Random 1

:

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

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User Reviews

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  1. JeffV
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    Finally, a show that attempts to help the ordinary person on the street without overdramatic music, self centered cast members, or extreme sensationalism. Extending a true helping hand to real people with real life situations chosen completely at random anywhere in America. I think it's a great idea and a great show.
  2. MaryD
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    i watched this show for the first time today and I have to say it was one of the best do good shows I've seen. ABC and other stations have ones as well, but this one - speechless. This show has made me rethink my life and what I can do to make a difference if just for one person.
  3. mikeb
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    loved it - very entertaining -
  4. charc
    Nov 23, 2005
    9
    This is a good Reality show, especially for the Holidays! I would give the show a 10 if John would stop yelling at Andre!
  5. DeeleyC
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    These guy's do better than 3 wishes or home make over edition. They really pin point a person's happiness.
  6. MelodieC
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    I really liked this show...nothing manufactured...truly random....and they have been doing this long before the other kindness shows. I am not putting down the other shows mind you because any acts of kindness are wonderful. This just felt good and low key and real.
  7. [Anonymous]
    Nov 9, 2005
    3
    Hmm...two guys video-ing themselves running around doing good deeds. Like, "Hey, look at us! We're doing good deeds! On TV!" More than a bit disingenuous, quite a bit egotistical. Somebody here has a skeleton in a closet, looking to get back some good kharma...either that or a guest spot on Oprah. I wonder which one will get the movie deal and which one gets the book deal? I wonder Hmm...two guys video-ing themselves running around doing good deeds. Like, "Hey, look at us! We're doing good deeds! On TV!" More than a bit disingenuous, quite a bit egotistical. Somebody here has a skeleton in a closet, looking to get back some good kharma...either that or a guest spot on Oprah. I wonder which one will get the movie deal and which one gets the book deal? I wonder when the scandal will break? I like "My Name is Earl" better. At least it's honest about the fact that it's fiction. Those guys can come do me a favor...give me my hour back.… Expand
  8. scottm
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    this show fills my heart with joy,every once and while you need a leg up.
  9. 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 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, 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.… Expand
  10. JimM
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    Full of heart without being cloying. The interplay between John and Andre is consistently entertaining and endearing. Well-edited and scored. Worth tuning in !
  11. EvL
    Nov 2, 2005
    9
    A bit contrived but so much better than the "reality stuff" elsewhere. I wish it appeared more spontaneous
  12. MB
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Two chosen angels who give help to the over looked people of America. I love the show. It will have you reaching for the tissues every time. Keep up the good work boys. WE love you!
  13. TommyP
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    I Am so proud i found this show. It is about time somebody put something on tv worth watching. Iwish i could do what random 1 does. thanks.
  14. daisyg
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    makes you think!
  15. JamesL
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    At last a show about real people trying to help other real people.
  16. PeteJ
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    At first i was skeptical... but man there is a series wisdom behind what ever this thing is. It feels so real it's hard to believe they didn't set it up. I Tivo'd and we keep watching the bruce guy over and over. I'M a sucker for Coen brother style character stories. I'm giving random a chance!
  17. AlyK
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    I watched the first episode tonight and loved it! Very heartwarming, it brought me to tears.
  18. robd
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Unique, creative, unpredictable: what reality tv should have been years ago
  19. GracjanB
    Nov 9, 2005
    1
    I peronally in my opinion this show was over exaggerated and i did not like it at all. This show will not be successful in the future in my opinion.
  20. SusanM.
    Nov 9, 2005
    8
    A truly good show. See it!
  21. WillH
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    A wonderful show full of heart and spirit, as well as nuance, challenges and reality that accompany all tasks in life. This is a superb program, the best I have seen in ages. Three cheers to A&E. I hope it continues to grace the airwaves for years to come.
  22. FilmGuy
    Jan 18, 2006
    9
    This show is what reality TV is supposed to be. It's real, not manufactured, not prize patrol or makeovers. This is TRUE documentary - unplanned and raw. The American public is used to high production value faux reality with actors and professional "hosts". People like Mr. Pringle Fringle are the reason why a show like this is needed - To change the expectations (and hopefully This show is what reality TV is supposed to be. It's real, not manufactured, not prize patrol or makeovers. This is TRUE documentary - unplanned and raw. The American public is used to high production value faux reality with actors and professional "hosts". People like Mr. Pringle Fringle are the reason why a show like this is needed - To change the expectations (and hopefully attitudes) of the viewing public. I would suggest one of those shows where people eat bugs or have to loose weight to win prizes for people who think this show isn't genuine.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. 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 show I've seen in a long time....I was an A&E fan until you pulled Random 1.
  25. candyd
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    finally a real realtiy show and great documentary
  26. AmyW
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    The premise for the show is brilliant. Altruism plays a very vital role in our society, but unfortunately there is not enough of it. Hopefully this show will inspire others.
  27. LeeA
    Nov 1, 2005
    3
    I found this to be blase', boring and not very compelling television. I can say this because I am a seasoned television producer who knows the difference between documentary/reality and contrived TV. While the whole premise of the show is a good one, the execution is poor and confusing. The open is not cohesive and is unclear, there is no real backstory about John and Andre and the I found this to be blase', boring and not very compelling television. I can say this because I am a seasoned television producer who knows the difference between documentary/reality and contrived TV. While the whole premise of the show is a good one, the execution is poor and confusing. The open is not cohesive and is unclear, there is no real backstory about John and Andre and the viewer is not drawn into these characters at all even by the end of a very long hour. The pacing is way off and the feigned movement of the truck and RV is non-existent. The intercutting of the stories doesn't work well either. And what's with the two trucks that are in the show, one old, one newer? Who cares if John and Andre squabble? Who are the people in the RV? Why not show failed attempts at helping people? Why is John crying before Bruce does? Why does Kim deserve to be helped when there are surely others more in need... like those who survived Katrina. Random 1 is a cross between the Pay It Forward concept in the movie and The Real World done with low production values by an obviously passionate, but inexperienced group of storytellers with good intentions. Good thing I'm not a cable executive because I'll tell you one thing, for almost $400,000 per episode, I would have expected much more on the screen.… Expand
  28. jenniferc
    Nov 14, 2005
    9
    I have never been so touched by a television show. I truely felt the joy come into the lives of the people they are helping. Thank you.
  29. steved
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Television shows have been trying to outdo each other for years. More
  30. marym
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    This is the best show that I have seen in years. Three cheers for A&E!
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »