Friday Night Lights

:

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

Universal acclaim- based on 314 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 291 out of 314
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 314
  3. Negative: 17 out of 314
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User Reviews

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  1. MattW
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    I like that it is directed by the same guy who directed the movie. And they seem to use the same kind of music as well. Very well done. 10
  2. KayaJ
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    This is the most consistently beautiful and moving show on network tv. It's a stunning achievement that deserves all the praise that it receives. Bravo and thank you!
  3. BrentH.
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    This is the kind of show that will build in popularity as the" word of mouth" about how great it is, spreads. I bet it's already number 1 in West Texas.
  4. NathanW
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    I simply love the show. I don't know why, but I really like it. I would have never thought that I'd like a sports drama, but I do!
  5. ReggieW
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    Best show ever put on tv in my opinion.
  6. lucas
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    Variety Brian Lowry "Friday Night Lights" ultimately feels like one of those family programs middle America and conservatives pine for that too few of them actually bother to watch -- a portrait of decent, God-fearing folks wringing joy from America's game as an escape from their hardscrabble lives. ---- That sentiment is why "Friday Night Lights" will be a huge hit! America (middle Variety Brian Lowry "Friday Night Lights" ultimately feels like one of those family programs middle America and conservatives pine for that too few of them actually bother to watch -- a portrait of decent, God-fearing folks wringing joy from America's game as an escape from their hardscrabble lives. ---- That sentiment is why "Friday Night Lights" will be a huge hit! America (middle or otherwise) is sick of crap TV!! Perhaps a program featuring scantily clad teens murdering one another in a reality show setting starring Paris Hilton is more to his liking!… Expand
  7. CameronS
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Excellent new show! Its one of the new shows that I will definately keep watching. I really like the charectorizations in the show, the acting is really good and the show is actually family-friendly which is very rare these days!
  8. DallinM.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    As a high school teacher and coach in Texas, all i can say is they are getting it right.
  9. BillD
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    Definitely one of the best shows on television over the past few years. I can't believe how low it's ratings are. It's better than anything on right now. Get it out of the Idol time slot. The writing, acting, music, everything is just off the charts.. Incredible show.
  10. AnaA.
    Feb 7, 2008
    10
    i love this show its the greatest i hope they don't cancel it. I'm not the only one who feels this way.
  11. MeatG
    Mar 15, 2009
    10
    From the opening theme to the closing credits this show twists my emotions with such a skillful blend of hope and despair that by the end I have lost track of what I am supposed to feel and am instead riding along with the triumphs and defeats of these incredibly real characters.
  12. carlosa
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    this so cool
  13. mariel
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    The show is great. I love the documentary style which is unlike other teen dramas. The characters are true and you feel as though you can relate and feel their everyday pressures to stay on top and continue their dynasty. Not to mention that one of the leads (character: Jason Street) is a very close friend of mine, but nevertheless has outstanding acting ability and we are so proud of him The show is great. I love the documentary style which is unlike other teen dramas. The characters are true and you feel as though you can relate and feel their everyday pressures to stay on top and continue their dynasty. Not to mention that one of the leads (character: Jason Street) is a very close friend of mine, but nevertheless has outstanding acting ability and we are so proud of him back home. All in all I was very impressed and hope the show continues to fair well in ratings to keep it at the prime time spot.… Expand
  14. JacobM
    Oct 10, 2006
    10
    The second episode was even better than the first.
  15. JohnnaN.
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    The best new show on TV!
  16. TonyB
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    Excellent drama. Unique show (not based on a crime or hospital) with an interesting documentary style direction and cinemaphotography.
  17. ChrisS
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    The scene last week where Street's girlfriend was feeding him a cookie was unreal. This show is simply amazing, as the New York Times put it, this show goes well beyond the realm of TV, and is simply a work of art.
  18. jakes
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best television shows i have seen in a long long time. it captures everything you want to see in a show. the charcters are so well written and executed by the actors that you feel like you know them and the suspense, intrigue, and excitemnt you feel while watching it is overwhelming. i hope this stays on for years to come - it is that good.
  19. DominickS
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    Remarkable stuff. I'm 45 years old and not one prone to gushing over TV shows.... but this is truly an exceptional program. Rather than provide a laundry list of the ways this show distinguishes iteself from anything else on commercial TV, I'll just give one very small example. One of the secondary characters in the show is named Buddy Garrity. He's the father of one of the Remarkable stuff. I'm 45 years old and not one prone to gushing over TV shows.... but this is truly an exceptional program. Rather than provide a laundry list of the ways this show distinguishes iteself from anything else on commercial TV, I'll just give one very small example. One of the secondary characters in the show is named Buddy Garrity. He's the father of one of the female leads (Lyla Garrity), and a booster for the football program. To top it off, he's a car salesman. There was a scene where he was involved in negotiating accomodations with the officials of a school the team would be playing in an all-black (or nearly anyway) city. In discussing with the coach's wife (the other school representative) how they should approach the negotiations, he made a not-too-veiled racist remark. Something like "You know how these people are...." Now in most every other show I've ever seen, that would be a signal to expect two things. First, a passionate dramatic rebuke by the coaches wife. And second that he would be uniformly sleazy in all aspects of his character, having no redeeming features whatsoever. That is, he would become a charicature. A racist, car-dealer....surely the devil himself! Niether happened. Instead the coaches while, somewhat taken aback, just continued her dialog with him, taking care of business. That is, she dealt with it like a NORMAL PERSON would. And later we got to see the Garrity character dealing with his daughter's anguish over becoming a school pariah. How does he act? Like a loving dad. Not a Father-Knows-Best. But surely a father who loves his daughter with all his soul. Again, a real, abeit seriously flawed character. I could give similar examples for every character. Suffice it to say that if you're interested in interesting, well-spun stories about REAL people, please please check out this show. You won't regret it. Dominick… Expand
  20. KaraB
    Oct 27, 2006
    10
    Best show on TV. My teeage kids and all their friends agree. Because it is on early we TIVO it and have people over during the weekend to watch and catch up.
  21. joanw
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    Love this show. It depicts so many human emotions and inactions in the context of football. It is very good.
  22. ErikS
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    Great show. Catch up with it on nbc.com if you've missed it so far. Finally, a good show on TV. Support it!
  23. mgsc
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    Excellent pilot...somewhere between the book (classic) and the movie (pretty good but watered down) in terms of quality. I suspect Mr. Storm from the Philly Enquirer had to endure endless wedgies from jocks in high school.
  24. LilaMcC
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Wow. Fabulous. Wow.
  25. DawnC
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    amazing new show, best this season yet!!!
  26. marcoa
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    amazing
  27. MichaelM
    Nov 10, 2007
    10
    I wish more people would watch this series. It's without a doubt the best dramatic series on television. I couldn't have less interest in football or any strong connetion to Texas. It's simply the strong acting, intelligent storytelling and terrific writing that keep me going back every week.
  28. TomM
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    Best show on television for the last 5 years.
  29. JackieV
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    Best show on this tv season and lots of others seasons. Reminds me of Hill Street Blues which struggled initially. Hope this show can be saved because it is excellent. NBC is going for the younger demog raphics with the website featuring all the young actors, however, it is a mistake not to feature Kyle Chandler. He definitely has high appeal the middle age group. I still remember his Best show on this tv season and lots of others seasons. Reminds me of Hill Street Blues which struggled initially. Hope this show can be saved because it is excellent. NBC is going for the younger demog raphics with the website featuring all the young actors, however, it is a mistake not to feature Kyle Chandler. He definitely has high appeal the middle age group. I still remember his performance on Grey's Anatomy . Grey's messed up bad by getting rid of Denny. A LOT OF WOMEN WERE UPSET. Kyle Chandler has that same type of appeal to women. This might be a stupid suggestion but whe the football season ends soon start showing it on Friday nights when fans are in football withdrawal. I hope Wednesday end up being an improvement... if not .. give it a thought. We need to save this show!… Expand
  30. CamS
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    Great
  31. JenniferR
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    The best show on network television, it would be a shame to have only one season. The acting, directing, and storylines are far superior to anything else offered in prime time.
  32. anonymous
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    I love this show. I look forward to Friday Night Lights each week. I hope this series has a long and successful run on television.
