WB | The WB | TWB | Release Date: September 29, 1999
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
54
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 24 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
9
Negative:
5
80
Deseret NewsScott D. PierceJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: The show rings so true, in a hyper-reality sort of way. [28 Sept 1999, p.C09]
80
The New York TimesAnita GatesJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: When was the last time a series started off with nine complicated, well-developed characters, not including the colorful faculty? [29 Sept 1999, p.E8]
80
Boston GlobeMatthew GilbertJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: A surprisingly promising hour that could become something special if it doesn't cop out and decide to become a hipped-up "Beverly Hills 90210." [29 Sept 1999, p.F10]
75
San Diego Union-TribuneRobert P. LaurenceJun 20, 2013
Season 1 Review: Much of Popular is just silly, but much of it is also poignant and true. Consider Carmen (Sara Rue), who wants desperately to be a cheerleader. Carmen's a heavy girl, but a terrific dancer. [28 Sept 1999, p.E-1]
75
Kansas City StarAaron BarnhartJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: If "Popular" can do for social stratification what "Party of Five" did for addiction, it may have a chance. [29 Sept 1999, p.F1]
75
Dallas Morning NewsEd BarkJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: The two-part premiere of Popular is inventive, energized and brimming with promise if some of its overwrought moments can be reined in. [29 Sept 1999, p.1C]
70
St. Louis Post-DispatchGail PenningtonJun 20, 2013
Season 1 Review: Always messy, often rude, sometimes poignant and frequently annoying, Popular is - come to think of it - a lot like teen-agers themselves. And that just could make it the most authentic high school series of the year. [28 Sept 1999, p.D6]
70
VarietyLaura FriesJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: A hip-sounding and visually entertaining piece that might best be summed up as "The Odd Couple" meets the "The Brady Bunch" meets "teensomething." [28 Sept 1999, p.10]
63
USA TodayRobert BiancoJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: Both leads are very good, particularly Bibb, who makes what could have been a superficial character touching without making her cheaply sympathetic. The real standout, however, is Rue, who is luminous as a weight-challenged girl who longs to hear cheers. [29 Sept 1999, p.3D]
63
Houston ChronicleAnn HodgesJun 19, 2013
Season 1 Review: Popular is the show to separate the teens from the grown-ups. [29 Sept 1999, p.H-1]