How to Get Away With Murder

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 25, 2014
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 386 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 302 out of 386
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 386
  3. Negative: 54 out of 386
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  1. meldrew
    Oct 1, 2014
    7
    10's on the basis of one episode? Yes it was good, but let's just see how we feel in 6 episodes time. Or when it drags the dying carcass of its original idea into a cliffhanger, followed by a painful second season.

    I'll go 7/10 for now and sincerely hope that the remaining episodes make me want to mark it up.
  2. rileyblue
    Jun 21, 2015
    10
    This deserves to be above 90 in metacritic score, it's honestly one of the best shows on television at the moment. The characters are all great and are never what they appear to be, as the show goes on we see different sides to the characters that you wouldn't think existed. The story is brilliant and is always shocking because you never know what will happen next, seriously unpredictable.
  3. IneSilano
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    Viola Davis takes over every scene, the viewer is still waiting for a trigger sequence that satisfies the natural order, and fails ... instead each subsequent event only leads to a major milestone. Although the use of flashbacks have become routine and boring, in this case only leads to the top of the unexpected. So far it is unclear who Annalise (Viola) is, the only thing certain is thatViola Davis takes over every scene, the viewer is still waiting for a trigger sequence that satisfies the natural order, and fails ... instead each subsequent event only leads to a major milestone. Although the use of flashbacks have become routine and boring, in this case only leads to the top of the unexpected. So far it is unclear who Annalise (Viola) is, the only thing certain is that Viola, hypnotized by her performance and does not allow prosecutions.… Expand
  4. PoeticDumpling
    Sep 26, 2014
    7
    I am giving it a 7 with room to grow. Yes, there were some issues that didn't make it as strong as The Good Wife, but overall I felt this show is like a great blend of both TGW and Scandal. The pilot was confident and captivating despite any weaknesses. The actors and actresses I am not familiar with held their own. Viola Davis is THE reason to watch. I love Kerry Washington, butI am giving it a 7 with room to grow. Yes, there were some issues that didn't make it as strong as The Good Wife, but overall I felt this show is like a great blend of both TGW and Scandal. The pilot was confident and captivating despite any weaknesses. The actors and actresses I am not familiar with held their own. Viola Davis is THE reason to watch. I love Kerry Washington, but Viola is even greater an actress than she. Looks like BogKid has admirably high standards since he/she likes The Good wife, but BK is also being too harsh on this show. I believe it will keep a confident footing and take us on a worthy wild ride. One issue with the pilot - I was hoping the burned body would remain a mystery until the end of the season... That would have been fun.… Expand
  5. sincerelyjane
    Mar 2, 2015
    8
    I must say that I absolutely love this show. The only thing about it that I wish we could see more of is the relationship development between the characters. The relationships between the characters are vaguely explained. But the show has amazing emotion and plot twists. All of the plot twists are also, while at first extreme, are always explained and somehow plausible. The show isI must say that I absolutely love this show. The only thing about it that I wish we could see more of is the relationship development between the characters. The relationships between the characters are vaguely explained. But the show has amazing emotion and plot twists. All of the plot twists are also, while at first extreme, are always explained and somehow plausible. The show is scandalous but not outlandish.… Expand
  6. jbrown8989
    Jan 7, 2016
    7
    I like the alternating timelines getting pieced together as the show goes along. Yes there are some plot holes but overall it is a good watch and very entertaining.
  7. Tyree09
    Aug 31, 2015
    8
    In its freshman outing, How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM) proved that Shondaland knows how to pump out hits.

    I've watched Grey's from the beginning and over recent years the quality has started to dip. Scandal was never my cup of tea and so when this new show from Shondaland productions (Shonda is producer, not creator of this one) came along I thought it'd be what I needed to get me    In its freshman outing, How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM) proved that Shondaland knows how to pump out hits.

    I've watched Grey's from the beginning and over recent years the quality has started to dip. Scandal was never my cup of tea and so when this new show from Shondaland productions (Shonda is producer, not creator of this one) came along I thought it'd be what I needed to get me back on the Shonda track.

    The show follows Annalise Keating who is a successful defense attorney as well as a reputable law professor. She and a group of her law students get entangled in a murder mystery that encompasses the entirety of the first season. Through flashbacks you get bits of information of what happened on "Murder Night" as well as some character development on Annalise and the students.

    As others have said before, the characters are a mixed bag. There may be one or two you relate to or you could hate all of them and hope they all go to the slammer. The dynamic between them all is pretty intriguing though. Watch the bantering between Connor and Michaela and try not to smirk at least once. Either way, the murder mystery as well as a couple of interesting cases that Annalise and Co. work on should be enough to get you through the first season. By season's end, you will definitely know if this is a show worth keeping up with. I will say, though, if you decide not to continue on after the first season, you'll definitely be left unsatisfied based on the season finale.

    In typical Shonda fashion, there is diversity, love, angst, sexual tension as well as some pretty steamy scenes that only Shonda Rhimes and protégés know how to deliver. The premise will only take the show but so far, so if I were to guess, I would assume it could get in at least a good 5 seasons before getting axed.

    With the second season set to premiere in September, we will see if lightning can strike twice.    … Expand
  8. nickdario
    Oct 18, 2015
    7
    Acting: 7
    Plot: 5
    Character Development: 3 HTGAWM is a fast paced drama that relies heavily on hiding information from its audience. All the characters have secrets, and are in collusion with other characters and their secrets, thereby creating suspense in almost every encounter. This suspense is the strongest aspect of the show, and makes it fun to watch. The episodes are almost an    Acting: 7
    Plot: 5
    Character Development: 3
    HTGAWM is a fast paced drama that relies heavily on hiding information from its audience. All the characters have secrets, and are in collusion with other characters and their secrets, thereby creating suspense in almost every encounter.
    This suspense is the strongest aspect of the show, and makes it fun to watch.
    The episodes are almost an hour of nonstop creation and discovery of secrets. Thankfully there is generally a dip in the middle of the episode that offers a nice breather from this whiplashing style.
    The weakest aspect of the show is it's character development.
    The acting is above most TV dramas, but the characters are hollow. It seems that this must be the case for the show to offer so many turns, no one is who you think they are, and they consistently refuse to be who you think they are. The characters seem to be capable of anything, but in the same instant, it is impossible to answer "What would [he/she] do in this situation"    … Expand
  9. NancyPorter
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    This show is amazing, sexy, and addictive. Viola Davis has such presence as a ruthless law professor. If you like a good mystery that's told very intelligently, then you'll love this.
  10. OpinionatedGuy
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    The shows that were produced by Shonda Rhimes has this known reputation that it can be soap opera-y at times. However, for this show, the words “soap opera” never occurred to me when I think about How to Get Away with Murder.

    How to Get Away with Murder is such an addictive experience. The way how the story is told is very interesting and I liked how all of the episodes have a concise    The shows that were produced by Shonda Rhimes has this known reputation that it can be soap opera-y at times. However, for this show, the words “soap opera” never occurred to me when I think about How to Get Away with Murder.

    How to Get Away with Murder is such an addictive experience. The way how the story is told is very interesting and I liked how all of the episodes have a concise story. Even the filler episodes were important to the season arc because if you miss one episode, you’re going to be lost with the arc already.

    The use of the flashfowards in the first half of the season with the occasional use of flashbacks also makes the viewers (including myself) intrigued and excited on what’s happening.

    The ensemble cast in this show were really good. The tense between the Keating Five were real, uncomfortable and a pleasant watch thanks to the presence of Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry and Karla Souza. But the real winner is Viola Davis. Her performance as Annalise Keating makes her an Emmy contender. She was nominated for an Oscar for a reason and that’s because she is an excellent actress. (On a sidenote, because of her performance, I can’t wait to see her on the upcoming DC movie Suicide Squad!)

    How to Get Away with Murder is an addictive TV show thanks to its intriguing, concise story arc as well as great ensemble cast performances with the real star Viola Davis.    … Expand
  11. ana_melinte90
    Nov 17, 2014
    10
    What an excellent show! Great choice of actors. I watch a lot of tv series, but his one i would watch all the time. It's not one of those boring shows that makes you want to just skip to the action. I highly recommend it!
  12. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    One of Fall 2014's best new shows! "How To Get Away With Murder" had an action packed premiere that kept me guessing the entire way through. As for the courtroom scenes, while they were a tad ridiculous, I could actually see something like this happening in real life.

