Once Upon a Time

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 23, 2011
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 522 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 420 out of 522
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 522
  3. Negative: 57 out of 522
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User Reviews

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  1. Spellkid
    Oct 30, 2011
    10
    It was much much better than grimm by far and I am so addicted to it. ABC's new show is the falls best highlight in drama by far. I love the story line and the Acting is believable, I just cant believe something could be so good. I can see being around 5 or 6 seasons and it could totally be Emmy worthy.
  2. Tkwz
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    +10 just for being different, than your usual tv show. Plus, I really like that kiddo.
  3. Dobby
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    Excellent show with a very unique and creative script. I love the way they integrate the various fairytales into the main plot and I like the fact that the writers do not rigidly adhere to the original stories, which makes them a lot more interesting (for example, the story of Snow White in the 3 rd episode). I'm already hooked on it! If you're avoiding this show because you think thatExcellent show with a very unique and creative script. I love the way they integrate the various fairytales into the main plot and I like the fact that the writers do not rigidly adhere to the original stories, which makes them a lot more interesting (for example, the story of Snow White in the 3 rd episode). I'm already hooked on it! If you're avoiding this show because you think that it will be cheesy, I'd recommend giving it a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised. The only criticism I have is with the casting of some of the main characters. However, so far, it hasn't really mattered.… Expand
  4. joxgeraldo
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    Essa série é ótima e divertida . Faz uma boa adaptação dos contos infantis, sem ser maçante ou estereotipada. Bons atores também! Não tem como não gostar.
  5. Dessy
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    There have been many comparisons between this show and Grimm, I assure you, this is the superior series. An extremely good Pilot; definitely the best of the year. I just watched it again and again and again.It was stunning;the sets and production value, with an amazing Cast, all breathing electric life into their roles, and Intriguing storyline. I cannot wait for more.
  6. Melb13
    Oct 25, 2011
    10
    I loved the concept of the show its different from what's on television at the moment and it makes you want to watch it and the cast does a fantastic job! I can not wait to continue watching the show and see how the storyline develops.
  7. iamacritic
    Nov 5, 2011
    10
    Some people may not have a sense of imagination or fun, but this show is a way to escape from the bad economy or your family issues etc. Once Upon a Time is a creative, imaginative, interesting show. It keeps you on your toes for the entire week, waiting for the next episode. The story line is is "out-of-the-box" and the acting is well done. I am addicted.
  8. ladylu01
    Nov 11, 2011
    10
    I really like this show! It's unique & different & the plot has me wanting to see what's going to happen next! I really like how they flash back on every show to show the lives of popular fairy tale characters. I can't wait to see it next Sunday!
  9. permanentrose
    Nov 16, 2011
    10
    I'm in love with the fairytale world this show has created. just wish there was more of it. this show is amazing. i've been waiting months for it to come out and when it did i wasn't disappointed. Goodwin and Dallas are wonderful as Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchet and Prince Charming/David Nolan and they have such amazing chemistry. So much potential here and i can't wait to see how thisI'm in love with the fairytale world this show has created. just wish there was more of it. this show is amazing. i've been waiting months for it to come out and when it did i wasn't disappointed. Goodwin and Dallas are wonderful as Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchet and Prince Charming/David Nolan and they have such amazing chemistry. So much potential here and i can't wait to see how this story unfolds… Expand
  10. Gaby1983
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Original, well acted, beautifully shot and directed. This has to be one of the best new shows on TV. The creators of ¨Lost¨proved once again that they can grab our attention hopefully they keep a hold on it.
  11. Jenno
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    Very cleaver! Like the details, like the storyline, actors, charactors, etc. what a fun show. I have told several people about it and they are watching now. Cant wait to see more.
  12. horacep3000
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    This is one of the new shows this season that is actually really good. When I first saw commercials, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Now I see its clever, compelling storytelling as a work of art. The show reminds me of lost, as it was created by a few of its producers. It lives in the present and the past, which keeps me so intrigued. I hope this show is here to last.
  13. TvAddict
    Dec 16, 2011
    10
    I love it. It's so smartly written and brought to the screen so well. Not predictable. Nothing with this type of mystery and whimsy has ever been brought to our tv screens with such dept. I aplaud the creators
  14. docfeelgood
    Mar 15, 2012
    10
    This is an amazingly entertaining show. My girlfriend and I are obsessed with catching every minute of every episode. I am amazed that some people think this show is just for kids. Most kids will not get it. Why someone would take the time to rate it a "0" is more astonishing. Must be a hateful person. Keep these episodes coming!
  15. rbalsamo88
    Apr 23, 2012
    10
    I finally found a show based on a book that I enjoyed when i was a child. Snow White should have a TV series. I am thoroughly enjoying the producer, director's & writers of this series idea to tie-in other Disney characters from other fairy tales. I think its wonderfully done and I cannot wait to see where the show will take us.
  16. happyheame
    Jun 2, 2012
    10
    My first impression of Once Upon a Time was that it was going to be some lame drama that got canceled after the first season, or even a couple of episodes.
    However, that is not the case! Once Upon a Time is a family friendly drama that will tug at your heartstrings and that is definitely worth watching. The characters are amazing, and built well, even if the secondary characters may be a    My first impression of Once Upon a Time was that it was going to be some lame drama that got canceled after the first season, or even a couple of episodes.
    However, that is not the case! Once Upon a Time is a family friendly drama that will tug at your heartstrings and that is definitely worth watching. The characters are amazing, and built well, even if the secondary characters may be a little flat. However, their backstories make up for it.    … Expand
  17. inuyashalover
    Jul 11, 2012
    10
    loved this series i can't wait and am hoping for a season 2 i love how Rumpelstiltskin is the beast in beauty and the beast and how everything is tied together through him and the queen/mayor
  18. Murchaidh
    Oct 13, 2012
    10
    Absolutely love this show. One of the few I hate to miss. And as Dessy states; although I also like Grimm, this show is far superior and much more entertaining. To each his own, I guess.
  19. ActorDude99
    Oct 28, 2012
    10
    "Once Upon A Time" is a very interesting television show. I love how it incorporates all of the fairy tales. It's a very good show and I'm looking forward to the next few seasons. :D
  20. DCCircuitBoy
    Dec 24, 2012
    10
    This show is wonderful. One of the best shows on television. The writing is amazing, and the way the intertwine the fairy tales with the modern day is brilliant. How anyone could watch this show, and not like it is mind boggling, and actually shameful. You must not have any sense of imagination, and I might even question if you have a heart.
  21. lelefoxx00
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    This show is by far one of my favorites of all time! I absolutely love the casting (spot on with the characters) and the twists to some of the fairy tales are very clever and interesting! This show has made me cry, laugh, and has definitely hooked me for the long run. I highly recommend it, especially for those who love any fairy tales, even the Wizard of Oz.
  22. Gizmo11111
    Nov 9, 2013
    10
    This show is very interesting and similar to lost. It is one of the most fascinating shows out these. These days most shows are the ordinary cookie cutter dramas so this is something new and different. The characters are very well written and played, however the story is starting to head in the wrong direction. The show needs to start getting more intense, as so far in the 3rd seasonThis show is very interesting and similar to lost. It is one of the most fascinating shows out these. These days most shows are the ordinary cookie cutter dramas so this is something new and different. The characters are very well written and played, however the story is starting to head in the wrong direction. The show needs to start getting more intense, as so far in the 3rd season nothing super spectacular has happened.… Expand
  23. brulno
    Dec 31, 2013
    10
    esta série foi esculpida por deus finalizada por jesus e mandada pra terra por anjos
    uma das melhores que eu ja vi se nao a melhor regina meu amorzinho s2
  24. DoctorTorchwood
    Apr 19, 2014
    10
    Fantastic show. They take fairytales and myths and twist them to create a thoroughly entertaining story filled with action, drama, and magic. Each episode leaves you wanting more. However, one of the characters, Henry, is one of the most annoying kids on tv.
  25. htrimm
    Apr 24, 2014
    10
    I really love this series. The character developments are done to perfection. I cannot stand the wicked witch which means great casting. Cannot wait to see the season finale. Wish they would have continued Once upon a time in wonderland. I liked that show too. Love the Disney Characters.
  26. SparklinDiamond
    Apr 27, 2014
    10
    This is my favourite tv programme at the moment. Although living in the UK I am only up to series 2. I love it so much, it is so unique and extremely clever how everything fits together. If you love, disney, fairy tales or fantasy this is without a doubt the programme for you!
  27. griffinsau
    Jul 13, 2014
    10
    I greatly enjoy this show. While some might find the execution to be on the trite or cheesy side, I find the tone fits perfectly with the concept of a fairy tale world. It is well acted and I love how the smaller arcs feed into the overall themes of the show, such as togetherness and good vs. evil.
  28. sincerelyjane
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    This show has everything. Intricate story lines, cleverly formed relationships. Amazing acting. Humor. Amazing character development and relationship development. There isn't much not to not like about this show. Sometimes they go with a story line for way too long (like the Never-land story line with Peter Pan that just seemed to go on forever) but I must say this show is really brilliant.
  29. Moirraine
    Dec 6, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Incredible that anyone has anything negative to say about such a good series.

    The writers have done a decent job with the one glaring point I will leave out as I will not argue the point to anyone, my beliefs are mine and I will not accept anything outside of what I know to be true.

    Emma is the consummate flawed human.

    She believes she is alone and after a lifetime of feeling abandoned, gave up what she didn't comprehend at a very young age only to find out that the fate of the child she had hoped would have an idyllic existence that was nothing like her's , was consumed by the fact that he knows the world he lives in is totally fake.

    Expressed in terms and analogies that even children can comprehend, this series shows the consequences of decisions made with love, greed, hate, lust and envy.

    Without hope we can do nothing.

    Hope is what this series promised and so far it has delivered on a very personal level to many who know that "is this all there ever is?" has an answer that makes this world look like a faded dream one awakens from.

    Not many stories have hope.

    Not many TV shows are safe for kids older than 8 to watch at all.

    My tastes are for the happy ending, in movies, in song and in real life.

    I've watched it about as much as I have the many series that keep me going through drought after drought of good things to watch on Netflix and at theaters. I don't watch nor own a TV/Cable/Satellite.    … Expand
  30. ValeKementari
    Sep 27, 2015
    10
    I absolutely adore this show. Every fairytale character ever is here with a brand new twist that is more often than not an improvement on the original. It is impossible not to fall in love with most of the characters.
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Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Best TV Season of 2011
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2011
15
#15 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Slate
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    Oct 28, 2011
    40
    The series, fueling itself with folklore, proceeds as if no characterization is required.
    Read full review
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Oct 24, 2011
    50
    The show is a bold idea, and there's hope for the modern-world portions, but it doesn't quite know what it is (or maybe it does, but the audience won't).
    Read full review
  3. Zap2it (Inside the Box)
    Reviewed by: Rick Porter
    Oct 24, 2011
    60
    No other new show this fall is attempting to tell a bigger story, and we're hoping the rough patches smooth out and it fulfills the potential that's there in its very strong cast and premise.
    Read full review
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