Joan of Arcadia

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 26, 2003
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34

Critic Reviews

  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 17, 2013
    58
    [A] mechanically contrived show ... [but] it sure can be cozy, and cozy tends to get better ratings than clever.
  2. Newsweek
    Reviewed by: Devin Gordon
    Jun 21, 2013
    50
    Dialing back the cop stuff, or cutting it out entirely, would make Joan of Arcadia more cohesive and more fun. But it wouldn't help the fact that it's on the wrong network. [22 Sept 2003, p.85]
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jun 21, 2013
    50
    A mixed bag both creatively and conceptually. [24 Sept 2003, p.2]
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  5. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by:  John Doyle
    Jun 20, 2013
    50
    It's a strange blend of piety and precious family drama. [26 Sept 2003, p.R2]
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  6. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    Jun 21, 2013
    40
    Joan of Arcadia may mean well, and it showcases a charming new star, but the premiere suggests viewers are being asked to wade heart-deep into a drearily portentous muddle. [26 Sept 2003, p.C01]
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  7. San Diego Union-Tribune
    Reviewed by: Preston Turegano
    Jun 21, 2013
    40
    In its premiere, Joan of Arcadia comes off fragmented and aimless. [26 Sept 2003, p.E-11]
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best TV Season of 2003
11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2003
13
#13 Most Shared TV Season of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Tss5078
    Feb 23, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Joan of Arcadia is an amazing show that didn't make it, because of bad marketing, and a bad time-slot. Think about this show, what do you know about it? A high school girl sees God and speaks to him, in his many different forms. That's it right? That's because that's how CBS choose to advertise this show, but it's so much more! Joan's father, Will (Joe Mantenga), is the Arcadia Chief of Police and there were many episode and background stories involving, crime, corruption, and the police. Her brother, Kevin (Jason Ritter), was in a horrible accident and is dealing with being paralyzed. That's just two of the many things about this show that you didn't know about. There are probably about ten other things I could mention, that could, alone, be the basis for a good TV show or film. Amber Tamblyn is amazing as Joan Girardi. Normally when you hear teen drama and young unknown cast, you expect the acting to be sub-par, but Tamblyn is exactly the opposite. She makes the show and gives energy and meaning to the other actors working with her. Take Chris Marquette, who plays her boyfriend, Adam Rove. I've seen him in many things and didn't like him. Working with Tamblyn makes all the difference for him here. He grows from a guest star into one of the most engaging and mysterious characters in the show! I cannot stress to you how good this show is and how it's so much more than what was advertised. There are so many stories and side angles, twists and turns, and while not a minor thing, Joan talking to God is not the focus of the show, many times it's just a scene or two, defiantly not the basis for the show. This show is the story of the Giardi family moving to a new location, following Kevin's accident, and dealing with all the struggles that come along with it and adolescents. It shows how there are still good people in this world, that not every teenager drinks, and while it sounds corny, watching it has actually cheered me up during some rough times I've had recently. It really is a great show and I can't possibly recommend it enough!… Full Review »
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