Public Morals

:

Season 1
  • Network: TNT
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 25, 2015
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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Critic Reviews

  1. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Aug 24, 2015
    60
    After a rather long walk down some shadowy alleys, Public Morals becomes a much more intense and traditional crime drama.
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Aug 25, 2015
    58
    Burns’ direction is choppy, except for his closing­ scenes, which are un­expectedly strong. He does know how to end an episode. If only he knew how to begin one.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Scott Von Doviak
    Aug 25, 2015
    50
    Public Morals is a handsome production that could benefit from more variety; half the scenes unfold in smoky saloons, and the washed-out cinematography favors browns and yellows to a distracting degree. Its story is engaging enough on a comfort-food level, but its themes are spoon-fed.
  5. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Aug 21, 2015
    50
    One reason the show is great fun is Burns’ street-baroque dialogue. The characters really do talk about Palookaville. It all goes a little too far, though.... The overwriting keeps Public Morals from achieving the credibility level Burns is aiming for.
  6. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: John Anderson
    Aug 20, 2015
    50
    Mr. Burns has created a show that is watchable.... but the lack of any rudimentary joy among any of the characters means there’s also no one to like, not during the early episodes.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Aug 24, 2015
    40
    Public Morals is a mess.... [Working with Amblin Television and producers including Steven Spielberg] probably accounts for the show’s technical polish, but the thin and repetitive writing and the clumsy one-note direction--every scene plays at the same pace and volume, so that family dinners, squad-room arguments and murders seem indistinguishable--can’t be finessed.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Best TV Season of 2015
84
#84 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 50
  3. Negative: 7 out of 50
  1. KansasKid
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    I was a HUGE fan of Southland on TNT (should never have been canceled) so when I saw the promos for Public Morals I thought um, I might checkI was a HUGE fan of Southland on TNT (should never have been canceled) so when I saw the promos for Public Morals I thought um, I might check this out. Glad I did! I love a good cop series, but this was so much more and so well written and shot I thought I was watching HBO. TNT you finally up'd your game again - thank you. I can not wait for more episodes - EXCELLENT!… Full Review »
  2. BiddyDono
    Aug 31, 2015
    7
    Super yummy looking TV - every shot is like an artwork. Ed Burns and some other great actors nail the job of telling an old fashioned NYSuper yummy looking TV - every shot is like an artwork. Ed Burns and some other great actors nail the job of telling an old fashioned NY crime story. Loved it.… Full Review »
  3. JacktheMack
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    So I watched the first four episodes, and while it starts a little slowly, this show becomes pretty fantastic quickly. The acting is superbSo I watched the first four episodes, and while it starts a little slowly, this show becomes pretty fantastic quickly. The acting is superb and the little touches of humor are great. Way more character than the run-of-the-mill police procedural. Definitely a step up for TNT.… Full Review »
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