Prodigal Son

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 23, 2019
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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Critic Reviews

  1. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Amanda Bell
    Sep 20, 2019
    85
    Michael Sheen is dancing with light feet in this role, clearly having a blast playing a serial killer who is at once a duplicitous menace and a charming conversationalist.
  2. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Sean O'Grady
    Jul 29, 2020
    80
    Sheen is brilliant as Whitly, combining the face of a Blue Peter presenter with the mind of the Yorkshire Ripper. ... It is ludicrous, but there’s sufficient sadism, psychobabble and Sheen to keep you distracted from the odd confusing plotline.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Daniel D'Addario
    Sep 20, 2019
    80
    Performances carry the day, here: Payne is edgy and hopped-up as a young man in a perpetual state of ultra-anxiety. ... Sheen cleverly carries off a character with all the urbane wit of Hannibal Lecter, but evil buried further under the surface. ... The show, though, is completely in control, deploying Sheen carefully, well, and never too much. It’s a program that provides a creepy jolt while never reveling in darkness for its sake.
  5. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Sep 23, 2019
    70
    “Prodigal Son” isn’t going to set ratings charts on fire, but it’s a solid mystery/drama after a long Monday, one that plays on our increasing obsession with serial killers and grisly murders with an engaging, talented ensemble.
  6. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Sep 23, 2019
    67
    Or, “My Dad’s a Serial Killer.”
  7. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Sep 23, 2019
    67
    The two lead performances make me want to see more. ... Prodigal Son is more than several cuts below that Oscar-lauded classic. Still, it’s better than chopped liver, of which Dr. Martin Whitly has shown he knows a thing or two.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. youngandgrey
    Sep 26, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Really Good Drama. The mystery and procedural element take a somewhat backseat to the characters. Its a cop show, but, not in the traditional sense. The best parallel I can make to this show is the recently ended Elementary. While in Elementary, Sherlock is tortured by his drug addiction and possibly relapsing into drug addiction. The main character-Malcolm Bright (played by Tom Payne) is tortured by the fact that he found his serial killer father bodies as a child. He is plagued by night terrors, and a fear that he will fall in his fathers footsteps. The father is a horrifically subtle evil character, similar in vein to Hannibal Lecter played to perfection by Michael Sheen. Lou Diamond Phillips is a good addition to the cast as Malcom`s old friend that happens to be saved from being murdered by Malcom`s father by Malcom. I recommend this show for anyone looking to fill their withdrawl from Elementary, and who would like a fresh take on the proceedural formula.… Full Review »
  2. sjskydiver
    Mar 28, 2020
    0
    Absolutely one of the worst shows I've ever wasted my brain on this year. I'm so disappointed because it had so much potential. It's soAbsolutely one of the worst shows I've ever wasted my brain on this year. I'm so disappointed because it had so much potential. It's so stupidly predictable, it's laughable. "My Boy!" Really? Who believes this? Ugh.… Full Review »
  3. Ededed
    Jan 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Too weird, and usually I like weird.

    Feels like the writers try to insert every weird twist into the plot they come up with without a real long term storyline in mind. We know having a convicted serial killer in the family is bound to create some mental health issues, but this is too extreme to be watchable. Mommy dearest obviously has deep and hidden issues and I would not be surprised if she is somehow involved in the killings her husband was convicted for. Oops, spoiler alert!

    Gave up on this. Couldn’t keep my attention.    … Full Review »
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