    I'll be tuning in for the rest of the season.
  13. buffnfaith
    Sep 29, 2014
    8
    It's like a mix between The Good Wife (a strong prominent female figure as a top-notch lawyer) and Pretty Little Liars (a murder mystery revolving around five students). I can see Viola Davis getting a lot of nominations. I sense this will be appointment TV for many including me.
  14. goins1119
    Nov 16, 2014
    9
    I love it. The show has kept me on the edge of my seat. Sam was a hot mess. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the wife who actually killed him. I can't wait to see the show this week.
  15. MattArmando
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    A sharp, crisp, and smart legal thriller. Intricately written by Peter Nowalk, Emmy-worthy performance from Viola Davis, and beautifully directed in the same style of 'Scandal', 'How To Get Away..' is a fast paced, quality Network TV drama series.
  16. emperorpenguin
    Oct 8, 2014
    9
    I never like procedural show, but when the main storyline is this great i'd watched it everyday. Viola Davis gives a really emmy-worthy performance in this. Her brilliant acting and smart writing make her character so appealing. The other young talented actors make this series really fresh to watch.
  17. edyflyfalcon
    Nov 15, 2014
    10
    This show keeps me on the edge of my seat every single episode. Suspense, sex, murder, what more could you want in a TV show? This surely surpassed Scandal and Grey's Anatomy in views and quality, and I'm not surprised. Will be watching this show until the series finale, which is not anytime soon.
  18. vvcrazy01
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This show is one I recommend to everybody. It is well-directed with a good cast. The actors do a pretty good job, and big hats off to Viola Davis who plays Annalise Keating in the show. Hopefully, this show won't take us towards cliches and give us a new experience.
  19. TheQuietGamer
    Aug 4, 2016
    9
    Starts off small and gradually evolves into a tale of betrayals, romances, and dark secrets. It's essentially a story revolving around a group of competing law students and their ice cold teacher. The entire cast is fantastic and the story reveals are near-constant and change how you look at the show at every turn. Oh, and there's murder.

    It's amazing watching the story grow. As the    Starts off small and gradually evolves into a tale of betrayals, romances, and dark secrets. It's essentially a story revolving around a group of competing law students and their ice cold teacher. The entire cast is fantastic and the story reveals are near-constant and change how you look at the show at every turn. Oh, and there's murder.

    It's amazing watching the story grow. As the core plot grows more complex we are treated to shocking reveals and amazing character moments. To make things even more impressive it manages to do all of this while having the majority of the episodes revolve partially around their own, self-contained cases.

    That's right, this is also part court room drama. A case a week type of thing. However the character focused drama is the real focus. With complex characters and a compelling plot it succeeds marvelously.

