My Name Is Earl

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 20, 2005
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 219 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 219
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 219
  3. Negative: 18 out of 219
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  1. bradens584
    Dec 19, 2020
    8
    It isn’t high comedy, but My Name is Earl will always get a laugh from me. But it’s the characters that really carry the show. Jason Lee as the titular character is great, along with his simpleton brother, Randy, Earl’s devious, but also nuanced, ex-wife, Joy and the maid at the motel Randy and Earl are staying at, Catalina. Highly recommended for any sitcom fan, I can’t wait to watch theIt isn’t high comedy, but My Name is Earl will always get a laugh from me. But it’s the characters that really carry the show. Jason Lee as the titular character is great, along with his simpleton brother, Randy, Earl’s devious, but also nuanced, ex-wife, Joy and the maid at the motel Randy and Earl are staying at, Catalina. Highly recommended for any sitcom fan, I can’t wait to watch the second season.… Expand
  2. drlowdon
    Aug 29, 2019
    9
    After Earl Hickey wins $100,000 on a scratch card, and then proceeds to be run over and lose said card, he realises that he is being punished by Kharma for all the things he has done wrong. Deciding that he will only be rewarded if he changes his behaviour he creates a list of all the ways in which he has wronged people and sets about trying to go back and fix them.

    From this simple    After Earl Hickey wins $100,000 on a scratch card, and then proceeds to be run over and lose said card, he realises that he is being punished by Kharma for all the things he has done wrong. Deciding that he will only be rewarded if he changes his behaviour he creates a list of all the ways in which he has wronged people and sets about trying to go back and fix them.

    From this simple set-up the writers are able to consistently devise absurd, and always brilliantly funny situations, for the protagonists throughout this first season. Jason Lee is great as Earl, managing to make us genuinely care about whether or not he can make up for his past misdeeds, and the supporting cast in his brother Randy, ex-wife Joy and Joy’s new husband Crabman are just as good.

    This is well worth a watch.    … Expand
  3. RainbowDenix
    Jun 8, 2016
    10
    This is not same old kind of thing, it may not please close minded viewers, but it is perfect for passionately curious mind to start a conversation on concept of karma: where there is a system of law for non physical world
  4. FilmVirtue
    Feb 15, 2014
    9
    Greg Garcia's comedic sitcom about a petty criminal attempting to make amends is both hilarious and original that now, years after It's abrupt ending, has you down on your hands and knees begging for more, for closure, for some sense of Idea on what happens at the very end.
  5. shineonsunfish
    Nov 29, 2012
    10
    I love shows that make me laugh and tear up a little in every episode. I am also a big fan of the positive comedy - humor that comes from characters and situations rather than references and sarcasm. With a great supporting cast and solid leads (not a fan of Catalina, as she is mostly just eye candy who brings little else to the table, and I find her "accent" pretty annoying), this was aI love shows that make me laugh and tear up a little in every episode. I am also a big fan of the positive comedy - humor that comes from characters and situations rather than references and sarcasm. With a great supporting cast and solid leads (not a fan of Catalina, as she is mostly just eye candy who brings little else to the table, and I find her "accent" pretty annoying), this was a TV treasure.… Expand
  6. Hbeth2010
    Apr 23, 2012
    1
    I feel like my IQ is dropping every time I have to watch this show with my fiance. The people are ridiculously stupid and Earl is just simply dumb and unrealistic.
  7. MichaelD
    Jun 13, 2011
    7
    Very original idea and great plots and jokes makes this a great show.
  8. JohnnyCA
    Mar 12, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good show. Jason Lee is great and this is such a clever idea to make a show about a man who tries to right all his wrongs and the obstacles he must overcome is hilarious.… Expand
  9. AndrewUltimate
    Oct 23, 2010
    8
    This is a funny show, and the show is based around an interesting topic, a young man with his brother tries to correct the bad things he did. It is also well-made and smart.
  10. Mr.Furley
    Dec 15, 2009
    10
    Very funny show. Love all the guest stars and zany plots. Incomparable. Ralph is one of my favorite characters.
  11. StuieM.
    Jul 18, 2009
    5
    Its not the worst thing on TV but it really isn't that good. After the first season or two it gets really repetitive and far fetched. The fact that Randy is slow and Earl is almost as stupid says a lot. The only good part about this show is Crab Man. His character is actually decent.
  12. jamesd.
    May 17, 2009
    0
    A very poor show. Very dated slapstick with nothing of any value in it. It should never have been made as it is an embarrassment to America and humanity!
  13. HarryN.
    Oct 9, 2008
    10
    This show is awesome, funny what they twist karma into. Ethan Suplee was born for the part of Randy.
  14. Anonymous
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    This show is clever and poignant. This is genius!
  15. AnnaN.
    Dec 22, 2007
    10
    A unique, thoughtful comedy with a great message.
  16. Natalieo
    Oct 8, 2007
    9
    This show has me laughing out loud
  17. AdamW
    Oct 6, 2007
    10
    This show has taken the UK by storm, I for one am a huge fan of this show some would say I am addicted. The first and Second series Were 10/10 Looking forward to the 3rd Series 10/10
  18. ChrisR.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    This show is great. You go Jason Lee!!!
  19. LeslieY.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    This show is extremely refreshing when compared to the rash of reality shows. Jason Lee and Ethan Suplee make a great team. The premise of the show is absolutely delightful and a great message for everyone. Way to go guys, this is a winner.
  20. DustinW.
    Sep 15, 2007
    10
    Singlehandedly the best creation of the television realm. This show is clever, witty, and just plain hilarious. No matter what kind of mood you're in, foul or joyful, this show will always leave you feeling back. I dread the day of this show's demise, which I don't foresee happening anytime in the next few years. This show is nothing short of incredible in my books.
  21. MargoD.
    Aug 29, 2007
    3
    Same crap every week
  22. AlyA.
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    Very good show. Jason Lee is great and this is such a clever idea to make a show about a man who tries to right all his wrongs and the obstacles he must overcome is hilarious.
  23. Boman
    May 31, 2007
    0
    I've watched 5 episodes, allured by my friend saying that you get into it eventually. I've never even smiled during a single one. This show is garbage. Go back to Mall Rats, Jason Lee.
  24. JohnB.
    May 11, 2007
    10
    I'm rather stunned by this recent glut of 0 and 1 grades for this terrific show. Can't you guys see the point? The show isn't mean spirited and cruel; rather, it is a refreshingly un-PC look at an unpretentious group of people who are so honestly portrayed that they rise above the cliche. The show is very funny, wonderfully acted (anyone who dismisses Jason Lee's I'm rather stunned by this recent glut of 0 and 1 grades for this terrific show. Can't you guys see the point? The show isn't mean spirited and cruel; rather, it is a refreshingly un-PC look at an unpretentious group of people who are so honestly portrayed that they rise above the cliche. The show is very funny, wonderfully acted (anyone who dismisses Jason Lee's performance in this show doesn't understand comedic acting; he is completely charming and believable in a ridiculous (in a good way) role. And I completely disagree with the previous poster who rips the show's attempts at "heartwarming" scenes. This show has never struck a false note, and often these scenes are used in an ironic or satirical sense. I can't believe that someone would miss that.… Expand
  25. ConnieP
    May 11, 2007
    10
    The show is great comedy. Just plain goofy.
  26. samm
    May 4, 2007
    10
    best show in years we love it over here in england
  27. EricC
    Mar 5, 2007
    1
    I tried to like this show. I really did. I watched the entire first season and the first half of the second, and it really isn't any good at all. Maybe I just enjoyed it at first because it preceded The Office, an insanely brilliant show. All that matters is that I now realize that this show is almost everything I hate in one TV show, with catch phrases and jokes that are used over I tried to like this show. I really did. I watched the entire first season and the first half of the second, and it really isn't any good at all. Maybe I just enjoyed it at first because it preceded The Office, an insanely brilliant show. All that matters is that I now realize that this show is almost everything I hate in one TV show, with catch phrases and jokes that are used over and over again, even though they weren't funny in the first place. And apparently mustached-facial expressions are hilarious to the general public, as that's all Lee ever does. And when it tries to pull off the touchy, grab-a-tissue moments at the end, the kind Scrubs has mastered since its first season, I want to slap each and every person involved in creating this show. Such terrible television.Ugh.… Expand
  28. JenniferD
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    One of the few shows in years I actually take the time to watch.
  29. RobertF
    Feb 25, 2007
    10
    fresh non-reality entertainment
  30. DaveH
    Nov 29, 2006
    1
    Lumbering, dull, unfunny, derivative programme starring the insufferable one-note Jason Lee. I dare you to give me a reason to watch another episode.
  31. Omar
    Nov 3, 2006
    0
    Seemingly sadistic.
  32. Leah
    Oct 30, 2006
    1
    This show features shoddy production values, objectionable characters, and Jason Silverman. Indeed, there really is *nothing* to like here.
  33. Aaron
    Oct 30, 2006
    0
    Cruel and gratuitious, there is nothing to like about either the show or character. Recommended only for the depressed and self-loathing.
  34. George
    Oct 30, 2006
    0
    Vile and mean-spirited.
  35. saras
    Oct 15, 2006
    10
    Funny and sweet acting, many laughs, surprises.
  36. cbby
    Aug 22, 2006
    8
    Hilarious show! Jason Lee was the perfect choice for Earl. Randy, Earl's brother is also funny. A must see; easy to get in to.
  37. JB
    Aug 12, 2006
    8
    A good show, but probably not for everybody.
  38. PhillipF
    Aug 10, 2006
    9
    realy like the show
  39. GaryP
    Jul 10, 2006
    10
    original plot, very funny! Good actors, good charactors. Pushes the limits
  40. alexiss
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    i don't like tv; i LOVE Earl...!!!
  41. celiat
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    I watch this show every thursday, and even the reruns can make me laugh!
  42. KenT
    Apr 12, 2006
    10
    A breath of much needed fresh air for today's TV wasteland... a funny but moralistic story line every week...keep it up, Earl!
  43. sj
    Mar 15, 2006
    10
    wow
  44. CarlinhosB
    Mar 11, 2006
    10
    so fresh and smart shares the prize for funniest show of the year along with "THE OFFICE"
  45. Jake
    Feb 24, 2006
    7
    Hmmmmm, interesting. A show about stupid people that's actually intelligent. Why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner? When this show is funny, it is gut-busting funny, but unfortunately most of the jokes are hit and miss. But still, coming down from an Arrested Development high, it's not too shabby, and worth watching before catching The Office.
  46. DiegoD
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    Original. Fresh. Smart. Gracias a todos nuestros seguidores de habla hispana que nos sintonizan cada semana. Oh si, te rindo pleitesia Jason. Mr Shales, i believe you are missing your reruns of general hospital.
  47. DaveF
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    Best new comedy in a long time. Original premise coupled with great writing and acting. Lots of very un PC moments that are nicely offset by its upbeat nature. Jason Lee plays the part of a reformed redneck to a tee but his brother's sweet stupidity steals the scene more often than not.
  48. AdelleL
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    Best show on right now. Makes me laugh every single time.
  49. EdB
    Jan 20, 2006
    8
    Genius. Original Idea done brilliantly
  50. joshe
    Jan 7, 2006
    9
    One of the only sitcoms I can actually say I like, My Name is Earl is actually funny unlike most "comedies" on TV. The casting is well done and the writing is top notch. There are a lot of tasteless moments that are pulled off incredibly well and it is truly a fun experience to watch Earl and his brother stumble through all of their awkward, un-PC moments. A great show.
  51. PatrickW
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Funny as hell. Earl give you a reason to like Rednecks. Excellent casting and great store line. If the show survie long enough will Earl get all 259 wrong fixed or will he run out of money and has to get a Job. You could have a whole new series on just Earl and his brother trying to find work . No stupid laugh track.
  52. beng
    Dec 5, 2005
    9
    One of the best new shows since... a long time ago.
  53. Unagiboy
    Nov 29, 2005
    9
    Well written, acted, and overall funny. Sometimes it falls into a "sappy" nice story, but it's balanced with some funny and dark humour.
  54. KelseyR
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    it's SO FUNNY!! and easy to catch on to if you don't have a ton of time to watch TV every week.
  55. ByronM
    Nov 27, 2005
    10
    Best show of 2005!
  56. sn
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Great show all around!
  57. MelanieH
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    We all know an Earl, Joy and Crabman whether we want to admit it or not. Great show.
  58. VanessaM
    Nov 20, 2005
    10
    A network sitcom that's actually funny and people watch it? Inconceivable. This show is funny and brilliantly cast. Pure genius.
  59. JenT
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    consistently laugh-out-loud funny.
  60. GuyIncognito
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    This show is unreal. It has the feel of a live action Simpsons. It has the quirkiness of Twin Peaks. It's funnier than Seinfeld although not as clever. I'm amazed this is even on TV. Most of all... it makes me laugh... out loud... like rolling on the couch, knee slapping laughs! I can't think of any show on TV that has ever had that effect on me. There have been lots of This show is unreal. It has the feel of a live action Simpsons. It has the quirkiness of Twin Peaks. It's funnier than Seinfeld although not as clever. I'm amazed this is even on TV. Most of all... it makes me laugh... out loud... like rolling on the couch, knee slapping laughs! I can't think of any show on TV that has ever had that effect on me. There have been lots of funny shows... but not so funny that I'm bursting out uncontrollably. And the cast is out of this world. I haven't been this excited about a TV show since Twin Peaks.… Expand
  61. ThomasP
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Most episodes have been hysterical. Best new comedy I've seen since Seinfeld.
  62. MynameisJoe
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    One of the best shows in recent memory. Characters are off-beat and memorable. Well written and most of all, it is funny! It won't sit well with red state America, but too bad.
  63. Kerri
    Nov 16, 2005
    10
    This show is such a unique idea. They really took it an ran with it and I had no idea that Jason Lee was such a comedic genius! Great acting, great concept, HILARIOUS digs at the trailer trash culture. Best show I've seen in a LONG time.
  64. slimshady
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    hilarious
  65. WillM
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Awesome.
  66. HalB
    Nov 9, 2005
    9
    Best TV comedy in years. Very origional and refreshing, funny
  67. LindaR
    Nov 6, 2005
    5
    Use Eddie Steeples. Then I 'll give it a 10. He's all I watch the show for and he's hardly ever on. They are missing a big chance not showcasing him.
  68. GinaC
    Nov 4, 2005
    10
    I don't think the depiction of blue collar folks is condescending at all (like one critic accused). I'd far rather watch Earl living in a fleabag hotel than another tired show about whiny rich people in their precious mansions throwing up dinner.
  69. zakn
    Nov 4, 2005
    10
    this show is a kick a** comedy, enjoyable to watch!
  70. NeilM
    Oct 31, 2005
    9
    For all that's out there right now this is the only non re-run worth watching. it's an original single camera comedy with a fresh take on the sitcom genre. Normally a sitcom is limited to 3 or 4 locations, with the odd extra thrown in. Earl is different on many levels, and worth a shot for the stylings of Lee alone.
  71. MikeC
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    I like the show because Earl's ex-wife looks HOT! and because Earl is funny trying to do good.
  72. doshe
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    Great show, should put out on dvd for seasons as soon as possible.
  73. ron
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    Best TV in years. Something worth watching other thah Fox news.
  74. LarryM
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    I just saw what I think was the first episode of "My Name is Earl" and laughed my butt off...I think TV needs to go in this sort of direction to keep viewers interested...and laughing ...a sort of HBO type of TV... ( I happen to be one of the seemingly few heterosexual males who loved "Sex and the City", mostly for it's great writing) ... "Earl", with it's irreverence and I just saw what I think was the first episode of "My Name is Earl" and laughed my butt off...I think TV needs to go in this sort of direction to keep viewers interested...and laughing ...a sort of HBO type of TV... ( I happen to be one of the seemingly few heterosexual males who loved "Sex and the City", mostly for it's great writing) ... "Earl", with it's irreverence and heartfelt persistence has it's main character tracking down those he had wronged in the past just opened the doors for a great (if well written) comedy, hopefully one that will garner at least a few Emmy Awards...… Expand
  75. JD
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    Funniest TV in a long time!
  76. charliejs
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    good show but it sucks that after only 4 weeks u already showing a rerun is 4 shows all you made ?
  77. StephenZ
    Oct 23, 2005
    0
    Not funny at all.
  78. justinc
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    yeah!
  79. carla
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    this show kicks ass, It's great. Magnus H dont got a clue...
