without being cheezy. I'd like to know how he came to have his ability of never dying.
  9. Omapinky
    Apr 6, 2015
    10
    I love the originality of this show to cancel it would be a huge mistake. You have great actors that make the characters come alive. I DVR every episode to make I don't miss one that's how much I love the dynamics of this show.
  10. Tick
    May 11, 2015
    10
    The so called "critics" exemplify why a person who calls themselves a critic should be ignored. Their glib reviews of this show are trash. The Strong disconnect between users and critics is all anyone needs to know to critique the useless critics.

    Forever is an amazing show. It is well written, well acted, and leaves the viewer with a 'all is well' feeling reminiscent of shows from the    The so called "critics" exemplify why a person who calls themselves a critic should be ignored. Their glib reviews of this show are trash. The Strong disconnect between users and critics is all anyone needs to know to critique the useless critics.

    Forever is an amazing show. It is well written, well acted, and leaves the viewer with a 'all is well' feeling reminiscent of shows from the 80's. All while being very entertaining. Ioan Gruffudd, Alana De La Garza, and Joel David Moore are excellent. This show follows firefly, Almost Human and other such shows into cancellation.

    Shows like this being cancelled are mounting reasons I should take ques from everyone I know and do as they do...avoid watching every single new series. Wait for a few seasons to be aired and then watch them on Netflix. As more and more people do this; then we can all save $100 a month with no TV channels as they just air garbage trash shows like "Once upon a time" and master chef or the Amazing race.    … Expand
  11. KeeOne
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After watching either Gotham or The Flash, I happen to come across "Forever". Now the only thing that kept me on my seat and watching the episode was because the main protagonist played as Mr.Fantastic from the Fantastic Four movie. Now while reading this, you can probably tell im a comic guy. I only watched 2 episodes, one where Henry tried to investigate an old lady from his past who died from falling off the stairs and recently a killer who is trying to mimic the Jack the Ripper. Honestly episode 6 got me hooked on the show. How he was able to find out who the killer was and surprising encountered, and got knifed but luckily an anonymous who carries the same immortal curse as Henry, killed him quickly before his partner can see him dead. Really interesting stuff , i'm hooked but im sad there's only 1 episode left, I hope they go for a 2nd season!… Expand
  12. mac5
    Oct 4, 2014
    9
    I really like this show. It is polite and discreet and sits comfortably at a meandering pace. Acting is spot on and the characters are interesting and multi-dimensional. It expertly depicts the fragility of the human condition, and as a result, highlights the similarities in people without having to resort to the usual brash stereotypes. It is a lovely heart-warming journey that I willI really like this show. It is polite and discreet and sits comfortably at a meandering pace. Acting is spot on and the characters are interesting and multi-dimensional. It expertly depicts the fragility of the human condition, and as a result, highlights the similarities in people without having to resort to the usual brash stereotypes. It is a lovely heart-warming journey that I will continue to follow.… Expand
  13. phadeb
    May 1, 2015
    10
    I have been watchin only the first two episodes, and let me tell you that I'm utterly amazed by the quality of this series. More than ever for any other series, I embraced his british lovely accent, or shall I say lovely british accent. I'm amazingly amazed and paradoxically as well by the poor quality of the official media critics reception of the press over metacritic critic reviews.
  14. emkay487
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    The Medical examiner procedural background of this show might be a bit clunky, but don't let that fool you. The characters and their back stories are the heart and soul and they deserve to be told.
  15. Jim222001
    Oct 11, 2014
    9
    This show is getting low tv ratings but it deserves higher. Since it definitely has a strong following already. Not enough fans are watching it live though. The show is great fun if you like Sherlock and Elementary but with an immortal guy.
  16. Ryan7251
    Oct 15, 2014
    9
    I'm a fan of this show it's has parts that made me smile and parts that made me cry in my opinion this is a good show and i hope to see more down the line.

    Here are some of the pros/cons of the show in my opinion. Pros Good humor Good story (So far however it may drive away people who hate anything supernatural) The actors are good I feel attached to a good amount of the people    I'm a fan of this show it's has parts that made me smile and parts that made me cry in my opinion this is a good show and i hope to see more down the line.

    Here are some of the pros/cons of the show in my opinion.

    Pros
    Good humor
    Good story (So far however it may drive away people who hate anything supernatural)
    The actors are good
    I feel attached to a good amount of the people in the show

    Cons
    It does suffer from that odd staple "I got a secret and i must hide it at all cost" issue.
    Don't get me wrong i understand why he hides it but still i hope it does not become the main focus of the episodes later i mean maybe a few but i would hate to see this become a show all about hiding his secret.
    They make Dr. Henry Morgan seem a little to smart for being only (Spoiler)
    250 years old I mean don't get me wrong you would get tons of knowledge from being that old but unless you have a high IQ (And he could but i don't think it's said yet) i don't feel he should be as smart as they made him.    … Expand
  17. MonicaP
    Oct 17, 2014
    8
    We as a family have enjoyed the first 2 shows and are still catching up with this season. However, we all agree that this show is doomed if they do not begin to fully integrate other characters into the main story line and choose a direction they want this show to go. It is not focused enough nor has enough conflict to keep a wiser audience entertained.

    It reminds me a little of The    We as a family have enjoyed the first 2 shows and are still catching up with this season. However, we all agree that this show is doomed if they do not begin to fully integrate other characters into the main story line and choose a direction they want this show to go. It is not focused enough nor has enough conflict to keep a wiser audience entertained.

    It reminds me a little of The Highlander and various other shows that deal with immortals, however the twist of him being reborn into water reminds me of the Bible passage below. This could be a great focus for the show, but right now everything so vague it will become tiring quickly if writers do not beef it up soon.

    As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said, “‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again" (John 3:3-7).    … Expand
  18. DemiserofD
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    Initially I was suspect of the lead female character; she seems highly boring compared the Ioan's amazing and charismatic performance. But as the series is progressing, she has developed as a character, and I've grown to like her a lot.

    The main problem this show has had so far is episode plots that are a bit subdued compared to the more personal plots involving the main character's    Initially I was suspect of the lead female character; she seems highly boring compared the Ioan's amazing and charismatic performance. But as the series is progressing, she has developed as a character, and I've grown to like her a lot.

    The main problem this show has had so far is episode plots that are a bit subdued compared to the more personal plots involving the main character's history. The flashbacks he has are fascinating, and the character interactions and acting are very good, but I don't think that's an excuse for episodic plots that aren't as fascinating as they could be.

    With hints of deep plots as well as fairly interesting episodic plots, this is a shoe-in for my watch list. I'd give it a 9/10, but because some idiot who clearly watched 15 minutes of the first episode gave it a 1/10, I've gotta compensate somehow.    … Expand
  19. domac
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Forever is a great show for me. I like that we don't know yet how is he immortal and it's something to be revealed trough at least 3 seasons. I'm excited to watch every episode.
  20. jkudlacz
    Dec 2, 2014
    10
    I was intrigued by the idea where main character can't be killed, but that isn't actually what keeps me coming back for more every week. This show has a great cast with amazing chemistry, I am enjoying every episode. We are getting small glimpse about the main characters background during each episode which nicely traces back to something that is happening in current episode.

    I am    I was intrigued by the idea where main character can't be killed, but that isn't actually what keeps me coming back for more every week. This show has a great cast with amazing chemistry, I am enjoying every episode. We are getting small glimpse about the main characters background during each episode which nicely traces back to something that is happening in current episode.

    I am surprised that critics aren't that fond of the show, yet most people that watch it are having a blast.    … Expand
  21. bluesgirl
    Dec 4, 2014
    10
    The best new show this season. Would have a higher rating at 9pm a different night. I hope there will be a second season. Do not give up on this excellent show.
  22. KatieJoPockat
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    This show is amazing! Henry is so charming and witty while at the same time so serious. As strange as the concept is, it works and is fresh even for a criminal mystery drama series. I just hope they play down the "will they or won't they" feel between Henry and the lady cop. A few more characters would be nice as well.
  23. snickerskitty16
    Jan 13, 2015
    10
    This is my third favorite tv show of all time (just under supernatural and person of interest) and trust me, that is really good because I watch a lot of tv!
  24. Narnia
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    BEST SHOW on TV right now! Please renew! The cast is brilliant. We need our weekly does of Ioan Gruffudd as Henry Morgan. The story lines are so intriguing...especially with Henry and Abe (the wonderful Judd Hirsch). Forever is our new favorite show. We LOVE it.
  25. miller89
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    We really love the show! It's a good balance of action, story, and character. Love the actors here. Henry, Abraham, Jo and all. Wish a 150 characters was not required. Just a simple GREAT SHOW is enough.
  26. LuciferNexisX
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    I absolutely love this show, I may not be a professional critic but in my opinion this is a truly amazing show. Its storyline may not be the most original, but where it lacks for storyline originality it makes up for it with easy to love characters, interesting back story, well directed ( means consistency between episodes and the storyline, actor choices, etc).
    What made me a bigger fan    I absolutely love this show, I may not be a professional critic but in my opinion this is a truly amazing show. Its storyline may not be the most original, but where it lacks for storyline originality it makes up for it with easy to love characters, interesting back story, well directed ( means consistency between episodes and the storyline, actor choices, etc).
    What made me a bigger fan of the show was that despite not being very original in certain contexts, it still managed to keep me watching... When I heard that the show was dropping in ratings I was shocked I still am. A lot of people might not know of heard of Forever but I guarantee that if only more people knew about this gem they would become fans as quickly as I did.    … Expand
  27. Mikadzuki
    Feb 20, 2015
    10
    I've loved this show since the pilot and I just can't get enough! Granted, the pilot was more concerned with Henry's past than the crime, but then again they did need to introduce him completely. Here's hoping to a second series and more!
  28. boulayjv
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    I love this show. It's a take on a different outlook. The fact that it goes back in time makes it more interesting and the story line makes it a good balance of today and yesteryear but with a good crime line. I would recommend it to everyone - in fact, I have recommended to quite a few.
  29. kimmy27979
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    I love the character interaction in this show. I like the dynamic between Henry and Abraham it is sweetly caring and something I could see in real life. The bond between these two is refreshing. I like that even though Henry is immortal he is not trying to chop someones head, and that he seems to only want to help.
  30. karin0226
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    I have started watching this show from the first episode. It is in someways similar to Quantum Leap with a same type of premiss. Having a show where it is about murder/mystery is better than - reality nonsense with the K family. The fact that you have given older actors a place to call home, is wonderful. Judd Hirsch has been one of my favorite actors, from Taxi to Numbers ( another showI have started watching this show from the first episode. It is in someways similar to Quantum Leap with a same type of premiss. Having a show where it is about murder/mystery is better than - reality nonsense with the K family. The fact that you have given older actors a place to call home, is wonderful. Judd Hirsch has been one of my favorite actors, from Taxi to Numbers ( another show that is gone) - he brings comedy to drama. Please reconsider cancelling such a great show. It's not about sex or vulgearness but true whodunit.

    I would like to see Lucas (Joel David Moore) get more involved in helping solve crimes, even if he is kind of odd at times, that is what makes it funny. Alana de la Garza is a good partner to Dr. Morgan's craziness. The doctors' past is getting interesting, who or what has he done??? Only time will tell.

    Keep this show on - ABC - you won't regret it.

    Karin Buchak    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
98
#98 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Michael Landweber
    Sep 24, 2014
    70
    Everything in the first episode suggests that Forever has a better shot at successfully combining procedural conventions and a high-concept than, say, Intelligence or Almost Human.
    Read full review
  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 22, 2014
    67
    Gruffudd's characterization is a bit uneven; sometimes he's gruff and aloof and still pining over the loss of his World War II-era love, yet he's able to turn on the charm when he wants to.
    Read full review
  3. Zap2it (Inside the Box)
    Reviewed by: Sarah Huggins
    Sep 22, 2014
    60
    Gruffudd carries the series well and brings a trustworthy and genuine presence to the role of Henry Morgan. However, after viewing two episodes, it is unclear where the series is going in the long haul.
    Read full review
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