John from Cincinnati

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 10, 2007
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 254 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 190 out of 254
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 254
  3. Negative: 57 out of 254
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User Reviews

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  1. MichaelP
    Jul 22, 2007
    10
    A different breed of TV. Fantastic show. You gotta let it roll over you slowly. Not like other shows. Give it a try and only watch episodes in order.
  2. AprilT
    Jul 23, 2007
    9
    Fabulous show, well written and very well acted. Great dialouge and plot.
  3. jeff
    Jul 24, 2007
    9
    this show was interesting from the first episode. After the first show i was trying to figure out what was supposed to be going on, after the second i gave up and just kept watching. Now i can't stop. Every episode makes me look forward to the next. If you want to start watching know maybe you can get caught up through " on demand". I admit that there was a slow episode or two but it this show was interesting from the first episode. After the first show i was trying to figure out what was supposed to be going on, after the second i gave up and just kept watching. Now i can't stop. Every episode makes me look forward to the next. If you want to start watching know maybe you can get caught up through " on demand". I admit that there was a slow episode or two but it lust leads to the next show which ends up being great.… Expand
  4. jebh
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    I love this show!!!
  5. MeredithK
    Jul 27, 2007
    9
    I think the critics needed to give this a few more episodes. Many a good series started off unpopular but grew in popularity with time. Remember "Cheers," for example. The cast is brilliant, and the implications delicious. J from C = J.C. And I'll be damned if surfers don't appear to walk on water. MK
  6. PaulG
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    Compulsive viewing.
  7. DanC.
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    David Mitch and Kem Nunn have put together a truly unique and captivating show containing the action and tension of characters putting
  8. KeithR
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    Awesome Show
  9. LedZ.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    Great TV. Mist be willing to wait for story line payoff but nothing else like it on TV and I mean that in a good way.
  10. JimW.
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    Every character is a gem. I can hardly wait until Sunday night!!
  11. JM.
    Aug 12, 2007
    10
    This is a show worth investing in !!! How thrilling it is to not feel patronized by Mr. Milch and the other writers. I am so looking forward to more episodes. It's quite a ride- one we have really enjoyed dropping into.
  12. LAURIEB
    Aug 13, 2007
    8
    Ive watched since day 1 and still have no idea what its about, but cant stop watching.
  13. JAmieM.
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    Love this show so mucho!!!
  14. StephanieK.
    Aug 17, 2007
    10
    I love this show. Am completely addicted. It's a little out there but the ensemble is incredible, talk about worth the time. I am a busy executive with 2 kids and a hubby, I travel a lot and am completely spellbound by this show.
  15. ReedH
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    One of the best TV shows ever! Understood what it was all about from the first episode, and grew to love it after the mesmerizing and poetic Episode 6. Every character grows from self-absorbed and clueless at the beginning to caring and self-aware at the end, all thanks to John ,who is somehow beyond human; and the show was fun too. Sorry to see it go.
  16. barbarat.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Love it! nothing like guessing and watching the next episode to find out you're wrong!! Good show.....great cast!
  17. AmyM
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    The critics don't know what they're talking about. John from Cincinnati was addictive, and wonderful. Please bring it back, HBO!
  18. SKB
    Aug 6, 2007
    10
    This show is raw and "in your face." I like that. It's a refreshing change from the usual mindless fair that doesn't challenge in any way. I hope HBO picks it up for another season, at least. Not being able to get to fully understand and know these characters, would be a real shame.
  19. MarkW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    9
    A rare gem that deserved another season (or three). JfC reveals more with each viewing, so it is not shocking that many critics were dismissive after a single viewing of the first episode. The show was very smart and complex. View the whole series once it is out on dvd and you will be richly rewarded. Ed O'Neill stands out in a talented and spot-on cast.
  20. stevel
    Aug 3, 2009
    10
    The creators of John from Cincinnati did some things that automatically got it in trouble with some viewers -- not the least of which is that it appears that it might be about the second coming of Christ. I would have rated it lower for not being clever enough to handle the difficulties in the story in a more acceptable way -- but the acting was so good, I just couldn't compromise. The creators of John from Cincinnati did some things that automatically got it in trouble with some viewers -- not the least of which is that it appears that it might be about the second coming of Christ. I would have rated it lower for not being clever enough to handle the difficulties in the story in a more acceptable way -- but the acting was so good, I just couldn't compromise. gays, christians, jews, conservatives, liberals, etc will all find problems ahead of time with John, which is too bad because it is wonderful story telling.… Expand
  21. DeeA
    Jun 12, 2007
    10
    I'm hooked after seeing the first show. Quirky and funny with some great acting. The show is filmed in Imperial Beach which is close to where I live in San Diego. IB which us locals call it has always been a strange beach town sitting right on the border of Mexico. There is a run down end of the line feel to the place that has been that way for the 40 something years that I have I'm hooked after seeing the first show. Quirky and funny with some great acting. The show is filmed in Imperial Beach which is close to where I live in San Diego. IB which us locals call it has always been a strange beach town sitting right on the border of Mexico. There is a run down end of the line feel to the place that has been that way for the 40 something years that I have lived in San Diego. It is the perfect backdrop to the messed up charaters in the show. Can't wait to see more!… Expand
  22. languidg
    Jun 14, 2007
    8
    Ok, Deadwood, 6 feet under, and Sopranos were amazing. Rome pretty good. Big Love horrific. If your with me here, than I can't imagine how this strange, vague, weirdness wrapped up in surfing wouldn't be stimulating. I think people should lay off being overly judgmental until more episodes are digested as well.
  23. CathyO
    Jun 14, 2007
    8
    After the extremely disappointing ending to the Soprano's, I found this series intriguing, humerous, and fun to watch. I TVO'd it so I could watch it a second time (granted, it is a little offbeat) and I liked it even more. Of course, I loved Carnival, Deadwood, and Six Feet under. The actors consist of a fantastic cast and being a California girl, I adored the surfing shots. After the extremely disappointing ending to the Soprano's, I found this series intriguing, humerous, and fun to watch. I TVO'd it so I could watch it a second time (granted, it is a little offbeat) and I liked it even more. Of course, I loved Carnival, Deadwood, and Six Feet under. The actors consist of a fantastic cast and being a California girl, I adored the surfing shots. Lighten up critics!… Expand
  24. RinaF
    Jun 15, 2007
    9
    Quirky, bent, surreal. John From Cincinnati, it's definitely a ride and a rush. You don't know what to expect but you're hooked. I love it!! Totally different, a stand alone.
  25. KamakuraKid
    Jun 15, 2007
    10
    Excellent show, give it a chance. I am tired of the types of shows where everything is spelled out in the first 20 minutes, this show is not an insult to those of us who enjoy quality TV.
  26. Philo
    Jun 16, 2007
    8
    So far so good. The show has considerable room to grow with a solid cast. To those who think it is confusing... relax and catch a ride. The show is a lot like surfing, it's never predictable, simple but takes some effort, and enjoyable just watching it.
  27. MarieL
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    I loved the show and look forward to more of the same. I loved watching the surfers. It reminds me of the great Northern Exposure show and all the quirky characters that made that show so special. This has the potential to do the same. The "big mistake" HBO made was not only putting it on the same night as the Soprano's finale, but right after that show. Hence, all the detractors are I loved the show and look forward to more of the same. I loved watching the surfers. It reminds me of the great Northern Exposure show and all the quirky characters that made that show so special. This has the potential to do the same. The "big mistake" HBO made was not only putting it on the same night as the Soprano's finale, but right after that show. Hence, all the detractors are trying to compare it to the Sopranos and are all huffy because they think it's supposed to be a replacement and the Soprano fans are pissed off and vetting their anger at the way Chase ended the show. They are taking it out on this potential great little show. This was a big HBO mistake. I only hope they give the show a chance to catch on. Remember, no one liked Six Feet Under either !!!!!… Expand
  28. frankc
    Jun 18, 2007
    9
    unusual and thought provoking....not the average mindless dribble
  29. JW
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    Through two episodes "John from Cincinatti" has the intrigue of Heroes (though it does not have the desperate need for a great conclusion, something Heroes failed miserably in) combined with the sharp wit and dialogue of Deadwood. While I am not sure where Milch plans to go with the supernatural edge the story brings if he has something even remotely decent in mind the show will be Through two episodes "John from Cincinatti" has the intrigue of Heroes (though it does not have the desperate need for a great conclusion, something Heroes failed miserably in) combined with the sharp wit and dialogue of Deadwood. While I am not sure where Milch plans to go with the supernatural edge the story brings if he has something even remotely decent in mind the show will be brilliant. Ultimately, it is the interactions between the characters, in particular, the way that everyone reacts with the title character that makes this show so enjoyable. The wit is undeniable, and the two Deadwood actors that we have been exposed to thus far, have been nothing short of brilliant. I just hope that they get Timothy Olyphant involved at some point. How he was not cast as Linc (Luke Perry's character), I will never know.… Expand
  30. JohnS
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Great show! John reminds me of the lead actor in 'Eraserhead' - love it!
  31. kristinl
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    I love the mix of character personalities and that I feel like I know them to an extreme certain extent. I have no idea where where its going but I will definitely be along for the ride
  32. NanetteB.
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    This is my husbands favorite show. He isn't a TV watcher unless it has something to do with Football, but he never misses this show.
  33. KristaL.
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    My husband and I love this show. Ed ONeil is hysterical and mysterious. His character has been wonderfully developed into a complex person who is enormously involved with the story. Cissy is a trip, she is one crazy mom. The last 2 episodes have shown how much of an impact her mental instability has on the whole entire family. This last episode from 7/15 revealed a great deal of back My husband and I love this show. Ed ONeil is hysterical and mysterious. His character has been wonderfully developed into a complex person who is enormously involved with the story. Cissy is a trip, she is one crazy mom. The last 2 episodes have shown how much of an impact her mental instability has on the whole entire family. This last episode from 7/15 revealed a great deal of back story which was needed, but at the same time brought about many more questions. It showed us a couple of reasons why Cissy is such a "ball-buster" as quoted by Butchie. It dives into the disturbing details of Butchie and Cissy's relationship and digs a hole into the darkness of Butchie's heroine addiction. Needless to say, I hope that this show sticks around to answer the all the questions that come with watching it every Sunday.… Expand
  34. Joyce
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    We LOVE this show! Can't get enough and would love to read blogs, what do others think. Stranger than strange, remember Twin Peaks? Who and what is John?
  35. RichT.
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    Great Show. Boston Globe knucklehead cannot comprehend the gritty, almost unbathed feel of the show. But what do you expect, he works for the Globe.
  36. stevem.
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    great cast screwy plot just what television needs
  37. seanh
    Aug 17, 2007
    10
    Fantastic show, great cast. I will miss it. Like Deadwood, it was rich in potential and possible story lines.
  38. LorrieS
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    very different and I love it.
  39. TammyL.
    Sep 15, 2007
    10
    JFC is the best show yet!!! Shame they are not going to have season 2! HBO... I'm dropping my subcription the first day of OCT
  40. FriendofJerryS
    Jul 24, 2011
    10
    Cin-Cin-Cin skinny as a pin skinny as a fatty spells cincinnati..John,
    Enjoyed your dialogue withDavid Milch. However, it just amazes me that he just recites dialogue and can recall paragraphs back for revisions. He has a strong mind. I did watch all of Deadwood in 1 week.
    Will watch for your next creative effort.
    Friend of Jerry S in Chicago.
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Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best TV Season of 2007
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
25
#25 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 7 out of 24
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    50
    It's only June,? but I can confidently state that you won’t see a weirder show than "John From Cincinnati" all year long.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    50
    Intriguing but not entirely satisfying.
    Read full review
  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    70
    Mesmerizing and entertainingly confounding.
    Read full review
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