Random 1

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Season 1
  • Network: A&E
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 1, 2005
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7

Critic Reviews

  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jennifer Wulff
    75
    The camera work is shaky, the music is gritty, and the endings aren't always happy. But the fact that you can almost smell the B.O. on some of the people piling into that truck makes it a raw, more real alternative to the usual sugary sweet. [21 Nov 2005, p.43]
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  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    70
    "Random 1" is not nearly as melodramatic [as "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"], but it doesn't manufacture its miracles. It offers small, random acts of kindness, and that is sometimes a much better deal.
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    60
    Ultimately, ''Random 1" is a portrait of the giving spirit in action, not a fantasy show about happy endings.
  5. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    50
    It's uplifting, but not hugely entertaining. After a while, I sort of think the show will feel tired; once you've seen one good deed done, you've seen them all.
  6. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    50
    The meandering pace of this show feels a little tedious... Still, "Random 1" does offer a more inspiring aftertaste than the saccharine "Scooby-Doo" endings of "Three Wishes."
  7. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Richmond
    30
    There's something a little bit annoying at the core of this reality travelogue that surrounds the means by which the ends are achieved.
  8. Flak Magazine
    Reviewed by: Joey Rubin
    30
    Unfortunately, what could be an inspiring antidote to the never-ending stream of unreal "Reality TV" turns out to be a jumbled, mediocre program with little going for it except its intended goodwill.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best TV Season of 2005
23
#23 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 57
  3. Negative: 7 out of 57
  1. graphicschik
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Best "REAL" Show Ever!!!!! Why did A&E cancel this and leave stupid shows like "Dog the bounty hunter" instead???? Random 1 was and is the Best "REAL" Show Ever!!!!! Why did A&E cancel this and leave stupid shows like "Dog the bounty hunter" instead???? Random 1 was and is the best show I've seen in a long time....I was an A&E fan until you pulled Random 1.… Full Review »
  2. Troym
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    This is the best show on television, period. Anyone who thinks otherwise is missing the point. Assuming it's real (which it looks like This is the best show on television, period. Anyone who thinks otherwise is missing the point. Assuming it's real (which it looks like it is), I'd much rather see normal, abnormal, white, black, poor, not-so-poor, common everyday folks get the benefit of help in their lives without having to be a "contestant" or have their story approved by some corporate interest i.e. Sears, ABC et al. T.V. is for US! We watch it, buy the stuff it sells us, and (unfortunately) follow it blindly when it tells us what's going on in the world (weapons of mass destruction, anyone???). When I watch this show, in some small but significant way, I feel like the viewer does matter. We are all people, after all.… Full Review »
  3. JAYM
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    A real show with real people helping real people,what a concept.A breath of fresh air with all the crap on air.I look foreward to a new season.
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