MacGyver (2016)

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 23, 2016
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
4.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 146 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 146
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 146
  3. Negative: 80 out of 146
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User Reviews

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  1. PeteyFlip
    Oct 7, 2016
    10
    Obviously not as good as the old ones. But I think it's really good. You can't go into it expecting the old school. I think the actors are doing a good job. I hope it lasts. People are giving really bad reviews, but sometimes it takes a little while for the writers to figure out what to do with it. If they created the exact same show over again people would be pissed, so they have toObviously not as good as the old ones. But I think it's really good. You can't go into it expecting the old school. I think the actors are doing a good job. I hope it lasts. People are giving really bad reviews, but sometimes it takes a little while for the writers to figure out what to do with it. If they created the exact same show over again people would be pissed, so they have to go in a different direction. I think given a little bit of time, they'll find the direction and make something pretty phenomenal. Let's hope it lasts long enough.… Expand
  2. NETMUSIC
    Apr 7, 2019
    10
    Fantastic show. Love it. Don't understand all the hate from critics! Highly recommend
  3. bangieb3930
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    Good show. Not the same as the older series MacGyver a little disappointed but still good. Could be a little more action and less story lines. Center on cases and not personal life keep the action going. But for the first episode I enjoyed it.
  4. asheese
    Nov 7, 2016
    10
    I like the new reboot of MacGyver and don't understand why other people have to hate. I hope the show continues for a long time. Can't wait to see how the season goes.
  5. michaelvanv
    Nov 13, 2016
    10
    We learned of the original MacGyver at Boy Scout STEM Camp in 2015. We watched the first and second seasons over the past year. When we learned of the new series we were excited.
    It has delivered!
    The original show was good for its ingenuity in being able to overcome. And for its adherence to good values. The new show holds true to the good values. While there are guns in the    We learned of the original MacGyver at Boy Scout STEM Camp in 2015. We watched the first and second seasons over the past year. When we learned of the new series we were excited.
    It has delivered!

    The original show was good for its ingenuity in being able to overcome. And for its adherence to good values.
    The new show holds true to the good values.

    While there are guns in the current series, used defensively by Jack Dalton and Patricia Thornton, the show is realistic in the real world we live in.

    Our family of four watches every week, sometimes Friday night, sometimes another weekend time - but we watch each weekend. Great show! MacGyver 2016 expands nicely to today's world while staying true to original show and "Boy Scout" Mac. Great cast... great stories (sure, some require allowing for precise actions the may not be completely realistic... still reasonable), great show. Thanks CBS! Keep up the great shows!    … Expand
  6. DeStruckShin
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think people are putting quite strict guidelines of how MacGyver should be handled. The ABC show series can put quite the bar for those who watched the older series and compared that to the modern update of MacGyver.

    Personally, I’ve seen the episode of MacGyver ABC series, and the first scene didn’t have much of a commentary. While MacGyver (ABC Series) is dismantling a rocket, there’s no explanation of how he does this; plot hole right there. However, while the new MacGyver is doing commentaries similarly to Michael Weston’s “Burn Notice”, the sense of realism is what helps people understand what’s going on. The materials one needs to break out of prison from radio batteries, toilet water, and other material is ingenious and unconventional (Season 1, Episode 7).

    Yes, I agree stealing the big, bulky radio battery was quite noticeable and could’ve easily get MacGyver caught, but the main thing about MacGyver that separates the rest of the ‘secret agents’ do’s and don’ts is the fact he gets out unconventionally.

    Also please also take into account that most 18-49-year-olds either are in college or working, so of course, MacGyver’s first season ratings is going to be horrible especially since it’s watched by people who have watched the ABC series before and liked THAT version. Those people have accumulated a bias towards this new version.    … Expand
  7. ShutterbugMomTN
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    I am surprised how many people dislike this show. We started recording it because my husband and I were/are fans of the original series, so of course, we wanted to see the reboot. We did not start watching it until a couple weeks ago and we really enjoy it as do our 10 and 15 year old sons. They prefer the new version due to the new technology. The characters are great -- we reallyI am surprised how many people dislike this show. We started recording it because my husband and I were/are fans of the original series, so of course, we wanted to see the reboot. We did not start watching it until a couple weeks ago and we really enjoy it as do our 10 and 15 year old sons. They prefer the new version due to the new technology. The characters are great -- we really like Lucas Till as the new MacGyver and honestly, I think the Jack Dalton character is much stronger in this version. It is really fun to watch MacGyver as part of a team. We've watched all 17 episodes within the last couple of weeks and look forward to the rest of the season.… Expand
  8. willemien
    Mar 7, 2018
    10
    Its a great show. PLEASE GIVE IT A CHANGE.
    Sometimes you need to have faith. Great actors
  9. SmileyMiley14
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    I actually really love this show, even though I wasn't a huge fan of the original MacGyver. Love the banter between the characters, especially between Mac and Jack, and love how it's not overly serious. It's just a really light-hearted show that's fun and witty and really brightens my miserable days! Boo to all the critics, 10/10 would watch again and I hope it'll continue for another few seasons.
  10. zod50
    Oct 13, 2016
    9
    MacGyver 2016 is a great tv show I like and love everything in this new show and I really don't understand why people don't like it and because of this people there is small chance of season 2. I would also love to see Richard Dean Anderson as guest star as I also watched old Macgyver.
  11. Treestumpwitch
    Nov 12, 2016
    9
    This show improves each episode. The things that initially irritated me have gradually disappeared, leaving behind an adventure show I can actually enjoy. The characters and major story arcs are starting to develop paving the way for recurring characters and intrigue. It's true that there's nothing new under the sun, but I will continue to watch because it's entertaining.
  12. CheekyKitsune
    Feb 8, 2017
    9
    Pleasant, sexy and enjoyable, as well as very clean. Not Academy-Award winning stuff, but very fun and light. A relief in my opinion from all the cold, hard, bitter chic of TV today. I'd rather watch Mac then easily half (or more) of what's on these days. Lucas Till is both relatable, enjoyable and funny as the lead, his chemistry with George Eads is smart assed and funny and the rest ofPleasant, sexy and enjoyable, as well as very clean. Not Academy-Award winning stuff, but very fun and light. A relief in my opinion from all the cold, hard, bitter chic of TV today. I'd rather watch Mac then easily half (or more) of what's on these days. Lucas Till is both relatable, enjoyable and funny as the lead, his chemistry with George Eads is smart assed and funny and the rest of the supporting cast adds to the story without turning trite or flat. It's not Agents of SHIELD or Arrow, but in many ways I enjoy it all the more for that fact. Am really sick of people beating on people like me who have the nerve to actually like the show, instead of turning my nose up at it for not catering to 'artiste' sensibilities, or purists. This is not the original MacGyver and it isn't trying to be. That being said, EVERYTHING that people are moaning and howling about this show . . . was said about the original MacGyver when it premiered around 1985. RDA was blandly handsome, square-jawed, too improbable as a science guy. Too Hollywood. After all, the guy worked on soap operas before this, for chrissake. The stories were too pat, too easily resolved in the time given. The CGI was nothing and the stakes were too over-the-top for the 'serious' TV authorities to believe. Peons were dismissed. Guess what? We were the fans back then who turned the series into a hit. And we'll do it again.… Expand
  13. hornysoul
    Sep 21, 2018
    8
    Eu gosto muito do reboot de "MacGyver" e não consigo entender o ódio de muitas pessoas. Destaco o talento de Lucas Till e espero que a série se prolongue. Mal posso esperar para ver a terceira temporada (já vi as duas).
  14. blackcowboy
    Sep 26, 2016
    7
    This is ok series to see if you have some space time in your week, but not as a must see series. Big fan of the Old MacGyver series and I hope that this serie gets better, but still I like what I see
  15. hawkeye766
    Sep 28, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'd like to say some good things about this show, but My mind is just blanking right now. The acting is pretty bad, but I suppose it isn't really the actors' faults because the script is even worse. The show tries to be slick with little blurbs that pop up, showing us what something is, or what it's made of, but never really explains why Mac doesn't just do things the easy way. The plot is hindered by his jerry-rigging of obstacles like a fingerprint scanner, when there are many many obvious tools that the U.S. government has at its disposal that Mac could easily use without compromising his morality.
    This has to be the worst reboot I've ever seen. It capitalizes on the name, and really has nothing to offer. this isn't even mindless fun or nostalgia, which often makes for tolerable reboots. This is just bad.    … Expand
  16. Iambubs
    Dec 10, 2016
    6
    In general I was not too excited about the lead role, but I was able to get used to him and I do like the other characters. I have one thing which the writers should address.........
    The word Calvary is being used in episode 10 twice instead of cavalry!
    Calvary refers to where Jesus died on the cross!!!
    Cavalry refers to reinforcements coming!!!
  17. mactally
    Apr 16, 2017
    5
    I so wanted to like this show. I did give it a 15 episode try but gave up as it seemed to get worse instead of better. I am one to give new shows a LOT of time but not that much. I could care less about the characters and that is not what I wanted.
  18. tabuu9
    Sep 24, 2016
    4
    MacGyver has gone from a memorable show grounded in real science to a Glammed-up reboot with shaky-cam, terrible acting and CGI, and laughable moments (like stopping bullets with a "12-gauge" steel catering plate, then diving behind a couch (and NOT being torn to shreds).
  19. Suzeque
    Oct 8, 2016
    4
    They need to go back to the original premise of helping regular people who have a serious problem and no one to turn to. And quit trying to be funny all the time.
  20. eagleeyeviking
    Oct 1, 2016
    3
    Unlike the pheonix, the breezily paced MacGyver (2016) stays in the ashes, with bland characters, episode plots that are too similar to procedurals, underwhelming CGI and over-the top stakes.
  21. connor1982
    Oct 3, 2016
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I give this show a 2 instead of 0 because it does have a good premise. The acting is weak, but could get better. The action, well, I guess I can say it is also weak. I've only seen the first two episodes and in those two episodes you have a bad guy on fast motorcycle getting passed by good guy truck that is off-road which proceeds to try to block the motorcycle by stopping in the road directly behind some strangely fallen tree branches and trunks that make a convenient ramp for it to jump the truck. I could go on but it is much the same. I don't expect this to go far.… Expand
  22. debspier
    Oct 21, 2016
    2
    The fun of the original show was it's unique character, MacGyver. The guy had an almost superhuman ability to use every day items to create high impact solutions. This new show is exactly like every other procedural on TV: 1. another team of folks in some special covert government agency (there must be a zillion of them) with no clear overall purpose 2. the team has the techie, theThe fun of the original show was it's unique character, MacGyver. The guy had an almost superhuman ability to use every day items to create high impact solutions. This new show is exactly like every other procedural on TV: 1. another team of folks in some special covert government agency (there must be a zillion of them) with no clear overall purpose 2. the team has the techie, the special ops guy, the understanding boss who lets them do whatever they want and MacGyver. Not sure what MacGyver is supposed to bring to the table here. His ability to transform every day items is limited, mundane and not used very often. The chases, explosions and systems tech take over the show. The plot and script of each episode could easily be interchanged with that of a dozen other shows . A major disappoinment. Watch reruns of the original show -it's more entertaining.… Expand
  23. Bmanne
    Oct 29, 2016
    2
    Some reooted shows work and some don't, this does not. To capture the greatness of the original, a new story line is needed, not just rehash the old ones.
  24. FleshWorld
    Oct 2, 2016
    1
    No, no no. I had to give up after the first episode. Has nothing going for it at all. I'm a little embarrassed that the lead actor took this gig. Oh boy.
  25. Mitchzap65
    Sep 26, 2016
    1
    Honestly, screw this reboot. Even the original show practically died about half-way through, why would anyone think that a reboot was what the MacGyver needed? I cannot say for sure.
  26. suzgeld
    Sep 24, 2016
    1
    Never saw the original series. The MacGyver character is pompous, arrogant and totally unwatchable. The original plot was watchable. However the Jack Dalton (George Eads) character was interesting, sincere and well acted. The two supporting female actors were good. I don't think I can watch another episode as long as the leading role is so poor.
  27. lfhlaw
    Oct 3, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I watched the original series of Macgyver and this has nothing on it. I have an open mind and i tried to watch it, but it seems to have such low redeeming values IMO. First, the captions/explanations are stupid and from the 2 episodes they explain stuff to me like I'm a dolt. in the 2nd episode, he's making explosives? that was not the Original Macgyver. Having Jack Dalton being his best friend with a Gun? Ugly....now the new generation may eat it up, but I'm hoping that it gets cancelled soon and they just decide to burn off the episodes. I don't think i could tolerate this iteration getting more than one season. Also why in every episode does he have to say his full name- -"Hi I'm Angus Macgyver" look me up please? Angus Macgyver? in the old series he didn't like his first name which why he used Macgyver.… Expand
  28. MirageMyst
    Oct 8, 2016
    1
    Was hopeful as I loved the original series, was disappointed. Acting was sub-pr (even by the known seasoned actors), voice over dialog in background walking the audience through everything was completely unnecessary and annoying. Main character is completely unbelievable as a heartthrob with above average intelligence (well at least someone from my generations opinion), by telling us "how"Was hopeful as I loved the original series, was disappointed. Acting was sub-pr (even by the known seasoned actors), voice over dialog in background walking the audience through everything was completely unnecessary and annoying. Main character is completely unbelievable as a heartthrob with above average intelligence (well at least someone from my generations opinion), by telling us "how" every single thing was done and even having writing on the screen came across as patronizing and took away all the fun. Don't think the original MacGyver would be doing the James Bond impression either. Even if I didn't compare to the old, I wouldn't watch this tv show...deleted off the dvr!… Expand
  29. GeoThermal
    Jan 12, 2018
    1
    This show strains credulity with every episode, from ridiculous scenarios to even more ridiculous resolutions. I like good fantasy as much as the next guy, but this is not good fantasy. It's ludicrous.
  30. CaspianRoach
    Feb 20, 2020
    1
    This show is insane. It's like watching a parody of the 'generic midday action TV series', except they don't play it for laughs, but expect you to take it seriously. The plots and problem solutions are asinine and insanely cheesy and the pilot episode managed to contain itself for 30 seconds before reducing a main female character to a sex object and then proceeded to marvel at itsThis show is insane. It's like watching a parody of the 'generic midday action TV series', except they don't play it for laughs, but expect you to take it seriously. The plots and problem solutions are asinine and insanely cheesy and the pilot episode managed to contain itself for 30 seconds before reducing a main female character to a sex object and then proceeded to marvel at its ingenuinity by making her a damsel in distress. I honestly had to double check when was this made as this attitude feels like something from the 80s. And it's not like the other characters are any better, they feel like cheap comic book characters without a shred of a unique personality.

    It's probably worth to watch an episode or two just to witness the audacity of this show. I guarantee you'll be laughing at the stupidity of it all and you won't believe the character work. I swear I said 'they did what?' watching the pilot episode at least three times in regards to the most blatant genericness of the characters.

    You can probably build this show in full by combining TvTropes pages together without adding a single original thing, that's how generic it is.

    Edit: After watching the whole first season, I would like to add that as soon as you encounter an area in that show you know something about, you realise that this is not how ANY of this works. It's like the writers have used zero consultants and just **** their way through it all. You'll be constantly astonished at the stupidity of the things happening on screen. Computer science, chemistry, even basic physics all take a break because a writer needed something to happen. And it doesn't just stop at the sciences. The people depicted in the show also behave like complete morons unable to do their jobs because the writers couldn't figure out a different way to move the plot forward.

    You should only really be watching this show as a screen filler, something playing in a background to mildly distract you from a monotone task. It doesn't deserve your full attention.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
70
#70 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
38

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 26
  3. Negative: 13 out of 26
  1. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Bernard Boo
    Sep 26, 2016
    30
    The cues are clunky and don’t add much insight into the mind of our hero, and the sense of suspense the original was known for (typically involving an explosive of some sort) is all but missing here, mostly due to the fact that the show insists on maintaining a zippy pace at all times. This is a major issue, but the show’s woes don’t end there. The more critical question of cast chemistry is ultimately what sinks the ill-conceived reboot, with Till struggling to find an easy rapport with his onscreen partners.
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  2. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Sep 23, 2016
    50
    MacGyver isn't going to set prime time on fire. But it's watchable enough, and it seems like a good Friday night fit with CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" and "Blue Bloods."
    Read full review
  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Mark Peikert
    Sep 23, 2016
    30
    Comfort food television is a necessary and worthwhile product, but MacGyver is so bland it’s not even fun for a Friday night in.
    Read full review
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