Kaleidoscope

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 1, 2023
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15

Critic Reviews

  1. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Coleman Spilde
    Jan 3, 2023
    80
    The series itself is a delightful mind-bender, one that’s even more satisfying to connect the dots to when you think about how the episodes will play in different orders. But Kaleidoscope doesn’t only rely on the unusual narrative device it uses to snare its viewers. Beneath those shuffled colors is a slick and stylish heist series that keeps the tension building as it skips through timelines.
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Michael Hogan
    Jan 1, 2023
    80
    Stylish, suspenseful and cleverly executed, Kaleidoscope gathers binge-worthy momentum as it barrels towards its climactic showdown. The nifty format enhances its air of mystery and intrigue.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Reviewed by: Shane Ryan
    Jan 1, 2023
    73
    It’s not saying anything new—it’s not even trying to say anything new—but there are worse things than the warm comforts of TV deja vu.
  5. IGN
    Reviewed by: Tara Bennett
    Jun 1, 2023
    70
    It’s great to see Giancarlo Esposito top-lining his own series, which he does very well. And the ensemble is engaging if a bit tame (except for Jai Courtney’s outsized Bob). If you love heist stories, it’s an experiment worth watching but it won’t rank as a seminal work in the genre regardless of its distinct presentation.
  6. Decider
    Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Jan 3, 2023
    70
    As far as the show goes, it’s some pretty light drama that’s not supposed to bring up any moral dilemmas or force viewers to dig for deeper meaning. Esposito elevates everything he’s in. ... So far, the rest of the team outside of Stan feel like one-dimensional characters, but those may also fill in during the rest of the episodes. But, as heist dramas go, Kaleidoscope tries to concentrate on the heist as much as possible, which is always a plus.
  7. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Steve Greene
    Jan 1, 2023
    67
    As thin as these pieces can sometimes be, Kaleidoscope is still entertaining. Garcia and the team have enough misdirects up their sleeve that there are some fun surprises along the way, even if some of them are telegraphed. It’s also admirable how much melancholy and foiled plans there are here, particularly in a genre where it’s easy to lean on empty popcorn fun

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed TV Season of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Karmel
    Jan 7, 2023
    4
    Interesting concept that does technically work, but not worth it for the predictable superficial story. It's similar to Black Mirror:Interesting concept that does technically work, but not worth it for the predictable superficial story. It's similar to Black Mirror: Bandersnatch in playing with the medium of television which I appreciate. But unlike Bandersnatch, which doesn't overstay its welcome, you get tired of this gimmick 2 episodes in and you're left wishing the actual plot was any good. It's a waste of a great cast.… Full Review »
  2. DariusTowers
    Jan 3, 2023
    6
    Está bien, nada del otro mundo. Lo único que tiene es como protagonistas a muchos actores que por lo general son secundarios y que actúanEstá bien, nada del otro mundo. Lo único que tiene es como protagonistas a muchos actores que por lo general son secundarios y que actúan bien. La trama y las motivaciones de los protagonistas son basicas y repetitivas.… Full Review »
  3. Glagaire
    Jun 14, 2023
    9
    Surprised to see the middling reviews on this as it was an excellent show in an under-utilized tv genre (the Heist). A great selection ofSurprised to see the middling reviews on this as it was an excellent show in an under-utilized tv genre (the Heist). A great selection of characters, good writing and unpredictable character arcs. I initially saw the 'watch in any order' aspect as just being a gimmick, but it works surprisingly well and gives the audience a intriguing element of control over how the story unfolds (purely chronological, mostly flashbacks or a bit of both). Altogether an original and very well-crafted show that deserve a lot more praise for pulling off a difficult task… Full Review »
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