Manhattan

:

Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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Critic Reviews

  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jul 27, 2014
    60
    Manhattan certainly isn’t a bomb creatively speaking, nor is it yet the bomb, in latter-day vernacular. And perhaps appropriately, as admirable as some of its elements are, what’s missing in the opening hours is the elusive spark necessary to make them genuinely pop.
  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Jul 27, 2014
    50
    From the writing to the performances to some overly artistic visuals and camera cuts, the first episode could not be more crammed with self-seriousness if it tried.... Some strong performances peek through anyhow, especially from Manhattan’s star, John Benjamin Hickey.
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    Jul 27, 2014
    50
    Manhattan is awfully overwrought, stocked with personalities as volatile as the radioactive isotopes they're trying to tame. Its melodramatic tone makes it resemble Lifetime's Army Wives more than it does A Beautiful Mind.

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best TV Season of 2014
62
#62 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
54
#54 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 99
  3. Negative: 11 out of 99
  1. EludiumQ36
    Aug 3, 2014
    3
    Sorry, I can't recommend this show except to chicks because it has much more in common with a show like "Army Wives". There are so manySorry, I can't recommend this show except to chicks because it has much more in common with a show like "Army Wives". There are so many problems with this show, the latter being just one: it starts in 1943 so the setting is one in which your father or grandfather grew up, and it's not at all colorful; in fact, they might as well filmed this in black-and-white because the muted grays and browns are just as bad. Next, the story starts after the project has begun, so there's no exposition of the Manhattan Project at all; in fact, the characters aren't even really named. That means this show is going to lean heavily on flashbacks which just adds to confusion, especially at the outset. It's also leaning heavily on family relationships which is more distracting and FF bait. I was hoping the show would focus more on the science, the policy and ethical debates but instead we're getting splashes of Army Wives and Mad Men's misogyny. Deleted and removed from DVR's timer.… Full Review »
  2. jgrimmster
    Aug 13, 2014
    10
    Manhattan is easily one of, if not the, best new dramas out. The characters have depth. The acting is superb and the cinematography is great.Manhattan is easily one of, if not the, best new dramas out. The characters have depth. The acting is superb and the cinematography is great. It also revolves around one of the most captivating secret projects in the history of the United States of America. I highly recommend the show.… Full Review »
  3. DiscoTex
    Oct 13, 2014
    5
    This show started out pretty strong and has a great premise that's rich with story possibilities: science drama, a race against time to winThis show started out pretty strong and has a great premise that's rich with story possibilities: science drama, a race against time to win WW2 and beat the Nazis, spies, secrecy, politics, isolated living, etc. All of those themes have appeared, but there is just as much or more emphasis on adultery, secret lesbianism, angst, and career sabotage.
    I understand that these can be dramatic and interesting subjects, too, but the writers have taken these stories way beyond believable to the point of eye-roll inducing silliness.    … Full Review »
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