    Some flaws in regards to it's statements regarding things like religion and race are noticeable. However the actual amount of flaws that hurt the overall writing are almost nonexistent. It's an excellent first season for a very compelling drama. One with a stellar cast and phenomenal characters that are able to be cared about even if you don't necessarily like them.    … Expand
  20. cspencere
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Season 2 of HTGAWM is SO WILD. Every single episode has kept me on the edge of my seat since the chaos from season 1, which was also nonstop CRAZY. I'm obsessed! Thank you Shonda for a wild thrill ride of a show!
  21. thejanraphaelbc
    Nov 27, 2014
    10
    Shonda Rhimes has done it again. A compelling new political drama where a lawyer and 4 students learn how to get away with murder. It has it's up and downs but the fact that Shonda broke boundaries with this show says a lot. The amazing writing together with the impeccable performance of Viola Davis and the other casts creates the shows natural atmosphere (even if it's far from reality).
  22. ManuJNair
    Sep 26, 2015
    8
    The show definitely stands out for its entertaining premise. Though it gets pulled back due to bits of scattered plot and lack of performance from certain cast members, the story grips the audience. The story telling can definitely be improved. Viola Davis, as usual stood out with her performance. She does full justice to her role though the character doesn't to her. Annalise Keating is aThe show definitely stands out for its entertaining premise. Though it gets pulled back due to bits of scattered plot and lack of performance from certain cast members, the story grips the audience. The story telling can definitely be improved. Viola Davis, as usual stood out with her performance. She does full justice to her role though the character doesn't to her. Annalise Keating is a character torn between powerful and depressed, and sometimes make the character tiring. Its Davis who makes her well.. the Annalise we want her to be... Hope the show would raise the bar set by this season with its season 2...… Expand
  23. alehmarchiori
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    I watch the first season on Netflix and is AMAZING!! After watching i really understand why Viola Davis won the emmy! I really hope that the second one is going be that good.
  24. PedroFerreira
    Sep 29, 2014
    8
    A great new show from ABC that keeps us stuck to TV, each scene is refreshing and captivating. With a good cast and a seductive argument this series will keep us stuck (again :P) and looking forward to the events of the next episodes. I can not wait for the next episodes.
  25. Jvc2412
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    This show has more twists and turns than a roller coaster! It kept me glued to the TV and wanting more! Viola Davis is amazing as Annalise Keating! Best new show of the year,
  26. khusidas21
    Oct 17, 2014
    10
    i cant understand why does this show has below 90 rating..this is classy sexy n terrific.....i wish ppl wud sit n notice...hoping 4 d best.....viola davis is extraordinary..
  27. GabrielWAlmeida
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    Thrilling, addictive, such a great tv show. Viola Davis is as blossoming as ever and the student's cast is also marvelous. The episodes are a little bit repetitive but the criminal cases are as exciting as the main case.
  28. williamcido
    Oct 11, 2015
    10
    "how to get away with murder" is really an amazing series, the way it is presented the facts surrounding the death of Professor Sam the core group of the plot and actions of the past that brought them the day of such an act are given so that the viewer can not stop his hunger for the next episode. Viola Davis and the cast to the producers built a number that can not be ignored by the media
  29. nikkianetra
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    Over the top drama, but I appreciate that the characters are not two dimensional. Keeps the tension high. It's
    "murder" though watching this is real time. Reccomend waiting until the season is over and marathoning it.
  30. Himaymay
    Nov 23, 2015
    9
    The cast is very likable, diverse and interesting especially Annaliese and Connor. The developing relationships between the main cast is intriguing and even though most of the main cast, if not all are morally ambiguous at best, despite their flaws you end up caring about them and about what happens to them.
  31. tobeery
    Dec 29, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In terms of the story, it's textbook drama. Effective use of cliffhangers keeping you hooked and how we gradually catch up with the flash-forward is a pretty cool and refreshing narrative structure. Its style is incredibly raw and it's not afraid to push boundaries, but it's not too in your face at the same time.

    Viola Davis is pretty amazing as expected but the character development is surprisingly shallow with the other characters (even Davis' character until about half-way through). The characters seem to be connected through their deceit and fear of consequences rather than through genuine emotional connections etc. with Keating right at the top controlling their every movement. This does admittedly make for an interesting dynamic but at the same time, it makes it fairly hard to really connect with many of the characters on a deeper level.