  33. WarrenD
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Brilliant. Watching it on ITV4 in Pommieland at the moment.
  34. dwsholl
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    Terrific bit of Americana. Unusually good casting for a TV show and wouldn't replace any of them!
  35. KrisP
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    The movie was awesome, this is even better. Hopefully they'll continue on with a second season.
  36. LuisR
    Mar 4, 2007
    10
    So far, this has been one of the best single seasons of TV I've ever seen.
  37. ZinaD
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    Please have this return to NBC next season. It is the best show in such long time. It is different and enjoyable.
  38. MichaelK
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    Amazing show. Very fun to watch.
  39. BethB
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    I didn't watch this during the season because I thought I wasn't interested in a football drama, but am watching it online and love it--great writing, complex characters, and the coach and his wife are one of the most realistic but lovling couples I've seen.
  40. Jessica
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    love it, love it, love it! Can't wait til it returns.
  41. Alex
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    This is a great show which I hope comes back into the programming.
  42. JohnnaN.
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    The best new show on TV!
  43. jl
    Nov 1, 2006
    10
    best series this season.
  44. Lester
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    It isn
  45. richardc
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    This show is amazing in its accuracy and Drama. I live in a small Texas town and football, just as it is portrayed in this show, is king. Friday nights are known for football and the town thrives on it.
  46. MikeL
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. Watch this show and when you love it, tell your friends to watch. Hoping it doesn't get cancelled
  47. chesterde
    Oct 14, 2006
    10
    Finally, a show with real heart.
  48. paml
    Oct 15, 2006
    10
    Outstanding new show. Incredibly good!
  49. mitchk
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    i rate would rate this t.v. show a 100 if i were allowed. it is the best show ever!
  50. HanL
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    I'm at a loss to remember the last time I found a television drama as intelligent, engaging, and hewn to the highest standards as this one. Perhaps the first season of ER comes close. The acting, photography, and editing are all top notch, but it's the writing that keeps this viewer glued to the screen for the first time in a decade, perhaps more.
  51. ScottL
    Oct 20, 2006
    10
    I love this show & I'm not even a football fan! Great acting--the best Kyle Chandler has ever done--superb writing, good story telling & hot babes! What more could you ask for? Great camera work too.
  52. LJBanatao
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    It is an amazing show that will definitely appeal to a wide range of viewers.
  53. JB
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    This is a great series. I loved the book and movie and will add this to my favorites list. Having been a high school football players Mom, some of this really hits home! I hope this show gets all the attention it deserves and gets the viewers it needs to continue the series
  54. MMJones
    Oct 29, 2006
    10
    Extraordinary. A compassionate view of the details of life in a part of the country many folks like me know nothing about. The kids, the adults, the situations are touchingly real-life; the acting transcends everything (other than "House") on TV.
  55. heidw
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    it is a really good show and i love it
  56. ColbyS
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    As a college athlete this is the most accurate sports movie/show/mini-series, etc, I have ever seen. The emotion is real, the conflcts w/ the team show the real aspects that "high pressure to win" athletes and coaches go through during the season. Even with football set aside, the story-lines of players, coaches, and their families are compelling as well as entertaining.
  57. AnthonyM
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    The show is great and i watch it every week. I especially like Jesse Plemons in the show for his on point theatrical skills and what he brings out for the rest of the characters. I'm extremely looking forward to watching the last few episodes. keep it up cast.
  58. EricL
    Jan 31, 2007
    10
    Wow. I've just seen the last 3 eps and I'm kicking myself for not watching earlier. As good as anything on TV, broadcast or cable, in the last 20 years. I could go on for pages....but please do watch this gem of a work. EL
  59. TylerB
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    Best show, of ALL-TIME!
  60. mstaff
    Feb 11, 2007
    10
    One of those shows that is so bad it's good! I CAN'T stop watching it!
  61. birthsherpa
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    My mom was recently paralyzed in a bicycle accident. I was upset that there weren't more people with disabilities represented on TV. This show does it well, and they've done their homework on spinal cord injuries and quad rugby.
  62. sues
    Feb 22, 2007
    10
    Without a doubt, this is the best show presently on the tube
  63. JessieD
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    This show is awesome. There is nothing else on television that compares! I will sell my soul to NBC if we get another season!
