Ray Donovan

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 30, 2013
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 240 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 192 out of 240
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 240
  3. Negative: 25 out of 240
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User Reviews

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  1. Phillyfilly
    Nov 3, 2013
    8
    A friend told me about this show so I tuned in one night and wound up watching all of Season 1 in a week. It's complex with good acting by Schreiber and Voight and Malcomson. It's a little weird, ok a lot weird, but they wind up pulling it together in an entertainingly funny, sad, violent, dysfunctional depravity. I'm hooked!
  2. iamspaz
    Jul 2, 2013
    9
    Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight are both absolutely amazing, their on screen chemistry is great. This show reminds me of a mix between the Sopranos and Entourage but in a great way. Very entertaining and a must watch.
  3. GarrettH
    Sep 9, 2013
    10
    Didn't get sucked into a show in such a way like this since Showcase's Shameless. The wide range of the characters involved keeps it entertaining even when some things get a bit slow.
  4. a7xfan
    Aug 5, 2013
    9
    So this is the show that is taking over for Dexter when it departs after it's 8th season. I'm glad they chose Liev Schreiber to play this role, I've always liked him as an actor. He plays a real hard-ass professional fixer who helps celebrities out of big problems, but when his father comes back after being in prison for 20 years, his life gets turned upside down. The story, characters,So this is the show that is taking over for Dexter when it departs after it's 8th season. I'm glad they chose Liev Schreiber to play this role, I've always liked him as an actor. He plays a real hard-ass professional fixer who helps celebrities out of big problems, but when his father comes back after being in prison for 20 years, his life gets turned upside down. The story, characters, and drama keep this show looking really good and I can't wait to watch the future seasons(how ever many they decide to pick it up for).… Expand
  5. toliverjohn
    Aug 7, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ray Donovan is one of those shows that capture your attention. The Characters are well developed and believe me; Ray has plenty of problems while he tries to solve everybody’s
    Problems.

    Spoiler alert: Maybe I’m dense, but it was not clear that Ray worked for a law firm. It is a typical setting in that the firm takes the clients and Ray solves the problems.

    Rays brothers are so screwed up; it’s a full time job just to keep them out of jail. His brother Bunch is supposed to have been molested by a priest. A lot of the first six episodes deal with how he has adjusted to his situation.

    The back story from Boston comes out very slowly.

    The show has a gritty, realism that you have to be in the mood for. This is not a show with any comedy in it.

