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. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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!!
  13. 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!
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. MythicRare
    Sep 22, 2015
    4
    Although the concept is alright, the writing for the show is a bit lacking (specifically the dialogue, some of it which is cringe-worthy), and some of the casting choices weren't very well thought out. Past the beginning, though, there isn't much worth watching here, as the show does little to expand upon the framework laid down by the movie, and the fact that later episodes will work in aAlthough the concept is alright, the writing for the show is a bit lacking (specifically the dialogue, some of it which is cringe-worthy), and some of the casting choices weren't very well thought out. Past the beginning, though, there isn't much worth watching here, as the show does little to expand upon the framework laid down by the movie, and the fact that later episodes will work in a way that is basically just a glorified buddy cop movie (Man who can unlock his potential with a superdrug, paired with a female FBI agent with a tragic past!) didn't really help this show stand out. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Bgrod
    Sep 24, 2015
    0
    The pilot was better than expected but since my expectations were so, so low this was nothing special, feeling more typical CBS cop drama. I don't feel compelled to return since my patience isn't limitless.
  27. kuhnsm730
    Oct 8, 2015
    1
    This seems like a takeoff from the movie Lucy. I know I should watch the show before I judge. But I have never been too keen on non original tv shows that are takeoffs
  28. Proemed
    Sep 24, 2015
    3
    Bland obvious writing, stuff where the story line is obvious, no surprises or need to think or listen, just gay eye candy, and weak attempts at humor. Its a 3 because Limitless does not seem offensive or shocking or bad kids to watch, which plays along well with it just being plain ole boring and easy to ignore.
  29. 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
  30. Knighthawk81
    Sep 23, 2015
    6
    Adaptations of movies are tricky, and in some ways "Limitless" falls into that trap. It has to do a lot to build the concept and world, then makes a hard pivot and introduces Bradley Cooper reprising his role from the film. I wasn't wild about the original film, but I think this series could be more interesting. That being said, it will certainly fall into the familiar trap of case of theAdaptations of movies are tricky, and in some ways "Limitless" falls into that trap. It has to do a lot to build the concept and world, then makes a hard pivot and introduces Bradley Cooper reprising his role from the film. I wasn't wild about the original film, but I think this series could be more interesting. That being said, it will certainly fall into the familiar trap of case of the week action. That's not a bad thing, but it's not the most original concept. That said, I liked the cast and was pleasantly surprised with the pilot.… Expand
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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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