Preacher

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: May 22, 2016
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 299 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 373
  3. Negative: 40 out of 373
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  1. Phil_T_123
    May 23, 2016
    5
    Preacher was one of my favourite graphic novels, and having Seth Rogen adapt it had me extremely excited for this show. Seth Rogen has a dark sense of humour and has never been afraid to mock religion - which the source text does ubiquitously, both outright and with its twisted mythology.

    To summarize the original comic without spoilers, Jesse Custer, a dubious preacher, receives the    Preacher was one of my favourite graphic novels, and having Seth Rogen adapt it had me extremely excited for this show. Seth Rogen has a dark sense of humour and has never been afraid to mock religion - which the source text does ubiquitously, both outright and with its twisted mythology.

    To summarize the original comic without spoilers, Jesse Custer, a dubious preacher, receives the power of the word, which knocks him down and kills his congregation. He then uses this power to go on a wild, wacky, weird and violent road trip with vampire friend, Cassidy, and unsuccessful hitwoman ex-girlfriend, Tulip, in order to hold God himself to account for walking out on creation.

    Would I hold it against the show's creator's for toning down the violence and sexual depravity to make the show TV friendly? Not particularly, the text is extreme. Would I hold it against them for changing the story and characters to make it a more TV friendly format? Yes, and I do.

    In the show, not only does Jesse's congregation not die, but he swears at the end of episode one that rather than walk out on them, he is going to save them. We also have the addition of a mother of two character as Jesse's best friend. Why are these two points significant? Because they tell us that the show is probably going to stay in Texas, with Jesse using his friends and his power to save different members of the congregation each week. They've changed the story to give the show a more consistent weekly format rather than the unpredictable and random road-trip nature of the comic - a consistent structure on TV sells better and is less commercially risky.

    Looking at the characters, there are major (and unnecessary) differences, for example: in the comics, Tulip, Jesse's hitwoman ex-girlfriend, was a pretty reluctant and unsuccessful assassin. In the show, she is a crazy cross between a ninja and McGuyver, happily engineering a rocket launcher from baked bean tins to take down a helicopter.

    So, the story is different, the characters are different, there is no religious satire and Jesse Custer looks like he's working for God rather than hunting him down, but the TV crtitcs will have you believe that this show captures the essence of Preacher, apparently all because it also contains comic violence.

    If I were you, I'd read the book, watch the show, and then make your own mind up. But I think if are looking for anything true to the original text then, like me, you are going to be disappointed.    … Expand
  2. jamess
    Jun 2, 2016
    8
    Hearing about the project for years, but not familiar with the comic book, I went into the Preacher pilot with no prior knowledge or idea what I was getting into. Rogen and Goldberg do a great job bringing it to the small screen. The plane, cornfield and bar fight scenes are great examples of using the budget and limitations of television production to their advantage. They're creative,Hearing about the project for years, but not familiar with the comic book, I went into the Preacher pilot with no prior knowledge or idea what I was getting into. Rogen and Goldberg do a great job bringing it to the small screen. The plane, cornfield and bar fight scenes are great examples of using the budget and limitations of television production to their advantage. They're creative, well done, AND choreographed well. I've been impressed with Dominic Cooper since he out-TomHardied Tom Hardy, playing dual roles in The Devil's Double, and the rest of the cast shine. So I'm hooked. Let's see what they can continue to do with the setup they've presented.… Expand
  3. LamontRaymond
    Jul 17, 2016
    9
    Didn't read the comic, but I'm having a great time with this series. The one real danger is that the Preacher has been highly unlikable for the last 2 or 3 episodes - alienating Cassidy and his friends - and I'm hoping he doesn't alienate us, the viewers, along with them.
  4. ernit16
    Jul 11, 2016
    10
    Don't have much to say other than.. fun! - this show has put a smile on me face - interesting cast - really like the Cassidy character (cracks me up). It's tough, funny, and weird - pretty damn cool, cant wait to see where it goes with future seasons.
  5. krinshaw2
    Jun 1, 2016
    10
    I think they nailed the fun, gory, twisted, dumbfoundingly intriguing story / premise?.!? I love it! i definitely recommend this show to anyone who likes things in the like of Walking Dead, Evil Dead,Fistful of Dead, I mean Dollars and Strange Brew. Can't wait to see where this is going........ Hopefully straight to Hell........
  6. ScienceAdvisor
    Jul 8, 2016
    5
    Have seen the first six episodes, and the development is far too slow, with the characterization being far too schizophrenic. The show is full of unique characters, far too many of them who are unique for no particular reason. The worst sin, is that few are actually likeable. So they are all just cannon fodder, including the Preacher (after episode six anyway).

