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. JoanG
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    Very enjoyable. Quirky, mystical, thought-provoking, Good writing. I look forward to future episodes.
  2. TedJ
    Aug 10, 2007
    9
    Lots of mysterious fun. The cast is hilarious! I was a huge Deadwood fan, and love JFC as well--I don't know what other Deadwood fans are complaining about--it's a *different* show; get it?
  3. GA.
    Oct 30, 2007
    9
    Hbo is killing me with the canceling of my favotite shows. This show rocked. You never knew what was coming & I loved it for that reason. Who wants some cookie cutter script with all the answers given 2 you @ the end?
  4. mitchl
    Jun 11, 2007
    9
    this show as awesome finally something to set the tivo to. smart tv
  5. GaryM.
    Jun 15, 2007
    9
    This is an unconventional TV show, which is most definitely a good thing. I'm bound to follow it till its end, whether it be the series finale in the far away future (hopefully) or the show's cancellation which happened much too soon. Let's hope people who will watch it will give it a chance.
  6. jonathanle
    Jun 17, 2007
    9
    Some deadwood dialogue awesomness in a modern surfer town setting with an interesting character reminescent of David Lynch's typical players. Hard show to pin down but great sof ar.
  7. kittyO
    Jun 18, 2007
    9
    I loved this series (so far). Yes, it is challenging; and no, I don't understand everything (yet). But I am totally fascinated by the David Lynch (but more modern) style of film. I can't wait for the next episode. I would like to have both Deadwood and John playing...but I really like this new addition.
  8. danh
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    Those that dont get it, probably dont get a whole lot! My girlfriend and I are completely hooked
  9. JeffG.
    Jun 28, 2007
    9
    This is a thinking man's show. Like any truly seminal work, it often takes time for the palette to adjust. Ignore the hyperbole of the under-educated; if you like to think, question your beliefs, and be challenged by your entertainment this is for you. If you like plot lines to be resolved every 30 minutes, or think the only good Sopranos episodes have killing in them, you may want to pass.
  10. CurtisW.
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    Early in the game but I'm along for the ride.
  11. stevek.
    Jul 1, 2007
    9
    I really think the critics missed the mark on this one! This is some of the most unique television I have ever seen! I cant wait to see what's next... extremely smart dialog! It seems to me its a natural progression from deadwood and that maybe Milch's work is evolving... WELL DONE!
  12. AprilT
    Jul 23, 2007
    9
    Fabulous show, well written and very well acted. Great dialouge and plot.
  13. 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
  14. ThomL
    Jul 26, 2007
    9
    The more I watch the more I like it. I have a DVR so I have watched most episodes several times. I think if you like LOST you should be here too, but I notice that I'm the only one in my household who likes it.
  15. 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
  16. AlexO
    Aug 7, 2007
    9
    Aasuming the story sucks, this gets a 7 out of the gate for it's originality and courage.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. frankc
    Jun 18, 2007
    9
    unusual and thought provoking....not the average mindless dribble
  20. JohnS
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Great show! John reminds me of the lead actor in 'Eraserhead' - love it!
  21. StefanV
    Jul 21, 2007
    9
    Absolutely brilliant. This show will go over many heads. Many will say, "Huh?" But it is a metaphysical wonderland - full of interesting ideas. But the best is the box of chocolate characters. Strong. Quirky. Developing. Almost like Noah brought together his animials - and instead of an Arc - ended up at a motel parking lot. I am so looking forward to this show every week! Rock on dudes!
  22. jimj.
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Thanks again HBO for giving us another quality show! very few networks..with he exception of Showtime, HBO and FX give us television that makes you think. The show has lots of different angles and characters to be developed.. I love the show and how Milch and his team can tear apart and rebuild characters like few others...Keep up the Great work!
  23. JeffB
    Jun 10, 2007
    8
    It is a very fun, interesting show. Nothing exactly happened in the first show, but it's already more original than half of what's out there.
  24. jordon
    Jun 10, 2007
    8
    Confounding but intriguing plotline. But most important, after one episode, I think I can grow to love these characters.
  25. FrankS
    Jul 19, 2007
    8
    I love querky. Is John an agel, devil, alien or an escaped experiement from a government lab. I don't know and really as long as they keep me feeling like I am exploring a new slightly out of reach parallel universe, I will watch. Want do you want Butchy? More JFC, of course.
  26. AC.
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    For what this show lacks in exposition, it duly compensates with intrigue. Very well casted except the character "Shawnie" (the kid looks great but his acting is anemic). I give the show a strong 8 rating despite the fact that for all of the show's plucky dialogue and charming array of characters, each episode lacks enough payoff to the vague plot to capture the casual view. My guess For what this show lacks in exposition, it duly compensates with intrigue. Very well casted except the character "Shawnie" (the kid looks great but his acting is anemic). I give the show a strong 8 rating despite the fact that for all of the show's plucky dialogue and charming array of characters, each episode lacks enough payoff to the vague plot to capture the casual view. My guess is that if the writers don't start to reel components of this story in really soon and offer a couple of major twists to maintain a buzz, this show will be deader than Deadwood before the fall season. Still, I must admit I'm firmly captivated and I must know what eventually happens to Butchie, Mitch, Sissy, Kai, Bill, Link and John!… Expand
  27. ArthurF.
    Jul 5, 2007
    8
    Brilliant quirky touching
  28. BobP
    Jun 11, 2007
    8
    wacky, offbeat, right up my alley so far!
  29. WillH
    Jun 13, 2007
    8
    I thought it was really funny. I wasn't expecting that.
  30. LINDAH
    Jun 14, 2007
    8
    Thie show was differant from anything I had ever seen before. Just how many times did they use the F word.? After watching the show I want to visit/or move to Imperial Beach.
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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.
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  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    70
    Mesmerizing and entertainingly confounding.
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