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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. HutznMutts
    Nov 11, 2014
    6
    I hope they revamp it while on hiatus because it needs serious help. Watching Viola Davis be emotional as a powerful business woman is bothersome. it is too much. And all the sexual maneuvers by all is unnecessary in this show. Get a grip please!!! Hopefully it will get a much needed enema and bring some substance to the show, because it is not promising at this time.I hope they revamp it while on hiatus because it needs serious help. Watching Viola Davis be emotional as a powerful business woman is bothersome. it is too much. And all the sexual maneuvers by all is unnecessary in this show. Get a grip please!!! Hopefully it will get a much needed enema and bring some substance to the show, because it is not promising at this time. Viola is much better than this.… Expand
  6. jeepz
    Dec 14, 2014
    5
    I was skeptical about this show because, as a lawyer, i find legal dramas so frustrating to watch cos they're ridden with so many inaccuracies and fallacies, it makes it too hard to just enjoy the show. However, to my surprise, the legal storylines on this show, although somewhat jumbled and a bit outlandish for drama's sake are still ok. however, what lets it down mostly is that thereI was skeptical about this show because, as a lawyer, i find legal dramas so frustrating to watch cos they're ridden with so many inaccuracies and fallacies, it makes it too hard to just enjoy the show. However, to my surprise, the legal storylines on this show, although somewhat jumbled and a bit outlandish for drama's sake are still ok. however, what lets it down mostly is that there seems to be almost no focus on building the characters' chemistry with each other. it is almost formulaic and robotic. 2 characters meet and with little screen time to explain what attracts them to each other, suddenly they are besties, study partners or lovers. little explanation of what drew them together and made them so close, what details do they share with each other that even common work colleagues would at least know about each other. The bonding moments that form the basis of every relationship, even the most simple friendships, and inform their decisions to work together to cover up something as serious as a murder, giving the storyline more credibility. I mean i wouldn't help 'just anyone' cover up a murder if i didn't have a vested interest in or a sufficient basis for an allegiance to the person involved. people aren't stupid so the strength of dramatic storytelling hinges on credibility. that's what cultivates empathy which makes the audience not only buy the story, but also put themselves in the shoes of the characters and invest in their success or demise. You want your audience to care for your characters because your characters are like real people in real relationships.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. nickjkirby
    Nov 28, 2014
    3
    There's no doubt that this a slick series, typical of Shonda Rhimes, but it has one major flaw - all the lead characters are unpleasant with no redeeming features.

    The five students are ridiculous stereotypes - we have bolshy arrogant straight boy, queeny slutty gay boy, prissy insecure black princess, prissy insecure white princess, and poor, outsider black guy (who obviously is the    There's no doubt that this a slick series, typical of Shonda Rhimes, but it has one major flaw - all the lead characters are unpleasant with no redeeming features.

    The five students are ridiculous stereotypes - we have bolshy arrogant straight boy, queeny slutty gay boy, prissy insecure black princess, prissy insecure white princess, and poor, outsider black guy (who obviously is the anti-hero). And they all do nothing but whine all the time.

    The two grown men - Frank and Annalise's husband - are chauvinistic and sleep around. Annalise herself is flawed but flips from being ice queen to emotional wreck. Oh, and she sleeps around as well.

