Limitless (2015)

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2015
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 190 out of 240
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 240
  3. Negative: 29 out of 240
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User Reviews

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  1. needfourletters
    Sep 23, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The show has a nice pace but some of the editing is off.

    Example:
    "Is the bullet still in your leg?"

    He never even told her where the bullet hit him.    … Expand
  2. manwe7
    Nov 1, 2015
    9
    I love this show. It's quirky, different, fun, suspenseful, engaging and well acted. When I watch it it doesn't get boring are have any holes in the plot. Really good.
  3. Charlie3663
    Nov 3, 2015
    8
    I'm unclear as to why this received such low ratings. I find it well done all around. Its fun and clever... maybe not "smart" but absolutely clever. And the lead, Jake McDorman, is an all around likable fella. If you haven't, watch it... bet you'll like it.
  4. GB17
    Dec 2, 2015
    10
    Great show! I love how it's based off of the movie Limitless. A lot of the bad reviews are because the posters only watched the pilot. Like all pilots it was boring & a little confusing but once you get past that you'll be hooked!
  5. JerryMac
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    This has been one of the most fun and great series of the season, i enjoy the humor and the action involving really good set of characters, the cast is on point and fill the role they are supposed to, sometimes it can get a little intellectual, but that is quite fine, makes us a viewers, get more interested and involved in the story.
  6. Ravivenk
    Oct 5, 2015
    9
    Just watched the second episode, and it's witty and clever and twisty.....even better than the first. The lead character is immediately likeable, and completely at ease in his role. Great stuff, keep it up!
  7. Mega2k8
    Oct 30, 2015
    7
    I gave this a try, haven't seen the movie but i must admit this is a really good show and funny as hell! have you ever seen monk?? its like that but 2015! a good late night watch!
  8. skaven75
    Oct 1, 2015
    7
    I watched Limitless without watching the movie.

    First, I liked it. it's enjoyable, it has action and good plot. The actors are good and I will somehow watch other episode for seeing where it goes. The only negative aspect is that it's another gifted hero who will help the police to resolve crime... We have seen that so much, nothing new. As far as I'm concerned, it's a grade    I watched Limitless without watching the movie.

    First, I liked it. it's enjoyable, it has action and good plot. The actors are good and I will somehow watch other episode for seeing where it goes. The only negative aspect is that it's another gifted hero who will help the police to resolve crime... We have seen that so much, nothing new.

    As far as I'm concerned, it's a grade "B"serie, "A" series would be "Breaking Bad" or "TWD" etc...    … Expand
  9. aj_anajao
    Oct 3, 2015
    9
    I really love the premise of the show. Yeah, you could say there are some unexplained stuff but how the show is conveyed is really captivating and makes you want to watch it even more. I think this show has a good chance of becoming a great series. Awesome first two episodes. Can't wait for more!!!:D
  10. Jocomama
    Oct 29, 2015
    8
    It is a great follow-up to the movie. It is NOT a play on Lucy, but the TV series that follows the original done by Bradley Cooper. It's full of action, drama, realistic sci-fi, with a very like able lead character, that actually brings us ethics for once back to prime-time TV. The interaction with the FBI is not anothe cop show. If you keep watching, you realize this is all part ofIt is a great follow-up to the movie. It is NOT a play on Lucy, but the TV series that follows the original done by Bradley Cooper. It's full of action, drama, realistic sci-fi, with a very like able lead character, that actually brings us ethics for once back to prime-time TV. The interaction with the FBI is not anothe cop show. If you keep watching, you realize this is all part of the bigger picture, and the storyline expands. It's a fun, entertaining show. Enjoy it, sit back and let the writers take you on a ride.… Expand
  11. Cyniam
    Nov 7, 2015
    9
    It starts off a bit too much the way the film did at first but by the second episode, it really starts to pick up on it's own separate story and I ended up being hooked. Absolutely brilliant!!
  12. jetmac4350
    Sep 23, 2015
    9
    Great show, had me interested from the start. Acting was spot on! Would have like a longer maybe 2 hours episode but enjoyed the past pace of the show.
  13. TheKavehJ
    Sep 26, 2015
    7
    I mean it's not changing the face of TV as we know it, but the pilot was strong with action and I am looking forward to see what direction the show will take.
  14. SquintyReviews
    Sep 23, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was perhaps one of the most enjoyable premieres that have been viewed this week, perhaps this month even.