    The back-and-forth    Have seen the first six episodes, and the development is far too slow, with the characterization being far too schizophrenic. The show is full of unique characters, far too many of them who are unique for no particular reason. The worst sin, is that few are actually likeable. So they are all just cannon fodder, including the Preacher (after episode six anyway).

    The back-and-forth between past and present is poorly spaced, and at times, incoherent. The showrunners cannot decide if they want grindhouse or not, and the result is a washed-out series of what might have been. If this survives to season two, hopefully they will try and plan things a little more coherently. Though after the character reversals in episode six, I doubt I will be returning even though it has been picked-up for a second season.    … Expand
  7. ReubenIsAGod
    Jun 6, 2016
    10
    I'm a massive fan of this comic and I'm loving this new take on the tale. It's a lot more grounded then the comic book, giving fresh new take on the franchise. I'm really enjoying it. You can feel the love and respect for the source material when watching the show. I think teh way this adaption is working is that they want to focus on a slow start so they can get the money and budget soI'm a massive fan of this comic and I'm loving this new take on the tale. It's a lot more grounded then the comic book, giving fresh new take on the franchise. I'm really enjoying it. You can feel the love and respect for the source material when watching the show. I think teh way this adaption is working is that they want to focus on a slow start so they can get the money and budget so that the show can turn into the crazy **** up mess that preacher is. Gotta start slow *much like the comic* to expand into something **** insane.… Expand
  8. reanaa
    Jul 6, 2016
    10
    I have never read the comics. Know nothing of the story. But this is the most unique and refreshing shows I have seen in a very long time. It also happens to be "spew milk through your nose" funny.
  9. whatdafrak
    Jun 2, 2016
    7
    I've read the books and believe they got the characters right, but the pilot was a bit disjointed and uneven. I'm curious to see how the series unfolds and if they're able to weave in the more interesting bits from the books.
  10. PaperThing
    May 24, 2016
    9
    All I can say is, thanks for not balls-ing it up. Despite some aspects of the comics being juvenile, there are moments that are indelible in my mind as both ridiculously hilarious and poignant social commentary. The show, whilst changing certain beats, maintains that theme with aplomb. For that I salute the creators. Keep up the good work you bastiches.
  11. sonder
    May 31, 2016
    9
    Preacher is a very good show; Seth Rogan succeeded. A few people seem confused as to what it's about. To understand Preacher, it's important to understand that every superhero story is set in a mythological universe, as is Preacher. In this universe, it's the End Times someplace in Texas, and the heroes and villains have their own set of superhuman skills. In this religious universe,Preacher is a very good show; Seth Rogan succeeded. A few people seem confused as to what it's about. To understand Preacher, it's important to understand that every superhero story is set in a mythological universe, as is Preacher. In this universe, it's the End Times someplace in Texas, and the heroes and villains have their own set of superhuman skills. In this religious universe, right and wrong are absolutes, and the struggle for salvation determines, in an almost Calvinist sense, whether a character will be good, or ultimately corrupted via sin and pride. Think about Greek tragedies, or epic poems, and about how those stories bring out the central moral values and heroic aspirations of a culture. If you such a story in modern day Texas, and set the medium as the comic book superhero story adopted to a serialized television show, you get Preacher. As with any story of this type, to enjoy it, you must suspend disbelief, and look for the subtle social commentary within the intentionally lightly humorous and self-effacing work.… Expand
  12. Jes1310
    Jun 30, 2016
    9
    This is going to be a Classic. Watched the pilot yesterday, and loved it. Great script, great characters and tonnes of fun and some bloody gore. Cant wait for more.
  13. orwellflash
    Jun 22, 2016
    10
    Sui generis. Great acting and writing in the service of an agnostic post-theological theology of the absurd. The comic book roots help to grease the tracks for the wary, and we slide into a phantasmagoric meditation on the deadly carnival of life on this planet. Not for everyone--thank goodness!
  14. Jansigmanjan
    Jun 27, 2016
    10
    Best show I have seen on TV in years ,stopped watching almost everything on TV 4 years ago just found most TV boring and repetitive was down to just a few British shows Sherlock, sometimes Doctor Who and Graham Norton ( Which doesn't really count as it is a talk show)
    Really like the characters in this odd tale so people are upset because it is different then the comic but that is ok    Best show I have seen on TV in years ,stopped watching almost everything on TV 4 years ago just found most TV boring and repetitive was down to just a few British shows Sherlock, sometimes Doctor Who and Graham Norton ( Which doesn't really count as it is a talk show)
    Really like the characters in this odd tale so people are upset because it is different then the comic but that is ok I understand that it is difficult to make the show like the comic.
    I have not read the comic but did know of it and remember when it came out in the 1990,s.
    I think they are doing a great job here and look forward to seeing it every week sence I live in the country and have no cable ,I have purchased the first season as a download which shows up on my Tablet every Monday, Keep up the great work Seth and all the others involved in this cool project!    … Expand
  15. Broyax
    Aug 24, 2017
    0
    Seulement 10 épisodes pour la première saison et poutant il faut croire que c'est encore trop, bien trop pour les crétins de scénaristes qui se la coulent douce en banales provocations et tarantinades pleines d'hémoglobine... car Preacher est incroyablement creux et sans âme.

    Et étonnamment poussif également : difficile de ne pas piquer du nez à chaque (long) épisode durant lequel on se    Seulement 10 épisodes pour la première saison et poutant il faut croire que c'est encore trop, bien trop pour les crétins de scénaristes qui se la coulent douce en banales provocations et tarantinades pleines d'hémoglobine... car Preacher est incroyablement creux et sans âme.

    Et étonnamment poussif également : difficile de ne pas piquer du nez à chaque (long) épisode durant lequel on se pose toujours la même question : "quand est-ce que l'histoire va enfin commencer ? quand est-ce que ça décolle ce truc ?"

    A part brasser du vent et se la jouer redresseur de torts alcoolo-tabagique, à part utiliser son "pouvoir" de persuasion très persuasif et coller des gnons de temps à autre, le "prédicateur" très angéliste est une coquille vide qui fait toujours "toc", peu importe ce que les abrutis de scénaristes tentent d'y mettre ; sa comparse agitée très casse-burnes n'est pas mieux logée, elle qui semble concourir en permanence au festival de la reine des connes du mois.

    Le débilos de vampire qui sert à rien à part tenter vainement d'amuser la galerie et l'autre gogol à tronche de cul participent à la vacuité ambiante, sans compter les "méchants" et leurs grands chapeaux qui sont juste là, eux aussi; pour meubler cette couillonnade générale, prétentieuse et navrante.    … Expand
  16. Skeletor71
    May 23, 2016
    9
    This was way better than I expected. I've read some of the comics a few years ago, but I think most die-hard fans are just nostalgic. In my opinion it didn't hold up that great.
    This show, however, does. My only issue so far is Gilgun (whom I love!). The dude needs subtitles.
  17. Steerpike
    Jun 23, 2016
    3
    Four episodes out of six into the first season and I am wondering if anything is going to happen. Stylish ass-kicking does not in itself constitute a plot. The dialog is stilted and cliched; the acting shallow and ropey, and the characters are little more than types (man in black with a past, feisty ex-girlfriend, comedy side-kick, impassive nemeses). Whole scenes go by in which nothing isFour episodes out of six into the first season and I am wondering if anything is going to happen. Stylish ass-kicking does not in itself constitute a plot. The dialog is stilted and cliched; the acting shallow and ropey, and the characters are little more than types (man in black with a past, feisty ex-girlfriend, comedy side-kick, impassive nemeses). Whole scenes go by in which nothing is said that matters and the plot doesn't move. I have a feeling that this must just be 'True Blood' for straight men. We're just gonna hang around this small town getting to know boring people and solving their little life-problems forever. And the sign outside the church is getting old already. I'm bored.… Expand
  18. Prosmooth
    May 23, 2016
    9
    Never read the comic. Never heard of the comic. Was entertained endlessly throughout the entire premiere even though I didn't know what the hell was going on and still don't. Don't care. Liked it very much. Will continue to watch.
  19. Truthserum
    May 25, 2016
    0
    Made-for-tv garbage. completely changed story, changed characters, with no intention of being the wacky, surprising, darkly humorous satire that the orginal tale was.

    With the bonus of all new cliched dialogue and hack plotting, instead of Garth Ennis' original wit. What a balls up! Seth Rogan is an idiot. To be honest in real life he comes across as an idiot....so i'm not surprised    Made-for-tv garbage. completely changed story, changed characters, with no intention of being the wacky, surprising, darkly humorous satire that the orginal tale was.

    With the bonus of all new cliched dialogue and hack plotting, instead of Garth Ennis' original wit.

    What a balls up! Seth Rogan is an idiot. To be honest in real life he comes across as an idiot....so i'm not surprised this show has turned out so badly.    … Expand
  20. shadow47
    May 23, 2016
    7
    Decent adaptation of the comics. Well acted. I feel, however, that it would've been so much better if it had been adapted for HBO instead of AMC, what with all of its graphic glory. Will continue to watch, but I don't see it lasting very long, mainly because the purists and semi-purists will eventually get tired of the writers playing it safe in order to make the show basic cable-friendly.
  21. boofaloben
    May 23, 2016
    10
    As a giant fan of the Garth Ennis original graphic novel series, I am happy they have made changes (casting/origin) but kept to the heart of the Preacher universe. Best pilot episode I have seen for a show, possibly ever. Can't wait to see what they throw at us this season.
  22. cherold
    May 28, 2016
    9
    Wow, this is a crazy series. The pilot is an oddity, in that it alternates crazy scenes of hyper-violence and crazy characters with the quiet tale of a world-weary preacher with a violent past trying to be good. Both elements are solid but feel a bit disconnected, and I'm still not sure how they're going to mesh, but the series is still terrifically entertaining.

    I do want to comment on    Wow, this is a crazy series. The pilot is an oddity, in that it alternates crazy scenes of hyper-violence and crazy characters with the quiet tale of a world-weary preacher with a violent past trying to be good. Both elements are solid but feel a bit disconnected, and I'm still not sure how they're going to mesh, but the series is still terrifically entertaining.

    I do want to comment on the user review of Phil_T_123. I haven't read the original, so I can't compare the two. But Phil suggests that this is going to be a preacher-helps-the-town show. This seems like a bizarre misreading, since near the end something horrific happens which suggests the preacher's power is not benign at all. I will be surprised if Phil is right; to me, it seems the makers have something darker in mind, even if they don't follow the original's trajectory..    … Expand
  23. ChazzRabble
    May 23, 2016
    10
    I've never read the comics / graphic novel for Preacher, so I literally had no idea what to expect from this show. But all I can say is it was absolutely amazing. Cannot wait to watch more! Holding out for more!
  24. AthanasiosT
    May 25, 2016
    10
    New TV show of the year! I've read a few of the story's comics and I can say that the adaptation is really cool, dark, bloody, fun / well directed and acted. Keep it up and keep it coming...
  25. spud
    Jun 20, 2016
    0
    This is pretty bad. This TV show absolutely mangles the original source material. It is a shame that they felt the need to take liberties (and that they decided to cast someone so bland and vanilla as Jesse Custer, a.k.a. Preacher). Seth Rogen should just play unfunny stoners in the films of Judd Apatow, and nothing else.
  26. lurch
    Jun 11, 2016
    1
    Pretty disappointed with this. Not true to the source material at all. In the first episode besides almost abandoning the storyline of the comics completely they've managed to **** up Tulip (NINJA ASSKICKING ASSASSIN EDGE CHICK), Sheriff Root and Arseface (All happy families and friends with Jesse somehow) and of course Jesse (weak **** Can't wait to see how they will **** up the Saint ofPretty disappointed with this. Not true to the source material at all. In the first episode besides almost abandoning the storyline of the comics completely they've managed to **** up Tulip (NINJA ASSKICKING ASSASSIN EDGE CHICK), Sheriff Root and Arseface (All happy families and friends with Jesse somehow) and of course Jesse (weak **** Can't wait to see how they will **** up the Saint of Killers, Jesses family and The Grail.… Expand
  27. Nousernames
    Jun 18, 2016
    10
    This show is hilarious! It's witty, it's well written, the characters are fantastic! I don't think I've liked a character as much as I do Cassidy. It is VERY VIOLENT so be aware of that, you also might not like it if you are a religious type, so be warned. However if you love dark humor, and stories that draw you in with characters you're dying to know more about, this is the one for you!
  28. TheQuietGamer
    Jun 24, 2016
    8
    I'm not hugely familiar with the comics. I've only read a handful of issues, but from what little I have read I can tell you that the show is kind of a different beast. As you might expect, AMC doesn't have that sort of freedom that channels like HBO have. That means the content can't be as explicit as what is in the source material.

    However, "Preacher" has by no means lost it's bite.    I'm not hugely familiar with the comics. I've only read a handful of issues, but from what little I have read I can tell you that the show is kind of a different beast. As you might expect, AMC doesn't have that sort of freedom that channels like HBO have. That means the content can't be as explicit as what is in the source material.

    However, "Preacher" has by no means lost it's bite. It's teeth aren't as sharp and jaw not as strong in this TV form, but the sense of humor, social commentary, religion bashing, and craziness are still present. Albeit in weaker form. The first four episodes have proved that it's still worth watching. Especially now that things are really starting to get moving as far as the plot is concerned.

    It's interesting to see the show take a different route than the comics to start out with. We actually get to watch Jesse Custer come to terms with his powers while in the preacher role. Things have been slow so far and we have yet to see just how these characters new and old are going to be utilized in the grand scheme of things. However it's beginning to look like that's going to change. The show has made some progress forward that's really stating to bring the puzzle together.

    If you haven't been watching then now is the perfect time to jump on. The plot is shaping up and it's a very well cast show with interesting themes, funny moments, and great action. While not as ballsy as it's source material, the show is still worth watching. It might not have the same impact as the comics, but there's not really anything else like it on television right now. To top things off it's all been pretty great so far.

    I can't say this is my definitive opinion and score yet as the season is still going on. As a result this all has the potential to change. Until that time consider this my definitive review that may be updated later if necessary.    … Expand
  29. giliardgomes
    May 23, 2016
    10
    Open your minds, super fans of the comics, ever the comics will be adapted 100% to the small or big screen, its impossible! I liked so much the show e I'm also too very fan os the comics, they are different medias, they work differents.
  30. dvader7272
    May 25, 2016
    9
    Not exactly like the graphic novels, but how could it be? This takes the spirit found in those and creates a very cool version of it. The cast, writing and directing are all strong in the pilot. I was initially weirded out by Tulip being cast as an African American, but quickly realized it would work just fine. I hope the entire season can keep the momentum started by the pilot. Welcome toNot exactly like the graphic novels, but how could it be? This takes the spirit found in those and creates a very cool version of it. The cast, writing and directing are all strong in the pilot. I was initially weirded out by Tulip being cast as an African American, but quickly realized it would work just fine. I hope the entire season can keep the momentum started by the pilot. Welcome to Texas, everyone.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best TV Season of 2016
18
#18 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
19
#19 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: Daniel D'Addario
    Jun 2, 2016
    80
    It's thrilling to watch Jesse go from dour to empowered.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    May 23, 2016
    83
    Preacher is a black comedy, a horror funhouse, a mild meditation on belief and a wicked good time. There’s nothing left to say but: Amen.
    Read full review
  3. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Caroline Framke
    May 23, 2016
    80
    It'd be easy for Preacher to operate as a cut-and-dried adaptation; the comic is vibrant, with an incredibly specific tone and complicated backstory. But in reimagining it for television, AMC dug a little deeper, and came up with something more satisfying and complex.
    Read full review
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