    To be honest, the main problem is that you don't really care about any of them. The only thing that keeps you watching is the rolling story that keeps getting told in flashforwards, But even that is fast becoming scant reason to keep watching six episodes in.    … Expand
  9. LamontRaymond
    Oct 5, 2014
    4
    I hate to say it, because the show had promise, but the I feel that it jumped the shark half way through episode 2! Viola Davis is a great actress, but the blows it here. She gets way too emotional, breaks down, and loses that powerful, icy veneer that has paid off for so many powerful women playing lawyers, such as Glenn Close. And the show is simply a little boring. Not what I expected.
  10. JoeSchmo
    Aug 21, 2015
    1
    Worst acting I've seen in a series with a decent budget in year. Alfred Enoch needs some lubricant for his neck and the entire cast needs sex ed and a heart. It's like watching a bunch of horny tinmen faking their way through a script
  11. metro4771
    Oct 26, 2014
    3
    Love Viola Davis , but is the director leading her wrong? She seems a powerful woman and the next minute she is falling apart. The story is confusing with the back flashes and the rest of the cast are just
    nothing to talk about at all. I want Viola to succeed. I wish she was surrounded by even half the talent she has. This show is way beneath her.
  12. sortanormal
    Nov 10, 2014
    2
    As someone else said, it's not boring. I watch it but I don't like any of the characters including Annaliese. I have little to no sympathy for any of them. All of them are pretty despicable and lacking conscience, integrity or decency. They are devoted to winning, but don't care at what cost to others or themselves.

    There is a lot of music instead of dialogue, and not much character    As someone else said, it's not boring. I watch it but I don't like any of the characters including Annaliese. I have little to no sympathy for any of them. All of them are pretty despicable and lacking conscience, integrity or decency. They are devoted to winning, but don't care at what cost to others or themselves.

    There is a lot of music instead of dialogue, and not much character development. The dialogue is iffy. This seems to be a take off from "Murder in the First" which also lacked people with humanity and was a similar genre full of people with no humanity. Perhaps it's really a vampire or dead-people story with "humans" replacing the vampires to pull people in. (Insert lawyer joke here).

    I've watched every episode because there's something compelling--moth to a light. But each time I watch, I go away feeling my soul has been dirtied and compromised.    … Expand
  13. shellview
    Jan 10, 2015
    3
    "How to Get Away With Murder" has almost nothing redeeming about it. I started watching this show when they started the reruns because of the critic reviews. It can be summed up with two words, "murder" and "sex". Not a single likable character, not a plausible plot line and not a single moment of joy. Everything is dark and sleazy. The wonderful show "The Walking Dead", even"How to Get Away With Murder" has almost nothing redeeming about it. I started watching this show when they started the reruns because of the critic reviews. It can be summed up with two words, "murder" and "sex". Not a single likable character, not a plausible plot line and not a single moment of joy. Everything is dark and sleazy. The wonderful show "The Walking Dead", even though gory and gruesome at times, gives us moments of joy and sophisticated, multi-layered characters. HTGAWM gives us nothing that is interesting or enjoyable. The sex is joyless and the characters are soulless. A three for some good acting otherwise ugh!… Expand
  14. alangee
    Oct 13, 2014
    0
    Idiotic, sophomoric, pretentious and boring. All of the characters are totally unlikeable. Total waste of air time. It can't get cancelled soon enough.
  15. mac5
    Nov 14, 2014
    2
    It details the breaking down of young idealistic people into amoral, cynical and cutthroat individuals within the (fictional) legal defense world. With a flawed, arrogant hedonist at the helm, the faithful students are heading to a point of no return upon which the flash-forwards constantly remind the viewer of their slippery slope. Together with the completely unnecessary sex scenesIt details the breaking down of young idealistic people into amoral, cynical and cutthroat individuals within the (fictional) legal defense world. With a flawed, arrogant hedonist at the helm, the faithful students are heading to a point of no return upon which the flash-forwards constantly remind the viewer of their slippery slope. Together with the completely unnecessary sex scenes and its narrow nihilistic theme, it is pretty distasteful and somewhat seedy viewing.… Expand
  16. AliceofX
    Aug 27, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's a common saying that if you don't like it then don't watch. Basically a way to categorize critics away as haters. It would be possible to simply stop watching a series that was wholly, completely repulsive, but How To Get Away With Murder, like many such examples, carries some sparks of brilliance that keeps you hanging on.

    I wanted to quit many times. The four main characters have nothing likable about them. I was hoping that that would be the point. That this would be the show about amoral people eventually digging their own grave. Sadly what we got was this mess.

