Fringe

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 9, 2008
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 531 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 460 out of 531
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 531
  3. Negative: 33 out of 531
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User Reviews

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  1. raporgi
    Feb 21, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. sawsage handed, full of dumb science and empowered wahhmen. this is x-files without the grit, or spooky eerieness. the main lead is annoying while Pacey and Dad babble incoherent pseudo science garbage like Rick and Morty. the amount of womensplaining is just laffable and dumb. apparently being emotional on the field is a good thing blah blah blah ugh actually no. cool and reason win the day. JJ Abrams and his Alien minions need to be slapped upside the head for this nonsense.… Expand
  2. Jarody
    Feb 17, 2018
    7
    Fringe: Season 1 is an absolutely fine first season, it has great acting, interesting characters and an overall gripping story. However, that being said, a lot of the episodes are very repetitive. Sure, the "fringe event" is always different and shocking, but the structure of the episode is always the same. Obviously this isn't in every episode, as the story centric episodes are mostlyFringe: Season 1 is an absolutely fine first season, it has great acting, interesting characters and an overall gripping story. However, that being said, a lot of the episodes are very repetitive. Sure, the "fringe event" is always different and shocking, but the structure of the episode is always the same. Obviously this isn't in every episode, as the story centric episodes are mostly fantastic, but there are a lot of episodes like this. Once the story begins to pick up towards the end of the season however it gets really exciting. Finally, I just want to mention how excellent of a performance Jared Harris put in this season- i was on the edge of my seat whenever he was on screen.… Expand
  3. Mezmer
    Oct 28, 2016
    9
    I cannot understand why someone would give this show a failing score. Sure, its hard for people to grasp, but that doesn't make it a sub par show. What I've noticed, is that people who can't understand the show, and have a hard time keeping up, give it a bad score. This show, is bar none, one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. The character development is very prevalent, the script andI cannot understand why someone would give this show a failing score. Sure, its hard for people to grasp, but that doesn't make it a sub par show. What I've noticed, is that people who can't understand the show, and have a hard time keeping up, give it a bad score. This show, is bar none, one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. The character development is very prevalent, the script and tiny nuances are wonderful, and the story and constant twists thrown at you are enough to keep you watching. Don't listen to the poor reviews on this site- this show is worth a try. It goes from day by day, to a drama, to a final fight for humanity (trying not to spoil too much). If you watch is carefully, there is an observer in every episode. Watch the show to find out. Do yourself a favor and watch it.… Expand
  4. Moo-vies
    Dec 3, 2015
    2
    Bad actors, bad writing, not even an attempt to follow proper science.

    Pseudo science idiocy with popular references, big words and serious faces to hide the emptiness of the scripts. This has nothing to do with at least what X-files was trying to accomplish with some success. It looks like a soap with unbelievable model actors who for most can't act. And for those who can act, it    Bad actors, bad writing, not even an attempt to follow proper science.

    Pseudo science idiocy with popular references, big words and serious faces to hide the emptiness of the scripts. This has nothing to do with at least what X-files was trying to accomplish with some success.

    It looks like a soap with unbelievable model actors who for most can't act. And for those who can act, it looks like a chore.

    It's a wonder how this show could find an audience ...    … Expand
  5. tigerskin84
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    This is one the best sci fi tv show ever!! walter and peter chemistry is tense and perfect, olivia character is amazing , and how to forget asterisk or astrid or whatever... this show has almost everything, multiple universes , the cast has another version of themselves and is well done too. Fox(B@astards) gave them a last season to wrap up and in a few episodes the show ended very well.
  6. banda89
    Aug 13, 2015
    7
    Awesome first two seasons and a decent third season. Fourth and fifth season you could see they were smoking some crack, confusing storyline and you get the impression they didn't like the way the season was playing out seeing as they completely rewrote the storyline. But hey just watch the first 2 seasons for a great show.
  7. sonder
    Jun 10, 2015
    6
    There are a few things that I like about Fringe. The male and female lead are engaging, likeable, and competent actors. The cinematography is good, and I don't get tired of watching shots of Boston from overhead. I like JJ Abrams, and this show has a decent budget to work with. I was a huge fan of X-files ages ago.

    But, this modernization and reboot of an X-files like setup falls    There are a few things that I like about Fringe. The male and female lead are engaging, likeable, and competent actors. The cinematography is good, and I don't get tired of watching shots of Boston from overhead. I like JJ Abrams, and this show has a decent budget to work with. I was a huge fan of X-files ages ago.

    But, this modernization and reboot of an X-files like setup falls short. The "science" in this science fiction is just ridiculous, even by the genre's standards. They really should have involved a science writer in the writing room to clean up some of the needlessly bad science behind the fiction. The crazy father character is a bad actor, albeit one with a few funny lines. The obligatory conspiracy thread in Fringe seems a transparent trope.

    I'm giving this show a low rating because I feel like it could have been more, and it could have been very enjoyable, with some better writing.    … Expand
  8. DennisColeman
    Feb 15, 2015
    8
    Trixie and Monkey: The Time is Ripe

    UKIYO Theatre ---Royal Croquet Club –Victoria Sq( Tarntanyagga) An unorthodox New York nuptial exchange between Monkey - suitably clad - and bridal veiled Trixie kicks off this hour long marriage of raunchy burlesque, skillfully interspersed with seamlessly brilliant acrobatic stunts. Monkey’s pre marital employment as a banana inspector obviously    Trixie and Monkey: The Time is Ripe

    UKIYO Theatre ---Royal Croquet Club –Victoria Sq( Tarntanyagga)
    An unorthodox New York nuptial exchange between Monkey - suitably clad - and bridal veiled Trixie kicks off this hour long marriage of raunchy burlesque, skillfully interspersed with seamlessly brilliant acrobatic stunts.

    Monkey’s pre marital employment as a banana inspector obviously shapes his tactile obsession with banana tasting, adopting a raw sensuality - evolving into a showcase of their steamy acrobatic dance numbers.

    References to earlier decades see Monkey being packed off in a space shuttle to nowhere while Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart serenades a dance number that not even the wedding guests saw coming. Just when you might be contemplating what’s next to titillate Trixie’s gypsy psychic alter-ego adds a whole new dimension to erotic fantasy - a magical blend of song, trapeze art and bawdy good fun. 18+

    Dennis G Coleman for 3D radio    … Expand
  9. Patrick94
    Feb 5, 2015
    9
    Whether you're a sci-fi fan or not, Fringe is a great show. Likeable characters, a dark and mysterious sci-fi plot, humor that actually works, action. Definitely one of my favourite shows right now .
  10. Anwar-Mkayed
    Jan 2, 2015
    9
    For anyone who thought of the near future possible advancements & challenges, for anyone who wants to see a translation through a TV series that is not only interesting on an episode-to-episode bases, but a well woven science fiction & Drama that rarely works when stretched for multiple seasons.
  11. TheApplegnome
    Oct 8, 2014
    8
    From the creators Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who always are working closely with J.J Abrams, comes one of the most mysterious and entertaining TV-Shows.

    I totally love Fringe, because it keeps me asking more and more questions about the mysterious events in the series, which truly keeps me watching the show. The high amount of science fiction truly is fascinating to watch, even if    From the creators Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who always are working closely with J.J Abrams, comes one of the most mysterious and entertaining TV-Shows.

    I totally love Fringe, because it keeps me asking more and more questions about the mysterious events in the series, which truly keeps me watching the show. The high amount of science fiction truly is fascinating to watch, even if that it's not something completely new and original, because many things in Fringe I've already seen in sci-fi shows like Stargate and Star Trek, but in the end are all the episodes in Fringe awesome to watch. The intro of Fringe is another thing that I truly adore about fringe, so touching!

    When it comes to a TV-show like Fringe, the quality of every episode may vary much, and this first season felt like it became drama-like after the 10th episode, which I didn't find entertaining at all. Another thing is that the mysterious feeling surrounding Fringe kind of disappeared after the 10th episode, but eventually got it's mojo back in the season finale. Overall is Fringe an awesome sci-fi show that I find is superb to watch, even that the CGI isn't the best I've seen.

    Fringe is a TV-show that truly is packed with action, sci-fi and much entertaining and mysterious things, and I wouldn't consider this show to be a supernatural drama genre, it's just a highly advanced sci-fi show.

    The average score for each episode is: 7.79
    Fringe: Season 1 get a 8/10    … Expand
  12. PeterIsAwesome
    Aug 21, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this show. While I initially resisted watching it, I was so drawn in by the awesomely fascinating pseudoscience (giant monsters, advanced telekinetic powers, and alternate universes just to name a few) that I had no choice but to become a fan. I wish we even had half of the crazy science **** that Walter and Peter cook up on a daily basis.

    Also, the acting of Anna Torv, Lance Reddick, Joshua Jackson and in particular the multi-talented John Noble, was incredible. Noble never failed to inspire awe at his talent, moving me from uproarious laughter to near tears in a single episode on many occasions, and his great dynamic with Joshua Jackson as his son Peter was a touching relationship from beginning to end. While Torv and Jackson may not have had the best relationship chemistry on screen, the choice in placing the two of them in those roles was a good one, and rarely distracted from the big picture.

    The last season did seem cobbled together in service of wrapping everything up neatly, however the strength of all the previous episodes balances it out.    … Expand
  13. lraimbault
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    Fringe is the best TV show I've ever watched. The first season begins slowly BUT it becomes really fascinating and interesting in the middle of the first season.
  14. Tss5078
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    It's rare for me to give a television show a perfect rating, but I will say, without hesitation, that Fringe is the best original Science Fiction show to come along in thirty years. When J.J Abrams started working on his follow up to Lost, he wanted to create a show that touched on everything that had been done before it. Fringe takes elements of Star Trek, The X-Files, The Twilight Zone,It's rare for me to give a television show a perfect rating, but I will say, without hesitation, that Fringe is the best original Science Fiction show to come along in thirty years. When J.J Abrams started working on his follow up to Lost, he wanted to create a show that touched on everything that had been done before it. Fringe takes elements of Star Trek, The X-Files, The Twilight Zone, and others, and incorporates them all into his story. It was a show that was truly ahead of it's time and initially had a lot of network support.

    The premier episode on FOX is the most expensive pilot episode ever made and the fans love it. The first two seasons of Fringe were highly rated, but not in the top ten. Not realizing what they had or the cult following it had behind it, FOX started moving the show around, eventually putting in on Friday nights, where it died after just 100 episodes. Today, the show is carried on in books and several of the cast have talked about the possibility of having it turned into a film franchise.

    The story of Fringe began in 2008, when an airplane with 250 passengers on board, landed itself in Boston, without any survivors. All the agencies show up, including the FBI, who send their liaison officer, Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv). Dunham and her partner/lover are sent to do the dirty work, but stumble upon something unexpected, which puts them at the head of the investigation team. Not believing what she saw, Dunham goes in search of help, and finds a brilliant scientist, who used to do classified experiments for the U.S. Government. There is a problem of course, as the scientist, Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), has been in a mental institution for 17 years. In order to get him out, Dunham must track down and recruit the help of Bishop's son, Peter (Joshua Jackson), who is a con-man, working out of Iraq. With the team in place, they work to solve the impossible case and are asked by Col. Peter Broyles (Lance Reddick), to become part of a classified team of FBI members, who are assigned to work on the strange and unexplainable.

    From parallel universes to time travel to human experimentation and even monsters, Fringe really incorporated everything they could into the story, in one way or another. Anna Torv stars as Agent Olivia Dunham and what a star she is. How J.J. Abrams found her is nothing short of amazing in and of itself. Torv hadn't been in very many things, but had an impressive background, that includes her being a martial arts expert, who speaks multiple languages. They put her talents to use and make her the new head investigator of the Fringe division. Torv was the action star of the show, who turned out to be even more, when the cast met their duplicates from the alternate universe in season 3. I really can not express in words how terrific this woman was and how important her character was to every fascist of the story.

    As for the other main character of the story, that's Dr. Walter Bishop played by John Noble. Noble is one of those guys, you've seen in movies and on television all the time, but also the kind of guy whose name you probably didn't know. With Dr. Walter Bishop, John Noble established himself as a Sci-Fi legend. Much in the way his former partner William Bell, played by Leonard Nimoy, is associated with Spock, Noble and Bishop will be forever linked. Not only does his character bring a brilliant mind to the cast, but also brings humor to the show. After being locked in a mental hospital for 17 years, there isn't much Walter won't say or do. He loves to eat, do LSD, and tell people exactly what he thinks, leading to some of the best one-liners I have ever heard in a Science Fiction series.

    Fringe isn't all about the strange and unusual, it's also about family, action, love, and humor. I can tell you that it is the single most addictive show I've seen in my entire life. I wound up watching all 100 episodes in under 3 months, and now that it's over, I find myself missing it and thinking about it often. Even though I'm a Netflix member with a large collection, for almost 2 weeks now, I have been sampling other series, looking for something to fill the void. I'm finding myself having trouble even getting into similar shows, the way I got into Fringe. It is one of the best television shows I have ever seen. If you're into Science Fiction this show is an absolute must see. If you're not into Science Fiction, there is still a ton of stuff here for you as well. Do yourselves a favor and treat yourself to this remarkable show while it is still streaming on Netflix.    … Expand
  15. drlowdon
    Feb 22, 2014
    8
    In much the same way as The X-Files the first few episodes of Fringe are very much of the ‘case of the week’ variety and, seemingly at least, unconnected. As a result it didn't initially become must watch TV for me despite the interesting characters and darkly humorous script.

    Once the show’s overarching plot started to take shape however I was hooked as J.J. Abrams yet again    In much the same way as The X-Files the first few episodes of Fringe are very much of the ‘case of the week’ variety and, seemingly at least, unconnected. As a result it didn't initially become must watch TV for me despite the interesting characters and darkly humorous script.

    Once the show’s overarching plot started to take shape however I was hooked as J.J. Abrams yet again demonstrated his ability to tell a captivating story that has you itching to watch the next episode. Now for season two.    … Expand
  16. maisie
    Oct 9, 2013
    10
    Fringe will forever be one of my favourite things. I remember watching the first episode for the first time in 2008 and I was fascinated by it. I instantaneously fell in love with it. The first few episodes of the season is slightly formulaic as it introduces us to this crazy world of Fringe science, however the intensity of the show emerges a couple of episodes in. If you have never seenFringe will forever be one of my favourite things. I remember watching the first episode for the first time in 2008 and I was fascinated by it. I instantaneously fell in love with it. The first few episodes of the season is slightly formulaic as it introduces us to this crazy world of Fringe science, however the intensity of the show emerges a couple of episodes in. If you have never seen it before, watch it. The season finale is excellent, as is season two and three.… Expand
  17. PStakhiv
    May 28, 2013
    9
    I'm shocked to see the ignorance of some critics, this is one of the most original and engaging science fiction of modern television. And John Noble's acting is outstanding, the notion that he was't nominated for Emmy for best supporting actor is ridiculous! Now season 1 has an interesting main plot, but some side stories makes it shine even more!
  18. OliviaM
    Apr 2, 2013
    10
    Excellent show. Smart, intelligent, great characters. The show's twists and cliff-hangers are reminiscent of Lost. The storylines continue to grow and intrigue the more you watch. One of my all-time favorite shows, stick with it!
  19. Cryio
    Mar 18, 2013
    6
    Terrible terrible terrible.

    For the majority of the season, 15 out of 20 episodes, it's just filler, as nothing is happening. Random episodes, or "monster of the week" episodes, most of them NOT being interesting. A few (but I insist on A FEW) contain a some information about the mythology behind the series, which at times SHOWS that it can be an interesting one. It's too bad all the    Terrible terrible terrible.

    For the majority of the season, 15 out of 20 episodes, it's just filler, as nothing is happening. Random episodes, or "monster of the week" episodes, most of them NOT being interesting.

    A few (but I insist on A FEW) contain a some information about the mythology behind the series, which at times SHOWS that it can be an interesting one. It's too bad all the good stuff is separated by all the incredibly boring stuff. HONESTLY, if someone didn't have recommended me to watch this, I would've probably stopped at episode 10. With the exception of the pilot, which sets a good tone for the series, the following 6 episodes are just reharshes of the second episode. But almost NOTHING of worth ever happens. Don't believe someone who says this START OFF A LITTLE WEAK. It's start of pretty damn bland. And it remains that way for the most of the first season. I have watched only the first 2 seasons so far, and the second season fares better, if slightly. RESULT: 6 out of 10.    … Expand
  20. Xatio87
    Jan 28, 2013
    8
    I love Fringe. It's what science fiction should be about. The actual science may not be 100% accurate (pointed out by some of my scientist friends), but can it tell a story. Throughout all 5 seasons, the cast, crew, writers, and directors make you care about the characters so deeply, you feel as though you become a part of it.

    Without giving it away, Fringe enters into the realm of    I love Fringe. It's what science fiction should be about. The actual science may not be 100% accurate (pointed out by some of my scientist friends), but can it tell a story. Throughout all 5 seasons, the cast, crew, writers, and directors make you care about the characters so deeply, you feel as though you become a part of it.

    Without giving it away, Fringe enters into the realm of fringe science with the help of Dr. Walter Bishop who did dozens of experiments back in the 70s and 80s with the help of Dr. William Bell. Strange things are happening to the world and the Fringe division go out and try to find out who's behind it and why. The show enters the first season with investigations and from the second season forward they venture into areas that you can't even imagine. Definitely worth a watch.    … Expand
  21. DonMega
    Nov 18, 2012
    9
    Suffer through the first 2 or so seasons and end up with an amazing show. The current season is the best so far (season 5). I can't believe it got almost cancelled.
  22. Draithis
    Oct 12, 2012
    9
    Fringe begins on a low note, but builds upon its baseline a creative and intriguing storyline, never repeating itself, always different, and always moving forward. It can be confusing at times, the plot rivals that of doctor who in complexity, but for the open-minded fringe stimulates the mind and asks important questions about the nature of humanity. Stay on the rollercoaster, and youFringe begins on a low note, but builds upon its baseline a creative and intriguing storyline, never repeating itself, always different, and always moving forward. It can be confusing at times, the plot rivals that of doctor who in complexity, but for the open-minded fringe stimulates the mind and asks important questions about the nature of humanity. Stay on the rollercoaster, and you will be entertained for a very long time!… Expand
  23. PSB1962
    Sep 12, 2012
    10
    Fringe, is simply put, the best sci-fi series since X-Files season one. I NEVER miss an episode. The writing, acting, stories, and production is flawless!!!! I am going to be devastated by the loss of this, my favorite tv series in ages!!!!
  24. mgyukeri
    Jul 10, 2012
    9
    Unlike J.J. Abram's other projects, Fringe really takes some time to shine. But when it does, the show is incredible. Give Fringe some time, a show with this much creativity and personality is rare. John Noble is a standout star in the first season of the show. If you love J.J.'s other projects Lost and Alcatraz, or were a fan of The X Files or The Twilight Zone, this show is a must-see.
  25. 410MaXiMuS
    Jun 6, 2012
    10
    One of the best shows to ever come across a TV screen. As others have pointed out, the 1st season does take a few episodes to hook you in. But once that happens, the show gets better every single episode. Definitely worth checking out.
  26. carojo3
    May 28, 2012
    10
    Deeply disappointed that this show is coming back for only one more season. I love the characters and the interesting stories produced each week. I especially love this season and the message that true love between soul mates cannot be erased. By far, the best series FOX has produced since the X-Files. I wish SyFy would pick up this series.
  27. Momito
    Apr 14, 2012
    10
    Outstanding performances from Anna Torv, John Noble, and Blair Brown. Engaging concept, intelligent writing, gripping cliffhangers. Able directing, skillful photography, exciting action sequences.
  28. Midge115
    Apr 14, 2012
    8
    Fringe is an amazing show. I've been watching it ever since around the middle of the first season which hooked me in. If you miss an episode, you have to see it. The show can get very confusing if you don't follow along well. If you do keep up, though, and you pay attention, it's a very funny, scary, awesome, and just all around great show to watch. I give it an 8 because of the fact thatFringe is an amazing show. I've been watching it ever since around the middle of the first season which hooked me in. If you miss an episode, you have to see it. The show can get very confusing if you don't follow along well. If you do keep up, though, and you pay attention, it's a very funny, scary, awesome, and just all around great show to watch. I give it an 8 because of the fact that it can get very confusing.… Expand
  29. procritic
    Apr 2, 2012
    8
    Another great show. Can only fault it in that sometimes it can get a bit confusing due to the amount of information that the viewer needs to remember. Enjoying the acting & the storyline but would like to see the current arc ending soon & a return to the original format at least for a while.
  30. Arwen
    Mar 2, 2012
    10
    Fringe is currently the greatest show on television. I know everyone says that, but in my opinion this is true. It is undoubtedly the most complex, intelligent, and startlingly beautiful story that a TV show could be. The myriad of twists and turns, incredible characters (supported by absolutely fabulous acting), and wonderful plot developments draw you in. Once the viewer is past theFringe is currently the greatest show on television. I know everyone says that, but in my opinion this is true. It is undoubtedly the most complex, intelligent, and startlingly beautiful story that a TV show could be. The myriad of twists and turns, incredible characters (supported by absolutely fabulous acting), and wonderful plot developments draw you in. Once the viewer is past the first few weaker episodes, the viewer reaches the event horizon and is slowly destroyed while thoughts of Fringe occupy almost every waking moment (at least for me :D). This show is art in its greatest form.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best TV Season of 2008
3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
13
#13 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    60
    The last half-hour of the pilot is by far the best part of Fringe; it’s full of twists, turns, action and suspense. And the first 20 minutes or so, in which a team of federal agents investigate a mysterious occurrence on a commercial airliner, is brisk and efficient, if (like much of Fringe) a little bombastic and overdirected. Aside from a cinematic dream sequence, the middle hour of Fringe is much more problematic.
    Read full review
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    80
    It has good characters and plenty of action. It keeps its science fiction accessible, not abstract. Maybe best of all, it has a great sense of humor.
    Read full review
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    75
    Lots of good action and lots of fun to boot.
    Read full review
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