High Desert
Apple TV+ | Release Date: May 17, 2023
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
67
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
7
Negative:
1

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Los Angeles TimesRobert LloydMay 16, 2023
Season 1 Review: Patricia Arquette is not the only reason to watch “High Desert,” a new comic thriller premiering Wednesday on Apple TV+, but she’s the best reason, and all the reason you need. Read full review
80
The Daily BeastNick SchagerMay 12, 2023
Season 1 Review: [High Desert] is ramshackle in the right ways, led by Arquette’s tour-de-force of mad, messy, brazen desperation and determination. Read full review
78
Paste MagazineShane RyanMay 17, 2023
Season 1 Review: Peggy is your consummate weirdo, and Arquette nails the vibes. To watch her try to pull one over on a world that rewards sensibility is extraordinarily fun, and the rest of the show keeps pace one perfect half-step behind the viewer. Read full review
75
IndieWireBen TraversMay 17, 2023
Season 1 Review: What may, at times, feel like too much, always stays true to its own kooky vision, and as a showcase for Arquette (who also executive produces), “High Desert” provides an ample spotlight. It won’t be for everyone, but neither is a 75-degree Thanksgiving. Read full review
75
The PlaylistMarya E. GatesMay 12, 2023
Season 1 Review: While there’s an ensemble of kooky characters around her, this is a showcase for Arquette’s unique energy. There’s a vulnerability at her core, but also the frankness of someone who has spent most of her life operating on survival mode. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubSaloni GajjarMay 12, 2023
Season 1 Review: The show might not be everyone’s cup of tea because it demands fortitude. While the early episodes are enjoyable, High Desert shapes itself into a more insightful version over the remaining tightly paced outings. Read full review
70
Wall Street JournalJohn AndersonMay 17, 2023
Season 1 Review: She may sound unbearable. She can certainly cause a cringe or two. But because she's played with such brazen, blowzy, oxygen-bogarting abandon by Patricia Arquette, Peggy is a real original. Read full review
70
Washington PostLili LoofbourowMay 16, 2023
Season 1 Review: What keeps “High Desert” from greatness (though there is hope, if it gets another season!) is a failure to unite the farcical stuff, much of which is delightful, with the deeper story. The plot starts to feel so crowded, rushed and messy that the finale (critics got all eight episodes) at times feels as if it was written by — rather than for — Peggy. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterAngie HanMay 16, 2023
Season 1 Review: High Desert’s early aimlessness evolves by midseason into a likable shagginess, warmed by a surprising amount of heart. Read full review
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