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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User Reviews

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  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Petej86
    Mar 1, 2020
    3
    So far blinding convoluted pace that's almost unwatchable and feels almost juvenile. Zero meaningful character development. Ironically would be more enengaging with less non-stop 'imperative' action.
  4. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    6
    I was not impressed, but I hope this could be better with the upcoming seasons.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. tv_watcher123
    Oct 14, 2018
    0
    Used to love this show, and recommend to everyone. Now I am starting to hate it. Each season is worse than the previous. The most annoying part is the political messaging, it gets stronger each season.

    I just watched the 1st episode in season 5, and I feel overwhelmed. You can't go 2 minutes without left-leaning political propaganda. Gross misrepresentation of reality too. Police are    Used to love this show, and recommend to everyone. Now I am starting to hate it. Each season is worse than the previous. The most annoying part is the political messaging, it gets stronger each season.

    I just watched the 1st episode in season 5, and I feel overwhelmed. You can't go 2 minutes without left-leaning political propaganda. Gross misrepresentation of reality too. Police are evil, criminals are actually innocent, etc, etc.. It gets too repetitive.

    I watch a TV show to be entertained, I don't like to have a political message forced on me. I am not watching this TV show anymore. So sad and disappointed.    … Expand
  8. JCat
    Jan 26, 2018
    0
    An hour of hateful millenials getting mixed up in and out of plots. Love Viola Davis, but getting sick of whiney Shonda Rhimes series. And what's up with the overuse of color filters. Yuk!!
  9. McNews4
    Dec 19, 2017
    3
    I have suffered through 6 episodes for the sake of my sister who enjoys sharing the storyline with me. So many things wrong with this series, and others have said it better, but for starters: Unlikable characters, unbelievable plot, huge amounts gratuitous sex, shoddy writing, mocks religion, average acting--with the exception of Viola Davis, of course. I'm done.
  10. erreburst
    Oct 2, 2017
    7
    black Jesuse, twelve judas, so many pilates ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
  11. jer2911tx
    Aug 18, 2017
    1
    i REALLY wanted to like this show...love the idea behind it, but ended up disliking pretty much everything about it. The terrible script/dialogue/acting didn't help, and since I had just recently finished law school, there were WAY too many things that were just plain over the top as far as artistic liberty with anything in the show being believable in any way. 1st-year law students havei REALLY wanted to like this show...love the idea behind it, but ended up disliking pretty much everything about it. The terrible script/dialogue/acting didn't help, and since I had just recently finished law school, there were WAY too many things that were just plain over the top as far as artistic liberty with anything in the show being believable in any way. 1st-year law students have ZERO free time and are the last people anyone wants representing them or even working on their case when they do have to go to court, none of my professors would risk the malpractice suit by using 1st-year law students to assist with a case going to trial, and 1st-yr law students don't know enough to actually help. At a minimum, they could have said they were 2nd or 3rd-yr students and ended up getting involved due to them taking a clinic as part of their course requirements.
    Aside from being so disconnected with reality of a 1st-year law student, the crappy dialogue, acting, and flash-forwards were just too much to overlook and stay interested in such a poor effort at what seemed like such a good initial concept. I'd love to see someone do the same concept, but actually do it well.    … Expand
  12. hierax
    Jun 14, 2017
    4
    The story is ok, nothing special, but all the forced PC/SJW/LGBT stuff is just insane. Every second person in this series is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Im half into season two and im waiting for a disabled midget to appear in the cast, because this is the only minority missing so far. I got no problem with gay people in series or in general, but its just unrealistic whatThe story is ok, nothing special, but all the forced PC/SJW/LGBT stuff is just insane. Every second person in this series is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Im half into season two and im waiting for a disabled midget to appear in the cast, because this is the only minority missing so far. I got no problem with gay people in series or in general, but its just unrealistic what amounts of people are homo- or bisexual in this series. I cant recommend this, its just mediocre with forced political correctness far over the top. And they are having sex in EVERY episode, just to show some people naked. Bland and boring.… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. marc5477
    Feb 22, 2017
    2
    A legal world drama written by a teenage brain (or so it seems). The plots and twists were so bad that they one might be able to classify them as comedy, but unfortunately the show takes itself very seriously with mature themes aplenty. A lot of the side plots and story try to be engaging but the problem is that the characters are very badly developed defusing any sort of tension or buildA legal world drama written by a teenage brain (or so it seems). The plots and twists were so bad that they one might be able to classify them as comedy, but unfortunately the show takes itself very seriously with mature themes aplenty. A lot of the side plots and story try to be engaging but the problem is that the characters are very badly developed defusing any sort of tension or build up that one might have if they can identify with any of the characters. For instance, by the end of season 1, I could care less about the lawyer/professor main character and it is clear as day that she is not bright nor worth following, but the show tries to play her off as some sort of brilliant lawyer. The writing does not fit the character description. Her choices during trial and in real life are, at best, about what I expect from a high school adolescent, not an adult. The students who follow her like puppies are equally frustrating in the same way that some tween drama are vomit inducing.

