• 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. Negative: 29 out of 471
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User Reviews

  1. Sep 24, 2011
    10
    Fantastic show. There is a lot of action. The characters are also well developed. If you like 24 then this show is great for you. If you like shows with action then this is a must watch.
  2. Nov 9, 2011
    10
    Great Show! Now let's rate the critic:

    Slant Magazine
    Aaron Riccio; is a r-tard!!!!! He has not even watched an episode with a review like his.

    Wow, look at the title of his magazine - Slant? looks like he is paid to write with a slant in favor of the ones paying. Gotcha!
  3. CRL
    Oct 23, 2011
    10
    Person of Interest has gotten consistently better every week, so much so that I think it deserves a 10. Michael Emerson is amazing as the software genius Finch, and though I originally thought Jim Caviezel was seriously underacting in his role, now I realize he's just playing Reese (his character) the way Reese is meant to be played: dark, brooding, and with some insane fighting skills.Person of Interest has gotten consistently better every week, so much so that I think it deserves a 10. Michael Emerson is amazing as the software genius Finch, and though I originally thought Jim Caviezel was seriously underacting in his role, now I realize he's just playing Reese (his character) the way Reese is meant to be played: dark, brooding, and with some insane fighting skills. Even the cops have gotten a bit larger in their roles, and the character development has been stellar. This is easily the best new show of the year, and I hope CBS keeps this one going for a long time. Expand
  4. Sep 23, 2011
    10
    Great new show! Good acting, characters and plot. Might make some paranoid about "Big Brother" watching them, but it's a realistic twist on the invasion of privacy program started by the NSA after Bush okayed spying on everyone.
  5. 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.
  6. Sep 29, 2011
    10
    I Absolutely Love this new CBS serries it has everything going for it, Suspense, alot of action great plots for each episode, my question is why somebody wouldn't like it lol I Love it and keep it coming .
  7. Oct 12, 2011
    10
    The best new show on TV and there's many reasons why. First, the two lead actor are great alone but even better as an acting duo. They play off each other well and the supporting cast stands up well against them. The action is the best I've seen since Human Target and maybe even better. The first episode was written by Jonathon Nolan, brother of Christopher Nolan, and it was really good.The best new show on TV and there's many reasons why. First, the two lead actor are great alone but even better as an acting duo. They play off each other well and the supporting cast stands up well against them. The action is the best I've seen since Human Target and maybe even better. The first episode was written by Jonathon Nolan, brother of Christopher Nolan, and it was really good. I'm not sure who wrote the second, but it was just as good. I do hope the series continues as it is a real enjoyment to watch. Expand
  8. Oct 13, 2011
    10
    I loved this show. I find it entertaining and intelligent. The acting is excellent and awesome casting. I look forward to the next episode. The writers know how to entertain just as the acting in the show. I can't tell you how absorbed I am that I do not even notice the end of that evenings episode. I give it a twenty out of ten. Its about time we have another hit show.
  9. Oct 14, 2011
    10
    I just saw my first episode, and I like it immensely. I have been a fan of Jim C. for years. Unfortunately, I don't think it will last for the average viewers, but I hope I am wrong. I will not miss it, and I do not watch many shows.
  10. Oct 17, 2011
    10
    I love this show. The characters Reese and Finch are great and I like Carter too. Reese is an absolute badass played against type. Soft spoken, well dressed. The dichotomy is wonderful. It is by far my favorite new show this season.
  11. Oct 18, 2011
    10
    Great show with 2 great actors. Most enjoyable new show of the year. Interesting concept and good story lines with great acting. Use of technology adds a nice touch.
  12. Oct 20, 2011
    10
    Great new idea for a show. Reminds me a little of Homeland. Unfolds smoothly as the kind of show that even those who couldn't care less about it will find engrossing.
  13. Oct 19, 2011
    10
    Excellent acting and good story line. A tv version of Jason Bourne with a helper. Also reminds a little of the movie "The Shadow" where the good guy recruits people to help. The best new show since "The Mentalist"
  14. Oct 26, 2011
    10
    I LOVE this show. It's a change from all the cop shows and CSI shows. Jim Caviezel is such a sexy guy I could just watch this show for him but that aside the show is just very cool and Finch is such a different character. I love the whole concept of this show.
  15. Oct 29, 2011
    10
    Has quickly become my favorite tv show - great acting, suspense, and surprises. It keeps your interest through the whole show. Nice change from all the standard mystery shows.
  16. Oct 29, 2011
    10
    Great story line. Jim C makes a great tv Jason Bourne and Ben was the best actor on Lost. Quickly becoming my favorite show because of the acting, story lines and the introduction of a series of new characters that reappear.
  17. Nov 6, 2011
    10
    Firstly, take MetaCritic's rating of this show with a grain of salt! 'Person of Interest' is the BEST show this Season 2011. Why? The Writing is BRILLIANT! The Casting is EXCEPTIONAL! It is UNCONVENTIONAL! It pisses-me-off when Websites such as Metacritic are PAID to tilt the scale in the direction of 'Homeland' which is just another BORING show on TV; 'bin der dun dat' type show. 'PersonFirstly, take MetaCritic's rating of this show with a grain of salt! 'Person of Interest' is the BEST show this Season 2011. Why? The Writing is BRILLIANT! The Casting is EXCEPTIONAL! It is UNCONVENTIONAL! It pisses-me-off when Websites such as Metacritic are PAID to tilt the scale in the direction of 'Homeland' which is just another BORING show on TV; 'bin der dun dat' type show. 'Person of Interest' ROCKS and ROCKS seismicly = 10! Congratulations to the entire 'Person of Interest team; you are PHENOMENAL! Expand
  18. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    At first i wasn't to excited about the show promised my self to give it another chance and i did, i love it and kept me hooked and I'm still not bored! .... its different and we all needed a little change from the reality trash that's out there now.
  19. Nov 29, 2011
    10
    This is by far the BEST NEW show of the season all channels together. Let s hope that CBS will get all the potential of the show. the ideas and the writing for this show is strong and there has been already some outstanding episodes. Hopefully CBS will give time for this show to reach its full potential and not just look at ratings variations from one episode to the next
  20. Dec 5, 2011
    10
    Best new show on tv. Intelligent, well acted, suspenseful. Makes u want more. Kinda james bond and jason bourne all wrapped into one.. Not to many shows on tv that are this well done. What else do u expect from abrams n nolan. It's so entertaining I can't wait till the next weeks episode.
  21. Dec 24, 2011
    10
    This is only new television program that is well written and well acted. Michael Emerson and his limp are perfect for Finch. Jim Caviezel's understated portrayal of Reese is magnificent, especially since he occasionally doesn't win the fight. Enough violence to be an action adventure, but nothing too gruesome to make anyone turn away.

    We watch as much for the little clues about Finch
    This is only new television program that is well written and well acted. Michael Emerson and his limp are perfect for Finch. Jim Caviezel's understated portrayal of Reese is magnificent, especially since he occasionally doesn't win the fight. Enough violence to be an action adventure, but nothing too gruesome to make anyone turn away.

    We watch as much for the little clues about Finch and Reese, their relationship development, and hints of their past as we do for the story of the week. As a matter of fact, it is almost important to catch every episode in sequence to learn the history of the two men.

    Sure, some of it is far fetched, or so I think, but then again I am reminded of George Orwell's 1984. If Big Brother is going to be watching me, I would just as soon it be Finch and/or Reese.

    Terrific show!
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  22. 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!
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  23. Jan 12, 2012
    10
    Play "I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me!...Caviezel & Chapman are Watson and Holmes for 21st Century. I love T Henson but her role is too modest and not her style. Don't get caught with your pants down!
  24. Feb 3, 2012
    10
    Great, Great, Great Show! A mix of science fiction, drama, action, espionage, etc., etc. I'm sorry for those of you who don't get it. There are no show like this one. Basically you have "at least" one imperfect person helping others.
  25. Jun 8, 2012
    10
    This programme is brilliant a must watch every episoes just gets better great story and action very clever concept a real joy to watch i cannot wait until the second season do not miss out on this series.
  26. May 27, 2012
    10
    SIMPLY THE BEST TV SHOW SINCE PRISON BREAK..... i'm amazed by the tiny (almost zero) amount of shallow things that we watch today in this ocean of silly-shallow-not funny-not interesting-crappy show that is going on in TV nowadays...

    I'm truly sad for people that can't see the magic in this show, in the DIALOGUES!!!! I recommend to EVERYONE I can ALWAYS, friends who watch TV Series...
    SIMPLY THE BEST TV SHOW SINCE PRISON BREAK..... i'm amazed by the tiny (almost zero) amount of shallow things that we watch today in this ocean of silly-shallow-not funny-not interesting-crappy show that is going on in TV nowadays...

    I'm truly sad for people that can't see the magic in this show, in the DIALOGUES!!!!

    I recommend to EVERYONE I can ALWAYS, friends who watch TV Series... but it's difficult to get people to understand things like this... people are accommodate with silly/shallow stuff... and they enjoy crap...

    This is the kind of show that makes me LAUGH in the INSPIRING WAY... like, laughing when the plot unrolls... and lots of times with the interesting dialogues...

    AMAZING!!!
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  27. May 4, 2012
    10
    i love this show. It reminds me of a show from about 20 years ago called The Equalizer. Whenever justice is served and in this case with creative ingenuity I relish the outcome. The bad guys are dealt with and the good guys are the winners albeit some grey is tossed in to heighten authenticity.
  28. May 6, 2012
    10
    Great show, one of the BEST show today.

    The story and the idea itself is quite interesting as well as the act well done !

    Keep up the good work.

    C.
  29. May 18, 2012
    10
    Person of interest has to be the best that I have seen in a long time. I have been waiting for something like this. Great show. I can hardly wait until next season. I liked the way this season ended. It kind of left things hanging but not like a lot of other shows do. At least I was not mad the way this season ended. I always get frustrated the way NCIS ends thier season. Again ExcellentPerson of interest has to be the best that I have seen in a long time. I have been waiting for something like this. Great show. I can hardly wait until next season. I liked the way this season ended. It kind of left things hanging but not like a lot of other shows do. At least I was not mad the way this season ended. I always get frustrated the way NCIS ends thier season. Again Excellent show. As you can see 35 great reviews and only 5 bad reviews. The bad reviews must be from some really boring people. Expand
  30. Jun 4, 2012
    10
    Person of Interest found a way to bring action packed fun with a riveting, entertaining, and fast paced story to close everything out. Sure, the season was not without its imperfections, even starting rather slow before finding its groove, but once it hit its stride, there was no slowing down.
    The finale delivered a fantastic cap to that season illustrating everything that's great about
    Person of Interest found a way to bring action packed fun with a riveting, entertaining, and fast paced story to close everything out. Sure, the season was not without its imperfections, even starting rather slow before finding its groove, but once it hit its stride, there was no slowing down.
    The finale delivered a fantastic cap to that season illustrating everything that's great about the show, while simply turning it on its head, incorporating clever twists, and showing that it's only scratched the surface of its capabilities.
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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 26
  2. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. 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.
  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. 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.