Monk

:

Season 1
  • Network: USA
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 12, 2002
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

  1. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    Jun 25, 2013
    60
    Shalhoub, who's a producer on the show, stamps his character with a wonderful mix of poignancy and humor. [7 July 2002, p.4]
    All this critic's reviews
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Scott Sandell
    Jun 25, 2013
    60
    Despite very likable characters, deft acting and the psychological twist, the rest of Monk appears to be pretty standard issue. [12 July 2002, p.34]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jun 25, 2013
    50
    The script is a little too silly and lighthearted for its own good, undermining its cleverness with absurd plot twists. [11 July 2012, p.D1]
    All this critic's reviews
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Phil Rosenthal
    Jun 24, 2013
    50
    Neither smart nor witty enough to sustain itself. Ted Levine and Bitty Schram are no help in by-the-numbers roles as the crusty cop who doesn't want to give Monk his due and the nurse-turned-Girl Friday, respectively. [12 July 2002, p.39]
    All this critic's reviews

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best TV Season of 2002
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2002
4
#4 Most Shared TV Season of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 53
  3. Negative: 4 out of 53
  1. shineonsunfish
    Nov 29, 2012
    3
    I kind of really hate this show. The detective drama is so overdone that you really need to do something different - apparently the creatorsI kind of really hate this show. The detective drama is so overdone that you really need to do something different - apparently the creators of Monk felt like there was a real gap in mocking mental disorders, and so this show was born. Tony Shaloub does a great job as the title character, actually - he portrays his OCD as a mental disability blown out of proportion by the tragedy of his wifes death, leaving him incapacitated for years before finally returning to his work as a brilliant police detective. Unfortunately, Monk lives in a world where no one else has ever heard of OCD, so we are treated to a lot of insensitive jokes and "Whaaaat? You Crazy, Monk" moments that wear thin about 15 minutes into the first episode. This is also one of those mysteries that blow the surprise in the cold open, so we always know who the murderer is right as the show starts, which I find very annoying. As I have sat through 5 seasons of this, I think it is safe to say that is is rather unimaginative and insensitive, but has a pretty good cast that redeems it. A little.… Full Review »
  2. Film_Fanatic_15
    Nov 22, 2010
    10
    In the first season, you get to know one of the most interesting characters in TV history, Adrian Monk. Audienced will soon love to know hisIn the first season, you get to know one of the most interesting characters in TV history, Adrian Monk. Audienced will soon love to know his brilliance as a clever detective, and the ultimate case that it seems like he will never decode: finding the murder of his beloved wife Trudy. "Monk" is one of the best shows on cable.… Full Review »
  3. drlowdon
    Aug 17, 2023
    8
    When his wife is murdered, San Francisco Police Department detective Adrian Monk has a nervous breakdown and loses his job. A few years laterWhen his wife is murdered, San Francisco Police Department detective Adrian Monk has a nervous breakdown and loses his job. A few years later is finally able to leave his house and begins work as a private detective and a consultant for the police, although his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) poses challenges for him and those around him.

    Tony Shalhoub’s excellent lead performance and the shows sense of humour help to make the show more interesting than the vast majority of police procedurals even if the ‘case of the week’ nature can still be a little limiting.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »