• Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 18, 2023
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
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Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jul 18, 2023
    60
    It’s a mixed bag, always enjoyable but never outstanding.
  2. Reviewed by: Kelly Lawler
    Jul 18, 2023
    50
    Yes, Olyphant slips back into character as if not a day has gone by, and new castmember Aunjanue Ellis is a scenery-chewing delight, but something about the revival never quite clicks into place. It's hollow, almost soulless in moments, slapping the veneer of a Leonard crime novel on the surface and hoping that the audience won't notice the cheap foundation underneath. But we can see it. And it's not angering, it's just disappointing.
  3. Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Jul 17, 2023
    50
    Despite the work of a number of the old “Justified” crew, including the writer-producers Dave Andron and Michael Dinner, and an accomplished new cast, “City Primeval” — though handsomely filmed, well acted and ample in its emotions and its violent action — feels, ultimately, like a simulacrum. The body looks good, but a large part of the soul is missing.
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Negative: 5 out of 17
  1. Jul 19, 2023
    3
    Feels tired. Olyphant looks tired. All these tropes and stereotypes have been done to the death. However this is nothing compared to the utterFeels tired. Olyphant looks tired. All these tropes and stereotypes have been done to the death. However this is nothing compared to the utter stupidity of the plot and the motivations of the token bad guy Clement. It just reminds us that Peak TV was 10 years ago Full Review »
  2. Jul 25, 2023
    4
    Justified in name only - and without the title, it becomes a somewhat sub-par police show. The change of scenery from the interesting andJustified in name only - and without the title, it becomes a somewhat sub-par police show. The change of scenery from the interesting and underused countryside setting to Detroit makes it generic, instead of characteristic, and sidelining Raylan in his own show is detrimental. Put in a confusing plot, where happenstance and chance meetings drive the story, a weak, generic villain, and sprinkle some 2020 racial narratives on it, for effect.
    It is only two episodes, however. Let's hope for improvements.
    Full Review »