    Overall this show is more about love triangles than anything else. If you are looking for an intellectual drama then skip this. If you enjoy trashy soap operas and dont particularly like to think, then this might be your kind of show.    … Expand
  15. moothemagiccow
    Jan 8, 2017
    5
    This show has a compelling frame story, but it goes a bit off the rails once the corpses start stacking up. They really didn't know what to do for season 2.

    There are way too many sex scenes. I'm sure it's supposed to be steamy and erotic, but I'm just bored. You're young, you're having sex with everyone, good for you.I wonder how often the foley artist had to record a belt being    This show has a compelling frame story, but it goes a bit off the rails once the corpses start stacking up. They really didn't know what to do for season 2.

    There are way too many sex scenes. I'm sure it's supposed to be steamy and erotic, but I'm just bored. You're young, you're having sex with everyone, good for you.I wonder how often the foley artist had to record a belt being unbuckled. Somehow they never show the students going to the gym, where they must be, constantly.
    Also this show could use one fat person. A fat judge, at least. They sit all day.    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. saucyninja007
    Apr 23, 2016
    1
    I tried to like the show. I only made it through the first 6 episodes of the first season before I gave up. The characters are dull, unlikable, and one dimensional. The acting and writing is sub par at best. The story is terribly melodramatic, predictable, and, worse of all, BORING! Not to mention, the sex in the show is completely gratuitous. Just assume everybody is having sex andI tried to like the show. I only made it through the first 6 episodes of the first season before I gave up. The characters are dull, unlikable, and one dimensional. The acting and writing is sub par at best. The story is terribly melodramatic, predictable, and, worse of all, BORING! Not to mention, the sex in the show is completely gratuitous. Just assume everybody is having sex and affairs with everybody and you will rarely be mistaken. The only saving grace of this show is Viola Davis, who honestly deserves to be on a better show.… Expand
  19. 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.
  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. a_critic
    Jan 25, 2016
    2
    The show is incoherent and all over the place. The writers make stuff up as they go, and then, change without sticking to a static planned outline. This leads to improbabilities and inaccuracies all over the place. It is definitely not a realistic show in nearly any way, yet it is compelling, so people watch it. However, it is the worse show I have ever watched.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. lexxlander
    Dec 18, 2015
    4
    I watched the whole season after Viola Davis won, so I had high hopes. After only a few episodes I began to question the judgment of those who gave a positive review of this show, and the much-hyped admiration for Ms Davis's performance. Well, the show's plot and subplots have so many twists and turns that it was difficult to follow with logic. I discovered early on that it's a soapI watched the whole season after Viola Davis won, so I had high hopes. After only a few episodes I began to question the judgment of those who gave a positive review of this show, and the much-hyped admiration for Ms Davis's performance. Well, the show's plot and subplots have so many twists and turns that it was difficult to follow with logic. I discovered early on that it's a soap opera, so never mind how unrealistic the story gets. What's also difficult to understand was why Ms Davis performance was admired. She was so good in the movie "Doubt," but here whatever acting talent she has was negated by bad writing. All I did was wonder when is she going to cry (she cries "ghetto" tears, OBVIOUSLY acting! nothing understated). There were episodes she cried at least three times, even when it was not necessary. What a letdown!… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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
See all critic reviews »