Gotham

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 730 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 545 out of 730
  2. Mixed: 91 out of 730
  3. Negative: 94 out of 730
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User Reviews

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  1. daneyuleb
    May 25, 2016
    10
    Stylish, gritty, atmospheric, a little gonzo at times. Superbly cast. This is easily the best of the comic book based dramas out there no matter what anyone tells you--if anything made better by the fact that it's carving it's own spin on the origin stories of Batman and his various friends and enemies.

    The characters are near-perfectly cast--especially Gordon, Penquin, Alfred and the    Stylish, gritty, atmospheric, a little gonzo at times. Superbly cast. This is easily the best of the comic book based dramas out there no matter what anyone tells you--if anything made better by the fact that it's carving it's own spin on the origin stories of Batman and his various friends and enemies.

    The characters are near-perfectly cast--especially Gordon, Penquin, Alfred and the Riddler--and MOST especially David Mazouz,as the young Bruce Wayne.

    I know that Agent Carter, The Flash, Daredevil, Jessica Jones are all the darlings of the critics, but after this show got rolling deep into its first season, it clearly grew into taking the crown as the best of the super hero shows, the others all too often suffering from too much camp, too much talk or too much self-importance and angst.    … Expand
  2. ShipperWar
    Sep 22, 2014
    10
    Loving it so far, it's staying pretty faithful to the comics and I'm loving that about the series so far. A lot surprise characters I wasn't expecting to see, which makes things exciting for future episodes and how things will be developed with these characters!
  3. kk84
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    best show i have ever watched! i love the GOTHAM, the city, the characters good and evil, the actors and their acting, the make up, the stories, the whole Batman universe is so great!
    Best time of the week is to see another episode of this show! dont miss it its the best!
  4. expara
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    Just to give you an idea of the shows I watch religiously, Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire, Sons of Anarchy, The Knick, Game of Thrones and American Horror Story. I used to watch Arrow but got bored with it and loved Spartacus while it was on and now I can add Gotham to my DVR favorites. I was not expecting much and didn't bother to watch the first episode until they had already shown 8 ofJust to give you an idea of the shows I watch religiously, Walking Dead, Boardwalk Empire, Sons of Anarchy, The Knick, Game of Thrones and American Horror Story. I used to watch Arrow but got bored with it and loved Spartacus while it was on and now I can add Gotham to my DVR favorites. I was not expecting much and didn't bother to watch the first episode until they had already shown 8 of them, I ended up catching up in 3 days of action, drama and humor. To me this show has a nostalgic feel, maybe its some of the references or the hardboiled edginess of the lead characters but each one good or bad has you liking them and every actors goal is for the audience to like their character even if they are evil.

    Jada Pinkett Smith has found her career performance on Gotham and will easily win an Emmy, Don Falcone is played by the amazing actor John Doman who also plays Pope Alexander VI on Borgia: Faith and Fear a series from Europe now on Netflix and he was brilliant on that show as well. I hope this show lasts for 7 or more seasons as it is a delight and Donal Logue as Bullock was perfect casting and this is an actor that truly is a throwback to the character actors of the past, he was amazing on Sons of Anarchy as well as two of my other favorite shows I forgot to mention above, Vikings and the short lived British series Copper and we all remember him from the movie Blade! Well I've rambled on too much, I guess I really like Gotham.    … Expand
  5. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    I thought that a lack of the Bruce Wayne/Batman character would ruin it, but "Gotham" proved me wrong thanks to its interesting prequel events, slew of well known actors and pot of memorable characters.
  6. jacob4
    Jan 10, 2015
    10
    An epic prequel to the Batman franchise, this show basically fills in the gaps of what was happening as Bruce Wayne was growing up, and what all the other iconic Batman characters and villains were like when they were young too. Instead of being centered around Bruce, this show instead focuses on Jim Gordon and how he became the commissioner who helped Batman. This show has mystery,An epic prequel to the Batman franchise, this show basically fills in the gaps of what was happening as Bruce Wayne was growing up, and what all the other iconic Batman characters and villains were like when they were young too. Instead of being centered around Bruce, this show instead focuses on Jim Gordon and how he became the commissioner who helped Batman. This show has mystery, suspense, some comedy, action and adventure. It portrays iconic Batman characters in ways we didn't imagine, and brings to life other iconic characters or villains, some we've probably never heard of. Instead of simply heroes fighting villains, this show adds that where the police is like fighting against the mafia and corruption of the city. A must see show for all those Batman fans who want to extend their knowledge of the Batman universe and discover how Gotham became city it's known as.… Expand
  7. roinujrino
    Jun 18, 2015
    10
    It's an amazing show! All the actors and characters are great. The way Gotham presents Batman's characters make them look even better than they are, the show is really great!
  8. zildel
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    The show was surpringly great! Within the first 5 minutes of the show, the tone is set. Then it takes you on a wild ride and you keep wanting more. I'm excited to see the evolution of these characters and how they all become the villians we all know. Fantastic show.
  9. DARKKNIGHT7
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It Is AWESOME i am speechless The second Bruce says he is learning to conquer fear And when Gordon says fear is a good thing it doesnt needs conquerance it tells u where d edge is and when Penguin Yeah he is really Superb specially when he starts laughing after beating a man with Baseball bat Gordon BRUCE Selina she just gives d vibe of an innocent sweet and swift and clever Catwoman I like d Origin of Penguin and hope it ll maintain The same power packed performance by lead cast it will surely be worth watching Every second is like a comic book holiness (with liberty os some alterations ).Pilot was Epic… Expand
  10. DEADSHOT
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    This series is awesome !!!
    I think this series is one of the most popular series are transformed over time into !
    Over time, the charm of the series would increase with the addition of characters with stories that have ever heard ness !
  11. Canadian_runner
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    As a child, always enjoyed watching batman. Gotham allows us to see how and why Batman came to life. I love all the characters they are building. catwomen, riddler, pinquin, commissioner Gordon, etc.. well written series. A+++
  12. aimihazwani
    Nov 26, 2014
    10
    I've always been a huge Batman fan and this is a great way to tell a story about the origins. Other people may disagree with me but I think they put too many high expectations on the series to begin with. I watched it with an open mind and I must say I was hooked! Where else can you find a better timeless pre-Batman series? I love how they put effort in the little details like making theI've always been a huge Batman fan and this is a great way to tell a story about the origins. Other people may disagree with me but I think they put too many high expectations on the series to begin with. I watched it with an open mind and I must say I was hooked! Where else can you find a better timeless pre-Batman series? I love how they put effort in the little details like making the whole show and atmosphere look dark all the way hence 'Gotham'. I can definitely see the attributes according to the comics in every character. This program plants a lot of easter eggs so it's really fun to re-watch to see if you missed anything to give you any clues regarding the villains or what not. (i.e: Harvey Dent's shadow on one side of his face via the projector, the huge clock facing Barbara's apartment). Overall, I'm excited for more episodes to be released and I hope they will go on for years like pre-Superman's 'Smallville'. I can't wait to see how the show builds up from here!… Expand
  13. kamiyamaninja1
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    I was really looking forward to this show.. it has really surprised me.. top quality and very interesting plots.. I really enjoy it a great deal.. awesome filming and twist... I'm very happy someone took the lead to make this happen..
  14. DBPirate1129
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    Well, this show is certainly better than I expected it to be. Each Gotham episode feels like its own contained story with characters you'll be rooting for and characters you'll hopefully be against. It has great action and an engaging plot all at the same time which many shows and films don't seem to succeed at these days. Gotham has proved to be a great and suspenseful show and one of myWell, this show is certainly better than I expected it to be. Each Gotham episode feels like its own contained story with characters you'll be rooting for and characters you'll hopefully be against. It has great action and an engaging plot all at the same time which many shows and films don't seem to succeed at these days. Gotham has proved to be a great and suspenseful show and one of my personal all-time favorites!… Expand
  15. AmericanPunk
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    I have been anticipating this take on Batman since I first starting reading about it. Every episode leaves me thinking what is going to happen next week.
  16. JoeBlair
    Nov 20, 2015
    10
    The show is great fun if you overlook some awkward compromises that were made to retain mass appeal.

