• Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2005
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 239 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 31 out of 239
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User Reviews

  1. GabrioleV
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Being a Floridian, I anxiously await each show, knowing it will give me a great hour of entertainment. Invasion is a smart and mysterious show with episodes that don't follow a formula so they're always fresh and intriguing. It's my favorite show and I want it to go on for years.
  2. DonE
    Mar 25, 2006
    10
    One of the best shows on TV
  3. PatB
    May 21, 2006
    10
    This is a great show. I find that at times, we are looking forward to seeing Invasion more than Lost.
  4. gnicks
    Jun 15, 2006
    10
    Check out the invasion-forum.com.
  5. Randy
    Jun 15, 2006
    10
    Super great show.....please bring it back ABC.
  6. JimandKathyS
    Jun 17, 2006
    10
    We both love the show. Getting tired of excellent shows getting axed. Running out of shows to watch!
  7. AWhaley
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    OH MY GOD. THIS IS A FABULOUS SHOW!! One twist after another. Bring it back!!!
  8. Judy
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    this is a great show. With all the variations of CSI and Law & Order its nice to see one with a different theme. I cant believe it is actually being cancelled. First cancelling Surface now Invasion what will it replaced with another law & order or dumb reality show.
  9. lindah
    Jul 29, 2006
    10
    This was the best show I have seen in a long, long time. I caught all the episodes and abc didn't make that feat easy either. I would sit through "Lost" in anticipation of "Invasion" coming on. I can't believe abc is so stupid as to cancel it. Now the have "Kyle XY" on for their sci-fi. His biggest mystery is that he has no belly button. AArrruuughh!!! Thank goodness for FX. At This was the best show I have seen in a long, long time. I caught all the episodes and abc didn't make that feat easy either. I would sit through "Lost" in anticipation of "Invasion" coming on. I can't believe abc is so stupid as to cancel it. Now the have "Kyle XY" on for their sci-fi. His biggest mystery is that he has no belly button. AArrruuughh!!! Thank goodness for FX. At least I can find enjoyment with "Rescue Me", "Nip/Tuck", and "The Shield". I cannot believe how hard it is to find a show that I want to see every week. There is now nothing on abc, except their "Primetime" and "20/20". I just watch those if something interesting. The cast of "Invasion" was superb. The plotline fantastic and so many places to go. I, seriously, don't understand how abc can be so incredibly stupid!!!!!! Expand
  10. Ohio
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    I loved the show. I could not wait until the next new episode aired every week. I hope that the series is picked up somewhere else.
  11. HarryE
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    This was an excellent series in every way. I couldn't believe that ABC, of all networks, was producing this kind of compelling television. For the first time in a long time, I had my faith in TV renewed last year to two (a few other good shows hitting the market after LOST like The Unit and Surface). I've got news for the people at ABC: I spent alot of time and energy making This was an excellent series in every way. I couldn't believe that ABC, of all networks, was producing this kind of compelling television. For the first time in a long time, I had my faith in TV renewed last year to two (a few other good shows hitting the market after LOST like The Unit and Surface). I've got news for the people at ABC: I spent alot of time and energy making sure to never miss this show (taping it when I couldn't be home to watch). This was a really great series and it was unique, unlike reality television, Law and Order 1-20, and CSI Everywhere. If they think that I'm going to spend one second on any new show they produce this season they've got another thing coming. They had, and lost, a new fan. I've gone without cable for several years now, but no more. I can't rely on network knuckleheads to give me anything other than the same old garbage so I'm done with it. One exception: LOST. Even 24 is starting to get old. Losing this series is a BIG disappointment. Sci-Fi should pick it up. Expand
  12. TiffF
    Aug 22, 2006
    10
    ABC!! what were you thinking?? This was a kick A$$ show! i dont believe you cancelled it! i dont know how you guys over in the big corporate world think, but apparently its not with your BRAIN! this was an edge of your seat, cant wait untill next season to start show! And you dropped it for a couple of stupid looking sitcoms? you need some real people that actually WATCH tv to do your ABC!! what were you thinking?? This was a kick A$$ show! i dont believe you cancelled it! i dont know how you guys over in the big corporate world think, but apparently its not with your BRAIN! this was an edge of your seat, cant wait untill next season to start show! And you dropped it for a couple of stupid looking sitcoms? you need some real people that actually WATCH tv to do your critiquing cause you guys suck at it! Expand
  13. ShannonR
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    Loved it!!!! I am heartbroken to hear that it has been cancelled. I was looking forward to finding out what happens next. This is a huge let down. At least finish the story.
  14. ReneeF
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    Invasion is one of my favorite shows !!!! When is it coming back on????
  15. moxyk
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    This show was awesome. With all the reality shows on TV anymore, it was refreshing to see something new and unique. The characters were great, the premise was wonderful. I'm very sad we won't get to see it go futher. Shame on ABC
  16. JenniferN
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    I am not going to continue to get involved in ABC series premieres any longer. Every time I fall in love with a show you take it off the air. Please do not leave us hanging like this, at least finish it with a DVD finale. Please !!!!
  17. NicoleE
    Sep 14, 2006
    10
    i was absolutely in love with Invasion. For years and years i've watched ABC and have already had to let go of Alias, Invasion was a hit, i couldnt get enough of it..all the viewers atleast should know what happens next. Have 6 last episodes like you did with Alias, give everyone what they want and i promise we'll be happy!! -Thank you.
  18. NickJ
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Amazing show. Should never have gotten the axe. Intelligent and original, well-acted and well-scripted shows like Invasion get written off while garbage like reality TV or even the seemingly endless CSI spinoffs keep getting renewed? Disgusting. I'm off ABC for good.
  19. MarshallG
    Sep 23, 2006
    10
    This show was exceedingly more entertaining than Lost. I'm so sick of seeing the past episodes of lost replayed so much that I refuse to watch it. However; Invasion kept moving and managed to hold the virewers ineterest. I've read the critic reviews and those are like bowell movements and predicated on the same thing. ABC will just never get it right. This is why I'm going This show was exceedingly more entertaining than Lost. I'm so sick of seeing the past episodes of lost replayed so much that I refuse to watch it. However; Invasion kept moving and managed to hold the virewers ineterest. I've read the critic reviews and those are like bowell movements and predicated on the same thing. ABC will just never get it right. This is why I'm going back to reading books. The one season I decide to give Prime Time TV a 2nd chance and they listen to clueless nuts with the washed-out ambitions of 'wanna-be's. Expand
  20. ValerieP
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    LOVE LOVE LOVE Invasion. Will it be back on this fall? I hope so!! Can't wait to see what is in store.
  21. MarieH
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    I loved invasion, cant wait to see it again, very entertaining and suspensful, BRING IT BACK, not fair to keep us hanging this way!!!!!
  22. MatthewC
    Feb 11, 2007
    10
    this was the only show i ever watched on abc. if you were canceling the show, why did you cancel it and end it the way you did? at least make a movie to describe how things end. i will no longer be watching abc. thanks
  23. KellyB.
    Feb 11, 2008
    10
    I know it's been of th aire for a while but I really loved this show. If it is possible can you bring it back, it doesn't matter I will still be it's number one fan! Please bring it back!
  24. susanh
    Nov 28, 2005
    10
    Best sci-fi show on TV. A fast paced, edge of your seat drama with quality acting.
  25. [Anonymous]
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    This show is a hit in my book. What happened to it nobody wants to see Alias bring back Invasion.
  26. chrisc
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    Bring back invasion as soon as possible after "Lost"
  27. Feb 20, 2014
    10
    Years after it has been cancelled It's still hard for me to face it. The best and most exciting tv show I have ever watched. Fantastic actors and the show has a great plot.
  28. marshallm
    Oct 9, 2005
    9
    dont ask me why i like this show, kuz i've seen it all before in movies, and this seasons other television serie's. like threshold and surface. but this show does the best job of not showing us what the alien looks like, just by, as the critics said " the dread and anticipation" of the series that makes us, and me, keep watching.
  29. HeatherD
    Oct 1, 2006
    9
    The only season primier I was looking forward to this fall. I used to watch part of Lost just because it was on before Invasion, but now I won't be watching anything on ABC.
  30. dave
    Oct 7, 2005
    9
    a winner. the premier hooked me and the next two episodes were great too.
  31. MikaJ
    May 19, 2006
    9
    My favorite show. Best show I've seen from ABC in years!
  32. Carolyn
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    Love the show but miss seeing it. ABC needs to put it on and keep it on for viewers to stay tuned!
  33. PaulaC
    Jul 27, 2006
    9
    I love INVASION!!!! I need to know what happened dang it!!! If you're going to end it actually end it dont leave the fans hanging!!!!!! This show was great! I was glued to the tv at 10pm everytime it came on! PLEASE Bring it backl!!!!!
  34. AmyK
    Aug 29, 2006
    9
    My husband and I enjoyed this show, and he is a tough sell. I am sorry to not see it in the 2006 fall line up. It has simply disappeared from radar with so many cliffhangers that I want answers too!
  35. CJU
    Sep 3, 2006
    9
    I'm really upset this show got cancelled, I thought it had a good story line; and would have a good run; although it did started slightly slow, but like a book you have to know every details first; before going to the good parts. And was really waiting for the second season, until my boyfriend said "oh it might got cancelled, since the DVD version is out already." So I had to google I'm really upset this show got cancelled, I thought it had a good story line; and would have a good run; although it did started slightly slow, but like a book you have to know every details first; before going to the good parts. And was really waiting for the second season, until my boyfriend said "oh it might got cancelled, since the DVD version is out already." So I had to google this to find out. This was one of my favorite show, and the ending was dreadful. Then I saw the premire of Prison Break and saw William Fichtner that played a cop, played almost the same role as an agent for the show. I'm really really disappointed, and really hope that this was not true, untill I google it. Anyway there goes my many other favorite show, that somehow never survive. Expand
  36. AxelR
    Dec 20, 2005
    9
    I'm really frustrated that they can just interrupt a good show like this. I hope they put it back on soon or I'll quit watching your network. It is not the first time you do this to your viewers, please stop. It is a good show and you should give it a chance to develop.
  37. EddieT
    May 14, 2006
    9
    The show admittedly has slow moments and some useless detours, but overall it is interesting, creepy and well-acted. It is one of the few sci-fi series that moves slowly forward from its premise exploring all its implications, without resorting to the usual easy solutions. Imagine that the premise is true and work out by yourself where this would go: it is mind-boggling. I suspect it The show admittedly has slow moments and some useless detours, but overall it is interesting, creepy and well-acted. It is one of the few sci-fi series that moves slowly forward from its premise exploring all its implications, without resorting to the usual easy solutions. Imagine that the premise is true and work out by yourself where this would go: it is mind-boggling. I suspect it might not go well with those who expect either bacteria or a cavalry of star-troopers winning the battle for humanity in two shows. Expand
  38. billM
    Jun 26, 2006
    9
    Thought it was an excellent show. I dont get involved in TV shows on a regular basis, but I found myself always wanting to catch this one. The only problem was the eratic schedule, it would be on air one week and then not the next and so on. Of course this was a dissapointment because it was such a good show.
  39. billM
    Jun 26, 2006
    9
    Thought it was an excellent show. I dont get involved in TV shows on a regular basis, but I found myself always wanting to catch this one. The only problem was the eratic schedule, it would be on air one week and then not the next and so on. Of course this was a dissapointment because it was such a good show.
  40. EricH
    Aug 17, 2006
    9
    Although the series started a bit slowly for my tastes, once it got up and running (about 5-6 episodes in) it had me captured and never let go. This show just kept getting better and better. The story was an interesting new twist on a tried and true theme, and offered a pretty interesting sociological study to boot. There was action, drama, suspense, romance, truly excellent and in depth Although the series started a bit slowly for my tastes, once it got up and running (about 5-6 episodes in) it had me captured and never let go. This show just kept getting better and better. The story was an interesting new twist on a tried and true theme, and offered a pretty interesting sociological study to boot. There was action, drama, suspense, romance, truly excellent and in depth character development, and really compelling interaction. I was really looking forward to season two and just learned that the series may be cancelled! What??!! Hey, here's an idea, let's replace a great, new, compelling TV drama with superior production and story qailty and which differs from everything else on broadcast TV with something absolutely unoriginal like CSI Istanbul or American Superstar. I can't understand a show like this even being considered for cancellation. Not only do I not see much of interest coming on line to replace it for the -06'-'07 season, after putting my time and interest in to shows like this and Surface (also cancelled) I am far less inclined to watch new series at all. When a network can't hang on to a good thing, and when it doesn't care about disappointing fans who've supported its programming, I can't see spending my time getting behind a new show only to see that cancelled a year down the road. Expand
  41. JohnC
    Aug 21, 2006
    9
    Unbelievable this show got cancelled. I was a big fan. Although I could see it becoming another "Lost" where nothing ever gets resolved and new questions just keep popping up
  42. NM.
    Sep 19, 2007
    9
    Why did u cancel ABC. It was good. I liked this series a lot.
  43. MikeO
    Nov 22, 2005
    9
    Great production values, good plot pacing, and depicts personal relationships with for more insight and realism than Lost -or most any show- ever has or will.
  44. C.B.Browne
    Oct 10, 2005
    8
    very solid. William Fichtner is great
  45. alan
    Oct 8, 2005
    8
    considering whats out there today on tv that's called sci-fi including the recent episodes of SG-1, this is like Ozzie and Harriet meet the Twilight Zone. A good show, I hope it remains so, Shaun Cassidy had another several years ago, but it went to a dead end after an interesting start and premise.
  46. RickK
    Oct 13, 2005
    8
    dee r is crazy, maybe if she saw the first episode she would relize that this show is one of the best shows this season.
  47. DrewF
    Oct 6, 2005
    7
    I've watched the first 2 episodes. It's decent entertainment. I like how they haven't revealed really ANY of their secrets thus far. Are these people alien replacements? Are the human? We don't think so, but we're not sure. Hopefully the payoff is worthwhile.
  48. McFly
    Oct 20, 2005
    7
    Pretty good show in all. Nothing compaired to Lost though. Some interesting characters to be had but the play is being slow played way to much. Its getting a little tiresome.
  49. RobynM
    Dec 12, 2005
    7
    Where is Invasion?!! Will it be back? When and Where?
  50. Susan
    Nov 6, 2005
    6
    It started off okay, but now it's gotten waaay too slow. And there doesn't seem to be more than one mystery: Are there aliens, yes or no. That's the only mystery this show has. Not much else. The acting is okay, being the cute little girl is the best of them all, but that's about it. It's just okay.
  51. cub
    Nov 19, 2005
    6
    dee r is dead on and i've watched every ep. they're all like that-- great atmospheric creepiness (as in american gothic), but just because 'lost' never puts out doesn't mean every other show gets off the hook.
  52. Aug 20, 2016
    6
    Ever since the popularity of LOST, ABC has been trying to find another strange, prime-time, sci-fi series to fill the void. One of the better ones was Invasion. This show managed to last a full season, but just like V, Flash-Forward, Life On Mars, Persons Unknown, Surface, and so many others, it didn't last. Why not you may ask? The truth is that the network keeps using these great showEver since the popularity of LOST, ABC has been trying to find another strange, prime-time, sci-fi series to fill the void. One of the better ones was Invasion. This show managed to last a full season, but just like V, Flash-Forward, Life On Mars, Persons Unknown, Surface, and so many others, it didn't last. Why not you may ask? The truth is that the network keeps using these great show ideas and either takes them off the air for months in order to air some lame reality show or in this case, they keep making it stranger and stranger until it's unwatchable. LOST was weird, that's what we loved about it, but that show was written by J.J. Abrams, not Shaun Cassidy. Some people can make weird work and some just can't!

    Invasion takes place in a small town bordering the Florida everglades, where a strange family dynamic is taking place. The Varon family has split up and the kids spend half the time with their father, Russell (Eddie Cibrian), a park ranger who is engaged to a local reporter, and their mother, Mariel, who is a Doctor and whom has remarried the town sheriff, who also has a daughter. Going back and fourth between fighting parents is hard enough, but in an area as dangerous as the everglades, it can be downright deadly. One night, a massive storm blows into town and people see strange lights in the sky and in the water. When things settle down, certain people are somehow different. Some, like Russell, are skeptical that anything happened, others like his brother-in-law to be, think the planet is under attack, but no one really knows what the truth is.

    This is a modern version of invasion of the body snatchers and a much more subtle version at that. The series starts off with a bang and is definitely binge worthy, but then it hits a brick wall. I mean it is the same thing around and around for about ten episodes and it is ridiculously frustrating. Things finally get going again, and it just becomes weird, they jump back to story lines they haven't mentioned since the pilot, they investigate things they never mentioned before, the show is really kind of all over the place and it just gets worse.

    Shows like this kill me, because it started out so good, the story was extremely promising, and best of all was the cast. William Fichtner best known for Prison Break and dozens of blockbuster films is one of my favorite actors, and he is amazing in this show, there are points in Invasion, where he keeps the whole thing together and I may have stopped watching, if I wasn't so interested in what his character was up to. Paired with Third Watch's hunky fireman, Eddie Cibrian, the pair make for perfect rivals and strange bedfellows, and oddly had terrific chemistry. Add veteran actress, Lisa Sheridan, and a sixteen year old future TV star named, Evan Peters, to the mix, and this cast was fantastic.

    The bottom line is this show should have worked, it should have lasted, but ABC wanted it to be the next LOST. Someone kept messing with the story at the last minute, until the point that even the writers were confused about what they were doing, and things just fell apart. It's a shame, the first few episodes of this show were as good as it gets, while the last dozen or so were a struggle to get through.
    Expand
  53. ChrisC
    Oct 20, 2005
    5
    I love the cast, but the storyline is too slow for my taste. There is more action in Threshold and I prefer the twist in the Threshold storyline to the "we don't know what's out there or who is possesed" premise of Invasion.
  54. Jake
    Feb 24, 2006
    5
    hollow characters and stupid writing, but it has a decent premise, which just isn't enough for me. ABC did well pairing it with LOST though.......and by the way, people who complain about not having a new episode each week need to settle down and be reasonable. You act like you've never watched a tv show before. It happens to all shows, that's just the way it is!
  55. amy
    Nov 17, 2005
    5
    william fichtner is good (and creepy), but the show is kinda lame.
  56. StephenB
    Oct 17, 2005
    5
    I loved it at first but it just got slower and I'm just kinda iffy about it.
  57. NW
    Jan 4, 2006
    4
    Sooo melodramatic - Will they ever stop playing that dramatic music? The characters have no depth and show no chemistry. The writing reminds me of any day time soap.
  58. AlessioA
    Sep 6, 2006
    4
    Too bad that ABC has cancelled the series...So,at the end we have a mediocre show with dull characters (except for the sheriff),many plot holes and a not very well developed main story;oh,and the ending,even if it was meant to arrange the ground for a second season,is imho totally lame.
  59. SL
    Nov 15, 2005
    4
    Started slow, continued to be slow, and now it is too hard to watch. Some points are interesting, but it's just too dull to watch.
  60. criticalgit
    Nov 20, 2005
    3
    1 minute per hour of special effects, weak characters, slow plot, no amusing bits to counterpoint, and a strange feeling of deja-vu... It can only get better, sadly i won't be there to watch the progress.
  61. mike
    Oct 5, 2005
    3
    I hate it! Nothing is good about this show, please do not support it!
  62. FredF
    Oct 13, 2006
    3
    The music seems to be more important than the cast speaking to each other, the music over shadows the speaking parts. This seems like the bigest soup opera in the Sfi arena. On DVD there is no english caption for those hard of hearing.
  63. SirKaplan
    Oct 23, 2005
    2
    Why do i care about a disfunctional family fighting aliens. I was bored to death and had to turn off the pilot halfway into it.
  64. deer
    Oct 9, 2005
    2
    I watched the second episode, falling for the ads where they tell you how many gabillion people watched the show and all think it rocks. I don't usually give in to this tactic, but I enjoy sci-fi. so I decided to give it a chance. Here was that episode, for the most part: Dude check out that skeleton! I will. Dude, did you check on that skeleton? Not yet. Meanwhile: Mommy never came I watched the second episode, falling for the ads where they tell you how many gabillion people watched the show and all think it rocks. I don't usually give in to this tactic, but I enjoy sci-fi. so I decided to give it a chance. Here was that episode, for the most part: Dude check out that skeleton! I will. Dude, did you check on that skeleton? Not yet. Meanwhile: Mommy never came home from work. Your mommy never came home from work? I can't believe mommy didn't come home from work. You say what now about the mommy and the never home coming? Meanwhile: We gotta check out that skeleton. Ok let's do that. Meanwhile: Ma'am did you realize that you never came home? Your kids said so. I didn't? Meanwhile: SKELETON? OMG, NOT THERE! Meanwhile: As a concerned mommy, I'm concerned I never came home. It literally accomplished nothing, was written like a school play, and was horribly acted. I'll pass. Expand
  65. DawnA
    Nov 4, 2005
    1
    This show is absolutely ridiculous. I can't believe ABC put it on and even worse keeping it on.
  66. CheesePizza
    Nov 27, 2005
    1
    When I first starting watching this show i thought it might be good. 4 episodes later, nothing happened. 2 more episodes, nothing happened. This show is about cops and his wife and everybody is turning into like, alien clones? I have no idea why everyone gets all weird when they go in the water, and Nothing Ever Happens! All they do is dr4ive around and go "Holy crap theres an orange When I first starting watching this show i thought it might be good. 4 episodes later, nothing happened. 2 more episodes, nothing happened. This show is about cops and his wife and everybody is turning into like, alien clones? I have no idea why everyone gets all weird when they go in the water, and Nothing Ever Happens! All they do is dr4ive around and go "Holy crap theres an orange light in the water!" Maybe I just didnt see enough episodes, but from what I saw, utter crap. Expand
  67. ErwinK
    Jan 16, 2006
    1
    I saw the first two episodes. It uses and abuses every cliche in the damn book.....The slightly overweight nerdy drifter who believes in UFOs. The scientist who doesn't but will eventually have his beliefs challenged. Strange alien markings on bodies. People waking up naked not knowing how they got there. The reporter wife. The kid who has the uncanny intuition to know that I saw the first two episodes. It uses and abuses every cliche in the damn book.....The slightly overweight nerdy drifter who believes in UFOs. The scientist who doesn't but will eventually have his beliefs challenged. Strange alien markings on bodies. People waking up naked not knowing how they got there. The reporter wife. The kid who has the uncanny intuition to know that "something is wrong with mommy". Government conspiracies galore. YAWN!!!! And the actors can't act. Like Lost, it seems they were chosen on how beautiful they were. Expand
  68. AaronS
    Dec 7, 2005
    1
    How can I really know if the show is any good? ABC only show's reruns and then skips it for weeks at a time. I have lost all faith in the show and do not intend to start watching again, because I can't rely on ABC to show it. Great job ABC!!! Losers. The did the same thing with Lost and I quit watching that at the beginning of the season when they decided to replay the only How can I really know if the show is any good? ABC only show's reruns and then skips it for weeks at a time. I have lost all faith in the show and do not intend to start watching again, because I can't rely on ABC to show it. Great job ABC!!! Losers. The did the same thing with Lost and I quit watching that at the beginning of the season when they decided to replay the only episodes they had available. What are they thinking??? let's get people to watch our show and then not show it. That will help us get ratings! Expand
  69. JonL
    Apr 9, 2006
    0
    As bad as TV gets, dull does not come close, about 5 mins of anything per hour. Cure for Insomnia.
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 30
  2. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. 50
    Borderline over-the-top moments threaten the sense of verisimilitude usually expected in prime-time drama.
  2. 80
    Like ''Lost"... the mystery is provocatively open-ended and, assuming the writing continues to be good, absorbing.
  3. 100
    It may be hard to believe that "Invasion's" premiere could be touching in the context of Katrina, and effective as a sci-fi drama. But that is the power of high-quality storytelling.