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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Stream On
Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. Spleens
    Oct 26, 2017
    4
    The show has great promise, but it's lightheartedness is taken too far to the point of being cartoonish. The main character is typecasted as an art+craft stoner that thinks everything is a joke, and the shows maint content presumes the viewer is intellectually incompetent.
  2. JadR
    Jul 3, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Average with significant evidence of lazy writing, couldn't make it past the middle of Episode 3...I just really wanted this show to be good. The idea has so much potential. The whole Genghis Khan dominant trait plot direction is full of problems. If as mentioned 1/200 people share this trait, then 0.5% of the population that contracts this cold will have a stroke - logically a lot more than 3 people given the density of the urban setting. Second, and this may seem like nitpicking but this was the nail in the coffin for me, the red Porsche in the Garage (in Episode 2) is a 356C whose last year of manufacture was in 1965, when the 911 came out. It is neither a 911, nor a 1975 as stated rather clearly - all credibility was lost in an instant given the importance of that scene in uncovering Taurus - no Porsche Parts? What do you know about Porsche parts? Credibility lost. For a show heavily banking on intelligent writing, they need to find some intelligent writers and/or eradicate the obvious presence of Groupthink.… Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Not_a_Lemming
    Aug 16, 2016
    2
    The movie was very good. Not surprised that a series followed. But for a show about Limitless mind. The extremely limited quality on the writing by the what seems to be not too bright people makes the show a big turn off. It started alright , but the typical, lets make the good guys as smart as rocks could prevailed. The main character is suppose to be infinitely smart but turns out thatThe movie was very good. Not surprised that a series followed. But for a show about Limitless mind. The extremely limited quality on the writing by the what seems to be not too bright people makes the show a big turn off. It started alright , but the typical, lets make the good guys as smart as rocks could prevailed. The main character is suppose to be infinitely smart but turns out that he does something bummer than a 4 year old. It is obvious as the writers (which are huge in supporting all types of drug use) are not bright enough to come up with anything clever. Too many times the "problems" have easy enough solutions that 99% of the viewers (even when they are stoned). Example, when the protagonist decides to hide extra pills he hides it in one of the dumbest places. Wow, even people in a coma would thought of some place better. Except putting them in a bottle labeled PILLS, It was one of the dumbest places to hide anything. Does the pills average out the IQ when you are not in it?
    I tried watching this show but I can not temporarily kill or disable enough brain cells with alcohol to make this show watchable. Great premise, very good twist making him an FBI agent but unfortunately they will need to add actual smart people to the writing staff (or at least someone that is not extremely dumb).

    This show has one good thing. Know how to accurately rate my friends, family and other acquaintances smarts. The more they like the show the dumber they are. I give it a 2 which means I am a little dumb also. have I gave it a 0 then I would likely be a genius.    … Expand
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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??
  9. 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...?
  10. MR150
    May 12, 2016
    1
    This started as such an interesting premise but then it turned into a show with an eccentric but also goofy main character seeing Cartoon characters everywhere and constantly talking to himself while trying to solve cases and fight crime. No thank you! Not to mention how much of the focus shifted from Brian to Morra. Which is a shame, it really had potential!
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. tecmete
    Apr 4, 2016
    0
    The ultimate insult to a great movie.

    The guy who is supposed to be a genius is mostly an bumbling idiot. Largely adolescent nonsense. This series is the epitome of everything that is wrong with sci-fi today. I have never said this about any sci-fi series before, but I genuinely hope that this series gets cancelled; if only to preserve the reputation of the far superior movie.
  14. TheRealCriticCA
    Mar 16, 2016
    0
    It seems too constricted and too fake. Not a lot of thought was put into the show. May be a budget constraint? However, I've seen some amazing tv shows and movies with much more lower budgets. This limitless looks very limited, mentally. For example, reading 22 000 files in two hours, that means he read one file per .34 mili-seconds. Though we know that the human brain is more powerfulIt seems too constricted and too fake. Not a lot of thought was put into the show. May be a budget constraint? However, I've seen some amazing tv shows and movies with much more lower budgets. This limitless looks very limited, mentally. For example, reading 22 000 files in two hours, that means he read one file per .34 mili-seconds. Though we know that the human brain is more powerful than the most powerful computer today, the time it will take him to open a file physically will reduce his ability to do so. If he was to read a file per second, it would take around 6 hours. So thats debunked, they should have said maybe 10 000 employees. Not to mention the countless other flaws, such as the bullet in the leg scene, whereby the FBI mentions it without any prior knowledge. I give it 0 out of 10, just another weak uneducated FBI CRIME show for dropouts and losers. It also Doesn't click with the movies main character (the movie is and was 100 times better). Only the first episode is a decent watch. The rest is limited.… Expand
  15. 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!
  16. 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
  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. 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!
  19. 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.
  20. 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!!
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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?
  28. raavin
    Oct 19, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show had so much potential but seems to almost entirely fail in its delivery. There was an opportunity to go much deeper into character and story development than the movie could in a couple of hours and seems to have gone down the path of an episodic show with a crime and a solution rather than the intense serial drama it could have been. The first episode copies the movie too much in my opinion. In a reboot maybe this is OK but this the same universe and characters. In the movie we have a writer with writer's block who meets a friend from his past who is subsequently killed for his NZT stash. (SPOILER ALERT!!) In the first episode we have a musician who hasn't written a song in a year, who meets a successful friend from his past who is subsequently killed for his NXT stash. There are quite a few other nods, or just plain rip offs from the movie that are distracting at best. The idea that our star can hold a bank hostage, terrorising the customers for no apparent reason, then be asked to work for the FBI just seems crazy. It is schmaltz upon schmaltz. A Huuuuge disappointment. Sorry :(… Expand
  29. E71
    Oct 13, 2015
    1
    Started interesting, got my attention then as we watched more episodes, a few (negative) things became clear:
    - The show's turned into a generic cop show.
    - Token (totally miscast) limey thrown into the mix from Episode 3. - It's all become a little too cartoony... - So many plot holes. One minute he's smart on NZT, next minute he's dumb on NZT. I don't think I'll be able to make it    Started interesting, got my attention then as we watched more episodes, a few (negative) things became clear:
    - The show's turned into a generic cop show.
    - Token (totally miscast) limey thrown into the mix from Episode 3.
    - It's all become a little too cartoony...
    - So many plot holes. One minute he's smart on NZT, next minute he's dumb on NZT.

    I don't think I'll be able to make it through a whole season of this already-decaying show, which sucks because I really like actors Jennifer Carpenter and Hill Harper.    … Expand
  30. MushroomTip
    Oct 10, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a big fan of the movie, but the tv show doesn't do justice to it. The appeal of the movie for me was that a person can overcome any obstacle in their way and rise to great heights. After watching the first three episodes, Brian is very limited. As other reviewers have stated he misses the obvious (9pm date after NZT wears off, stoking suspicions in his father after owning his family in trivial pursuit, the surprise home visit from the nurse). Worst of all, at the end of the third episode he's now Colin Salmon's **** Things just seem to happen to Brian, he anticipates very little. He's also the FBI's **** since they control his NZT supply. How hard can it be to get NZT? Others who are far less intelligent are getting it. Wouldn't it be an easy matter to hack the FBI's network to locate their supplier and divert some? And on a side note, why can't he remember anything he learned after the NZT wears off? I can accept that he might forget most of it, but he literally goes back to being dumb as dirt. With Bradley Cooper's character we saw personal progression. I also don't like that they wrote him in as a class clown. This dude has the potential to run the FBI, not be their court jester. This show is basically iZombie with a pill instead of brains.… Expand
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »