I'll Be Gone in the Dark
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 28, 2020
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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Critic Reviews

  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Jun 25, 2020
    60
    The show’s larger challenge, though, is the balancing of two different dramatic arcs — the story of the criminal and his victims, and the story of McNamara and her crusade — that aren’t as easy to connect as you might expect. Here the documentary isn’t as successful. ... What makes that especially unfortunate is that the other side of the series — the more straightforward account of the crimes, their victims and the marathon investigation — is excellent.
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Inkoo Kang
    Jun 22, 2020
    50
    In line with the autobiographical bent of the source material, I'll Be Gone in the Dark is as much an extended eulogy of McNamara as it is a recounting of the Golden State Killer case. These two modes of the six-hour docuseries finally find a shared theme in shattered domestic peace very late in the series, but McNamara, as she's depicted here by Garbus and her team, isn't dynamic enough as a traditional screen "character" to hold such sustained interest. What should be a bingeable mystery feels too often like an indulgent slog.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best TV Season of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. RJinPHL
    Jul 30, 2020
    4
    When I heard about this series I was very interested to follow it but its been all about Michelle and not much about the serial killer and/orWhen I heard about this series I was very interested to follow it but its been all about Michelle and not much about the serial killer and/or tracking him!
    I realize that she was obsessed with this since her teens and that ultimately her obsession may have been a direct cause of her untimely death mixed with self-medication. Ok. That’s another story but not the story I was signed up to see! I remember hearing the news when she died and I understand Patton’s own passion to celebrate his wife but HBO would have better served to be honest about what this series really was - and it consequently was more of a chore than thrilling!    … Full Review »
  2. UncleWillard
    Jul 11, 2020
    3
    I get it, a very talented comedian lost a wonderful wife, and what better way to honor her memory than making a true crime show depicting herI get it, a very talented comedian lost a wonderful wife, and what better way to honor her memory than making a true crime show depicting her passion for it. One part mediocre crime series, one part subjective biographical tribute. I feel this is 75% about her and that is just not that compelling to me.… Full Review »
  3. geewah
    Jan 14, 2021
    7
    What Michelle achieved is interesting enough without having to delve too deeply into her background story which this docu-series does. CouldWhat Michelle achieved is interesting enough without having to delve too deeply into her background story which this docu-series does. Could of been tighter on the case and specifically Michelle's work and therefore an epsiode or 2 shorter… Full Review »
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