House of Lies

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 8, 2012
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 119
  3. Negative: 39 out of 119
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User Reviews

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  1. Doxide
    Mar 5, 2012
    0
    The biggest turn off about this show are its characters. Every single one of them is vile and morally repugnant, which in itself is fine: there have been many great shows and movies about irredeemable characters. But on top of it all, they are just flat out annoying. In particular the two male side-kicks on the show fill the screen with their idiotic juvenile banter and act like utterThe biggest turn off about this show are its characters. Every single one of them is vile and morally repugnant, which in itself is fine: there have been many great shows and movies about irredeemable characters. But on top of it all, they are just flat out annoying. In particular the two male side-kicks on the show fill the screen with their idiotic juvenile banter and act like utter douche bags. I have always been fans of Don Cheadle and the lovely Kristen Bell, but watching this show makes you wonder what they were smoking when they signed up for this pile of dog crap.… Expand
  2. hoho
    Apr 17, 2013
    6
    This season of House of Lies starts off very slow, and it hit-and-miss the entire season. It is a dramedy starring the talented Don Cheadle (he won a Golden Globe for "Best Comedy Actor" this season) and the lovely Kristen Bell. The season overall turned out to be moderately entertaining with the exception of a few bad episodes, including the Pilot episode. The cast is quite funny, andThis season of House of Lies starts off very slow, and it hit-and-miss the entire season. It is a dramedy starring the talented Don Cheadle (he won a Golden Globe for "Best Comedy Actor" this season) and the lovely Kristen Bell. The season overall turned out to be moderately entertaining with the exception of a few bad episodes, including the Pilot episode. The cast is quite funny, and I especially enjoyed the interactions between the characters Clyde (Ben Schwartz) and Doug (Josh Lawson) throughout the entire season. Overall, I think you should give this series a chance (watch more than the first episode), because I have also seen Season 2, and it is a major improvement.… Expand
  3. IKnowTVComedy
    Jan 8, 2012
    3
    Like many, I expected this Showtime "comedy" to be a drama. It wasn't a drama, but it also wasn't a comedy. In this day and age where marketing and economics is such a rich topic to explore, this show comes and decimates it. One of the worst pilots. Giving it a 3 for Don and Kristen and Jean-Ralphio from Parks and Rec.
  4. IronicMe
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    Absolutely awful. House of Lies is a big mess. It's an insult to people who like television. I can't believe that Showtime, the same network that has Weeds, also has this show (and The Big C). So much of it needs to improve, immediately.
  5. NoahCoward
    Apr 12, 2014
    1
    I saw the show when it first came out and thought is was awful. Since it's lasted a couple of years (and I was desperately searching for something to watch) I gave it a second chance and took in some episodes from season 3.

    My verdict is in. House of Lies is still a terrible television show. It's all flash and no substance. The plots are preposterous, an insult to the intelligence    I saw the show when it first came out and thought is was awful. Since it's lasted a couple of years (and I was desperately searching for something to watch) I gave it a second chance and took in some episodes from season 3.

    My verdict is in. House of Lies is still a terrible television show.

    It's all flash and no substance. The plots are preposterous, an insult to the intelligence of viewers.

    Lots of crudeness and vulgarity, which isn't necessarily a bad thing when it's clever, as in "Veep", but here it's just gratuitous, dumb, and repetitive.

    All the characters are unlikeable. Don Cheadle, who is a fine actor, is embarrassing in his role as the star of the show. He periodically talks to the camera like it's a cool inside joke but it just doesn't work.

    The mantra of the show is cynicism about the profession which may be appropriate but needs a more subtle presentation to be either insightful or entertaining. Here the characters are all just vile, dishonest, and despicable.

    The show has introduced an ongoing Cosby-like back story about Marty'si relationship with his adolescent son and dad. It's totally mawkish, manipulative drivel and out of character with everything else about the show. The writers will throw in anything to pretend there's some redeeming value in their artless, uncreative television show.

    Oh, and for some reason Kristen Bell has a reputation for being a sexy, funny comedienne. In this she is not. She comes across as a horrible actress, not amusing, and not particularly likeable.

    The weak material sabotages all cast members, even Jenny Slade.

    This show is a dumb knockoff of lots of better, smarter shows like LA Law, Entourage, Veep. My advice, stay away.    … Expand
  6. thatsme
    Jan 8, 2012
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I only wanted to watch this for Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. When the pilot leaked online I jumped on it. The first thing you see is Don Cheadle's ass. Then you meet his extremely flamboyant son. Hundreds of jokes about gays follow. Cheadle's character breaks the fourth wall a lot, and it's annoying. Then there's a scene in a restaurant where a hooker talks about having sex with women. Seriously? This show is terrible, the critics are wrong.… Expand
  7. stormD23
    Jan 9, 2012
    0
    The Pilot episode was horribly constructed, i'm really surprised that Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell signed up for this train wreck. I'll give it a couple more episodes before i can it, only because It's on after Shameless, but its not looking good for House of Crap... i mean Lies.
  8. Beau
    Jan 8, 2012
    1
    Watched the pilot online, there is no logical reason for this series to be airing. The critics are under Showtime hypnosis. One of the most terribly written pilots in pilot history. Don Cheadle doesn't even save this show. Lots of improvement and growth needed. Too many homosexuality jokes.
  9. Tessler
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    Vomit inducing. Awful, awful, awful. Hopefully it gets cancelled before the world has to see any more. Why is Kristen Bell doing this? A waste of her talent.
  10. TinaFeyisGod
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    Love Kristen Bell. Hate big business. Thought I'd love this. I hate it. The worst pilot ever written, a stupid adaptation of a good book. Please Kristen Bell don't ruin your career with this **** show.
  11. AmyPoehlerLuvr
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    Watched it for Don Cheadle, sucked hard. Way too many stupid jokes about gay people. Absolutely terribly written, one of the worst pilots ever. Shocking that showtime would accept this.
  12. JamieHorton
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    I watched this because I heard that the guy who plays Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Rec is on it. Not only is he barely featured, the show itself is a mess. I highly recommend against it.
  13. Brilliana
    Feb 5, 2012
    0
    Damn this is bad. Ive loved krsten bell since her earliest days but this show is so unwatchable. It blows. I hope kristen bell quits and the show gets cancelled.
  14. ILoveMyTV
    Jan 8, 2012
    0
    Terribly written pilot, already a contender for worst show of the year. Possibly the decade. There's no well thought out reason to explain what caused this show's all-star cast to accept these roles. I'm not understanding how any critic could give this a 100.
  15. MarcieLangela
    Jan 8, 2012
    0
    Are the critics reviews a joke?? This is the worst episode of television I've seen in my life. All of the jokes about gays are just sick and rude. Kristen Bell is absolutely killing her career.
  16. Ginamarie
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    TERRIBLE. Not worthy of following Californication. Not worthy of even being on the same network as Weeds. One of the worst pilots I've seen in my life. Any good reviews are simply biased. Nobody watch this, this needs to be cancelled so Don Cheadle doesn't lose his good rep.
  17. xoTHEOFFICExo
    Jan 11, 2012
    0
    Was persuaded to watch this by a friend of mine. Turns out we both hated the pilot. I really hope it improves. It looks like there's little to grow on and hopefully Don and Kristen don't trash their careers.
  18. GeorgePLucas
    Jan 8, 2012
    0
    My management consultant parents encouraged me to watch this and tell them what it's like since they don't have Showtime. I found it to be awful and they agreed, saying that the things happening to the characters are unrealistic. Critics gave it inexplicably good reviews.
  19. JonnyRaves
    Jan 20, 2013
    2
    The TV and Movies have just about a 100% hit rate in their failure to provide even the slightest taste of realism in any show that is centered around what writers believe is the "business world". 99% of investment bankers are not handsome, slick philanderers. They work 65 hours a week and are surprisingly conservative, amateur party animals at best. Attorneys at top law firms are aThe TV and Movies have just about a 100% hit rate in their failure to provide even the slightest taste of realism in any show that is centered around what writers believe is the "business world". 99% of investment bankers are not handsome, slick philanderers. They work 65 hours a week and are surprisingly conservative, amateur party animals at best. Attorneys at top law firms are a similar breed, but add an extra 10 to 20 hours of work per week. Management Consultants may very well be at the top of the "stuffed shirt' scale, and their profession may very well be the least interesting of the three, especially to watch. This being said, Don Cheadle and his team of frat boy wannabes totally miss the mark. This show fails at being satire because there isn't one grain of truth in their portrayal of the consulting business, or consultants. It fails at being a straight up comedy, because it's not even the slightest bit funny. It succeeds only in being a cheap rip off of Showtime's other show about decadent lifestyles, Californication. In a nutshell, this show needs to be destroyed as soon as possible.… Expand
  20. lxlxlxlxl
    Jan 17, 2013
    2
    I watched the first season after hearing that Cheadle won a GGlobe. I don't get it. It's barely funny, cheaply vulgar, and if it is a satire or indictment of modern business culture the show is not good at it. There was a canadian show about banking called Traders (?) on CBC that I remember being better at this. Oh well. I say avoid it.
  21. SweetLou
    Mar 4, 2013
    9
    Saw a couple of Season 1 episodes on a flight, and they got me hooked. A very cynical, yet hilarious, take on the management consulting world, with psychological overtones in the exploration of the characters' relationships with one another. There's some misogynistic humor and some d**k-and-fart jokes, low hanging fruit as they are, but they don't detract too much from the overallSaw a couple of Season 1 episodes on a flight, and they got me hooked. A very cynical, yet hilarious, take on the management consulting world, with psychological overtones in the exploration of the characters' relationships with one another. There's some misogynistic humor and some d**k-and-fart jokes, low hanging fruit as they are, but they don't detract too much from the overall experience. It's offset in part by the very human portrayal of Don Cheadle's character's son exploring gender identity issues. It's worth watching the first three or four episodes in order to build a more comprehensive view, as the show evolves over the course of the season. **USER SCORE CAVEAT** When reading the user reviews, you'll see a bunch of "0" scores. Note the date they were posted (before the pilot aired, or just after) and then click through and look at the other reviews the users have posted. Almost without fail, the users also gave Parks Rec Season 4 a "10." One of the actors from Parks Rec (Jean-Ralphio) is also in House of Lies, which I assume accounts for the collusion behind the "0" scores.… Expand
  22. spicecaptain
    Oct 1, 2013
    0
    Really bad show. Feel ripped off giving it a chance and watching season 1.
    This is a male chauvinistic piece of garbage and I'm a guy. The characters are just one dimensional.
    Really bad script writing.. House of trash
  23. Ihateverything
    Jan 8, 2012
    5
    It's okay. By no means an advancement in the comedy genre like the shows on NBC, but it's better than Showtime's other crap like Nurse Jackie and The Big C. The writing needs to be better.
  24. dwforbes
    Jan 10, 2012
    10
    I hold out hope for future episodes, however the writing of the first episode bordered on unbearable, with single-dimensional caricatures that were both predictable and groan inducing. The wife, the son, the prostitute, much less the bathroom scene..just horrendous stuff. The core idea of the show is novel and enjoyable, as is the Fight Club-esque techniques and narrative, however theI hold out hope for future episodes, however the writing of the first episode bordered on unbearable, with single-dimensional caricatures that were both predictable and groan inducing. The wife, the son, the prostitute, much less the bathroom scene..just horrendous stuff. The core idea of the show is novel and enjoyable, as is the Fight Club-esque techniques and narrative, however the execution has me expecting the axe to fall on it soon.… Expand
  25. D-Slice
    Jan 8, 2012
    8
    The first showtime comedy that boasts its ability to stay a comedy and not fall into dramatic territory is actually pretty good and it sticks true to its promise for the most part. It's less insightful about fatherhood, relationships or business than it may think it is, but it resists cliche and offers a pretty good chance for Mr. Cheadle to show off his comedic chops week after. I wouldThe first showtime comedy that boasts its ability to stay a comedy and not fall into dramatic territory is actually pretty good and it sticks true to its promise for the most part. It's less insightful about fatherhood, relationships or business than it may think it is, but it resists cliche and offers a pretty good chance for Mr. Cheadle to show off his comedic chops week after. I would give it a second look if the pilot was the less than sensational for other viewers.… Expand
  26. h8raid
    Jan 10, 2012
    10
    Refreshing new show. I am eager for more. Don Cheadle is hilarious. Too bad not everyone gets the comedic devices used here. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
  27. martinex
    Feb 2, 2012
    9
    The show is quick and Clever. I was surprised to see Don Cheadle as the slick manipulator Marty Kaan but he made me believe. Kristen Bell has steals the show as the feisty Jeanie. She also ruins any preconceptions I may have had about anal sex (yuck).
  28. chughead
    Jan 15, 2012
    7
    Sex sales! The show is still wet behind the ears...but it has potential if you like raunchy comedy By the balls!
    Mad Men meets Entourage! It won't make you mad or waste your time if you've watched it when nothings on.
  29. Aotom
    Jan 17, 2013
    8
    I have no idea why people does like the show. Its better than most shows that are on tv. Its really funny, compelling, smart and Cheadle is a beast.
  30. Artsy28
    Jan 16, 2013
    10
    Hysterical. Brilliant characters. Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell have great chemistry. The rest of the "pod" adds a bit of wittiness and humor. Please give the show at least 4 episodes before adding a review.
  31. heeldavid
    May 6, 2014
    7
    House Of Lies is a great comedic-dramatic show with great charming performances by Don Cheadle as Marty and Kristen Bell. But it has its cons too, it's got to put more elements in itself
  32. Shiftyeyeddog
    Feb 16, 2012
    10
    To give it the benefit of the doubt I'm guessing the show plans to humanize Marty little by little as it progresses. I hope so, I found the relentless manic cynicism in the first two episodes insufferable and depressing. Is this really the 'Modern World'? Then please shoot me now.
  33. Ilikegoodtv
    Jan 6, 2013
    1
    I would watch Don Cheadle in just about anything and that's what the 2 stars are for. This show had potential (I used past tense, b/c I for one will not be giving it a second chance). The premise is engaging enough, but the over-the-top gratuitous sex (starting with the opening scene) was not what I was looking for or expecting. There are a lot of opportunities for the show to developI would watch Don Cheadle in just about anything and that's what the 2 stars are for. This show had potential (I used past tense, b/c I for one will not be giving it a second chance). The premise is engaging enough, but the over-the-top gratuitous sex (starting with the opening scene) was not what I was looking for or expecting. There are a lot of opportunities for the show to develop and stand on plot lines and characters, but instead the producers (Cheadle being among them) decided to launch an endeavor where anyone who has watched the show could describe as: "I was watching a cheesy porno and a show about Management Consultants broke out." IMO, AMC still holds the title of best network for dramatic TV (Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, The Killing, Mad Men, etc. ) I think "Suits" on USA and "Shameless" on showtime are also noteworthy. But this entire House of Lies debacle seems like something sex industry workers would watch in their spare time. Pity...there was potential.… Expand
  34. BxMuscle
    Mar 29, 2013
    5
    "House of Lies" has cleaver writing and good acting. On-camera asides are among its funnest moments. It suffers from characters who are wholly unsympathetic if not downright distasteful as human beings. There's an obvious attempt to humanize their unethical business practices and self-absorbed sexual antics with humor and a touch of pathos that tells us that these characters are caught up"House of Lies" has cleaver writing and good acting. On-camera asides are among its funnest moments. It suffers from characters who are wholly unsympathetic if not downright distasteful as human beings. There's an obvious attempt to humanize their unethical business practices and self-absorbed sexual antics with humor and a touch of pathos that tells us that these characters are caught up in impersonal structures of power far beyond their control or full understanding. And Marty Kaan is presented as the most devoted father, who affirmation of his teen-aged son's "gender fluidity" supersedes all other concerns in his life, personal or professional. None of which changes the fact that this son is an utterly self-indulgent brat and he a sociopath willing to lie to, betray and cheat anyone for money. I suppose the show is interesting, though, in what it says about the broader culture that produces it rather than on its own merits.… Expand
  35. hottscott
    Feb 11, 2014
    0
    i used to really like the show. refreshing - as it was a new perspective on the business world i knew little about. don cheadle was the one that really drew me into the story, and the supporting characters worked well together. however - way too much high-school level bantering and joking between jeannie and the other two guys especially. it's become boring and utterly sickening. jeanniei used to really like the show. refreshing - as it was a new perspective on the business world i knew little about. don cheadle was the one that really drew me into the story, and the supporting characters worked well together. however - way too much high-school level bantering and joking between jeannie and the other two guys especially. it's become boring and utterly sickening. jeannie has also become become a marty mini-me. they're losing their individuality. in addition, they don't need to be so sarcastic ALL the time. develop the story and characters. that's the draw. now, what's up with the t.i. thing? i haven't watched any of those episodes, because i literally got sick of the overabundance of high-school humor and repetitious bull-sh*t that i stopped watching the show. i just happened to turn the tv by there last night and i'm like - what the hell is t.i. doing on here? that's what made me stop and check it out for a second - but it was the same old over-the top sarcasm, so i went back to watching star trek nemesis or some other movie i've seen ten to the google-plex time.
    btw i thought the new episode of the walking dead sucked. lol. be a little more creative god-d*mmit. :)    … Expand
  36. gordo
    Apr 17, 2016
    1
    I'm not sure what changes were made behind the scenes for Season 5, but the premier seemed like a poorly attempted hack on what I previously considered a fairly solid show. I will likely give it another episode or two, but I can't say I'm optimistic after Episode 1 Season 5. Too bad
  37. Max293
    Apr 10, 2017
    0
    Yeah it sucked. Lousy show I would not watch it if you paid me. No artistry or entertainment value. In fact it was a waste of my time even reviewing it. I only decided to because it would be a catastrophe for it to stay on Air knowing there is one less channel I can chose from because it sucked so bad. I think I am going to be sick watching it. The guy was the worse actor I have ever seenYeah it sucked. Lousy show I would not watch it if you paid me. No artistry or entertainment value. In fact it was a waste of my time even reviewing it. I only decided to because it would be a catastrophe for it to stay on Air knowing there is one less channel I can chose from because it sucked so bad. I think I am going to be sick watching it. The guy was the worse actor I have ever seen like a dry toast, no personality and the rest of the caste were basically a bunch of hacks who didn't know what they were doing. I would rather go to my local theatre watching children in a play than watch such a lousy show and I haven't been to a theatre in 10 years. Not impressed at all and I actually think this show is a embarrassment to what should be a continuation of the golden age of film under great directors like Steven Spielberg. I have no idea how it got over half a star even half a star is being generous it is sad what has happened to our education system if people find such garbage entertaining without culture, or sophistication.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best TV Season of 2012
19
#19 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Roger Catlin
    Jan 31, 2012
    70
    House is more solidly built [than "Dirt"], thanks mostly to the bracing quality of Cheadle, who scarcely has time in the mayhem to reconsider what he does.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Luke De Smet
    Jan 11, 2012
    25
    Because from its embellished execution to its uninspired writing and very conception, the smarmy House of Lies is like so many speculative financial bubbles that characters like Marty have had their hands in: There's just nothing there.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jan 9, 2012
    50
    I didn't laugh much. I did, however, check my watch, still secure on my wrist, to determine when the show would be ending.
    Read full review
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