    And of course no review of How To Get Away With Murder can go on without mentioning the unnecessary gratuitous sex scenes that did nothing but repulse me.

    The only real spark of this show was Annalise. Viola Davis creates an amazing character that is a great combination of strength and weakness that makes her believable. But, sadly, I couldn't recommend this show even for her.

    And then of course there is the mystery. Till the end I was hoping this series would have a smart ending, something to blow you away. But all we got was a B grade ending of "you will never guess it was this character even though it makes no sense and feels like they made it up at the last minute".

    In short I hold this series as trash and I have no desire to watch the second season.    … Expand
  17. 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.
  18. analogkid280
    Sep 29, 2014
    4
    A jumbled mess of subplots and introductions that it does nothing with. Also, it succeeds in making everyone in the whole show as unlikeable as possible. I believe a more linear storytelling would of been more effective in its 44 minute run time as that is more suited to the 2 hour movie market than TV. This show does one thing good though I am not sure it is right for a returning series.A jumbled mess of subplots and introductions that it does nothing with. Also, it succeeds in making everyone in the whole show as unlikeable as possible. I believe a more linear storytelling would of been more effective in its 44 minute run time as that is more suited to the 2 hour movie market than TV. This show does one thing good though I am not sure it is right for a returning series. See, the professor starts out as a strong intelligent lead that you could really get behind and her character dissolves into a typical boring list of tropes all in one episode. Also, she has time to teach in law school and defend cases? This show can be summed up in one word. Absurd!!!… Expand
  19. 20thcentury
    Oct 2, 2014
    1
    Sophmoric, predictable and politically correct, typical and boring. Can't believe I gave it 20 minuties. Ok, first the stereotypical cast: dumb white guy, hispanic girl, gay white guy, Mchelle Obama professor, super smart black girl and an likable but unlikely protagonist.
    At best the banter is supposedly current, but it is not smart or funny. Protest very poor entertainment and change    Sophmoric, predictable and politically correct, typical and boring. Can't believe I gave it 20 minuties. Ok, first the stereotypical cast: dumb white guy, hispanic girl, gay white guy, Mchelle Obama professor, super smart black girl and an likable but unlikely protagonist.
    At best the banter is supposedly current, but it is not smart or funny. Protest very poor entertainment and change the channel quickly. There are 467 more channels.    … Expand
  20. BogKid
    Sep 25, 2014
    5
    One of the most improbably new shows I have seen. The plot was borderline looney. The courtroom scenes were ridiculous. I could go on and on but I don't see much point. If you love "The Good Wife", you will not like this show. If you love "Grey's Anatomy", you'll probably like it.

    Two good things. Viola Davis and the show is shot in and around Philadelphia. Not much else.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. Macdealer
    Jan 17, 2015
    4
    This show lacks depth. The characters don't have connection and harmony with each other, I didn't like any of them. 100% of all relationship in this series are filled up with infidelity or some low quality polemic.
    Too stereotyped characters, and everything was super predictable. I just voted 4 score, because it can "entertain" a bit. Just that.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. Capri
    Sep 30, 2014
    2
    I had high expectations for this show, especially Viola Davis but was greatly disappointed with the first show. Viola was great and had an almost perfect depiction of her character. I found the show confusing with all the flashbacks and upset at her unnecessary implied attempted seduction of one of her students. As a married women, her having an affair added nothing to the show and wasI had high expectations for this show, especially Viola Davis but was greatly disappointed with the first show. Viola was great and had an almost perfect depiction of her character. I found the show confusing with all the flashbacks and upset at her unnecessary implied attempted seduction of one of her students. As a married women, her having an affair added nothing to the show and was also unnecessary. Finally the gratuitous and unnecessary homosexual scene drove me further from the show At this time I am not sure I will bother watching the show again. Viola herself could carry the show to great heights but perhaps it is the writers that need to be changed.… 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 »