    The cinematography is great, the use of cool tones and warm tones for the lighting and colour filter to indicate when the main character was on and off the drug was clever, the Sherlock-esque special effects to indicate his thought patterns were a nice edition, but not too overwhelming, and the characters engagement with different parts of the city, while high for the first time were well done. The music was also well chosen, fitting well with the tone and enhancing the light hearted action as well as the tenser scenes.

    The characters are engaging with just the right amount of personability, and the beginnings of an instantly interesting dynamic between them. The main character is delightful, with the “average guy” sort of feel that the show was trying to get at, and his internal monologues throughout this experience are reminiscent of Spiderman without being too overwhelming or annoying. The FBI agent Rebecca Harris seems alright, but doesn’t have much going for her yet other than the usual clichés of her character type (crime related tragic past the is the only motivation of the female FBI agent)

    The premise itself, while coming from a film, transfers over well onto television, and you get just the right amount of mystery, action, and interactions to pull it off. The plot progression for the episode moved at a good clip, presenting story and characters in exactly the right way to engage the viewers. The only thing that could be a complaint is that the story of a super-enhanced/powered average shmuck who ends up helping to solve crimes has been quite overused (Chuck, The Invisable Man, The Listener, etc.). But as long as they work with it in an engaging and entertaining way and not fall into the inherent clichés and tropes of this trope (ex. Sexy female partner becomes love interest), it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The mysterious bearded figure (a bit of a thing in shows this week) Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper, the original main character from the film) is just the right amount of politely sinister. Though you would need to watch the original film to get the fine-tunements of his character.

    Overall the cinematography, characters, and plot were well executed for a pilot episode, and the story itself can be interesting provided they don’t fall too hard into the cliché and tropes inherent in this type of story, then this show has a promising future.    … Expand
  15. imhellspawn1
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Bringing a Movie to a tv series is risky but CBS done good with limitless this is something hardly seen on teleivision i actually really enjoy the show and ratings also prove that it is a great show staying just barely below 10 million viewers each week whcih is something not seen alot for new CBS shows. Yes alot of the negative views just look at the eye candy and yes i have to agreeBringing a Movie to a tv series is risky but CBS done good with limitless this is something hardly seen on teleivision i actually really enjoy the show and ratings also prove that it is a great show staying just barely below 10 million viewers each week whcih is something not seen alot for new CBS shows. Yes alot of the negative views just look at the eye candy and yes i have to agree there is eye candy in the show but the acting is great.… Expand
  16. buffnfaith
    Sep 23, 2015
    9
    The pilot was good, the cinematography was spot on with the film and the pace was great too. It was a nice touch for Bradley Cooper to appear in the pilot and carry on the storyline from the film. Jennifer Carpenter did a good job portraying another character similar to Debra Morgan. I hope CBS will keep the structure of the pilot intact and do not turn this into another procedural. It hasThe pilot was good, the cinematography was spot on with the film and the pace was great too. It was a nice touch for Bradley Cooper to appear in the pilot and carry on the storyline from the film. Jennifer Carpenter did a good job portraying another character similar to Debra Morgan. I hope CBS will keep the structure of the pilot intact and do not turn this into another procedural. It has so much more to offer than a classic cop show. I hope the rest of the season will be the same quality as well.… Expand
  17. scook414
    Dec 26, 2015
    10
    I absolutely LOVE this show. I admit, I didn't watch it, because, well the trailers looked B-O-R-I-N-G. Over the holidays I thought, what the heck?, so I watch the pilot "on demand". 10 minutes in and I was hooked! This is an HBO/cable TV worthy show - high production value, superb writing, cerebral and creative. Love it! The writing is PHENOMENAL! I was on the edge of my seat waiting toI absolutely LOVE this show. I admit, I didn't watch it, because, well the trailers looked B-O-R-I-N-G. Over the holidays I thought, what the heck?, so I watch the pilot "on demand". 10 minutes in and I was hooked! This is an HBO/cable TV worthy show - high production value, superb writing, cerebral and creative. Love it! The writing is PHENOMENAL! I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next AND I was laughing out loud at the hilarious rantings of Finch. I have watched all 11 episodes and am anxiously waiting for the next.… Expand
  18. tatatata
    Feb 4, 2016
    10
    Absolute favourite tv series. Nice to see a series that is lighthearted, clever and engaging. Really hoping for a season 2 announcement sometime soon!
  19. DanniBoi
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    It is has been a long time since I watch a incredible well written tv show and with smart dialog and acting. This show has and incredible fresh view of what is comedy, it doesn't over do it either.They implemented very well every aspect of the movie as a tv show.