  64. ENewt
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    The best show on television. Bar none.
  65. KatieR
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    Brilliant, beautiful, perfect. Television as art.
  66. BonnieE
    Apr 1, 2007
    10
    Want more seasons.
  67. chrish
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    By far, the best show on TV!
  68. LisaT
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    Best show in years! All actors are perfectly cast-head coach and wife are a hot and interesting couple for older people to watch. Get this show a time slot away from American Idol and it will explode! Please bring it back next season!!!
  69. BoB
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    By far the best show on TV! Possibly the best show EVER!!! Let's just hope gives us enough years to make that statement a reality! Watch it... you'll get addicted!
  70. LucyJ
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    I am not a foodball fan, but I cannot help but enjoy Friday Night Lights. Each and every episode is a refreshing relief from the ridiculous overabudance of reality programs, game shows, and fantasy dramas. I certainly hope NBC realizes the potential of this program and what a future-ratings gem it will be!
  71. ericau
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    best show on nbc. if they get rid of it their making a huge mistake!
  72. GregH
    Apr 5, 2007
    10
    I may be a bit older than the average viewer for this show (mid 40s), but I'm hooked. My feeling is that FNL is the best television show ever aired, and I have a lot to compare it to. I actually came a little late to the show (about week 4), but thanks to the free eps on NBC.com, I'm now hooked and a rabid fan. This is the kind of show that actually makes you want to be loyal to I may be a bit older than the average viewer for this show (mid 40s), but I'm hooked. My feeling is that FNL is the best television show ever aired, and I have a lot to compare it to. I actually came a little late to the show (about week 4), but thanks to the free eps on NBC.com, I'm now hooked and a rabid fan. This is the kind of show that actually makes you want to be loyal to the advertisers. Great job NBC for taking a chance on this show.… Expand
  73. AJF
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    Best acting on network TV. The coach and wife are a phenomenal TV couple.
  74. AlexisL
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    this is the best show on television right now!! it is extreamly easy to relate to, and has wonderful acting! i am totally addicted! I hope this show has another season!!!
  75. AilssaM
    Apr 9, 2007
    10
    the best show!!! as a teenager, totally realistic and easy to relate to
  76. BetsyE.
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    heartbreaking, realistic, touching, you name it.... characters you really, really care about.. The best show on television
  77. andyl
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    Best show on tv. Smart and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's amazing!
  78. BrookeM.
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    LOVE this show. After rumors of Rosie O'Donnell appearing this fall, we may be less likely to watch. She is to controversial for such an already great show. Keep Rosie out.
  79. GailC.
    Aug 5, 2007
    10
    I love this show - I know nothing about football, and it doesn't matter. I've lived in small towns and this is so real it's tangible. The acting is superb - I've loved Kyle Chandler since "Homefront" and Connie Britton is a relvalation taking her role way beyone the film version. Cannot wait for the new season, hope more people check this one out!
  80. Toddw.
    Sep 30, 2007
    10
    it is an amazing show and accurately depicts the pressures of highschool football.
  81. MichaelH
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    This is the best thing on television in a long time...as good or better than the first season of Lost. The writing is just amazing, the directing amazing, the acting amazing. Unfortunately stuck in the Friday night slot by NBC. I would compare it to some of the best pieces of TV "art" like the Sopranos...for that matter many excellent movies. In fact, some of the currently top rated This is the best thing on television in a long time...as good or better than the first season of Lost. The writing is just amazing, the directing amazing, the acting amazing. Unfortunately stuck in the Friday night slot by NBC. I would compare it to some of the best pieces of TV "art" like the Sopranos...for that matter many excellent movies. In fact, some of the currently top rated movies on this site (No Country for Old Men) are different but maybe not even as good as this show.… Expand
  82. CindyB
    Feb 22, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best shows on television. The writing and the acting are excellent. I look forward to watching the show every week.
  83. JoAnnG
    Jan 16, 2009
    10
    One of the few TV shows that I watch. It is very good.
  84. ToriG
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    This show is like a movie that keeps on going! LOVE IT! I was converted to the show and now I can't give it up:)
  85. BrianC
    Apr 7, 2009
    10
    Best show on television. Ridiculous that it's almost been nixed so often and that people eat up dross like Dancing With the Stars when they have such a literary, poignant drama they could watch instead. Football may be the template for FNL, but it's really a show about quotidian existence and small town American life - only such an awesomely talented cast could make such a theme Best show on television. Ridiculous that it's almost been nixed so often and that people eat up dross like Dancing With the Stars when they have such a literary, poignant drama they could watch instead. Football may be the template for FNL, but it's really a show about quotidian existence and small town American life - only such an awesomely talented cast could make such a theme so insightful, interesting, and compelling week after week. The pilot is simply breathtaking.… Expand
  86. TamaraH
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    Love this show! I'm not even a football fan and I love it.
  87. marcoa
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    amazing
  88. Will
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    greatest show on tv period.
  89. EricaM
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    Amazing show. Sincere, heartfelt and superbly executed on all fronts.
  90. JASIV
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    This show is truly must see television. The production values are top-notch, especially the photography. The editing felt almost too choppy during the first episode, and I was worried that it might be overdone. My concerns were laid to rest during the second episode where the editing seemed to really find a groove...I now think that it fits the series perfectly. I was suprised at the This show is truly must see television. The production values are top-notch, especially the photography. The editing felt almost too choppy during the first episode, and I was worried that it might be overdone. My concerns were laid to rest during the second episode where the editing seemed to really find a groove...I now think that it fits the series perfectly. I was suprised at the emotional impact this show had on me as well. It is just so well acted, and so well written...there's more true emotion in the first two episodes of this show than most series can muster in an entire season...really. I also was shocked at how accurate this show was in it's depection of high school football. Memories of my own howntown football games from 25 years ago flooded over me as I watched...I could almost feel the cool night air on my face, smell the popcorn and freshly mown grass from the football field, and hear the clattering snare drums! WOW! Check it!… Expand
  91. CynthiaS
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    I think it is a great show. I look forward to Tuesday nights and I love Kyle Chandler.
  92. MaryM
    Oct 19, 2006
    10
    This is an incredible show. It has more real emotion than any of the so-called 'reality' shows out there. It's the best show on television right now.
  93. janer
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    This is a refreshing program and a super departure from the God awful reality shows (all of them)..It has good acting and compelling iteresting side stories.
  94. mikek
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    Finally a show on tv that I can watch.
  95. mikef
    Dec 22, 2006
    10
    Best new show of the season.
  96. JulieN
    Dec 30, 2006
    10
    I love this show!
  97. JoeAverage
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    I recently caught an episode, and I must say I was instantly hooked. NBC have gotten some decent shows this season, huh? (Heroes also comes to mind) I live in a large (northern) city and have never had much interest in football or religion, so I have no idea if the show's an accurate depicition of life in smalltown Texas. The characters run the gambit of cliches, and you can see most I recently caught an episode, and I must say I was instantly hooked. NBC have gotten some decent shows this season, huh? (Heroes also comes to mind) I live in a large (northern) city and have never had much interest in football or religion, so I have no idea if the show's an accurate depicition of life in smalltown Texas. The characters run the gambit of cliches, and you can see most of the ' BIG TWIST's in the storyline from a mile away, but the show overall? Wow. Maybe its the refreshing earnestness of the whole production. Can't place a finger on exactly why this show leaves all the other's in its desert dust, but definitely a keeper. Too bad about the ratings though.… Expand
  98. kathiej
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    I am so happy to see Kyle Chandler back in such an exciting show. This is tv at its finest!
  99. JeremyG
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    Best new show of the season - finally something shot and acted with subtlety and taste. Love it.
  100. TrayC
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    My husband played Texas high school football in a very, very one flashing light small town. He tried to explain to me just how crazy it was to play high school football in Texas, but, until this show I could never quite grasp it. Now I do.
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best TV Season of 2006
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Arizona Republic
    Reviewed by: Bill Goodykoontz
    90
    The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the season.
    Read full review
  2. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    80
    Surprisingly wise and moving.
    Read full review
  3. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    70
    Has the same quick-cut look, crisp dialogue and bone-crunching game scenes [ast the movie].
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »