Kings

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 15, 2009
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
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Critic Reviews

  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    83
    So far, that universe is pleasingly treacherous, though not ?wholly formed, a work in progress that's worth seeing through to completion.
  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    80
    The dialogue is just so artful and poetic, the characters are so appealing, the whole damn package is so original and daring and lovely, that after watching the first four hours, it's impossible not to feel inspired and cheered by the fact that a drama this ambitious and unique could make it onto network TV.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    75
    Happily, this generally well-told tale of a modern-day king and his restive court has more going for it than a charismatic performance from the dependably wonderful “Deadwood” star.
  5. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Kyle Smith
    75
    The show sparkles with imagination. But Kings may be too campy for some, not campy enough for others.
  6. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    75
    Kings is a worthy enterprise that will deeply puzzle millions of viewers.
  7. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    70
    Kings does dip in and out of predictability, when familiar Spelling soap operatics and political machinations break through the show's unique surface. But it still is a fascinating effort.
  8. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    70
    NBC, which could have ripped off yet another "reality" show for 8 p.m. Sundays, instead bought into something imaginative and intriguing and, yes, a little crazy.
  9. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    70
    Kings begins with a refined approach and grows more pedestrian in subsequent episodes. Still, there's plenty to love about this series that dances with symbolism--the butterfly on the Gilboa flag is not a mere adornment--and replaces clandestine backrooms with windowed board rooms.
  10. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Marisa LaScala
    70
    Combing broad strokes and detailed color on an extensive canvas, Kings makes the rewards and costs of ambition plain for all to see.
  11. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    67
    Kings is fascinating pretentious hoo-ha.
  12. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    63
    Kings is a mess, but for a few weeks, anyway, it promises to be a fun, fascinating mess, the kind of "can you believe they're doing it" show you want to discuss the next day.

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best TV Season of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
20
#20 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 166 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 166
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 166
  3. Negative: 12 out of 166
  1. H.Cole
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    The reason for failure is because it is on NBC which is in severe decline. If NBC sold the rights to the FOX network (like '24') it The reason for failure is because it is on NBC which is in severe decline. If NBC sold the rights to the FOX network (like '24') it would go to the sky in ratings. 'Kings' is the only program we have viewed on NBC in years. I happened on it in the iTunes lineup and downloaded the season. Even our 15yr. old son and 13 yr. old daughter were locked in on the show. We are all hoping to see it again...soon!… Full Review »
  2. SchnitzelPoof
    Apr 17, 2018
    3
    Really, really, really bad. The pilot episode was still mediocre, but by the next episode, I felt like the show was written by a 4 year old,Really, really, really bad. The pilot episode was still mediocre, but by the next episode, I felt like the show was written by a 4 year old, who was trying his hand at writing a political drama. Don't let your toddlers write politics, people. Tell them to wait until they're in their 30s. In the meanwhile, I'm going to go have my memory erased.… Full Review »
  3. bob516
    Dec 21, 2013
    10
    I especially love when source material is so creatively re-imagined. Smart, sophisticated storytelling in a very believable alternate 21stI especially love when source material is so creatively re-imagined. Smart, sophisticated storytelling in a very believable alternate 21st century world.… Full Review »
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