Great News

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 25, 2017
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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Critic Reviews

  1. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Esther Zuckerman
    Apr 25, 2017
    91
    Wigfield leads her writers’ room with the same eye for sharp characterization and love of fast-flying gags (be they verbal or sight) as her mentors do. Couple that with a talented cast, and it’s clear to see why Great News is immediately such a winner.
  2. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Apr 25, 2017
    90
    A delightful surprise, Great News immediately becomes one of network television’s best sitcoms.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Darren Franich
    Apr 24, 2017
    83
    The laughs-per-minute rate is high, though, so the worst you can say about Great News is it's merely pretty good. [28 Apr/5 May 2017, p.99]
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  5. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Apr 24, 2017
    83
    The series ambles along at its own congenial pace, lighthearted and largely without a care in the world. Great News can also be something of an Easter egg hunt for lovers of classic TV and classic Broadway.
  6. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Apr 21, 2017
    83
    A surprisingly solid sitcom that for the most part keeps its balance amid one absurdity after another.
  7. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    Apr 24, 2017
    80
    The dialogue is funny, but performers like Martin and Higgins, who are both fantastic, really make it sing.
  8. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Apr 25, 2017
    75
    A loopy, likable new NBC comedy.
  9. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Apr 24, 2017
    75
    The writing is sassy enough to make you indifferent to the show’s source material, including, of course, the Robert De Niro movie “The Intern.” Martin dominates every scene she’s in and, in truth, the double Tony winner’s acting style, honed by multiple Broadway roles over the years, is so broad, only a powerful ensemble cast like this one could even share the screen with her.
  10. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Apr 22, 2017
    75
    Call it 30 Rock Lite, a slightly less subversive television-workplace comedy peopled by loopy eccentrics too goofy to be mean for long.
  11. The Salt Lake Tribune
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Apr 25, 2017
    70
    It can be a bit much at times, but there's a great supporting cast--including John Michael Higgins and Nicole Richie as the news anchors--and there are enough laughs to keep it moving.
  12. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Daniel Fienberg
    Apr 24, 2017
    70
    There are some strong episodes, some big laughs and an ensemble that could become really special if the show is given the chance to further tap its potential.
  13. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Apr 21, 2017
    70
    Gteat News manages to be at least a good broadcast network comedy thanks to sharp writing and winning performances, particularly from “SCTV” veteran Andrea Martin as Carol, mom to cable news producer Katie (Briga Heelan).
  14. Variety
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Apr 20, 2017
    70
    The set and the substance feel a little dated, and the show leans into that ‘80s aesthetic with a bit of nostalgia that is both disorienting and a little comforting (much like going back to visit your parents’ house after moving out). That being said, once the show settles into its rhythms, there’s a lot of humor to go around.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. looper64
    May 6, 2017
    0
    This show is just not that funny? Tina Fey who is usually brilliant lacks any ambition here.
    The shows joke premis about Andrea Martin as a    This show is just not that funny? Tina Fey who is usually brilliant lacks any ambition here.
    The shows joke premis about Andrea Martin as a meddling, overprotective mother is just tired after the first episode. This show needs so much help...If it were being written by anyone else it would have been cancelled after the 2nd episode. Tina please find something to save this...This is no 30 rock!    … Full Review »
  2. drlowdon
    Dec 2, 2018
    7
    Great News centres around Katie Wendelson, an ambitious young producer at a cable news show called The Breakdown. The fact that it was createdGreat News centres around Katie Wendelson, an ambitious young producer at a cable news show called The Breakdown. The fact that it was created by Tracey Wigfield and executively produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, all of whom worked on the excellent 30 Rock, was certainly sufficient to peak my interest.

    Great News finds its rythym fairly quickly in this first season with exactly the type of eclectic cast of characters you’d expect from former 30 Rock alumni. Admittedly none of these characters are quite as memorable as said shows cast, and the mother can be a little too much at times, but each of them brings something to the table. In terms of the script it can sometimes feel as though it’s trying a little too hard to ape the 30 Rock formula, making it feel a little forced at times, but in most episodes enough of the jokes land to keep the laughs flowing.

    A solid start with hopefully more to come.    … Full Review »
  3. manningn15
    Nov 26, 2018
    8
    A great new comedy with a hilarious cast and very funny writing that makes me laugh.
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