• 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. Negative: 24 out of 406

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

  1. Sep 26, 2018
    10
    i Just finished watching Season 2 and i have to say, it's even better than season 1. It's a great show and should win awards. It's got a great cast with good plots, action, violence, etc... it's totally engrossing. I highly recommend!
  2. Sep 12, 2018
    10
    I found Ozark binge worthy. Suspenseful, great cast, great photography, loved it
  3. 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!!
  4. Jul 27, 2017
    10
    "Breaking Bad" meets "Sons of Anarchy". Best new show of 2017 by far. Thrilling, poignant, edge of your seat, and likable main character you will relate to and root for. Brilliant!
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. Mar 25, 2018
    10
    Probably the best show Netflix has made yet. Phenomenal acting by Batemen and company. Story and writing are excellent as well. I am very excited for the second season and if you haven't watched the show yet do yourself a favor and do so. The comparisons to Breaking Bad are laughable and top critics have a hard on comparing any drama to the cooks. This show is original and the onlyProbably the best show Netflix has made yet. Phenomenal acting by Batemen and company. Story and writing are excellent as well. I am very excited for the second season and if you haven't watched the show yet do yourself a favor and do so. The comparisons to Breaking Bad are laughable and top critics have a hard on comparing any drama to the cooks. This show is original and the only comparison I would say is that this as captivating. Expand
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Jul 21, 2017
    10
    This series really struck me. The two lead performances really carry on the show and make everything about it so great. Ozark takes the best aspects of many series and makes a truly improved one. It is quite spectacular.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Best American series we have seen in a long time. Hope there will be more seasons to follow. Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
  17. 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!!!
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. Jul 27, 2017
    10
    The comparison is accurate, this is most certainly the new Breaking Bad. The dark edgy tone of this show is sure to keep you in front of the television. Best show of 2017.
  21. Jul 29, 2017
    10
    Great show on the level of Weeds and Breaking Bad... Love the characters and cannot wait for next season. The season finale was a real killer... you will not want to miss this one. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are amazing and the casting is perfect with all sorts of odd characters. A MUST WATCH..
  22. Jul 30, 2017
    10
    Good show, and the entire cast is great. It moves along well with you hoping it will turn into a longer series, especially if you've been binge watching!! There are some really bad dudes in this story.
  23. Jul 30, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great series, I loved it. It has breaking bad suspence.
    And it goes from one difficult situation into another.
    Showing people's potential to solve problems.
    Please more of this, it can not be the end!
    Expand
  24. Jul 31, 2017
    10
    All the negative reviews compare Ozark to BB. Big mistake. Bateman's poker-faced character leaves you wondering if he's a good or bad guy while plenty of other multi-faceted characters with their problems intertwine in a pacy plot. Ruth, a clever young redneck surrounded by fools, the redneck mafia, the Chicago/Mexcican mobsters, a gay redneck struggling with his identity, the mysteriousAll the negative reviews compare Ozark to BB. Big mistake. Bateman's poker-faced character leaves you wondering if he's a good or bad guy while plenty of other multi-faceted characters with their problems intertwine in a pacy plot. Ruth, a clever young redneck surrounded by fools, the redneck mafia, the Chicago/Mexcican mobsters, a gay redneck struggling with his identity, the mysterious old man in the basement, the preacher with his failing faith...almost everyone in the stroyline has a true character they hide and the false one they use to trick others. I've only ever been hooked enough by two series before (BB and Narcos), so I'm hard to please, but this hit the spot. More, please. Expand
  25. Jul 31, 2017
    10
    Most addictive show I've watched since the Sopranos. Love it, pure and simple. The ensemble cast is perfect. I hope it continues forward for years and years !!!
  26. 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.
  27. Aug 2, 2017
    10
    I have been waiting for a new series that would keep me interested and Ozark has done it! I can't wait until the next season! Best show by far on Netflix!
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. Aug 6, 2017
    10
    Dark show about a financial advisor getting caught up with the Mexican Cartels. Great acting, funny (but very dark humor,) violent and action packed. Great character development, beautiful scenery, great story. Pay attention, you might miss something important! I LOVED this show, binge watched 3 episodes on 1 night, and 7 the next....couldn't stop watching!
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.