• Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 3, 2004
Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 23
  2. Negative: 9 out of 23

Critic Reviews

  1. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    Apr 14, 2021
    37
    Kingdom does have a few frightening moments, but they don't compensate for the lackluster performances, the absence of character development, humor or pacing, or the wild fluctuations in tone. [3 March 2004]
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Bianculli
    Apr 14, 2021
    37
    By the time the first episode of Kingdom Hospital is over, viewers are likely already to have checked out. [2 March 2004, p.79]
  3. 30
    Ghosts aren't Kingdom Hospital's biggest problem. What this movie needed was an editor with the ability to exorcise dusty cliches.
  4. Reviewed by: Terry Sawyer
    Apr 13, 2021
    30
    A befuddled retirement party for King's clichés. From start to finish, the show dodders about like an Alzheimer's patient on a scavenger hunt.
  5. Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    Apr 13, 2021
    30
    At least "Twin Peaks" was fascinating when it first began. Kingdom Hospital is not. It's just more simplistic horror hash from a tired and shameless old slinger. If only he would pick up the pace, and things would actually happen.
  6. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Amy Amatangelo
    Apr 14, 2021
    25
    Oh, if only television critics could be like Simon Cowell on "American Idol." I could declare Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital positively dreadful, and viewers would never have to see it again. [29 Feb 2004]
  7. Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Apr 13, 2021
    25
    Based on the two-hour premiere, a hodgepodge of false dramatic starts, bad acting, rambling scenes, a stupendously annoying narrator and a metaphorical anteater that looks like, of all things, ALF, there's only one conclusion to draw: Those things aren't scary. They're stupid.
  8. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Apr 14, 2021
    20
    Among new series this season, Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital is the biggest disappointment, a botch of monumental proportions. Next to it, NBC's misbegotten Coupling looks quaint. [29 Feb 2004, p.4]
  9. Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Apr 13, 2021
    20
    A spiritless ghost story whose EKG is flat from the get-go.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Apr 26, 2015
    8
    For King fans, it's definitely worth a watch. Kingdom Hospital is haunting and sits somewhere between a light horror film and a dramaticFor King fans, it's definitely worth a watch. Kingdom Hospital is haunting and sits somewhere between a light horror film and a dramatic thriller. The show also carries a strong mystery angle throughout and will keep you Hooked (bad pun intended for those who are already familiar) between episodes.

    For non-King fans, it's quite different from his usual work and there is probably something here for you as well.
    Full Review »