• Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 1, 2003
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Negative: 1 out of 27

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Aug 9, 2014
    60
    A pretty good new series.
  2. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    Aug 9, 2014
    60
    Karen Sisco isn't a great drama. For one thing, much of the dialogue is too tough-guy wooden to believe. [1 Oct 2003, p.1E]
  3. Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    Aug 9, 2014
    50
    This is no run-of-the-mill production, but it falls under the heading of "acquired taste." The main inducement to acquire it is to watch Gugino have her way with the title role.
  4. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Aug 9, 2014
    50
    The dreary, leaden dialogue is the real crime in this drama. Around every Miami corner in the early episodes, you catch the writers in the act of assaulting viewers with self-importance and stilted banter. [1 Oct 2003, p.E9]
  5. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Aug 9, 2014
    50
    Karen Sisco is a cool cocktail. It's not my taste, but it might be yours. [1 Oct 2003, p.E-1]
  6. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Aug 9, 2014
    50
    It loses some luster under closer scrutiny when the jagged edges of the formula start to cut through the attractive veneer. [1 Oct 2003, p.E01]
  7. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Noel Holston
    Aug 9, 2014
    40
    Aside from the snappier editing and Sisco's greater sexual aggressiveness - like "Sex and the City's" Samantha, she gets the men on her most-wanted list - this could almost be a "Police Woman" episode from 30 years ago. [1 Oct 2003, p.B23]
  8. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Staff [Not Credited]
    Aug 9, 2014
    40
    The inclusion of these improbable, quasi-romantic story lines robs the series of credibility it desperately needs. It's hard enough to believe that petite and fine featured Carla Gugino is a no nonsense, kick-butt law officer. And it's that much harder when criminals take time out from their fleeing to hit on her. [1 Oct 2003]