• Network: PBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 11, 2016
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On

Critic Reviews

  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Apr 1, 2016
    60
    Jackie Robinson could have used more fire in its storytelling, but like its subject, there's nobility in its restraint. [4-17 Apr 2016, p.21]
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Negative: 7 out of 16
  1. Apr 26, 2016
    9
    A very telling story about America's racial history, but more importantly an in depth look at a complicated hero. Just as we must never forgetA very telling story about America's racial history, but more importantly an in depth look at a complicated hero. Just as we must never forget the Holocaust, or Slavery, or Jim Crow, we must never forget the dismal history of America's favorite sport. While Jesse Owens and Joe Louis could compete with and best Caucasians it was deemed improper for Blacks to do so in Sports' biggest venue. They could, and were expected to, fight for their country, and then sit in the back of the bus again. Most appallingly in order for Robinson to break the color barrier he had to accept the racial slurs hurled at him. In other words: appease the apes. Sadly the later younger generation Afro Americans viewed him as an Uncle Tom. Non violence was no longer a badge of honor but a badge of shame.
    Interviews with his still living widow draw up a fuller picture of a man whose legacy is all too ignored.
    Full Review »