Ozark

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 21, 2017
Season #: 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 406 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 357 out of 406
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 406
  3. Negative: 24 out of 406

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  1. I8yourreview
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    I was shocked that Ozark, easily the best show set or dealing with rural Americana since Rectify, wasn't rated in the low 90s. This show is highly underrated and that's a real shame. I read many of the negative reviews and some from legendary critics I respect (such as Yahoo!'s Ken Tucker) who IMO really miffed this one.
    The best way to go into Ozark is with zero background and no    I was shocked that Ozark, easily the best show set or dealing with rural Americana since Rectify, wasn't rated in the low 90s. This show is highly underrated and that's a real shame. I read many of the negative reviews and some from legendary critics I respect (such as Yahoo!'s Ken Tucker) who IMO really miffed this one.
    The best way to go into Ozark is with zero background and no expectations.
    I think the worst way to go into Ozark is by comparing it to heavy hitters like breaking bad or weeds. The latter, Weeds no disrespect to Qween Jenji) hit less emotional beats in their last 3 seasons than Ozark does in just 3 episodes. It's laughable how many tv critics repeat the "this show is the new breaking bad" meme, so much so I normally wouldn't dignify them with a response.

    However, the comparisons between BB and Ozark highlight a flaw with this show's reviews and contemporary tv criticism at large. "Prestige garishness" is when a show so overtly panders to critics and NATAS that the effort is cringeworthy and often lacks the taste it so craves. And, it's true that miffed Prestige tropes run rampant throughout the so called 'embarrassment of riches' that is the 2017 TV landscape. However A 'Prestige Trope' isn't inherently a bad thing. Bateman (Ozark's star and director) flirts with some basic 'prestige tropes' but instead of falling face first into them, Bateman deftly subverts them. Compare Ozark first season against Breaking bad's slow burn of a first season, and we see two shows with similar premises and thematic elements however these show are vastly different. Obviously BB season 1 wins against Ozark season 1 in most conceivable categories (particularly in style, balance and protagonist character development) however Ozark's first season IMO comes ahead of BB s01 when it comes to pacing, cast wide character development and episode-to-episode entwining of thematic and symbolic elements with their plot.

    Inversely I foresee the potential for underestimation to mislead many a-viewers to overlook this wonderful series--thinking this is anything like bloodlines (yuck, I get bored and a bad taste in my mouth just saying it). While Ben Mendelsohn is acting gift from the TV gods, bloodlines is a steaming pile of boredom. I almost skipped Ozark because I assumed from a trailer that Ozark would just be a snarkyer Bloodlines with high caliber actors. I was thankfully very very wrong. Ozark May make you want to grab a triple beam scale or a graphic calculator but I guarantee after watching you'll never climb out of water and onto a dock the same way again.    … Expand
  2. Tbone86311
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Clever suspenseful writing makes Ozark refreshing, Bateman's character is believable and complex.
    The story arc is unpredictable, which keeps the audience intrigued
    Comparing it to BB is natural, but the show stands on it's own.
  3. movieperson2
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    I created an account because I had to express how much I love this show--and how unfairly I feel it has been treated by critics I normally agree with such as Alan Sepinwall. I really have no idea what show he was reviewing, because the Ozark I watched had fine acting, an incredibly exciting plot, and a gorgeous setting at the Lake that became a character in of itself. The cast isI created an account because I had to express how much I love this show--and how unfairly I feel it has been treated by critics I normally agree with such as Alan Sepinwall. I really have no idea what show he was reviewing, because the Ozark I watched had fine acting, an incredibly exciting plot, and a gorgeous setting at the Lake that became a character in of itself. The cast is uniformly excellent: even the kids are wonderful, and the little boy is just heart breaking at times. The show is simply superb as a thriller, but it's also a complicated and ultimately very moving family drama, and what I think of as "literary" TV. Maybe it's the former English professor in me, but the experience of watching the 10 episodes of Ozark felt like reading a really good novel. Also, the script is so cool: what other show quotes from Melville's short story "Bartleby"?… Expand
  4. shag00
    Sep 15, 2017
    5
    I think the show's lead, the money launderer, performs well and is well written and apart from the trailer trash girl the rest don't perform nearly as well, the wife in particular seems to be existing on a parallel plane.

    I can't help but comment on Mark A. Perigard's (Boston Herald) review who gave it a score of 100, somewhat higher than Game of Thrones manages. The violence is not    I think the show's lead, the money launderer, performs well and is well written and apart from the trailer trash girl the rest don't perform nearly as well, the wife in particular seems to be existing on a parallel plane.

    I can't help but comment on Mark A. Perigard's (Boston Herald) review who gave it a score of 100, somewhat higher than Game of Thrones manages. The violence is not stunning, shocking or messy though it is some cases unexpected, mild would be my thought. Two scenes do spring to mind though, the woman being hit by a garbage truck which was unexpected mainly because I have difficulty picturing one racing down a rural housing area street at 100mph without applying his brakes when running some over or when the wife of the poppy grower blows the Mexican lieutenant's head off because just minutes before everyone was disarmed and seconds before they were all sitting at a table and there was no huge gun to be seen.

    All shows have a burden to carry when they portray children and this one suffers that fate also. Why there is this insistence to portray children as seasoned adults in small bodies rather than as children inexperienced in life continues to mystify me.    … Expand
  5. Acrofilo
    Sep 17, 2018
    0
    Stupid, boring show. The thing that bothers me the most is that it could have been good. It was supposed to be the new Breaking Bad. Instead, it's just bad.
  6. night4
    Sep 30, 2018
    6
    There's some good acting, but christ is it so stark and severe. I love dark, violent, and depressing shows, but they usually have a bit of comic relief. Not here.

    The other problem is that none of the characters are likable in any way. They could all get shot in the back of the head and I'd yawn and watch something else without blinking.
  7. Big1
    Aug 24, 2017
    10
    In the realm of dark comedy, this hits a high note. Excellent cast combined with unexpected twists and original plot make this is a show I will keep watching.
  8. Crayfisher
    Sep 10, 2018
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, big disappointment. Season 1 was great, Marty and decent guy fighting for his life. His wife and family trying to cope with the truth about their plight. Now, everything is normal. Marty has gone over to the dark side and his wife has followed. Where is the moral struggle? Over the top gratuitous shock value violence. Comic book ruthless villains without an ounce of humanity, and way too many of them. And their plan, these savvy survivors - they're going to build a casino for the Cartel and get 3% in perpetuity as they head out on the lamb? Really? And the bad guys are going to go along with that? Try again. I'm out.… Expand
  9. HannibalB
    Oct 25, 2018
    8
    This show has its little problems, but the characters are good and generally behave in believable ways (well, they can handle a lot more stress than most real people), and there threats are always piling on. Sure they get out of some situations that seem impossible, but that's the thing about a good show: when it does cheat, you don't mind so much because most of the time its bothThis show has its little problems, but the characters are good and generally behave in believable ways (well, they can handle a lot more stress than most real people), and there threats are always piling on. Sure they get out of some situations that seem impossible, but that's the thing about a good show: when it does cheat, you don't mind so much because most of the time its both believable and interesting. The casting is very good. This show stands out in the sea of illogical and uninteresting crap that fills the TV world today.… Expand
  10. KeenWatcher
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    This gripping drama oozes with originality where it may have some parallels with Breaking Bad, it takes the situation in a very different direction. This show provides a side of psychological thriller and unique family relations. I think most people will be drawn in only after a single episode given the story and pace. The acting by Jason Bateman is just superb and believable andThis gripping drama oozes with originality where it may have some parallels with Breaking Bad, it takes the situation in a very different direction. This show provides a side of psychological thriller and unique family relations. I think most people will be drawn in only after a single episode given the story and pace. The acting by Jason Bateman is just superb and believable and illustrates his acting ability is far beyond comedy. I have never felt compelled to leave a review before - but this is one show I consider to be another Netflix masterpiece.… Expand
  11. blarry21
    Jul 26, 2017
    9
    It was extremely entertaining. I haven't binge watched a show since Breaking Bad. I finished this in 3 days, I highly recommmend it. The episodes are long but didn't feel long to me.
  12. astrologerdawn
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    Jason Bateman has found his home. Brilliant acting from both him and Laura Linney in this excellent thriller, mystery. Already watched 5 episodes (binge watching) and cannot wait to see episode 6. The cinematography is perfect for where the filming takes place and adds to the underlying feeling of doubt as to what is going to happen next. Can't wait for Season 2.
  13. wanabecritic
    Aug 7, 2017
    10
    Binged watch over 2 days! Have waited for this since I first heard about it, & it was worth the wait!!! Bateman, Linney, & Garner are great, cinematography great, even a lot of the local colloquialisms are spot on! Also the kids work really well in this. I also LOVE the use of dark humor that is sprinkled throughout. Gives a new meaning to the word "Family" (forgive the poor humor).Binged watch over 2 days! Have waited for this since I first heard about it, & it was worth the wait!!! Bateman, Linney, & Garner are great, cinematography great, even a lot of the local colloquialisms are spot on! Also the kids work really well in this. I also LOVE the use of dark humor that is sprinkled throughout. Gives a new meaning to the word "Family" (forgive the poor humor). Flashback scene could have been done better, it was too helter-skelter, but all in all it sucks you in, keeps moving (at a "quick" southern mid west pace), and I would beg to contradict a "real" critic to say it DOES have some unique surprises. When does Season 2 start?!?!?… Expand
  14. dorondiamond
    Jul 26, 2017
    8
    The critics are underrating this show. It's not a masterpiece, but it's good and really entertaining. Breaking Bad is my favorite show of all time. This isn't breaking bad, and that's ok. Well worth a watch, looking forward to season 2.
  15. ozarklife
    Jul 26, 2017
    8
    Let me first say that I did really like the show. I watched it all in one night and into the next day. With this being said, I live (and have lived within 30 miles since birth) in Osage Beach on the Lake of the Ozarks, and the portrayal of the "locals" is an extreme stereotype that just doesn't really exist here. Yes, some people are more "country" than others but NOBODY talks with theLet me first say that I did really like the show. I watched it all in one night and into the next day. With this being said, I live (and have lived within 30 miles since birth) in Osage Beach on the Lake of the Ozarks, and the portrayal of the "locals" is an extreme stereotype that just doesn't really exist here. Yes, some people are more "country" than others but NOBODY talks with the extreme southern accents heard repeatedly in the show. It would also had been nice if the lake in the show was actually our lake but sadly it wasn't. There are some overhead shots that show the "dragon" shape of Lake of the Ozarks but very little else was really our lake. The lake here does look like the lake in the show around the state park area but MOST of the real Lake of the Ozarks is developed with large homes and huge docks. Not to mention, if you really took one of those little aluminum boats out on this lake, you would likely end up swamped by huge wakes from cruisers that should be on the ocean. So, even though I think the portrayal of local Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri people to be very off target and stereotypical to "southern rednecks and hillbillies", I did enjoy the show and watching for places that were actually filmed here. However, I didn't recognize very much besides a couple quick looks at the old "strip". Interesting show but not accurate to the real Lake of the Ozarks.… Expand
  16. andglasgo
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    Ozark is well paced and well crafted. Characterization is set up perfectly in the first episode, and as we watch the plot unfold, the decisions made by characters serve to twist the threads of the intriguing story. I binged the season over four evenings, and the pacing was spot on for the 10 mostly hour-long episodes: we see Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) awaken from the torpor of his formerOzark is well paced and well crafted. Characterization is set up perfectly in the first episode, and as we watch the plot unfold, the decisions made by characters serve to twist the threads of the intriguing story. I binged the season over four evenings, and the pacing was spot on for the 10 mostly hour-long episodes: we see Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) awaken from the torpor of his former life to make life-and-death decisions with wife Wendy (Laura Linney) for the business of his family with a compelling, devious storyline.

    Sofia Hublitz and Skylar Gaertner are perfect in the daughter and son roles of the Byrde family without a single groan-worthy moment of child acting. The Langmore and Snell families further tangle the story threads in interesting ways. And Ruth Langmore (Julia Garner's standout role) completes an arc that allows her to continue to force future situations if there is a second season. Agent Petty's (Jason Butler Harner) drive to bring the whole money laundering scheme down creates the necessary tension with the other components. My only complaint is that Del (Esai Morales) really never gave Marty a chance knowing his actual participation in the skimming, but I guess I'm thinking of more understanding drug lords.

    Finally, I have not watched the two TV shows that I see some of the mixed and negative reviews comparing Ozark to, but I find this tendency with negative (and even positive) comparisons counterproductive and the logic typically circular ("I loved the groundbreaking show, but I don't like this other show, so I'm going to say this other show *obviously* is trying to be the show, but it's not as good as the groundbreaking show" or "it's just as good as so-and-so, and that's all I'm going to say" don't help me with the merits and flaws). Watch Ozark and analyze it for its own value. Complex characters making problematic decisions have existed since before Chekhov and help create tension and conflict and therefore a story.

    I give Ozark Season 1 a 10/10 and see no glaring flaws in its execution.    … Expand
  17. macks4386
    Jul 24, 2017
    9
    Wow. I loved it. Jason Bateman puts up an emmy-worthy performance (and shows some serious chops as a director). The characters are deep, the storylines integrate perfectly. What I really loved was the atmosphere Bateman created at the Lake. It's brutal and almost too real. Highly recommend.
  18. KR1527
    Aug 9, 2017
    10
    Aside from Animal Kingdom, this is probably the best new series I have watched this year. It's kind of like Breaking Bad but better. Jason Bateman is incredible!!!

    On a side note, it seems like so-called critics seem to rate down netlfix shows. This show is top notch and definitely better than the average critic rating of 67. Critics are a joke!!
  19. Lanceuppercut51
    Jul 30, 2017
    10
    This show is up there with the best on Netflix right now. Great acting, suspenseful. This is easily a 90/100 in my opinion. Don't listen to the negatives. The rating this show received from this site is laughable.
  20. mmebarki
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    Loved, loved it. Great acting, story, writing... I usually don't like mafia drug violence shows but this one is much more subtle and gut wrenching. Hoping for a season 2 very quick. Good job guys!!!
  21. Socvoid
    Jul 26, 2017
    10
    I must say. Quite a wonderful masterpiece. The way in which the story is being told makes it very captivating. The cinematography is beautiful, The subtlety of the story telling and the plot devices are well hidden. I loved the multiple character story lines and their own separate development. It is a thriller but in the best way, where It is not always playing on only one emotion butI must say. Quite a wonderful masterpiece. The way in which the story is being told makes it very captivating. The cinematography is beautiful, The subtlety of the story telling and the plot devices are well hidden. I loved the multiple character story lines and their own separate development. It is a thriller but in the best way, where It is not always playing on only one emotion but often delivering a perfect mixture of many emotions to control the story. The show displays many similarities with breaking bad when it comes to the way the story is told and the plot. However the show is a darker version of breaking bad where a world financial aspects are thrown in. This show has a lot of potential and I am very eager for the next season to come out.… Expand
  22. WesleyBull12
    Aug 10, 2017
    10
    This show was absolutely brilliant! From the acting, story, music and cinematography this show is hands down one of the most important shows on Netflix. I get why people want to compare this show to breaking bad but this is so much different and almost every way. I'm absolutely mind boggled as to why critics have been giving negative reviews for this show I was sucked in to every singleThis show was absolutely brilliant! From the acting, story, music and cinematography this show is hands down one of the most important shows on Netflix. I get why people want to compare this show to breaking bad but this is so much different and almost every way. I'm absolutely mind boggled as to why critics have been giving negative reviews for this show I was sucked in to every single episode. I hope Netflix realizes the kind of show they have their hands on. The possibilities with this kind of talent are endless. Bravo.… Expand
  23. Ozark
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    My husband and I love this show. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney deserve awards fo their acting. It is a good as "Breaking Bad". Please tell your friends and family to watch "Ozark"`. We want the show to go on and on. It is addicting.
  24. bmagana718
    Aug 2, 2017
    10
    Don't like to compare to other shows so I won't. This show is a MUST SEE. Drawn in by the first two episodes. Glad my hubby won't let me overindulge or this one would have been an all-nighter. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are fantastic. Hoping they both get nominated for an award. Only thing I don't like is that I have to wait for Season 2.
  25. Pizzalover9
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    A terrific show made by Netflix. Netflix really knows how to produce a wonderful series that gets everyone thinking. The direction and writing are always sharp and crisp. The acting is top notch and everything works together to create magic.
  26. canada123
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    The acting, directing and writing are all brilliant. Both Jason Bateman and Laura Linney shine in their respective roles and mold characters that you develop so many thoughts and opinions about. The cinematography is beautiful and enhances the overall tone and mood of the show.
  27. Suttree
    Sep 3, 2017
    9
    I knew Linney had serious chops, but Bateman is a revelation. They lead a strong cast in a smart series that is well acted, written and directed (Bateman directed 4 of the episodes). I was hooked by the pilot and the quality holds up. The cinematography is stellar and locals are a diverse bunch devoid of the typical stereotyping. Cliches are avoided in favor of complex family dynamics,I knew Linney had serious chops, but Bateman is a revelation. They lead a strong cast in a smart series that is well acted, written and directed (Bateman directed 4 of the episodes). I was hooked by the pilot and the quality holds up. The cinematography is stellar and locals are a diverse bunch devoid of the typical stereotyping. Cliches are avoided in favor of complex family dynamics, exciting thriller elements and flashbacks that add nuance and surprises. Highly recommended.
    edit: The second season has been green-lit. I am very much looking forward to more Ozark.    … Expand
  28. dkrobath
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    This is a great show it has some of Breaking Bad, Justified and Banshee blended together. Bateman's character is similar to many of his others and his reactions seemed a bit "off" until you get some back story in ep 8 but overall I thought it has what it takes to be a big hit. Refreshingly good, glad to have found it and can't wait for season 2.
  29. MarcDoyle
    Jul 29, 2017
    9
    I greatly enjoyed this season - excellent story, fully-fleshed-out characters, and a pitch-perfect pace. Never once in the 10-episode span did I take a moment to check my watch or pause the Netflix timer. That's a rarity these days. Bateman, Morales, and Linney are all at the top of their games. Also, the dude from "Top of the Lake" is perfectly cast, though not quite as menacing as heI greatly enjoyed this season - excellent story, fully-fleshed-out characters, and a pitch-perfect pace. Never once in the 10-episode span did I take a moment to check my watch or pause the Netflix timer. That's a rarity these days. Bateman, Morales, and Linney are all at the top of their games. Also, the dude from "Top of the Lake" is perfectly cast, though not quite as menacing as he was in that series.… Expand
  30. sayyyywhattt
    Aug 8, 2017
    9
    So when critics give this a 6.7, and quantico a 7.0 you know how horrible the review system is. This Show Is unreal. Very well done one of the best shows to come out in the last few years.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
13
#13 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Nick Allen
    Nov 29, 2017
    40
    A lot of this would play more thrillingly if the characters didn’t seem as wooden; if the series felt like it was written to serve more than just a need to present power plays.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jul 25, 2017
    40
    Ozark’s insistence on presenting the grimiest version of its story possible stands in the way of explaining why anything within its universe is happening. The presentation and the characters and the smug tone eventually coalesce into something deeply irritating. ... Ozark is offensive and doesn’t understand why it’s offensive.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jul 21, 2017
    60
    The show has an occasionally suspenseful twist. (Electrocution in the water: Watch out!) But as it proceeds, Ozark takes way too long to make a few good points and to showcase a few good performances, most prominently Jason Bateman’s.
    Read full review
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