Godless

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 22, 2017
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25

Critic Reviews

  1. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Caroline Framke
    Nov 22, 2017
    60
    When the action gets up close and personal, it helps that Godless’s cast is by and large top-notch. ... After watching more than seven hours of Godless, it’s also a little hard to understand whether Frank is paying tribute to Westerns of old or indulging in their most basic clichés just because he can.
  2. Collider
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Nov 16, 2017
    60
    The only major issue with Godless as a thoughtful and engaging entertainment is that you’re constantly aware that it could have been so much more than that.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Dec 14, 2017
    50
    It’s disappointing that such a beautiful show, with such fine performers, could not have offered more than an outdated fairy tale.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Michael Haigis
    Nov 17, 2017
    50
    Godless equates female empowerment with armament and never investigates the myriad sources that victimize the town's women, remaining more invested in the petty male quarrel that catches them in the crossfire.
  6. Las Vegas Weekly
    Reviewed by: Josh Bell
    Nov 16, 2017
    50
    The thrilling final battle is masterfully staged. It takes far too long to get there, though, with entire episodes in the middle of the series that seemingly could have been removed entirely.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best TV Season of 2017
41
#41 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
22
#22 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 200 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 139 out of 200
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 200
  3. Negative: 37 out of 200
  1. earlsmet
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    Watched it in 3 evenings. * * * * * Jeff Daniels stole the show. They used flashbacks brilliantly. The writers knew a lots about horsesWatched it in 3 evenings. * * * * * Jeff Daniels stole the show. They used flashbacks brilliantly. The writers knew a lots about horses and what they were writing about. I'm 83 and I remember a bit about horses. As a young boy I learned that most cowboys broke wild horses. They had to get them ready to work fast, But we bred and raised our horses and I was taught "if you broke a horse you would have a horse you could ride. If you tamed a horse you would have a friend you can ride" This seemed to be brought out in one episode. Most of the riders were well directed in the way you sit a horse and hold the reins. I catch little things like a sandwich that I could tell from the uniform slicing and shape was made from bread bought from a local supermarket. Overall it was exceptionally well done.… Full Review »
  2. 998817268
    Nov 22, 2017
    5
    The first episode is both boring, and in need of exposition. It appears to begin in medias res, and the themes of the show are developedThe first episode is both boring, and in need of exposition. It appears to begin in medias res, and the themes of the show are developed through interactions between an incompetent sheriff, a bandit on the run, and a town full of frontierswomen. The whole thing is clearly, slowly leading to a confrontation between the bandit's ex-leader, and the people who give him shelter. It just hasn't managed to convince me to come along for the ride.… Full Review »
  3. BillJustBill
    Nov 26, 2017
    10
    Terrific show, great cast, great production values. Shows you what you can get with a truly fine writer, Scott Frank, who they had the show toTerrific show, great cast, great production values. Shows you what you can get with a truly fine writer, Scott Frank, who they had the show to and say you wrote it, so go ahead and make it the way you want to have it made. And then he does and it turns out terrific. Jeff Daniels has a wonderful juicy part and plays it to the hilt. Michelle Dockery is fine as is everyone else in the cast. It looks like they shot it on the Westworld set, but that's okay. This is traditional storytelling at its best, always interesting, revealing of character, and surprising. Netflix is pouring a ton of money into original programming, and they've hit a home run with Godless.… Full Review »
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