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. caladoniak
    Feb 13, 2009
    10
    Starts out a little weak, but the later episodes are incredible.
  2. JD
    Sep 1, 2009
    9
    Ratings on this site will not at all represent this show, as they were taken from the first couple episodes, when Fringe was still good but seemed uninspired in a way and kind of like a "Mystery of the Day". Once about a third way in or so, though, it picked up incredibly and became much more than just a weekly freak science experiment. An overarching storyline and interesting Ratings on this site will not at all represent this show, as they were taken from the first couple episodes, when Fringe was still good but seemed uninspired in a way and kind of like a "Mystery of the Day". Once about a third way in or so, though, it picked up incredibly and became much more than just a weekly freak science experiment. An overarching storyline and interesting developments made for great television, and by the end was one of my favorite shows. WAAY better than a 67, and im sure the score for next season will be much better. I can't wait.… Expand
  3. DanielS.
    Oct 16, 2009
    9
    Fantastic concept, great writing, good acting, gripping story, the only thing that's needed is to perfect the concept that's already been laid down. It's a great idea, but it's still young and fresh. Over time it will build and Fringe will become something truly amazing.
  4. GailC
    May 9, 2009
    8
    I believe this show has steadily improved since the pilot episode and has succeeded in capturing my interest, which is contrary to my predictions when it first began. I now really enjoy it!
  5. DanielK.
    Oct 12, 2008
    10
    I'm hard to impress, but going in with absolutely no expectations, I became instantly in love with this show. The production values are incredibly top-notch. It feels like I'm watching a Hollywood blockbuster every episode. The acting is excellent, and so is the writing. A great mix of humor, mystery, and action. Great all around.
  6. MASS
    Apr 23, 2011
    10
    Huge fan of Fringe! Ever since the first episode this show has rocked every crazy thought of our reality and the world we live in! Great acting, great production value and cool effects, what more can i say, this show rocks!!
  7. RodericR.
    Sep 12, 2008
    10
    The show was fantastic. The cast is identifiable and distinct, and though there have been many Mulder/Scully mentions AND I was a huge X-Files fan, its so different from X-Files. To me, its Outer Limits, X-Files, and CSI and rolled into one conspiracy-laden ball of TV enjoyment. Its Lost for sci-fi nerds who demand more nerdstuff. Fringe and 24, are the only two shows my family watches The show was fantastic. The cast is identifiable and distinct, and though there have been many Mulder/Scully mentions AND I was a huge X-Files fan, its so different from X-Files. To me, its Outer Limits, X-Files, and CSI and rolled into one conspiracy-laden ball of TV enjoyment. Its Lost for sci-fi nerds who demand more nerdstuff. Fringe and 24, are the only two shows my family watches live and does not miss.… Expand
  8. GaryL.
    Jun 29, 2009
    8
    Some slow spots midseason, but the finale was great. Shows a lot of promise and keeps getting better.
  9. CristobalS
    Jan 30, 2009
    10
    Fantastic Show! The script is sharp, the acting is impressive (John Noble is the standout), and the direction is sublime. It makes you squirm, grin, sweat, and enjoy. The best new series on television. The only criticism...Anna Torv's subpar American Accent.
  10. ChristinaB
    Nov 25, 2008
    7
    I didn't want to like it, but it grows on you. I really like that the scope isn't too expansive. It leaves more time for character development which i find to be key in successful shows. The characters and acting may not be amazing yet, but I think it will definitely improve with time.
  11. DarrenB.
    Oct 29, 2008
    8
    It definitely fills that much needed X-File-ish void that I've been missing for years. John Noble as Dr. Walter Bishop is priceless.
  12. JDub
    Sep 12, 2008
    9
    This show's first episode blew me away. First time I actually watched a TV show twice in one week. Very solid first episode and it can go only go up from here.
  13. DaveMcAwesome
    Feb 16, 2011
    10
    Best written show on TV right now, with phenomenal work by John Noble and Joshua Jackson. Anna Torv started out shaky but has grown with seasons 2 and especially here in season 3.

    It will be tragic when FOX kills it with this move to Friday nights.
  14. formyfamery
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    Fringe is an excellent show that is its own. The reviews saying that it is a bad x-files knockoff are groundless. Just because it is about unusual scientific occurrences doesn't mean that it is trying to be like x-files. Fringe has its own story and likable characters with its own direction. The only time I was disappointed was when it turned into a cartoon under circumstances that wouldFringe is an excellent show that is its own. The reviews saying that it is a bad x-files knockoff are groundless. Just because it is about unusual scientific occurrences doesn't mean that it is trying to be like x-files. Fringe has its own story and likable characters with its own direction. The only time I was disappointed was when it turned into a cartoon under circumstances that would spoil the show if I said. One review wrote off Fringe simply because of the advertising campaign which is complete and utter balls.… Expand
  15. inertia
    Jul 14, 2011
    10
    SEASON BY SEASON REVIEW: FIRST SEASON: Where you'll be forgiven for making an X-files comparison. This season is more procedural and monster of the week format where the lead characters are just starting to get familiar with each other while greater mysteries are introduced. Don't let the X-files snobs who think the unending angst of the Scully/Mulder relationship that takes a decade toSEASON BY SEASON REVIEW: FIRST SEASON: Where you'll be forgiven for making an X-files comparison. This season is more procedural and monster of the week format where the lead characters are just starting to get familiar with each other while greater mysteries are introduced. Don't let the X-files snobs who think the unending angst of the Scully/Mulder relationship that takes a decade to develop is the be-all and end-all of mystery television. I found this show to actually evolve their character relationships season to season. Only this season has an echo of the X-files dynamic to it. SEASON 1 SCORE - 7.5 SECOND SEASON: First half builds into some of the most poignantly acted family drama I've ever seen done in the second half. Continues to take you from heartbreaking and hilarious seamlessly like a high quality movie every week and invests you in the characters. SEASON 2 SCORE - 9.5 1st half, 10 second half. THIRD SEASON: The first half expertly executes hard to predict twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing and yes, sometimes I was screaming at the TV at the many OMG moments. I can't think of any episodes on TV that have ever been better then these episodes. EVER. The 2nd half gets a little quieter because unlike other dramas this one actually lets the characters breathe and grow a bit after their experiences. Some may find it lags after the earlier intense excitement but I found this turn to be true to its stellar character development the show excels at. Then it gives you a big bang of OMG exciting plot twists at the end of the season to set up for what's sure to be a wonderfully brain twisting season 4 that will keep you guessing. There is good reason why it has been talked about as one of if not the most shocking season finales of the year. SEASON 3 SCORE: 10 first half, 9 middle half except for a 10 for the whole 3 part finale. IN CONCLUSION: Yes this has been billed as a sci-fi show, but I find the sci-fi elements have only been to serve the greater themes of exploring what it means to be a family and what it means to be you, a human being. If you're someone who likes a good Oscar winning drama that explores the human condition you'll love this show. IMO that's why I think it hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves - its been too easy to call it 'a sci-fi show' in the press not realizing the stereotype drags it down. Hope this review has been helpful to you.… Expand
  16. aesptux
    Jul 22, 2011
    10
    Simply amazing. I have no words for describing this show. One of the best shows ever made. Good acting, good story, amazing development.... A must see for sci-fi fans.
  17. ih8thaters42
    Jan 21, 2012
    8
    I'm giving fringe an 8. It doesn't deserve it. Season 1 was okay. I lost interest but then regained it sometime later and watch about halfway from season 1 to the end of season 2. Season 2 was good. Season 3 was "wow" Then, almost out of nowhere, what happened? I mean, really, like, um, huh, what, why, stoopid. Yeah. That's how I feel about season 4. I misspelled stupid onI'm giving fringe an 8. It doesn't deserve it. Season 1 was okay. I lost interest but then regained it sometime later and watch about halfway from season 1 to the end of season 2. Season 2 was good. Season 3 was "wow" Then, almost out of nowhere, what happened? I mean, really, like, um, huh, what, why, stoopid. Yeah. That's how I feel about season 4. I misspelled stupid on purpose it was that stoopid. It's so unfortunate that such a great show will soon be cancelled without continuing the great story line from seasons 2 and 3.

    Fringe, i'll give you an 8 for the past enjoyment you have given me, but, R.I.P.    … Expand
  18. 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
  19. Jay
    Oct 1, 2008
    10
    I love this show. Better than expected.
  20. AdamT.
    Sep 9, 2008
    8
    While not as good as Lost (yet), I was very entertained and enjoyed the characters and story quite a bit. I'm sure there will be nay-sayers right away, but Fox kept all of you in mind too. Knowing that not everyone would enjoy the type of show Fringe is, they aired something more your speed directly after. Hole In The Wall is just the kind of show for those of you unable to enjoy While not as good as Lost (yet), I was very entertained and enjoyed the characters and story quite a bit. I'm sure there will be nay-sayers right away, but Fox kept all of you in mind too. Knowing that not everyone would enjoy the type of show Fringe is, they aired something more your speed directly after. Hole In The Wall is just the kind of show for those of you unable to enjoy good programming, such as Fringe.… Expand
  21. m
    Mar 5, 2009
    10
    This show picks up from the xfiles. I find it interesting and look forward to each episode. I hope it will be on for a couple seasons well. I like the fact that you want to watch every week, and that so far the action is rising so i hope abram continues to build on the action, drama and suspense and keep people on the edge of their seats or else people will become disinterested and bored. This show picks up from the xfiles. I find it interesting and look forward to each episode. I hope it will be on for a couple seasons well. I like the fact that you want to watch every week, and that so far the action is rising so i hope abram continues to build on the action, drama and suspense and keep people on the edge of their seats or else people will become disinterested and bored. Pick it up!!… Expand
  22. MaximilianoS.
    Oct 4, 2009
    10
    An excellent example of modern science fiction tv show. Impressive.
  23. joek
    Feb 23, 2009
    9
    Ridiculous and fun. No more closure than x-files but still better.
  24. dexterp.
    Aug 27, 2009
    10
    Best show ever, funny, shocking, and a story-line that grabs your attention.
  25. BretW
    Dec 12, 2008
    8
    oh my god after seeing the last episode and how it sums everything up. i cant wait until January 20th. I think this field of science is so interesting, and this show is amazing, omg. Yes sometimes the acting is kinda bad, but overall thins show is incredible. Finally i love how you NEED to watch every single episode to get whats going on. Once again nice job fox something that oh my god after seeing the last episode and how it sums everything up. i cant wait until January 20th. I think this field of science is so interesting, and this show is amazing, omg. Yes sometimes the acting is kinda bad, but overall thins show is incredible. Finally i love how you NEED to watch every single episode to get whats going on. Once again nice job fox something that doesn't bore me… Expand
  26. GrantB.
    Oct 30, 2008
    9
    Interesting episodes/ideas. Developing mythology so far not off putting. Think each character is interesting, chemistry is good. I want this show to continue.
  27. RafaelD.
    Sep 10, 2008
    8
    Im a huge fan of J.J Abrams work , but i see a bright future for the show , its hard to judge a show just by the pilot , as we all know a lot of shows can get better and better every week. For a start , i think its a good pilot , lets see how this show develop.
  28. JohnM.
    Sep 17, 2008
    10
    Great cast. Great story. Great show. It keeps you watching. The mythology is strong and appears fairly deep. I'm looking forward to many seasons of this show! What is so terrible about LOST references or Altered States homages? I think that's part of the appeal to shows like this. It gives credit where credit is due.
  29. karenR
    Apr 29, 2009
    9
    Really enjoy this series, especially the humor that the character 'Victor' lends to the show.
  30. markl.
    May 28, 2009
    10
    Great show..too intelligent for the average dance show/idol viewer to understand
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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.
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  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.
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