Person of Interest

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2011
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 471 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 416 out of 471
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 471
  3. Negative: 29 out of 471
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  1. epicmorg
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like this great show, but it's sad that season 6 was cancelled. RIP season 6..… Expand
  2. metacriticator
    Oct 28, 2018
    10
    An excellent first season of one of the best tv series I've ever seen. Just amazing!!
  3. FanofDisney1994
    Aug 28, 2018
    10
    This was an incredible show and became surprisingly realistic in the later seasons. I love the idea as it is both imaginative and creative! John Reese and Harold Finch work amazingly well off of each other and are more than just the brains and brawn duo they are friends and colleagues who are working to help people if they are the victim and stop the perpetrators. A spectacular show with aThis was an incredible show and became surprisingly realistic in the later seasons. I love the idea as it is both imaginative and creative! John Reese and Harold Finch work amazingly well off of each other and are more than just the brains and brawn duo they are friends and colleagues who are working to help people if they are the victim and stop the perpetrators. A spectacular show with a cool futuristic score by Ramin Djawadi.… Expand
  4. kbeardsley
    May 22, 2018
    10
    Before watching the show I thought the idea of watching people would creep me out but after the first episode I was hooked! I am now three seasons in and I never want it to end. It's the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, romance, and comedy. I would say I'm laughing just as much as I'm sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next. The cast is filled with greatBefore watching the show I thought the idea of watching people would creep me out but after the first episode I was hooked! I am now three seasons in and I never want it to end. It's the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, romance, and comedy. I would say I'm laughing just as much as I'm sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next. The cast is filled with great actors that execute their characters perfectly. I would recommend this show to anyone as it is able to reach such a broad audience.… Expand
  5. TechsUK
    Sep 9, 2017
    10
    Immensely enjoyable show. we love it in our family. Computer stuff intriguing, and the chase that is always on, powerplays, foes, whilst trying to save ordinary people is a great mix. seen season 1 -4. (should I watch 5 after Netflix sold it?)
  6. whatiremember
    Mar 6, 2017
    6
    Episode 1 Review:
    I think it was a good episode. Honestly the premise is more catching than the characters at first. The whole surveillance/technology/control thing nowadays gets me going. Gets my cogs turning. Or maybe I just like the action scenes, and the show sorta just feeds into my growing paranoia? Couldn’t decide from the first episode.
    We watched the first episode the night    Episode 1 Review:
    I think it was a good episode. Honestly the premise is more catching than the characters at first. The whole surveillance/technology/control thing nowadays gets me going. Gets my cogs turning. Or maybe I just like the action scenes, and the show sorta just feeds into my growing paranoia? Couldn’t decide from the first episode.
    We watched the first episode the night after we broke up. It was a sleepover as friends because I told you I could do that. What I told you, when I broke up with you, was that I wasn’t in love with you any longer. Everything I didn’t tell you then, I didn’t know yet. I didn’t know how you’d hurt me, how you’d monitored me, how you’d strangled me and confined me. We watched this show about surveillance that night and I didn’t realize anything. I was falling asleep a little bit and you asked me if we could hook up one last time. I said no. I had been told so many times that that was all I needed to do. You took my hand and moved it the way you wanted to. The sun had set and the show was over, and I was afraid to speak, to leave, to stop you. Eventually I rolled over and fell asleep, frozen. I left in the morning and the left of our post-break-up friendship was incredibly difficult and then, 3 months later, it dissolved completely.
    Show Rating: 6/10
    Viewing Experience: 1/10    … Expand
  7. sab123
    Feb 11, 2017
    3
    Wooden characters - check
    Implausible plot - check
    Incredible (as in impossible to believe) action scenes - check
    Target audience, under 15 boys - check
  8. Chocolatecoke17
    Nov 22, 2016
    10
    Person of Interest is an amazing show that will make you question your moral values, root for all of the main characters, go insane at times, and stay on the edge of your seat throughout the whole episode. In this show, anything can happen, and you wouldn't see it coming. I highly recommend this show to anyone who hasn't watched it.
  9. JesicaDB
    Jul 2, 2016
    10
    Great show. I will miss John and Root very much. I think They can create a 3d version of Root to represent the machine as the machine already chose her voice. Would really love it if they can find a way to bring John back. When is SEASON 6 STARTING Please!?
  10. LookMorris
    May 22, 2016
    2
    Would of been a great series but, the lefty leading man is a big Yawn!!
    not enough sexual tension to keep me from recurrently falling asleep.

    (the leading man wasn’t even a good sleeping pill)
  11. Tss5078
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    Imagine for a second that there was a show, created by Jonathan Nolan of the Dark Knight Trilogy, Produced by J.J. Abrams, and starring three Emmy award winners, and an Academy Award nominee. Do you think that show would be the number one show on television? In fact, it is, since it's 2011 debut, Person of Interest hasn't finished lower than 25th in the Nielsen Ratings and has won moreImagine for a second that there was a show, created by Jonathan Nolan of the Dark Knight Trilogy, Produced by J.J. Abrams, and starring three Emmy award winners, and an Academy Award nominee. Do you think that show would be the number one show on television? In fact, it is, since it's 2011 debut, Person of Interest hasn't finished lower than 25th in the Nielsen Ratings and has won more awards in five years, than other shows have in twenty.

    So, you're the person who hasn't seen it yet? Here's what it's about...

    Reclusive billionaire, Harold Finch (Michael Emerson), has build a machine, one that sees every camera, listens to every phone call, and reads everything you post of the net. He designed the machine to fight terrorism, but the machine sees everything, including threats to every day people. The government considers these person to person crimes, irrelevant, but how can Harold? Unable to live with the foreknowledge of these crimes, Howard has put together a team of two New York City Detectives and two former CIA operatives to stop the treats against ordinary people.

    When the show first started, it was purely episonic, but just like Harold's machine, the show has evolved to take on more complex and continuous story lines. Action superstar, Jim Caviezel, best known for his Academy nominated performance in The Passion stars, and he is honestly better than any other action star I've ever seen on TV. Usually these guys are big and good looking, but not very bright or talented. Caviezel is different though, as he brings together the style of James Bond, with the moves of Jackie Chan, and the wit of Sherlock Holmes, to create the ultimate crime fighter, John Reese.

    Caviezel is paired with Michael Emerson, best known as Ben, the leader of the others on Lost. This guy is so mysterious and intense, that it's almost as if he was created in a lab, by J.J. Abrams, just to star in his shows.

    Person of Interest gives you something different and something exciting with every episode. The writing is phenomenal, and the characters are as complex as I've ever seen in any TV show. The rumor is that this fantastic cast is getting to be too expensive, and the writers are running out of ideas. For that reason, season five has been cut to just thirteen episodes, and there is speculation that it may end after that. I really hope that is not the case, because this show is a constantly refreshing source of hours of quality entertainment. Every episode is a mystery, a twist, a flashback, and reeks of J.J. Abrams influence, for that I have to label Person of Interest as a must see TV show!    … Expand
  12. fradg87
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. E' una delle serie tv più belle che io abbia mai visto. Ingegno fantasia e serietà sono gli ingredienti di questo grande successo. Spero soltanto che la serie non termini con la 5 stagione.. Da vedere ASSOLUTAMENTE… Expand
  13. Dobby
    Jan 8, 2016
    7
    The first two seasons are excellent and the chemistry between the four main characters, Reese, Finch, Carter and Fusco is amazing. They also introduced a new character around the third season, named Shaw, who is pretty badass (and unintentionally hilarious). However, I think the show took a huge plummet when they killed off Carter and increased the screentime of Amy Acker's character,The first two seasons are excellent and the chemistry between the four main characters, Reese, Finch, Carter and Fusco is amazing. They also introduced a new character around the third season, named Shaw, who is pretty badass (and unintentionally hilarious). However, I think the show took a huge plummet when they killed off Carter and increased the screentime of Amy Acker's character, Root. In many ways, I felt that Carter a lot of heart to the show, that is no longer there. And her relationship with Reese was one of my favorites. Root on the other hand is just annoying and creepy, and while I liked Amy Acker in Angel, I don't think this role suits her at all. I almost wish I hadn't started watching this series, because it is painful to see what it has become. I would rate the first two season as "9", but the later seasons 3 and 4, much, much lower.… Expand
  14. JerryCraker
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Are you kidding, I'd give it a 12 if I can. I love every aspect of POI. From the story line, to each one of the characters, to the actors and actresses that plays them... I LOVE THEM ALL. Team Machine~~~ Team Machine!!! I wish it will continue on forever.
  15. tvfn
    May 13, 2015
    10
    Love the show and will watch it forever. My whole family watches (my married children who are living in other states). Covering different ages ! So this proves ages range from 27-81 yrs of age
  16. tonyman97
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    A refreshing and thought-provoking commentary on government surveillance and privacy, Person of Interest started out as a pseudo-CSI procedural and has slowly turned into an exciting cyber-thriller with a great central storyline. It's got some great actors (Jim Caviezel, Micheal Emerson) and writers (John Nolan), and has easily become the best show on network television. If you haven'tA refreshing and thought-provoking commentary on government surveillance and privacy, Person of Interest started out as a pseudo-CSI procedural and has slowly turned into an exciting cyber-thriller with a great central storyline. It's got some great actors (Jim Caviezel, Micheal Emerson) and writers (John Nolan), and has easily become the best show on network television. If you haven't seen this in a while, or were turned off when you first saw it three or four years ago, you should definitely try this show again. It's totally worth it.… Expand
  17. WestLil0
    Apr 18, 2015
    7
    It started out strong a few years ago and continues to be of interest. Caviezel is a great actor. But I think it has strayed too much into the intrigue of the machines instead of delving into numbers of even more complex characters (political figures, media reporters, etc?) creating some pseudo-lesbian theme between two of the leading female characters just shows the writers are reallyIt started out strong a few years ago and continues to be of interest. Caviezel is a great actor. But I think it has strayed too much into the intrigue of the machines instead of delving into numbers of even more complex characters (political figures, media reporters, etc?) creating some pseudo-lesbian theme between two of the leading female characters just shows the writers are really stretching the imagination. What, two strong women can't be straight any longer? That really is a turnoff for women who believe they are as capable as the ones portrayed here. It's obvious the show's basic premise is still popular but it needs to go back to the basics and expand on that instead of trying to appeal to a different audience than the original.… Expand
  18. centaurdgh
    Feb 10, 2015
    1
    My wife and I have finally given up on this show.It used to be very good and very interesting,but killing off the good characters,trivializing the interesting ones and concentrating on ones who should have been killed off years ago has just driven the show in a ridiculous direction. I guess the writers just wanted to" go where no one has ever gone before" but they just killed it forMy wife and I have finally given up on this show.It used to be very good and very interesting,but killing off the good characters,trivializing the interesting ones and concentrating on ones who should have been killed off years ago has just driven the show in a ridiculous direction. I guess the writers just wanted to" go where no one has ever gone before" but they just killed it for us.Putting someone like Root in the drivers seat was totally stupid.… Expand
  19. lbolen
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    A very, very, very good show! The acting is spot on and credible. The plot has many underlying stories which keeps it interesting. I'm hoping this series sticks around for a very long time.
  20. realtvfanatic
    Nov 26, 2014
    10
    The best show ever!!!!! No serious speaking I'm someone who's watched many anime, movies and prime-time television shows, and this show really delivers as the most exciting, dramatic, and action-oriented ever. Its story-line and screenwriting can't be matched there is absolutely no show that has better villains and twist than this show. I can truly see why Joker was so popular from Th DarkThe best show ever!!!!! No serious speaking I'm someone who's watched many anime, movies and prime-time television shows, and this show really delivers as the most exciting, dramatic, and action-oriented ever. Its story-line and screenwriting can't be matched there is absolutely no show that has better villains and twist than this show. I can truly see why Joker was so popular from Th Dark Knight it was all thank to Jonathan Nolan and his brother Chris Nolan. Elements of the perfect enemies being embodiment of personified themes is truly an art that the Nolan brothers have mastered and this show is the proof. To all the haters: " Truly what show has better a story-line, entertaining characters, juicy twists,and genius screenwriting than this show? I mean come on Seriously a "0" score? The lowest score this show a critic should give is "7"… Expand
  21. HealingToolbox1
    Oct 11, 2014
    10
    In 2014, after 3-4 seasons, the show is still going strong. What's outstanding here for an action-procedural show is the writing, plotting and character development backed up by wonderful actors and fresh faces never seen before on TV.

    Again, these are seasoned writers working at the top of their form. This shows up in their courage to break their own rules; and, write them selves    In 2014, after 3-4 seasons, the show is still going strong. What's outstanding here for an action-procedural show is the writing, plotting and character development backed up by wonderful actors and fresh faces never seen before on TV.

    Again, these are seasoned writers working at the top of their form. This shows up in their courage to break their own rules; and, write them selves deliberately into a corner just to see how they will write themselves out of it. I can't recall this level of writerly courage since X-Files.

    Let's also acknowledge POA was probably the inspiration for the video game WatchDogs and remains unusually timely for network drama.

    I understand this urban legend fantasy is not for everyone. It speaks directly to my unconscious superhero fantasy tho.    … Expand
  22. Ravens1294
    Jun 24, 2014
    10
    An awesome new show on network TV that is really interesting and just great to watch. The show knows what it's doing and network TV doesn't get better than this
  23. RPrevidi
    Apr 15, 2014
    3
    I honestly don't understand where all the 10 ratings come from... Is it people that have switched over from reality TV? Is it the CSI crew who like the twist it adds to the mystery / murder of the week genre? I honestly wanted to like the show. Two of my favorite actors from shows / movies past and I bought into the hype. Bought the first two seasons and I gutted it out through the firstI honestly don't understand where all the 10 ratings come from... Is it people that have switched over from reality TV? Is it the CSI crew who like the twist it adds to the mystery / murder of the week genre? I honestly wanted to like the show. Two of my favorite actors from shows / movies past and I bought into the hype. Bought the first two seasons and I gutted it out through the first 10 episodes... If you like CSI, I'm betting you would like this show. For me... I need a longer / more complex story arc that's more committed to character development and the unraveling of a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma (favorite Churchill quote). This show is bland and formulaic. It simply doesn't hold my interest enough to sit through an entire episode...… Expand
  24. shellyscorner
    Mar 29, 2014
    10
    I really appreciate the premise of this show. In this day and time, I can actually see what this show represents happening, in fact, I'd say it's more likely than not! It's really nice to think that there would be someone out there playing the "game" for all of us "unimportant" people! And Jim Caviezel....he's just a plus!!!
  25. SlyckNickChick
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    Where to start. First, if you have not watched this show GET ON IT you're missing out, second, Jim Caviezel is a gorgeous talented actor and plays an amazing kick ass hero. I really like how Finch and Reese don't know if the person or people they are saving is a victim or a threat. The story lines for this show could be or are endless, I can honestly say there hasn't been an episode IWhere to start. First, if you have not watched this show GET ON IT you're missing out, second, Jim Caviezel is a gorgeous talented actor and plays an amazing kick ass hero. I really like how Finch and Reese don't know if the person or people they are saving is a victim or a threat. The story lines for this show could be or are endless, I can honestly say there hasn't been an episode I haven't enjoyed. All the characters in this show have such strong parts and are great actors. Currently the show is finishing its third season and has been renewed for a fourth (March/2014). Cant wait to see what the writers have in store for us viewers or in my case FAN!… Expand
  26. AvantGuardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    Person of Interest is like the most beautiful woman in the entire world, if she were a TV show. You can't stop watching it. It's amazing and you can't even fathom how such perfection could be a reality. Well it is, and it's Person of Interest. Not only is it the best TV series i've ever seen in my life (and I've seen a LOT), but I would be very surprised if there was ever one that couldPerson of Interest is like the most beautiful woman in the entire world, if she were a TV show. You can't stop watching it. It's amazing and you can't even fathom how such perfection could be a reality. Well it is, and it's Person of Interest. Not only is it the best TV series i've ever seen in my life (and I've seen a LOT), but I would be very surprised if there was ever one that could match it, given all the shows of the future. Why is it so good? Well, The main character, John Reese, played by Jim Caviezel, is, not "is like", "is" the most badass guy, pretty much ever. Have you ever seen A Jason Statham movie? Well, he's Jason Statham, and he's got his own TV show. And his TV show is a Science Fiction Drama about an all-knowing super computer that has eyes everywhere and the power to do anything. John Reese essentially works for this computer, or, the man who built it, eliminating threats to citizens it has marked as being in imminent danger. The catch is, John and his boss, Mr. Finch, don't know whether that civilian is going to be a victim, or the perpetrator. Person of Interest is a high octane Syfy surveillance and action drama that features unbeatable action sequences, brilliant writing, fantastic characters and great plots. It feels very Whedonesque at times. It also features Angel and Dollhouse's Amy Acker as Root, perhaps the shows primary antagonist. And she's as deadly as she is hot.… Expand
  27. MGorfain
    Sep 25, 2013
    7
    A mix of science fiction, drama, action, espionage, etc, The characters Reese and Finch are great, Extremely promising show

    Pilot 10/10
    rest of season 7/10
  28. hubbabubba2531
    Sep 14, 2013
    10
    This is a really great TV show that you have to watch from beginning to end in order. This isn't a show where you come in half way through the season and expect to understand what is going on. Each episode builds off several previous episodes. As you continue to watch the series, every character gets more and more interesting with not only there current character development but theirThis is a really great TV show that you have to watch from beginning to end in order. This isn't a show where you come in half way through the season and expect to understand what is going on. Each episode builds off several previous episodes. As you continue to watch the series, every character gets more and more interesting with not only there current character development but their back stories as well. You start caring more and more what happends to the characters. A good mix of action, suspense, character development and story.… Expand
  29. lar97gforce
    Aug 6, 2013
    9
    It took me a couple of episodes to warm up to this show but now I love it! I think Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson are excellently paired and although it is hard to imagine "the machine" in real life, they make it very enjoyable to watch. I look forward to each new episode!
  30. Spangle
    Jun 24, 2013
    9
    Love it, love it, love it. The plot is interesting, the acting is great, and the mystery surrounding the characters is beyond intriguing. Highly recommend.
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best TV Season of 2011
11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2011
18
#18 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: 14 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Chuck Barney
    Dec 1, 2011
    63
    So far, though, it has mostly kept its ambition in check, preferring to follow the playbook of a typical crime procedural, with a little more darkness and a little less energy.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Nov 29, 2011
    75
    This could grow into a show of more than ordinary interest. [28 Nov 2011, p.57]
  3. Zap2it (Inside the Box)
    Reviewed by: David Eckstein
    Sep 22, 2011
    50
    The characters aren't terribly deep and the dialog doesn't take advantage of Emerson's and Caviezel's acting chops.
    Read full review
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