Kings

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 15, 2009
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
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User Reviews

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  1. 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, 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.
  2. bob516
    Dec 21, 2013
    10
    I especially love when source material is so creatively re-imagined. Smart, sophisticated storytelling in a very believable alternate 21st century world.
  3. GotTheseScars
    Dec 16, 2012
    9
    I really enjoyed Kings. It seemed very original, and I enjoyed the alternate reality world that they created, something that was unlike anything else on television. I do agree that it played it safe in many instances, but overall, I really enjoyed the show and I wish it hadn't been cancelled.
  4. 1016Sammy
    Apr 18, 2012
    10
    Really good show but I must say to big a budget they could have cut down a bit and I am sure it would have survived on a cable channel better. great actors and very poetic themes linking the Davidic era to present day politics! with media control etc
  5. shakeel7
    Feb 3, 2011
    8
    One of the best shows to come out of NBC in years, which, of course, meant it's cancellation was inevitable. The first season is some of the best hours of television I've had the pleasure of seeing in a long time though. It was very promising and, although it is unlikely at this point, it would be nice if it was picked up by another network at some point.
  6. 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 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 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!… Expand
  7. DavidD
    Dec 10, 2009
    10
    Relative to other shows currently running on network TV, it is absurd to lift a finger in criticism of this show. There is always room for improvement, but if you changed the channel in dissapointment and were not dissapointed again immediately after, it is because this incredibly bold and original series went flying way over your head.
  8. DavidP
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    I tell you given a chance, something wonderful can come out of this creative series. I think Micheal Green does a splendid work and of course I love the allusion to the Bible. Only one without interest in Biblical Adventure would underrate this series.
  9. terrya
    Aug 21, 2009
    10
    One of the best and most interesting network dramas produced and inappropriately reviewed by many "critics" I see.
  10. JohnB.
    Aug 18, 2009
    10
    A refreshment to prime time cable tv. this series reenergized my interest on watching standard television. The entertaining dialogue kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
  11. DanielC
    Aug 14, 2009
    9
    Its biblical story meets shakespearean drama meets modern soap, combined in an a most artful and intriguing way. Worth seeing through to multiple seasons.
  12. TravisL
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    This was one of the better TV shows I have seen. No other show has gotten me to sit down on a specific night to watch in a very long while. Ian McShane is an awesome actor to watch. He sucked me in with Deadwood a while back, now I just look for that guy to entertain.
  13. ParkerH
    Aug 4, 2009
    10
    Absolutely inspiring. NBC please dont make the same mistake FOX made with Family Guy. Bring it back soon!
  14. AnaD
    Aug 2, 2009
    10
    I recently watched the entire season 1. Please bring it back. This a such a different show. I am hooked. I happened to watch a few minute of the last episode and immediately went to NBC to see the whole season. NBC please don't disappoint your viewers. Ana.
  15. CherylM
    Aug 1, 2009
    10
    Kings is the best TV show I have seen in years. You need to replay the episodes and advertise the show to get more viewers.
  16. ThomasZ
    Jul 26, 2009
    10
    My favorite show and the only one I followed on Tv. It such a shame that it canceled it made me actually care for the characters and want more.
  17. NancyD
    Jul 25, 2009
    9
    I've liked the show from the beginning. Then it suddenly disappeared. Now it's back and better than before! I won't miss an episode thanks to my DVR.
  18. ShaneB.
    Jul 23, 2009
    10
    Best show on the networks by far. It's criminal that NBC is not going to renew it for another season because they failed to promote it in the beginning. Also, after reading some of the critics reviews that gave such low scores I have to wonder if they actually watched the show as their reviews make no sense at all. This show is the most original I've seen anywhere and has the Best show on the networks by far. It's criminal that NBC is not going to renew it for another season because they failed to promote it in the beginning. Also, after reading some of the critics reviews that gave such low scores I have to wonder if they actually watched the show as their reviews make no sense at all. This show is the most original I've seen anywhere and has the best acting and script writing of any network show.… Expand
  19. CD
    Jul 22, 2009
    10
    I really like this show and it keeps me coming back each week. At times it could be considered "cheezy" but all the visuals, plots twists make up for it. I guess I'll go ahead and give it a 10 because they're cancelling it anyways...NBC, do some better promo spots and/or give it one more season, jeeeez.
  20. sarahr
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    This is the smartest show I have seen in a long while -- historic yet pertinent, sophisticated yet generally appealing. If in fact it gets cancelled -- I vote for a feature length film. Make it an indie film so those who find the subject matter to be lofty of confusing wont be compelled to view it.
  21. ShannonR.
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    I cannot understand why NBC would cancel such a remarkable show such as this one. I have not stopped watching the episodes for three days. We have not had a show on the air like this one in a long time.
  22. marcusk.
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    What a great and cerebral show. I haven't enjoyed TV this much in years. It's not surprising that they now are canceling the show. Shame on NBC.
  23. DennisR
    Jul 19, 2009
    10
    This is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. People have called this show melodramatic in a negative way. Do not believe that, it is drama.. High intelligent drama at it's best. The show really stands alone and is not to be missed. Most of television can only dream of reaching towards an epic and amazing story-line like KIngs has introduced. I really wish more shows This is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. People have called this show melodramatic in a negative way. Do not believe that, it is drama.. High intelligent drama at it's best. The show really stands alone and is not to be missed. Most of television can only dream of reaching towards an epic and amazing story-line like KIngs has introduced. I really wish more shows would have this much originality and substance. We need to throw away generic television and promote shows that don't recycle every concept a thousand times. Like Kings.… Expand
  24. RaymondB.
    Jul 18, 2009
    10
    Excellent acting and the locations are breath taking. Like a lot of the viewers who have taken time to watch this show I'm not religious yet all the references did not offend in any way. Once again however the TV execs in all their wisdom killed off another good show. Back to the Discovery for me, at least till they decide to get rid of reality and cop shows.
  25. KathyU
    Jul 14, 2009
    10
    Best and Smartest show I have ever seen. Acting is beautiful.
  26. AaronB
    Jul 12, 2009
    3
    Melodrama at its worst. Soapy, sappy and embarrassingly melodramatic, this one has enough cheese to rival Wisconsin. Its also painfully dull and pretentious. Skip it or watch it to see exactly why it was canceled.
  27. ShannaS
    Jul 6, 2009
    10
    Excellent show. I hope NBC changes its mind about canceling.
  28. ZebG
    Jul 5, 2009
    10
    This show is like watching graduate level programming when most tv nowadays feels like middle school.
  29. MattL
    Jul 5, 2009
    10
    If this show leaves the air entirely, it will be a true shame.
  30. JonnyV
    Jun 25, 2009
    8
    I think the show teeters on its own pretentiousness. There are times when the themes, characters, and scope play together so well that you get to genuinely witness brilliant television on a grandiose scale. The acting can be deliciously overdone, the dialogue witty and thought-provoking, and the dilemnas though, admittedly, rehashed, can place a new spin an a very old and dear story. It I think the show teeters on its own pretentiousness. There are times when the themes, characters, and scope play together so well that you get to genuinely witness brilliant television on a grandiose scale. The acting can be deliciously overdone, the dialogue witty and thought-provoking, and the dilemnas though, admittedly, rehashed, can place a new spin an a very old and dear story. It is these moments that pull me through the times the show trips on itself by turning that grandiose scale into an all-out ego stroke. The airs the show puts on at times are certainly off-putting, as if we have never seen these conflicts before or that we do not know the story line or what is to come. A prime example is the uprising at Port Prosperity and the kidnapping of the princess. Tired, indeed. However, Kings constantly rescues itself by providing us with excellent acting and direction coupled with a visually daring and thoughtfully crafted spin on an old tale. This show was like nothing on television, able to balance the religious aspect without tumbling into an all-out sermon. For that I can at least appreciate the difficulty in attempting to do so. Not the greatest show I have ever seen, but an excellent retelling of a classic tale. Watch it.… Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    30
    If only Green had not made such a cold, bland stew of such rich and tasty ingredients.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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