Ray Donovan: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 36 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 240 Ratings

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7.6

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7.6	Your Score
7.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 240 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

SHOWTIME | Season Premiere Date: June 30, 2013

Starring: Paula Malcomson, Dash Mihok, Katherine Moennig

Summary: The problems and possible scandals of the rich and famous disappear when they hire Ray Donovan (Liev Schreiber). However, the return of his ex-convict father (Jon Voight) brings unresolved issues Ray may not be able to fix.

Creator: Ann Biderman

Genre(s): Drama, Action & Adventure

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E12. Same Exactly
Air Date: September 22, 2013
tbd
S1:E11. Bucky F... Dent
Air Date: September 15, 2013
tbd
S1:E10. Fite Nite
Air Date: September 8, 2013

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Metascore

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Mixed:

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Critic Reviews

100

Tom Gliatto

Jun 28, 2013

[A] superbly tawdry new crime series. [8 Jul 2013, p.35]

100

Tim Goodman

Jun 12, 2013

[Creator and writer Ann Biderman has] created the most testosterone, rough and intelligent drama in ages.... Early sneaks of Ray Donovan hinted that Showtime might have a real gem on its hands, but four episodes provides an absolute exclamation point. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Matt Roush

Jun 28, 2013

This could be the start of something great. In just a handful of episodes, it's already powerfully terrific. Read full review

David Hinckley

Jun 27, 2013

Viewers may find it takes some concentration to sort out the lineup and the dramas here. The payoff is worth the investment. Read full review

Joanne Ostrow

Jul 1, 2013

The first four episodes supplied to critics are engaging, but especially in the aftermath of his passing, the shadow of James Gandolfini is, sadly, everywhere. Read full review

Hank Stuever

Jun 28, 2013

Though I do not begrudge Ray Donovan its sense of momentum or tension, I was immediately struck by a desire to simply see more of Ray doing his job for a few episodes rather than seeing him deal with his brothers’ various problems. Read full review

Maureen Ryan

Jun 27, 2013

Much of the show simply feels disjointed, or tired, or both. Despite intermittent flashes of liveliness, the pacing of Ray Donovan is off, especially at first, when it feels as though the show is trying to cover too much ground and cram in too much backstory about the Donovans' troubled past in Boston. Read full review

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User Score

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7.6

User Reviews

jnorth

Jul 7, 2013

The best new show this season. Has a feel like the early Sopranos but in a west coast setting. First two episodes caught and held our attention---good guy "villain", rough upbringing, family tensions and believable cast.

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

SlyckNickChick

Sep 21, 2014

As I was checking the episode guide for season 2 I noticed U.S. ratings are ranging 1.5 million, I am in shock. Ray Donovan is an emotional and action pack crime drama series, if you're not watching it you're definitely missing out. The acting, directing, storyline, production, etc...isAs I was checking the episode guide for season 2 I noticed U.S. ratings are ranging 1.5 million, I am in shock. Ray Donovan is an emotional and action pack crime drama series, if you're not watching it you're definitely missing out. The acting, directing, storyline, production, etc...is amazing! Glad to know it has been renewed for a season 3! WOO HOO!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Ivanya

Aug 6, 2013

Since it's a new show, I'm guessing there are going to be some future episodes to explain more about the characters, and I'm looking forward to each one. My husband loved the Sopranos, and we see a very small resemblance; east vs. west coast, Italian mob vs. Irish 'fixer', but at its mostSince it's a new show, I'm guessing there are going to be some future episodes to explain more about the characters, and I'm looking forward to each one. My husband loved the Sopranos, and we see a very small resemblance; east vs. west coast, Italian mob vs. Irish 'fixer', but at its most basic, a family man trying to cope and balance work and home. James Gandolfini played his part so well, and I see Liev Schreiber doing the same in this roll. I hope it stays around for a few seasons!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

moonman1994

Oct 16, 2013

Ray Donovan is off to fantastic start. After an extremely entertaining first season. The only problems are that there are several characters that were introduced for a long period of time that seamed to disappear and the fact that their are some aspects that are very much like The Sopranos.Ray Donovan is off to fantastic start. After an extremely entertaining first season. The only problems are that there are several characters that were introduced for a long period of time that seamed to disappear and the fact that their are some aspects that are very much like The Sopranos. The best aspect of this season was Voight's amazing performance as Mickey Donovan. I am certainly looking forward to seeing this show improve in its upcoming seasons.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SimpleMethod

Jul 7, 2013

This show certainly has a lot of potential, and is by far one of the best new shows out there. But there are a few tonal and plot inconsistencies. That being said, they are problems that are normal for a brand new show, and will likely be resolved in the coming episodes. I'll give RayThis show certainly has a lot of potential, and is by far one of the best new shows out there. But there are a few tonal and plot inconsistencies. That being said, they are problems that are normal for a brand new show, and will likely be resolved in the coming episodes. I'll give Ray Donovan a chance, for now.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

drose70

Nov 16, 2018

I have waited 6 seasons for John Voight to get killed so I could enjoy the show. Voight being the right wing piece of **** that he is, won't die, so I will stop watching. Goodbye Ray Donovan.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

sansmotorcycle

Feb 4, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Couldn't get past season 1. I was willing to overlook some of the far fetched narratives, but they went a bridge too far. I am to believe that a professional thug is willing to abandon his wife and lifelong associates for a woman who is writing an article that will land him in jail and he has only had sex with on maybe 3 occasions. Good grief!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 39 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

74

Series Overview
Season 7

tbd
- Season 7 Overview
  Air Date: November 17, 2019
Season 6

tbd
- Season 6 Overview
  Air Date: October 28, 2018
Season 5

tbd
- Season 5 Overview
  Air Date: August 6, 2017
Season 4

tbd
- Season 4 Overview
  Air Date: June 26, 2016
Season 3

71
- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: July 12, 2015
Season 2

73
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: July 13, 2014
Season 1

75
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: June 30, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E12. Same Exactly
  Air Date: September 22, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E11. Bucky F... Dent
  Air Date: September 15, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E10. Fite Nite
  Air Date: September 8, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E9. Road Trip
  Air Date: August 25, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E8. Bridget
  Air Date: August 18, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E7. New Birthday
  Air Date: August 11, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E6. Housewarming
  Air Date: August 4, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E5. The Golem
  Air Date: July 28, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E4. Black Cadillac
  Air Date: July 21, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E3. Twerk
  Air Date: July 14, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E2. A Mouth is a Mouth
  Air Date: July 7, 2013
- tbd
  S1:E1. The Bag Or The Bat
  Air Date: June 30, 2013