• 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. Negative: 33 out of 531
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User Reviews

  1. Feb 17, 2012
    6
    To many episodes that don't make plot roll, resuming you could have done this entire season in 12 episodes , that makes a little boring to watch, Although, the series have some good sci-fi police action.
  2. Jan 25, 2012
    10
    Fringe is simply amazing and John Noble is as well. It's the best sci-fi show in T.V!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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!!!!
  10. 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.
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  11. 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!
  12. 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!
  13. 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.
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  14. 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
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  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
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  18. 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.
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  19. 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
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 75
    Lots of good action and lots of fun to boot.