    The cinematography is beautiful and very like the movie, but, with his own take on it as a tv show.

    P.s. Honestly a must watch.
  20. arc1791
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    Limitless takes off right where the Bradley Cooper movie ended, and does so in surprisingly good fashion. It's so nice to have clean, family-friendly entertainment based on a movie the whole family loved, without excessive violence, or cluttered with unnecessary sexual garbage. And based upon the second episode's numbers, nearly 10 million people agree. There have been so many crime dramasLimitless takes off right where the Bradley Cooper movie ended, and does so in surprisingly good fashion. It's so nice to have clean, family-friendly entertainment based on a movie the whole family loved, without excessive violence, or cluttered with unnecessary sexual garbage. And based upon the second episode's numbers, nearly 10 million people agree. There have been so many crime dramas that there will invariably be familiar situations and plot devices, but this is so much better than CSI or NCIS; it isn't pretentious & overdone, it's just good, clean entertainment. Let's hope it stays that way, and runs for several years!… Expand
  21. SevenThunders
    Jan 20, 2016
    9
    This is my favorite new show this season. I loved the movie but had rather low expectations for the tv show. I was pleasantly surprised to see the concept of a super neurotropic drug carry over to the small screen. The writers have brought a good mix of comedy and drama to the show. Moreover the writing has actually improved as the season has progressed, with some interesting plotThis is my favorite new show this season. I loved the movie but had rather low expectations for the tv show. I was pleasantly surprised to see the concept of a super neurotropic drug carry over to the small screen. The writers have brought a good mix of comedy and drama to the show. Moreover the writing has actually improved as the season has progressed, with some interesting plot twists with regards to the morality of Bradley Cooper's character.

    The acting is top notch as well and I love the comic introspective dialogue. Keep up the good work and we can only hope for a season 2.    … Expand
  22. Bummer
    May 19, 2016
    10
    Sad this show isn't getting the props it deserves. Very eclectic, nice pacing, interesting to view and to think about. Maybe it's a little too Limitless for U.S. audiences? In any case, it would be sad if it went away. Maybe it's better for a streaming service...?
  23. NiP_SeNaAoR
    May 26, 2016
    10
    Hi
    After a long time we have a great show here and now i realized this show have been canceled. this is a very funny show and its different why someone want to cancel that??
  24. Gpepsi
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    What a great show. Loved the main character. The humor and the unexpected fantasy scenes were so entertaining. Looked forward to every episode. The show was very clever with colourful characters and lots of fun. What a shame it ended too early.
  25. Nicetomeetyou
    Aug 3, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a GREAT show! I was hooked from the beginning. It was Fringe like- and even more compelling. GREAT characters. I LOVE BRIAN FINCH. So glad he got the shot. Great T shirts like Joy Division. All the many references .. A GREAT SHOW. Keep all the writers and the same actors. KEEP GOING Sands is still alive!… Expand
  26. Numbus
    Sep 23, 2016
    9
    A show that absolutely is not getting the credit is deserves, definitely one of the better new shows that aired last year. Even though it had a bit of a slow start due to the premises that had to be explained first for those that didn't see the original Movie. It did manage to catch up in an uncaring way and continue on with the story line. I admit that the story plot wasn't extremely deepA show that absolutely is not getting the credit is deserves, definitely one of the better new shows that aired last year. Even though it had a bit of a slow start due to the premises that had to be explained first for those that didn't see the original Movie. It did manage to catch up in an uncaring way and continue on with the story line. I admit that the story plot wasn't extremely deep but did keep your interest enough. Mostly because it was subtle mix between the case basis and the background continues storyline that happened in the world around it. Yes there were also some plot holes and the likes, but nothing severe enough that really ruined watching this show.

    Great cast dynamic and dialogue, playful cinematic which were actually done well and fit each episode well. Good comedy scenes and doesn't take itself too serious at all, which I find fit well with the main character. I can only highly recommend this show and was also extremely sad to hear this was cancelled, Was truly looking forward to a second season.    … Expand
  27. Phali
    Oct 6, 2016
    10
    I don't understand why the reviews are so low. I love this tv show, it is one of my favorite. I like the style, more light and original. I hope the tv show will be reconduct.
  28. MrDadelus
    Nov 19, 2015
    10
    This is the best under-watched show on TV. The sense of humor about itself as a procedural crime drama and its ability to break the 4th wall are unmatched by anything on television today. This show is the high point of my viewing week.
  29. NikolayG
    Oct 22, 2015
    8
    I've started watching a few new shows, Fear the Walking Dead (junk), Minority Report (surprisingly, total crap), and Limitless (surprisingly good). Good writing, good acting. Solid. The only negative is that this character who is introduced a few episodes in, Sands, has such a heavy (cockney I think) accent that my wife and I had to turn on closed captioning to understand what he's saying.I've started watching a few new shows, Fear the Walking Dead (junk), Minority Report (surprisingly, total crap), and Limitless (surprisingly good). Good writing, good acting. Solid. The only negative is that this character who is introduced a few episodes in, Sands, has such a heavy (cockney I think) accent that my wife and I had to turn on closed captioning to understand what he's saying. It started when the main character walked into his house only to find Sands waiting for him. "How'd you get in here?" the protagonist says. Sands replies with a few syllables no one other than people residing within a few square blocks of his home town in England can understand. We rewound and listened four times, then decided we needed closed captioning. Turns out he was saying, "Four year old tech." Who would have guessed? It sounded like "Foyatch." Or perhaps he speaks with an Oxford accent in real life and he's faking another accent for the show. Whatever it is, it takes the show down a notch to annoying. Otherwise, solid interesting show so far.… Expand
  30. Emeukal
    Oct 21, 2015
    9
    An excellent re-adaptation of the also very good film. The show is very engaging, witty and imaginative with a very dark sub-plot that involves Senator Edward Morra played by Bradley Cooper. Couldn't have asked for something better to keep me going through the next few months. Now, where's my NZT?
  31. tmoody14
    Oct 27, 2015
    9
    This show has been interesting so far. Hope the show continues!
    Didn't realize that i wanted a tv show based upon the movie, until i saw it. Anxiously waiting for new episodes now lol.
  32. kate1991
    Apr 21, 2016
    10
    the show is great,, fresh and is getting better n better,. it needs a chance for renewal..definitely.. looking forward for next season.. it is just the beginning..
    it needs to clear out more about Morra, Sands and their motives ..Piper for e.g..and the murder of her bf.. surely there are the twists that make the show go on and wanting to watch.. n it should probably add other stories    the show is great,, fresh and is getting better n better,. it needs a chance for renewal..definitely.. looking forward for next season.. it is just the beginning..
    it needs to clear out more about Morra, Sands and their motives ..Piper for e.g..and the murder of her bf.. surely there are the twists that make the show go on and wanting to watch.. n it should probably add other stories beside crime n punishment. . not totally great but,.. far better than teen-dramas on tv these days that have nothing to offer ....and.. had a good head start,, so 10/10.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
44
#44 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. The Salt Lake Tribune
    Reviewed by: Scott D. Pierce
    Sep 25, 2015
    50
    It's hard to judge where Limitless is going based on the premiere, which takes the hour setting up the premise. But CBS has had so much success with procedural crime dramas, don't discount the possibility that this one could turn into the latest in a long line of hits.
    Read full review
  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Sep 25, 2015
    40
    Like many CBS dramas, Limitless is made with aggressive competence.... But there’s a depressing lack of originality to Limitless, which quickly positions itself as a dull cop show despite its wackier sci-fi origins.
    Read full review
  3. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Mitchel Broussard
    Sep 23, 2015
    70
    Although we’re far from seeing how well this will all play out, there’s enough mystery laid down--who created NZT? How does Rebecca’s dad play into this? Can Bradley Cooper stick around, please?--that the future of the show has true potential, perhaps the most of any drama series so far this season.
    Read full review
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