User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 62
  2. Negative: 11 out of 62

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User Reviews

  1. Apr 15, 2016
    0
    At first I thought this series was going to be funny because of all the cast members and I was sort of hooked, but then, as the episodes continued, to me, it got really stupid!
  2. May 27, 2016
    0
    What a waste of talent and location. Suspense in episode 1 descends into repetitive and frankly boring farce.An utterly risible plot or lack of it. A real disappointment after Netflix other triumphs like House of Cards
  3. Jan 6, 2017
    5
    The ongoing theme is a simple one. Anything that can go wrong, does go wrong. It's one giant cluster f***.

    Still, the acting is good, and I watched every episode, hoping it would get better, but it never did. Hard to believe they were able to stretch this story out to ten episodes. After watching all of them, I feel like I've been duped as much as the main four main characters in Mad
    The ongoing theme is a simple one. Anything that can go wrong, does go wrong. It's one giant cluster f***.

    Still, the acting is good, and I watched every episode, hoping it would get better, but it never did.

    Hard to believe they were able to stretch this story out to ten episodes. After watching all of them, I feel like I've been duped as much as the main four main characters in Mad Dogs have.

    I'm guessing they'll find a way to stretch out the shenanigans for another season.
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  4. Mar 23, 2017
    1
    No plot. Unlike able characters. Poorly edited. Good news is there's no second season. its a hot jumbled mess, propelled by continual acts of stupidity on the part of the main characters. It's like the unfunny parts of Monty Python had sex with the boring parts of Twin Peaks and the had a Frankenstein baby called Mad Dogs.
  5. Jan 27, 2016
    10
    EXCELLENT show. I stumbled upon it, and I am so glad I did. The writing, the characterization, all of it came together in a really well written story. Twists and turns. Expect the unexpected with this one. A total ten!!!
  6. Jan 27, 2016
    10
    Watched all 10 episodes back to back. I'm a huge fan of both Bloodline and Shameless... have to say, Mad Dogs has some of the same plotting/character development... for me, it's the perfect combination of the two. Really holds your interest because you cant expect what kind of crazy crap was gonna happen to them next . Praying for a season 2!
  7. Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Edge of your seat intrigue, best dark humor out there. Great idea, great acting, Beautiful location. Impressive how they can came out with such unexpected twist and turns. You Have to watch Mad Dogs!!!
  8. Jan 28, 2016
    10
    Exciting,fast-paced show that keeps you wanting more. There is a love/hate relationship for the characters . There is drama,suspense,silliness,and comedy. You have to watch carefully or you miss some great lines. Superb writing! Can't wait for season 2
  9. Jan 25, 2016
    6
    This series has a good cast and an interesting concept. I mildly enjoyed the pilot episode. But here's the thing, this is an idea best served by a two-hour movie, not a 10-hour series that might get another 10 hours, and another after that. After two episodes, I feel like I'm good and don't need to see any more.
  10. Jan 27, 2016
    10
    I'm always the guy people ask for recommendations for new/cool tv shows and movies. Mad Dogs is my latest find! All four of my roommates and I loved it and watched all 10 episodes in one weekend! Couldn't turn it off. Can't wait for the second season. Have no idea where they are going to go with it. and I LOVE THAT. Amazon is starting to stack up a bunch of cool original shows.
  11. Jan 25, 2016
    9
    I watched the pilot and I wasn't sure I was going to continue. I like the whole 'guys in way over their heads' premise but the guys in question were a bunch of jerks for the most part and it was hard to care about their fate. But as the season unfolded I can see that that's the point. Their flaws and their ability to overcome them (or not) is what drives the series along as they're testedI watched the pilot and I wasn't sure I was going to continue. I like the whole 'guys in way over their heads' premise but the guys in question were a bunch of jerks for the most part and it was hard to care about their fate. But as the season unfolded I can see that that's the point. Their flaws and their ability to overcome them (or not) is what drives the series along as they're tested again and again. I haven't watched the finale yet but I really hope this show survives for another year, although at this point it's hard to imagine how that could happen plot-wise.

    I just wanted to write this for people who watched the pilot and were still sitting on the fence.
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  12. Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Wow! Amazing scenery aside, amazing storyline, amazing acting and very clever. I've seen critics against the guys decisions, but boy I would love to see what those critics would do in the same situation. You can see how easy it is to be smart,blunt and fearless... from your comfy sofa. This series is great man, and made me feel I was there with them. Hat off Amazon.
  13. Jan 27, 2016
    10
    Great show! Love the mix of comedy and drama and the amazing cast handles both really well! The writing is really strong and the twists keep coming all the way to end. Definitely finishes on the best episode of the season too! Hope to see more next year!
  14. Jan 27, 2016
    10
    Truly TRULY one of the most intriguing shows I've ever come across. From casting, to plotting, to pacing... these four are a total clusterf_k of a group of friends. Yet, if you think about how you'd react in a similar situation... I bet you'd react the same way. Seriously. Check it out, and if the shock and awe hasn't hit you by the end of the pilot, then the tone is not for you. ButTruly TRULY one of the most intriguing shows I've ever come across. From casting, to plotting, to pacing... these four are a total clusterf_k of a group of friends. Yet, if you think about how you'd react in a similar situation... I bet you'd react the same way. Seriously. Check it out, and if the shock and awe hasn't hit you by the end of the pilot, then the tone is not for you. But for the rest of you... JUMP IN. the water's warm in Belize... Expand
  15. Jan 27, 2016
    10
    I thought this was going to be a fun comedy...It is incredibly dark and interesting. You never know what any character is capable of. What a great surprise! Dark comedy and psychological thriller! Ben Chapln is brilliant as usual. Michael Imperioli and Steve Zahn are so talented! Great show!!!
  16. Jan 29, 2016
    10
    AMAZING SHOW!!!!! Extremely well done from the writing to the location and everything in between!! CANNOT wait for Season 2!!!!

    Edge of your seat excitement with subtle funny moments that humanize the characters. The gorgeous backdrop of "Belize" (really Puerto Rico) make this show aesthetically pleasing. While trying to keep up with what is going on and why, the show also is written in
    AMAZING SHOW!!!!! Extremely well done from the writing to the location and everything in between!! CANNOT wait for Season 2!!!!

    Edge of your seat excitement with subtle funny moments that humanize the characters. The gorgeous backdrop of "Belize" (really Puerto Rico) make this show aesthetically pleasing. While trying to keep up with what is going on and why, the show also is written in such a way that you can't wait to watch the next episode to also find out the mysteries of each of their pasts. Every single episode left me gasping and saying out loud OMG WHAT?!?!? and could not wait to get to the next episode.

    By far my favorite episode was #9 - the little details and funny quips were on point, and the big surprise was not far fetched but tied together perfectly. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND!!! Please let there be a second season, not many shows out there like this one!!!!!!!
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  17. Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Interesting show. I can't say the same for this website. Started out of the gates fast with the pilot and moved quickly with only a few moments of slow down. Each episode left you with how are the going to get out of this, kinda like Dexter and Homeland. How will Dexter work his way out of this or what is Carrie going to do about Quinn. But did enjoy it with some comedy, a little sex,Interesting show. I can't say the same for this website. Started out of the gates fast with the pilot and moved quickly with only a few moments of slow down. Each episode left you with how are the going to get out of this, kinda like Dexter and Homeland. How will Dexter work his way out of this or what is Carrie going to do about Quinn. But did enjoy it with some comedy, a little sex, stupidity and drama. Molly from Fargo was perfect fit for her character. The season has an open ending that could go anywhere. Just a fun show and that is what it is, a show. I recommend and will watch the next season. Expand
  18. Feb 14, 2017
    10
    This series is truly a diamond in the rough. Having never heard of it before I stumbled across it while searching for a show similar to Fortitude. While it’s not really similar to Fortitude - it does have similar qualities in that the acting is superb, the cinematography is excellent and the location makes for stunning visuals. While I don’t want to spoil the story - the premise reallyThis series is truly a diamond in the rough. Having never heard of it before I stumbled across it while searching for a show similar to Fortitude. While it’s not really similar to Fortitude - it does have similar qualities in that the acting is superb, the cinematography is excellent and the location makes for stunning visuals. While I don’t want to spoil the story - the premise really hangs on the old saying - if its too good to be true - it usually is. Billy Zane is living the high life in Belize and invites his old gang of friends down for a visit/vacation. During the visit - an unexpected guest appears and the story takes a turn for the worst. The plot eventually thickens - the issues faced by these 4 guys just keep growing and the vacation quickly turns into a story of survival. Expand
  19. Feb 4, 2016
    9
    It won us over! We want more! I don't like to be frightened or particularly enjoy watching crime genre, but I somehow related to these guys on vacation The acting and the storytelling reeled me in. About half way through the series my husband put down his game controller and watched it with me. WIN!!!
  20. Feb 3, 2018
    7
    Mad Dogs was given a single season before Amazon decided to not renew. While I did like the show, it is probably for the best.

    A pretty dark comedy that is following 4 forty-somethings who go down to Belize for a reunion that evolves into a nightmare of lies, deception, and murder. Based on a British show of the same name. Overall the people were pretty good in it, Billy Zane (of a
    Mad Dogs was given a single season before Amazon decided to not renew. While I did like the show, it is probably for the best.

    A pretty dark comedy that is following 4 forty-somethings who go down to Belize for a reunion that evolves into a nightmare of lies, deception, and murder. Based on a British show of the same name.

    Overall the people were pretty good in it, Billy Zane (of a dozen movies including The Phantom) and Michael Imperioli (of Sopranos) were the ones I specifically recognized and were my favorite characters in the show.

    It was an entertaining show, each of the ten episodes they would make the absolute worst choice, people would die, strange people would wander into the show (one example, a little person dressed in a cat mask). Unlike a lot of other shows like this, it didn’t let itself get too dark either.

    The biggest problem was ten episodes was too long for the situation. The original British show (which I hear one of the other actors in this Mad Dogs played the Billy Zane part in the original) was four episodes the first season (and two additional seasons for a total of 10). Meaning this season was two and a half times longer then the British first season and had too much filler.

    Pros: Funny and surprising regularly with decent acting.

    Cons: The material isn’t enough for ten episodes, they should have cut it down a bit.

    Maybe I will try the British version now.
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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jan 25, 2016
    70
    Mad Dogs, in other words, is trying something that's really complicated and ambitious and failing as often as it's succeeding. But in my book, you get at least a few points for effort. It might not be great television, but at least it's not content to do the same thing everybody else is.
  2. Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jan 22, 2016
    50
    It doesn’t really work out well enough as a concoction, unfortunately, as characters continuously choose one bad option after another, further complicating their already troubling situation and thus creating more pandemonium.
  3. Reviewed by: Heidi Patalano
    Jan 22, 2016
    60
    It’s frustrating to watch these four men fumble every opportunity to straighten out the mess they descend ever deeper into.... But it’s worth giving Mad Dogs a chance to prove itself to the end of season one. If the action ramps up and the bickering dies down, these dogs could have a few more miles in them.