    2nd Season has a fantastic Michael Chiklis performance.
  17. cwetzel4
    Feb 7, 2016
    10
    I was extremely skeptical of this show because all of my friends told me it was very good but it wasn't about batman so I as a lover of everything batman wasn't to interested in a show about the city of gotham that wasn't all about batman. I end up binging on super hero tv shows on Netflix and once i found my self done with The Flash and The Arrow I figured why not and decided to make theI was extremely skeptical of this show because all of my friends told me it was very good but it wasn't about batman so I as a lover of everything batman wasn't to interested in a show about the city of gotham that wasn't all about batman. I end up binging on super hero tv shows on Netflix and once i found my self done with The Flash and The Arrow I figured why not and decided to make the jump and watch Gotham. Lets just say I watched every available episode with in two days and if it was a possible career choice I would sign up today to be a member of the GCPD (Gotham City Police Department). I highly recommend watching Gotham… Expand
  18. royv
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Gotham’s hooks

    You’ve my applause FOX Your excellent display of gruesome narrative, in an era of indifference, in a hoary metropolis, where the ’stale’ is banished and the bloody is made mainstream…….well, I do declare my loyalty to all things ‘Gotham’! Don’t you know/your writers are top tier, their exposés unrivaled And that they’ve my eyes and ears on Monday nights when I    Gotham’s hooks

    You’ve my applause FOX

    Your excellent display of gruesome narrative, in an era of indifference, in a hoary metropolis, where the ’stale’ is banished and the bloody is made mainstream…….well,

    I do declare my loyalty to all things ‘Gotham’!

    Don’t you know/your writers are top tier, their exposés unrivaled

    And that they’ve my eyes and ears on Monday nights when I sink into a Victorian lounger, pull at my lower lip, pinch a corrosive hook Twix my forefinger and thumb, wait for the clock to strike eight, click the clicker, and slowly pierce it in and through?

    My fantasy, a mild bleed, makes me flush, I’m warmed, and then made nauseous; what’s more, escape into a dark miserable reality is somewhat curiously soothing …..I taste my own blood……there’s a hint of metal/rust in it; nevertheless, I’m out-and-out hooked!

    So reel me in FOX……..I ‘wanna’ be reeled in

    And for you, whom are unaware,

    ‘Gotham’, the show, is in the midst of laying foundations, building transformative walls, painting a portrait of an iconic city morphing from a dull harmony/old-style lawbreaking to outright bedlam….

    Citizens known more for their inflexibility and nonconformity are at first confused, then inured, and ultimately struck hard, stunned to ever escalating senseless bloodletting….

    The populace, like frogs in a crock, is slowly cooked/ is conditioned for villainy untold

    What simmers to a boil is a complete disregard for original forms of crime and sleaze swapped for a constant flow of corruption/misconduct/ wickedness/treachery/ and the noxious brew is spiked to the brim with indescribable fury….

    The ‘law’ is railed at……’wake up damn it…… get your ass out of bed, get to your feet, and stand up’!

    But ‘he’s’ crippled, and when he walks he staggers, he’s dejected

    ‘Evil has spilled over and ‘performance’ has taken to the stage’!

    ‘Badness’, she’s a grisly sort, her learnt knacks are made the rule/ not the exception
    And ‘Brutality’, her lackey, makes the people salivate
    They want eyes to be stabbed and gouged
    They want flesh to be ‘lit up’ to fuel the light that brightens their dark alleys
    The cries from living torches is unsettling but not unconscionable
    They want Stilettoes (her heals) to be pressed through defenseless throats conjuring the sounds of desperate gurgles
    Fresh corpses are cut up, handled sloppily, and contempt for morality/ethics/ life has taken on a perverse significance

    An intellect that feeds on unbridled egotism is birthed,

    Gotham is made gross;

    With the rise of the villains she’s no conduct for what is civil

    And at the core of this new spirit are a riddle joined to a bird, tempered by a cat, while a disreputable fish is exiled

    At present, these are Gotham’s ‘hooks’, and I’ve no other reason for watching the wonderful spectacle that is

    Gotham    … Expand
  19. Graham433
    Jul 7, 2016
    10
    When I wake up and think of a word to describe Gotham it would be 'Masterpiece.' Gotham sets a new bar for
    superhero tv shows with its suspenseful, retro, gory vibe. Gotham Season 1 is better than Season 2 though Season 2 is also a masterpiece. In Season 1 we are introduced to Jim Gordon, Black Mask, & Joker or Mad Hatter. Overall, a masterpiece that must be watched.
  20. XxramezxX
    Aug 2, 2016
    10
    Incredible show, i'm amazed with the incredible talent of the whole cast and the script, it really is worth a watch..i don't usually follow tv shows but this ones just blew me away, it does not stick to all the original versions of dc we know but it sticks out due to its originality , 10/10 a true masterpiece
  21. djrussell
    Sep 29, 2014
    9
    I really liked the pilot. I'm a massive Batman fan and it was good to see another take on the series. It felt serious and well written. Reminded me a lot of Nolan's series but with maybe a tiny bit of Burton in there for some of the more dark-gothic backdrops. The only thing I didn't like about the pilot was how many classic villains they tried to cram in (I counted 6). It felt forced.I really liked the pilot. I'm a massive Batman fan and it was good to see another take on the series. It felt serious and well written. Reminded me a lot of Nolan's series but with maybe a tiny bit of Burton in there for some of the more dark-gothic backdrops. The only thing I didn't like about the pilot was how many classic villains they tried to cram in (I counted 6). It felt forced. Apart from that though, it was better than I expected.… Expand
  22. Eliut
    Oct 9, 2014
    9
    The show begins well, with several surprises and immediately recognize enemies. Do not forget that is an adaptation and not going to be 100% faithful to the comic.
  23. igorgavi
    Feb 28, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have been controlling myself not say this, but I can not take it anymore, here it goes (don't be all pissed off at me): Bruce Wayne is actually Batman.… Expand
  24. XenonQ
    Sep 22, 2014
    9
    I liked the pilot a lot. The city is atmospheric and feels big. This is a city you believe a lot of **** goes down, but also where amazing people live. All main and supporting characters were memorable, well maybe except for Alfred. They made him straight up American, and he didn't deliver a single line of wisdom. Fish Mooney was surprisingly good. I didn't expect to get so invested into aI liked the pilot a lot. The city is atmospheric and feels big. This is a city you believe a lot of **** goes down, but also where amazing people live. All main and supporting characters were memorable, well maybe except for Alfred. They made him straight up American, and he didn't deliver a single line of wisdom. Fish Mooney was surprisingly good. I didn't expect to get so invested into a character that will probably get killed off in the second or third episode. Penguin is brilliant. I can't get enough of him. This is how you'd expect the famous crime lord of Gotham to start off.… Expand
  25. raviopatra
    Sep 25, 2014
    9
    The writers and crews who work on the pilot for Gotham must be a genius. The production is next to flawless and it clearly shows how huge the show can be (only if it keeps on taking the right direction) and the tremendous potential the characters and stories in the Batman/DC universe carry. Definitely a game-changer for Fox. Who needs originality when you have authenticity blended with vision!
  26. jasper6333
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    Epic characters a nice plot and story, man i love this series! This series gives the batman mythologie another layer of depth to it! it is so cool to see what happened before batman was there! a Must watch!!
  27. Assassin8813
    Nov 10, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a very long review, so be warned.

    Where. Do I. Begin. This series had me sitting on the fence about ready to stomp it out as a pathetic spin off of a beloved comic book franchise, but am I glad I stuck it out. The assault of Batman villains in the first episode had me reeling back in frustration as I try to figure out why they would introduce each of these people, most of which are only referenced once throughout the episode and are then forgotten like they never existed, but that is not important in this series. What is important is sticking with it, watching it to the end, and then thanking yourself for not coming to a quick conclusion. In order to fully appreciate this series, you have to be able to see it as a fan of Batman and a person who does not know much about Batman. That is what makes this series truly beautiful; it can capture somebody who's flipping channels and stumbles across this, and it will ensnare those who have been long awaiting this series.

    As a stranger to the Batman universe, Gotham is much more than your run of the mill Law & Order series. It explores the deep, dark, and crime riddled streets of Gotham in a roller coaster ride that will keep your hands up! Imagine instead of a typical TV series that is only a collection of stories, Gotham is a book that is played out to the viewer chapter by chapter, each one getting progressively more captivating. While they do have Gordon (the main protagonist) and Dent (protagonist #2) chasing crimes that are seemingly unconnected on an episode by episode basis, everything comes together the further you look into it, and that's the beauty behind Gotham. It's a line-tracers dream, where connections can be made between every occurrence, but doubt will always linger when you drag the string across the pictures, because the city of Gotham does not open itself to us like we may want. Corruption and deceit run amok in this metropolis, and it's impossible to be sure that any two things are as they may seem. To those who do not know Batman, Gotham is a book about mystery, lies, and turnarounds that will keep you on your feet.

    Now, to those fans of Batman who are revolted by this series, I beg you to look differently. Gotham is so much more than simply a copycat of Batman without the bat himself. It is an amazingly well done look into the evolution of the city of Gotham before the caped-crusader took up the mantle of its defender. Its introduction of beloved villains - both those who are currently good and already evil - is a beautiful composition of a prequel before a well beloved play. Gotham leaves fans of the Batman universe wondering what drug down those who are good into the infamy they hold against the dark knight, and what events unfolded to bring those already evil into their thrones of power by the time Batman arrived. The most heavily involved villain in this TV series is the Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot. Watching him grow from the errand boy of a lower raking criminal into what we already know as (arguably) second only to Carmine Falcone in the world of crime leaves you wanting more as this series teases you with recipes for disaster and success. The Penguins integral part in the play of Gotham is more than enough to keep this series interesting.

    In summary, the only people who won't like this series are those who can't like it because of their deluded sense of fanboyism to Batman. Those fans with open minds and those strangers with enough time will find more than enough to keep them tuning in each week to watch the next chapter of this book unfold.    … Expand
  28. Troublewalking
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    Having watched every episode since this show launched, all I can say is I love it. At first my expectations were low, trying to show all the Batman characters before they were legend seemed far fetched. Like most new shows the first couple of episodes have the actors over acting and the direction a bit confused, but this show really seems to have hit it's stride. The Fish lady is great,Having watched every episode since this show launched, all I can say is I love it. At first my expectations were low, trying to show all the Batman characters before they were legend seemed far fetched. Like most new shows the first couple of episodes have the actors over acting and the direction a bit confused, but this show really seems to have hit it's stride. The Fish lady is great, and I thought she had no possibilities from the first show. Now she is one of the sexiest and most manipulative women on television. The guy playing Penguin is incredible. The way he manipulates one side against the other for his own purposes, causing a mafia war and tearing Gotham apart is fantastic. Perfectly played Penguin. One second some tuff is pushing him around and he is whining his way to survival, the next that same thug finds himself on the wrong end of that threat. The head of the mafia (Falcone) is doing a great job. The other mafia guy is perfect. The guy playing Alfred is incredible, especially in his dealing with the young Bruce Wayne. Bullock is perfectly played. Young Bruce Wayne had me worried at first but the actor is doing a great job of showing the struggle to keep control on his sanity that Batman is legend for. Gordon is greatly played and a huge part of the show. I'm not feeling his wife, or the Montoya character. I'm worried if the girl playing cat woman can pull it off. The Riddler seems played to a t, early as Ed Ngyma. Though not a perfect copy of the comics this show does everything to cling to the Dark Knight and his dark Gotham. Mental illness in it's darkest corners are explored in every episode. If you remotely appreciate the darkness of the Batman character, watch this show for 5 episodes, you will be hooked. And the most promising part is if they pace it like the comics, the actors are young enough where they could truly explore all of Batman's villains in deep detail. Finally something truly dark, to represent the Dark Knight, instead of the watered down stuff that has been passing for Batman in many of the Batman movies. So if your a true Batman fan and love the Darkness of the Dark Knight and all his magnificent flaws, you will love this. But if your a Campy Batman fan, and like the watered down, ignoring all the mental health issues all of the Batman characters struggle with. This coffee is probably too strong for you.… Expand
  29. johnyct9760
    Sep 28, 2015
    9
    On the whole I thought it was good, I would have liked to have seen a little more character exploration on a few of the main and secondary characters (EG: detective bullock) but all and all it was really solid and fun to watch. I did notice there were just a few to many impossible escapes by and hammed up over the top gun fights thrown in that did kind of break my immersion in the story.On the whole I thought it was good, I would have liked to have seen a little more character exploration on a few of the main and secondary characters (EG: detective bullock) but all and all it was really solid and fun to watch. I did notice there were just a few to many impossible escapes by and hammed up over the top gun fights thrown in that did kind of break my immersion in the story. My final verdict is Solid B+ Well done, room to grow and I'm definitely going to tune in for season 2.… Expand
  30. marc5477
    Sep 7, 2015
    9
    What a pleasant surprise. I was expecting more garbage like Arrow and Flash but was treated to something that might climb to the top of my list of TV shows to watch. The dialog is good and the acting is extremely good. For the most part the plots are well done however several episodes had some big plot holes that didnt make sense but on average, the writing was good. Do not expect thisWhat a pleasant surprise. I was expecting more garbage like Arrow and Flash but was treated to something that might climb to the top of my list of TV shows to watch. The dialog is good and the acting is extremely good. For the most part the plots are well done however several episodes had some big plot holes that didnt make sense but on average, the writing was good. Do not expect this show to follow the comics loyally. If you are one of those idiots who think that everything needs to follow the comics, I invite you to snort some cool aid because even the comics themselves do not follow their own origins and turn non-nonsensically bad 90% of the time. There is no difference between a comic writer writing Batman or a TV show or Movie producers. They are all PAID BY THE OWNERS to do exactly that. This show is very good and possibly the best adaptation of a comic in history... all that said, and Batman is not even a factor since he is just a kid at this point. I cant wait for season 2 and while you are at it, maybe during the off season, go help the morons at Flash (Arrow is not salvageable) which is a travesty and embarrassing to watch.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best TV Season of 2014
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
14
#14 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chuck Bowen
    Sep 26, 2014
    50
    Though it abounds in diverting window-dressing, Gotham is literally all dressed up with nowhere to go: It's a derivative copy of a copy in search of a real governing identity.
    Read full review
  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Sep 22, 2014
    80
    An absorbing, intelligent new drama that gives the Batman mythology one more layer of depth.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 22, 2014
    91
    The city--neon-washed, Chanderlesque, somewhat anachronistic--is itself also a character, and it turns what could be "Law & Order: Gotham" into something infinitely more layered and watchable.
    Read full review
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