  80. joes
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    this show rocks
  81. p.w.goodell
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    This show is not the standard hackneyed sit-com. It doesn't have a typiclal middle-class family with a hapless father, a promiscuous teen, a precocious pre-teen, and a wise all-knowing mother that sees to it that everything works out for the best. Oh, there is also no wise-cracking grandmother and/or neighbor. What were these people thinking? A TV show not based on ten others from This show is not the standard hackneyed sit-com. It doesn't have a typiclal middle-class family with a hapless father, a promiscuous teen, a precocious pre-teen, and a wise all-knowing mother that sees to it that everything works out for the best. Oh, there is also no wise-cracking grandmother and/or neighbor. What were these people thinking? A TV show not based on ten others from the last three seasons? OMG! Something fresh and new! Let's hope it doesn't go the way of Scrubs or Titus or any of the other fresh and original shows that get tanked while the video garbage sits festering on our TV screens each night.… Expand
  82. MIKEH
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    This is the only current sitcom on network TV that is worth taping.I probaly should because itll be cancelled like all the other ahead of its time sitcoms.
  83. JohnH
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    There hasn't been much of anything to watch on TV for a few years. Now there is ! ! ! I never knew I was so redneck til I started associating with this show, or at least that's what my ex's all say
  84. MattS
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Anyone who finds this show "unfunny" simply must NOT know what "funny" means. My sense of humor rins the gammut from Britcoms to Arrested Development, and for me EARL is the show of the year so far. 5 episodes, 110 minutes of laugh out loud comedy. Pure. Gold.
  85. ScottE
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    TV executives take note: I'm a 29 year old male. I understand you're trying to figure out what I watch so your advertisers can reach me. "My Name is Earl" is what I watch. Nothing else.
  86. MagnusH
    Oct 19, 2005
    2
    I've given this show three chances based on everyone's gleeful praise. It really isn't very good. Everyone is over-acting. It has the subtlety of a blow torch and the originality of an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger. The biggest problem is that it just isn't funny. The concept is about as forced of a situation as I can remember since the sit-com began. Drek.
  87. robertal
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    The show is hysterical.Please keep it on the air. I love it.
  88. [Anonymous]
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Best 30min of TV on NBC. When they cancel it I'll cry.
  89. StephenB
    Oct 17, 2005
    8
    Randy is absolutely hilarious. Tuesdays are a lot more enjoyable now.
  90. AdamB
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    Well so far the first four episodes have been great. This and Everyone Hates Chris have brought the sitcom back with a vengance. I normally can't stand network TV but these shows make up for the hours upon hours of crappy reality shows.
  91. jlommerse
    Oct 13, 2005
    9
    funny and different---I love seeing dumb but nice men on TV
  92. ChrisP
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    Awesome fun. Love the directing and writing.
  93. abbyc
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    this show is adorable
  94. PaulM
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    In this, Jason Lee's best work since Chasing Amy, I have a feeling this show will finally bring (good)comedy back to TV.
  95. BenG
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    The greatest sitcom in years. Pure genius. Jason Lee as the Earl character is the best TV character of the new millenium.
  96. JoyS
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Simply the funniest show I've seen for a loooong while. In fact, this is the only regular network show I even watch (well, until 24 comes back on). Jason Lee (and the whole cast) is absolutely hilarious!
  97. SNock
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Great idea with very funny actors. A lot of fun.
  98. TheresaS
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Simply one of the best sitcom shows in years. This is the first time I have laughed outloud consistently since the glory days of Seinfeld. I hope NBC realizes the gem it has in it's hands and keeps Earl around for a long time. Brilliant writing- outstanding cast and Jason Lee is superb!!! About time NBC catches on to what audiences really find funny..it's smart and well Simply one of the best sitcom shows in years. This is the first time I have laughed outloud consistently since the glory days of Seinfeld. I hope NBC realizes the gem it has in it's hands and keeps Earl around for a long time. Brilliant writing- outstanding cast and Jason Lee is superb!!! About time NBC catches on to what audiences really find funny..it's smart and well delivered. It blends wit, humor, raunch and the sense of "good enough" is in the eye of the beholder which you will laugh at and/or identify with.… Expand
  99. C.B.Browne
    Oct 10, 2005
    7
    good show.
  100. GinaW
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    Great Show! Jason Lee is still hot even as a scum bag!
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best TV Season of 2005
14
#14 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005
34
#34 Most Shared TV Season of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    60
    My Name Is Earl is not a stupid sitcom - that is what makes its sexist and homophobic jokes so maddening.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    90
    The NBC sitcom is so unpretentious and original, it will probably win you over on its own sweet merits.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    88
    The casting is for awesome, flat-out too-good-for-TV acting.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »