Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 314 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 17 out of 314
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User Reviews

  1. brianar
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    it is so beliable!!!!
  2. SBaker
    Oct 27, 2006
    10
    Excellent character-driven show with great touches of reality and true to life humor. A nice mix of drama, sit-com and reality that beats anything else now on TV.
  3. JoshF
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    Absolutely unbelievable!
  4. jimw
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    This is the best drama on TV, and it just keeps getting better. Bravo.
  5. HuongP
    Jan 26, 2007
    10
    Awesome. Could have more football action for the ment.
  6. ErinC
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    I'm 21 years old and this is the only TV show I make sure I'm home to watch!! I love it!!!
  7. JuileB
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    The highest praise for Berg and the cast's imuy suave telescoping of high school football, no, make that, Texas high school football, for the tube. This one's gripping, darkly humorous, compassionate. No wonder it's doomed.
  8. DavidK
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    I can only assume the low star posters above are from extremely jealous network employees of competitors forced to respond here. Anyone who watches this show can tell something unbelievably unique is happening. There will NEVER be a show that captures the emotion and complexity of real life the way FNL does, NEVER! I would give up watching every other program to keep this series going for I can only assume the low star posters above are from extremely jealous network employees of competitors forced to respond here. Anyone who watches this show can tell something unbelievably unique is happening. There will NEVER be a show that captures the emotion and complexity of real life the way FNL does, NEVER! I would give up watching every other program to keep this series going for the next twenty years. I suggest new readers watch all of the old episodes online for free and enjoy the amazing ride. Last weeks show was a masterpiece! Expand
  9. JoeM
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    This show is amazing. Every episode is very intriguing and keeps me watching every week. It has an excellent cast and I hope NBC keeps it around because the ratings will eventually come.
  10. AnneS
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    You don't have to be a football fan to be addicted to this show. It is one of the best written shows I have ever seen .Hopefully NBC will renew it for season 2, move it to FRiday night and keep it in the same time slot .... That would increase viewers Reruns during the summer will help as well....
  11. IriaH
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    Best show ever, would be a shame if it doesn't get renew
  12. MARYm
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    The best T.V. show since the Sopranos. Everything about this drama is perfect-Why isn't everyone watching??????
  13. DavidS
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    Great show. Best on TV.
  14. ArchK
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    This amazing program only got better as the seaon went on. Where the hell are the "TV has no good family programs" bunch? Rarely has a program earned their respect and support so througly, yet they remain silent. NBC: PLEASE KEEP IT RUNNING
  15. DerekB
    Apr 26, 2007
    10
    The best show on television - No questions asked
  16. WilliamD
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    This show is absolutely the best on television, and this is coming from someone that appreciates great shows like Lost, The Sopranos, Dexter, and The Wire.
  17. ChrisB.
    Sep 26, 2007
    10
    I honestly thought the premise to the show was hokey, and I hadn't seen the movie. I had however, given the cast and writers a chance and am quite pleased with the result of their work and effort. I look forward to the new episodes every week during the season.
  18. DavidKi
    Jan 28, 2008
    10
    Consistently the finest shot, acted and written series on television. I eagerly look forward to each and every show.
  19. mark
    Feb 16, 2008
    10
    This show fits into that narrow category in which it is so good that you need to verbalize it to your viewing partner at every commercial break. It's not about football...but the football stuff is engaging as hell (I'm not a football fan). It's about human beings living together and it's delivered with superlative acting, scripting, production, etc. Sure there's This show fits into that narrow category in which it is so good that you need to verbalize it to your viewing partner at every commercial break. It's not about football...but the football stuff is engaging as hell (I'm not a football fan). It's about human beings living together and it's delivered with superlative acting, scripting, production, etc. Sure there's eye candy but even the worst of them can act well. On most shows, tragedies like divorce/infidelity are delivered with excessive moralism and we're spoon-fed how we should feel about it. This one delivers it as it exists in life: complicated, and not one-sided. It's so good it even survives goofy plot twists b/c it's the rare TV program that's about how it's told, even more than what is told. My one criticism is that the hand-held camera can be a bit too self-conscious and over-done from time to time, it doesn't make you dizzy like some that employ this technique, it just needs to stick to genuine use, without accentuation. Some moments are so artful, painterly, and beautiful that it hurts. The last scene in the show my wife and I watched tonight (online) with Tammy and coach looking in the mirror after their evening out was pitch-perfect. It would be a real shame for this show to end...or would it? I hope that someone on cast and crew sees this and shares it around b/c the show is so good it really makes me want to thank and congratulate them all. Whomever plays Tammy and Landry in particular are phenomenal but it's really a tour de force. Tammy acts better just with her eyes than most other network actors can do with their whole bodies. I'll cut it here lest I sound too wacko to be taken seriously b/c of my gushing. Man, it's that good though. Expand
  20. Adrian
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    Jonathan Storm should quit his job since he obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.
  21. danielw
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    I love the show. I can't wait to watch it every week. The acting is awesome. The coach has such a dynamic character. I hope the show stays on for a long time.
  22. Aug 17, 2010
    10
    Without a doubt, Friday Night Lights is one of the best TV shows I have ever seen. The story is so well done and realistic that it makes you feel as if all these characters are real people who you could actually visit if you went to this small town in Texas. I highly recommend Friday Night Lights for anybody who is a fan of good TV.
  23. Mar 15, 2011
    10
    Nearly flawless. Realistic, poignant, inspirational...and it really should be watched by many more people. Myself and a crew of friends just got hooked...and my wife loves it too. Just finished season one...
  24. May 26, 2011
    10
    This is just a great show. Amazing, subtle, strong acting and fully fleshed characters that constantly explore the divide between class, race, and genders. It is not just about football (I admit that I am not much of a football fan)--it is about life.
  25. Oct 13, 2016
    10
    For five seasons, Friday Night Lights was the number one teen drama on television and I have yet to find a single person who didn't love this show. It's impossible to imagine that a show centered around a football team could be so successful, when TV shows centered around sports almost never succeed on television. Looking back, I can't find a single TV drama that was centered around aFor five seasons, Friday Night Lights was the number one teen drama on television and I have yet to find a single person who didn't love this show. It's impossible to imagine that a show centered around a football team could be so successful, when TV shows centered around sports almost never succeed on television. Looking back, I can't find a single TV drama that was centered around a sports team that lasted longer, so why was Friday Night Lights so successful? The answer is quite simple.

    While the show was centered around the Dillon Panther football team, football wasn't the end all and be all of the show, it made up a quarter of the series. The other parts focused on the town of Dillon, the Taylor family, and the lives of the players. It's this mix that left something for everything. As a sports fan, I loved the football angle to the show and thought that Coach Taylor was on of the most realistic portrayals of a coach that I have ever seen. For the ladies, there is plenty of romance and teen drama involved with the show, surrounding the players, the high school, and the Taylor's young daughter. As for the adults, there is the family values aspect, as the Taylor's truly care and don't just take care of the students they are entrusted with, but they take an interest in helping the entire town that they are a part of.

    The story lines run deep and the character development is as good as you will ever find in any television show. In binging five seasons of this show, I felt as though I knew some of these characters as if they were members of my own family.

    As for the stars of the show, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton had amazing chemistry, which they used to play off each other and the result is that neither of them have ever been better than this. The Taylor's were career defining roles for both actors and they aren't the only ones. This show also launched the careers of Taylor Kitsch, Jesse Plemmons, and Zach Gilford, all of whom have gone on to some very successful roles following Friday Night Lights.

    If you're thinking that this show is just some MTV teen drama or a show about football, you couldn't be more wrong. This is one of the best depictions of life in small town Texas, Southern youth culture, and the struggles associated with life in a small town that you will ever find. I highly recommend this show for it's drama, it's exciting action, but most important of all for it's amazingly accurate portrayals and lessons associated with real life in small town America.
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  26. Aug 9, 2016
    10
    A bit too focused on high-school and real life drama, Friday Night Lights plays out like a football inspired soap opera. Hell that's probably the point of it. Great show that tugs at the heart, creates excitement in the fictional games, and paces itself nicely. I found myself binge watching, which is rare for me.

    If you liked the movie, you're going to at least enjoy the first season.
    A bit too focused on high-school and real life drama, Friday Night Lights plays out like a football inspired soap opera. Hell that's probably the point of it. Great show that tugs at the heart, creates excitement in the fictional games, and paces itself nicely. I found myself binge watching, which is rare for me.

    If you liked the movie, you're going to at least enjoy the first season. It has a lot of parallels. The second season is notoriously weak, but stick with it, it's a great show.
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  27. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    Did I lose a friend? Well that is how I felt after watching the last episode. Friday nights lights and parenthood are the best shows I've seen in awhile.
  28. Jul 5, 2012
    10
    A must watch for thoughtful people-----The most gloriously honest, compelling, intelligent show I've ever seen on network TV, and maybe beyond. It's poignantly scripted, unnervingly well acted (UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are two of the best performers I've ever seen.), and gorgeously shot. I want to scream from the mountain tops about this show. ...REALA must watch for thoughtful people-----The most gloriously honest, compelling, intelligent show I've ever seen on network TV, and maybe beyond. It's poignantly scripted, unnervingly well acted (UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are two of the best performers I've ever seen.), and gorgeously shot. I want to scream from the mountain tops about this show. ...REAL ART on TV... I didn't know it was possible before FNL. Expand
  29. Mar 29, 2013
    10
    Friday Night Lights is one of the most amazing shows I've ever seen. From the amazing chemistry, to the kind of show that just touches your heart. It's one of my favorite shows in quite a while.
  30. Aug 7, 2013
    10
    An absolutely amazing series. I was put off initially by the football theme, but in essence this is just the backdrop to everything else going on. The entire cast are superb, but it is Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton that shine. Britton in particular should be an A list actress of the cinema with her stunning looks. Her performance is full of nuances and she is totally believable in everyAn absolutely amazing series. I was put off initially by the football theme, but in essence this is just the backdrop to everything else going on. The entire cast are superb, but it is Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton that shine. Britton in particular should be an A list actress of the cinema with her stunning looks. Her performance is full of nuances and she is totally believable in every scene. The shows writers are to be commended for the great restraint they show with their characters, and at times the show is extremely moving without being overly sentimental or mawkish. In its entirety (5 seasons) this has to rank as one of the greatest tv shows ever made. Expand
  31. May 28, 2013
    10
    I loved this series. From one of THE best pilots ever written for television to the much deserved Emmy award winning series finale, Friday Night Lights is show that has a lot of heart and it is not about football.

    It's about being a fly on the wall in the fictitious town of Dillon, Texas. And while the town is absolutely football crazy, it is about adversity and friendship and
    I loved this series. From one of THE best pilots ever written for television to the much deserved Emmy award winning series finale, Friday Night Lights is show that has a lot of heart and it is not about football.

    It's about being a fly on the wall in the fictitious town of Dillon, Texas. And while the town is absolutely football crazy, it is about adversity and friendship and loyalty and a town that has to come together after a tragedy. The coming of age stories are told through the prism of high school football. The coach and his guidance counselor wife are the parents we all wish we could have. They have what has been described as 'the best marriage on television,' in that it is a true partnership. This rock solid marriage anchors the show and allows for teenage angst and turmoil to storm all around them and yet the drama is resolved and does not veer out of control.

    There is a famous 2nd season storyline that is highly criticized, but in fairness to the show occurred during a long writers strike and a shortened season when the show was cancelled by NBC and luckily picked up by DirectTV. While on NBC, the show was moved around and not allowed to pick up a core audience.

    Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are stellar as Mr. and Mrs. Coach. And the younger stars: Adrienne Palicki, Scott Porter, Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Gaius Charles, Jesse Plemmons, Michael B. Jordan, Jurnee Smollett, and Matt Lauria are outstanding. You will see these talented actors in other roles again and again. Brad Leland, Louanne Stephens, Blue Deckert, Liz Mikel, and D.W. Moffett deserve shout-outs for their portrayals of the town's most flavorful character, as are other guest starts.

    If you haven't seen the show, give it a 3 episode test and see if you don't become as hooked as I did. You won't be disappointed.

    That is why the show is enjoying a much deserved 2nd life on Netflix, Amazon and DVDs.
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  32. Aug 27, 2013
    10
    i can watch the show over and over and over again. probably one of my all time favorite shows! need more shows like this one. it had everything a good television drama needed
  33. Aug 3, 2014
    10
    Poignant writing, authentic directing, seamless producing, gorgeous acting, and realism & inspiration are all of the ingredients that make FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS one of the most beautifully executed shows in the history of Television.
  34. Feb 28, 2016
    10
    It takes you whenever it wants you to go. From the characters and diolgue that seems more real and fleshed out than real life, to the way they all play off each other in this setting. Nearly flawless experience
  35. Aug 11, 2014
    10
    I really loved this show. I had expected not to like it as much because I thought it would be primarily about high school football. But it;s rich in psychological depth through a number of characters and relationships. It's really well crafted drama.
  36. JosephW.
    Oct 21, 2007
    9
    Smart, well-written, infinitely watchable television that feels like NBC stole a page out of HBO's playbook (excuse the bad sports analogy; but see good storying and solid acting in: all HBO shows).
  37. JerryL
    Oct 19, 2006
    9
    Great show. The characters are compelling, the production values are top notch, and the action very realistic. I really hope that the Nielsen numbers come around, because this show is too good to be cancelled...
  38. DavidW.
    Aug 18, 2008
    9
    Literally one of the best shows I have ever seen on a network. Solid acting and often very moving and inspiring.
  39. Margaret
    Dec 31, 2006
    9
    This show is poignant and feels real.
  40. Oct 30, 2012
    9
    Damn this show is tight. I am not really into the whole football culture that they have down there in Texas but that's not really the point of the show. Most of the characters are quite complex and what they have to go through feels very real. I don't remember seeing a show that painted rehab and the consequences of a serious injury like this before. It just felt right. I would definitelyDamn this show is tight. I am not really into the whole football culture that they have down there in Texas but that's not really the point of the show. Most of the characters are quite complex and what they have to go through feels very real. I don't remember seeing a show that painted rehab and the consequences of a serious injury like this before. It just felt right. I would definitely recommend it since it's nearly flawless. Expand
  41. Jun 14, 2015
    9
    Lovely show. You get engaged with the characters, understand their feelings and their actions and get involved in their daily trouble. From the start point focused on American Football, the show diverges into the character, social status, racism and other topics as progresses, maturing with the time. Even if the focus changes, the quality goes up as the seasons progress until you finishLovely show. You get engaged with the characters, understand their feelings and their actions and get involved in their daily trouble. From the start point focused on American Football, the show diverges into the character, social status, racism and other topics as progresses, maturing with the time. Even if the focus changes, the quality goes up as the seasons progress until you finish the series with the feeling of fulfilment.
    The series achieves transmitting deep emotions, while offering extremely good entertainment.
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  42. BrianT
    Oct 4, 2006
    8
    Lots of potential, very good acting and I love the docudrama camera style the show uses.
  43. C.B.
    Oct 4, 2006
    8
    Good TV is hard to come by. This is good. Kyle Chandler is fantastic.
  44. ColinC
    Nov 29, 2006
    8
    I'm enjoying this show a great deal. Having never lived in a small town or even been into football, I'm finding this a fascinating look at a way of life I know virtually nothing about. Hear it's not doing great in the ratings though. So I'm saying a little pray to the TV gods asking that it doesn't get cancelled.
  45. WendyS
    Oct 21, 2006
    8
    Friday Night Lights is one of the best new shows of the season. NBC would be foolish to cancel it prematurely.
  46. Feb 27, 2013
    8
    Based on the book and movie of the same name Friday Night Lights tells the story of the Dillon Panthers, a high school football team in a small Texan town where very little else of consequence takes place. With local radio stations dissecting every game in detail and virtually everyone in town taking an interest team members are treated like celebrities whilst new coach, Eric Taylor, findsBased on the book and movie of the same name Friday Night Lights tells the story of the Dillon Panthers, a high school football team in a small Texan town where very little else of consequence takes place. With local radio stations dissecting every game in detail and virtually everyone in town taking an interest team members are treated like celebrities whilst new coach, Eric Taylor, finds himself under pressure everywhere he goes.

    Truth be told many of the storylines aren’t particularly original but the showrunners infuse proceedings with such a sense of realism and intensity that few other drama series can match that this isn’t really an issue. The excellent writing would of course would be nothing without some great performances whether it be from more experienced cast members, such as Kyle Chandler as coach Taylor and his wife played by Connie Britton, or younger stars, such as Zach Gilford as the initially shy Matt Saracen, who suddenly finds himself thrust into the limelight. Importantly the football scenes are also very well shot. Again this helps to maintain a sense of realism to the point where it is sometimes hard to believe you are not actually just watching a real game. All in all Friday Night Lights first season would rank amongst the best of any drama series and, whether or not you know anything about American Football, it is certainly worth a watch.
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  47. David
    Oct 10, 2007
    6
    I love High School football but I am trying to be objective here. Anyone that expects absolute realism in a TV show and rates this accordingly is missing the point of entertainment and the shows apparent weaving of real life scenarios around HS Football to entertain. I am giving it a SIX because of the over use of sex in the series. The writers seem to obsessed with proving to us that I love High School football but I am trying to be objective here. Anyone that expects absolute realism in a TV show and rates this accordingly is missing the point of entertainment and the shows apparent weaving of real life scenarios around HS Football to entertain. I am giving it a SIX because of the over use of sex in the series. The writers seem to obsessed with proving to us that teens are engaged in sex at every turn. Regardless of the truth one way or the other, we don't need that in front of us or our children. I really enjoy the football drama but hate the sex scenes and tune them out. Some have complained about the camera work, but I think they miss the point there too. The camera shots bring us to a realism that escapes most shows and I for one think they are brilliantly done in putting us right there with the actors. If it were not for the sex scenes running rampant, I would have rated this show at least a 9. Expand
  48. BlancoA.
    Oct 4, 2006
    5
    The first episode was a little slow for my taste. After the movie, and "Two-A-Days" on MTV, it feels like this is well-worn territory. I hope they go down some original paths.
  49. TonyT
    Feb 7, 2007
    4
    I Tivo this show every week. It has to be the stupidest written show on TV. It is so unrealistic. It's been 35 years since high school but I doubt if it's anything like what is portrayed on this show.
  50. RobD
    Oct 30, 2006
    4
    The hype for this show is laughable. The show is largely overwrought, cliched nonsense. The second episode (which was the first one I saw) wasn't half bad--it showed a pretty decent portrayal of a football hungry town's dependence on football and the documentary style footage was a nice touch. The show has deteriorated rapidly into a teen soap opera. Characters (especially The hype for this show is laughable. The show is largely overwrought, cliched nonsense. The second episode (which was the first one I saw) wasn't half bad--it showed a pretty decent portrayal of a football hungry town's dependence on football and the documentary style footage was a nice touch. The show has deteriorated rapidly into a teen soap opera. Characters (especially Voodoo) exist only for the purposes of plot contrivance. I saw so many tired and overused motifs in tonight's episode that I wanted to vomit. Voodoo's behavior was extremely unrealistic and served only the purpose of setting up a Rocky Balboa-esque performance by the underdog Saracen, despite the fact that he was typically a noodle-armed louse just a week or so earlier in practice. Expand
  51. BillC.
    Oct 19, 2006
    3
    Sorry , Did I not get it? It seemed like a bunch of near "R" rated teen relationship clips. The movie was a lot better at telling the story. This seemed more about teen hormones than Texas H.S. Football. Yes , it can be a part of the story, but it leaned too heavy to one side. I doubt I'll watch it again. Good actors,cheap script.
  52. JohnD
    Oct 5, 2006
    2
    Then again, I didn't like the movie, either.
  53. JudyD
    Nov 1, 2006
    2
    The show would be great if they would leave all the SEX out of it. I know kids are having sex but it show like these that are promoting it. My son plays high school football and loves to watch this show but last nights episode went way too far with all the bedroom scenes. Teenagers do not need shows to promote sex they can figure it out on there own. I don't need my son thinking he The show would be great if they would leave all the SEX out of it. I know kids are having sex but it show like these that are promoting it. My son plays high school football and loves to watch this show but last nights episode went way too far with all the bedroom scenes. Teenagers do not need shows to promote sex they can figure it out on there own. I don't need my son thinking he needs to be like those football players having sex he has enough peer pressure as it is. Expand
  54. roys
    Oct 18, 2006
    2
    Varsity Blues, thats all it is
  55. AnnaM
    Oct 31, 2006
    2
    I was shocked! This show is all about Teen Sex, and it's a real shame. This could be a really good show if the producers would eliminate the senseless side plots of who's sleeping around with who.
  56. jacobt
    Dec 8, 2006
    1
    Camera work made me want to puke. Nice cast though
  57. BillJ
    Nov 10, 2006
    1
    Either the critics were watching a completely different show, or NBC offered them bribes by the boatload. This show is white trash, literally. But I admire NBC's sleaziness. They created a show that includes everything Americans desire in entertainment---sex (and lots of it), and football football football! How can they go wrong? Now, as for the football scenes, it almost felt like I Either the critics were watching a completely different show, or NBC offered them bribes by the boatload. This show is white trash, literally. But I admire NBC's sleaziness. They created a show that includes everything Americans desire in entertainment---sex (and lots of it), and football football football! How can they go wrong? Now, as for the football scenes, it almost felt like I was playing a Madden game. The commentary was horid, the cinementography was about as basic as one can get, and the crowds overeggaterated reactions were laughably amusing! B movie studd all the way... Skip this show, and watch old tapes of your own high school football games. I'm sure laughing at yourself would be much more enjoyable then laughing at the characters on this show! Expand
  58. DrakeH
    Oct 10, 2006
    0
    oh my...seriously...lead paint is better for you
  59. [Anonymous]
    Oct 4, 2006
    0
    slept through this crap
  60. JulieC
    Oct 6, 2006
    0
    This show was so predictable and created drama where there was none. Highly disappointing. It's football, a game, the artifically created drama was undeveloped.
  61. ZenH.
    Oct 5, 2007
    0
    The camera work sucks on this show! None of my buds are I can stand to watch. They need to book some good handhelds! Big time. The look is so amateurish--like a TV Production 101 crew shooting every episode!
  62. joep.
    Jul 10, 2007
    0
    Couldn't get into it at all, found it really boring.
  63. Aug 16, 2013
    0
    This was the worst 2 minutes of my life. I saw the worst acting ever, even I could do better than that. Also it's about jockeys and people who were retarded about football, it was just stupid. This has a score that was 9.1 too high. horrible.
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the season.
  2. 80
    Surprisingly wise and moving.
  3. Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    70
    Has the same quick-cut look, crisp dialogue and bone-crunching game scenes [ast the movie].