    I really enjoyed it overall but there were moments where I was slightly underwhelmed, especially with some of the big reveals.    … Expand
  32. Psikolog
    Apr 2, 2016
    9
    The best thing about this series is Viola Davis' performance, and almost every episode is well written. Sometimes storyline goes too fast but everything is planned overall. From time to time cast fail to catch Davis but they're not bad at all. HTGAWM manages to shock people especially at the end of nearly all episodes, which makes the viewer to want to see the next episode immediately.
  33. lucassilva07
    Jul 22, 2016
    7
    The series is good, it is worth highlighting the performance of the viola that is surprising, the performance of trainees is normal, except for Connor that is a little above. The series hits in places like the mystery and find the time to reveal the secret, the flash-forwards is well used and the trainees are very good together, but the show misses elsewhere, using the convenience to solveThe series is good, it is worth highlighting the performance of the viola that is surprising, the performance of trainees is normal, except for Connor that is a little above. The series hits in places like the mystery and find the time to reveal the secret, the flash-forwards is well used and the trainees are very good together, but the show misses elsewhere, using the convenience to solve the weekly cases that besides not being very interesting pass tangent to the feelings of the characters.… Expand
  34. whitmorgan7
    Mar 10, 2017
    8
    One of the better newer shows on television. Each week is another twist and every episode will leave you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared to cry, get mad, and be absolutely shocked by each new thing you learn. Compelling characters, and good story lines.
  35. PipePVelasco
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    It is definitely well written. Everything is planned. The cast is so good. Viola Davis is perfect, and she deserved the Golden Globe for a true performance for an original and complex character. I'm not giving it 10, because I feel arriving to the night when Sam was killed was suddenly so quickly, and I think the show could take a couple of episodes more for arriving to that night, inIt is definitely well written. Everything is planned. The cast is so good. Viola Davis is perfect, and she deserved the Golden Globe for a true performance for an original and complex character. I'm not giving it 10, because I feel arriving to the night when Sam was killed was suddenly so quickly, and I think the show could take a couple of episodes more for arriving to that night, in order to keep the speed the show was having the first 6, 7 episodes. But I really appreciate that the season concludes with the 2 more important questions: Who Killed Sam and Who Killed Lila.… Expand
  36. erreburst
    Oct 2, 2017
    7
    black Jesuse, twelve judas, so many pilates ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
  37. manningn15
    Nov 26, 2018
    10
    The best murder thriller drama ever. This is my favorite new show of 2014. The screenplays and storylines are fantastic. The cast all give stupendous performances especially Viola Davis, Jack Falahee, Carla Souza, Alfred Enoch, Katie Findlay, Liza Weil, Aja Naomi King, and Billy Brown.
  38. tdumolien
    Nov 1, 2018
    10
    This show is extremely addicting! It has major plot twists, and whenever you think you are able to guess what is going to happen, it goes in a completely different direction. What is unique about this show in my opinion is that at the beginning of every season they show a clip indicating that someone has died. Most of the time, you don't know which character has died, and the entire seasonThis show is extremely addicting! It has major plot twists, and whenever you think you are able to guess what is going to happen, it goes in a completely different direction. What is unique about this show in my opinion is that at the beginning of every season they show a clip indicating that someone has died. Most of the time, you don't know which character has died, and the entire season keeps showing you more and more of the clip until at the end you finally know who died and how.

    That main plot line keeps you engaged as it is. However, this show also brings in humor, relationships between the characters, past drama they have been involved in, etc. that really adds to the main plot. You become very involved in all of the characters lives and find yourself judging all of the decisions they all make!

    After I watch this show i immediately need to talk about it with a friend that also watches it. So much happens in an episode that you need to discuss everything as soon as you watch it before you forget!

    The acting is also extremely good on this show. The storyline is amazing, but it would not be nearly as good if the actors and actresses didn't do a good job.

    Highly recommend!!    … Expand
  39. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    another fresh drama from the legendary shonda rhymes. a lawyer show hat askew's it's genre cliche's whilst creating new one's. viola davis is an intimidating force as the stern dysfunctional Annalise Keating and her whirlwind associates.
  40. KJ_20
    Mar 26, 2022
    9
    Season 1 is emotional, thrilling and gripping. It's a wonderful story that will keep you engrossed again and again. The scenes are wonderfully crafted, well-acted, and has an amazing story.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best TV Season of 2014
20
#20 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
22
#22 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 25, 2014
    40
    Davis is riveting throughout.... Unfortunately, Murder has a number of flaws.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Patrick Gomez
    Sep 25, 2014
    75
    It actually improves upon the successful formula by downplaying any romantic entanglements, which, at times, have weighed down the leads of Rhimes's other shows.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Brennan
    Sep 25, 2014
    75
    How to Get Away with Murder screams "Shondaland" through and through, a sudsy primetime potboiler rooted in a belief that the experience of adulthood can be just as sexy as the bloom of youth.
    Read full review
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