    This show is well worth watching!    … Expand
  6. NBAluke579
    Sep 1, 2013
    7
    I like this show. I think it's entertaining and I think the acting is very strong especially by Liev Schrieber and Jon Voight. But this is a very flawed show as well. Some of the characters such as the wife with the awful Boston accent and the daughter are insufferable. The pacing is kind of inconsistent as well. But I do enjoy the show nonetheless and I feel that it's really coming intoI like this show. I think it's entertaining and I think the acting is very strong especially by Liev Schrieber and Jon Voight. But this is a very flawed show as well. Some of the characters such as the wife with the awful Boston accent and the daughter are insufferable. The pacing is kind of inconsistent as well. But I do enjoy the show nonetheless and I feel that it's really coming into it's own. This show is worth checking out, but it's not the best new show on TV this year. My rating 7.5/10… Expand
  7. Ivanya
    Aug 6, 2013
    10
    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 most basic, a family man trying to cope and balance work and home. James Gandolfini played his part soSince 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
  8. moonartzi
    Jun 30, 2013
    9
    It is a wonderful show. It has a great plot, magnificent acting, and the characters are great. Liev Schreiber is one of a kind. This show is very promising so far.
  9. SimpleMethod
    Jul 7, 2013
    8
    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 Ray Donovan a chance, for now.
  10. TRASHPRINCE
    Jun 30, 2013
    9
    Looks the making of the next Sopranos, I can tell this is gonna be a great one. Everyone must see. Looks likes Showtime has an award winner omits hands.
  11. jnorth
    Jul 7, 2013
    10
    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.
  12. rculbertson102
    Jul 30, 2013
    10
    I think it is a great show, Liev Schreiber is a natural in this role. A good mixture by switching scenes to different scenarios in people's lives. I look forward to each new episode.
  13. shellview
    Jul 31, 2013
    1
    Have I missed something? I find "Ray Donovan" a big disappointment. The writing is beyond terrible. The show feels like a bunch of writers who each write a scene and then are thrown together in a hodge podge that makes no sense. The acting is so bad I find myself laughing during scenes that are suppose to be serious. When Gould's character sees the "Golem'" Voight runs off like aHave I missed something? I find "Ray Donovan" a big disappointment. The writing is beyond terrible. The show feels like a bunch of writers who each write a scene and then are thrown together in a hodge podge that makes no sense. The acting is so bad I find myself laughing during scenes that are suppose to be serious. When Gould's character sees the "Golem'" Voight runs off like a little girl...are you kidding me? Just one of many silly scenes. At least if there was one likeable character I could stay with this dreck, but there isn't. The kids are spoiled brats, Ray is just a dog sniffing after everything, Gould's character and the lawyer are so stereotypical as to be offensive......Beyond all this is the pandering. Voight instructs his grandson on oral sex, Ray dreams his father is screwing his wife, Ray's wife displays her thong that she just bought to the delight of her father-in-law and more, all unnecessary pandering. I could go on about why this show stinks but I don't want to give this show anymore of my time. One star for the nice homes and apartments but I guess I could see that on HGTV.… Expand
  14. Iar
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    Liev Schreiber is such a badass. The show is the most darkest but coincident very funny, too. "Who the is you doing in my house? I'm Ray Donovan. Who the are you?"
  15. Lucretiagooch
    Jul 9, 2013
    1
    I am so disappointed with this show. I thought they would at least give us a guy who would not fall under the sex spell of a teenager. He is as low as the people he tries to clean up after. This show is disgusting. If this is what "Hollywood" is about, I will continue to watch less and less. He is such a good actor, but not much of a decent human being if he can justify this character.
  16. AxeT
    Feb 25, 2015
    2
    This tired, derivative, same old same old clone with a new twist on a done to death genre could have been good if it wasn't so phony and downright sleazy. Making it so much worse is the cast of absolutely abhorrent scumbag freak show characters. Start with the ugly, sailor mouth, sickeningly overblown Boston accented red head wife. What an annoying shrill shrieking shrew! They cast aThis tired, derivative, same old same old clone with a new twist on a done to death genre could have been good if it wasn't so phony and downright sleazy. Making it so much worse is the cast of absolutely abhorrent scumbag freak show characters. Start with the ugly, sailor mouth, sickeningly overblown Boston accented red head wife. What an annoying shrill shrieking shrew! They cast a deformity as the daughter. Then you have the hideous fat dyke for a mistress to the gym owner brother cast by a dwarf out of something like "Lord of the Rings". Of course there's the token profane beyond real(even in Hollywood they aren't quite this over-the-top, except for maybe cable TV execs) shouting balding elfin Jew lawyer/agent? who is the little rabid dog that's all bark and no bite. And then the two miserable leads... An Eastern Euro descended chipmunk who is a good actor but has no charisma. He plays tough sure with the unshaven look and no nonsense disposition and he is a big guy. That's all it takes these days? Remember somebody like Steve McQueen?
    Worst of all is the disgrace of a solid veteran like Jon Voight playing not only a reprehensible evil mobster, sure I can see why he'd take that role, but a filthy perverted heinous freak of one? It's twisted beyond any measure of suspension of disbelief! Maybe he's not aware of what a goofy not very scary clown he's playing? If this is what an actor of stature has to do to regain notoriety and a paycheck then it's no better than flat out prostitution (which actually most all actors are fully game for sadly and they continually prove it). For that matter Eliot Gould should have remained in semi-retirement. Now he has this hideous blemish to haunt him.
    Most of all, the scumbag Showtime execs behind this filth should be held accountable for the debasing of society. Guess what cable whores? People, including hot young actresses, generally do not use the phraseology "F--- me", "I want to taste you…" etc. constantly. Even in Hollywood there is some discretion at times. In this sordid show every character uses this kind of language all the time. It's a sick false way of life as depicted.
    No, it's only the dweeb druggie sex obsessed writers, producers and execs of these kind of shows that think people talk and act this way. You see they don't get it in their real lives, so they openly fantasize about it here which sadly does in turn have a debased effect on the culture. They aren't stupid though, they know that human nature is such that curiosity gets the best of us and we watch. Sex and violence sells. It doesn't take more than the barrel of monkeys making this **** to pull that off. I'm done after six episodes not only because of all this rant on depravity. No it's mostly because the show is phony poorly written trash.
    It's light years from "Breaking Bad" or "Goodfellas" or even "Michael Clayton" which it tries to rip off.    … Expand
  17. Kyle_Fitta9
    Jul 29, 2014
    5
    The show "Ray Donovan" commenced with some intrigue. It was an interesting look at a Hollywood problem solver. It was as if its audience was getting an inside-look at someone who Hollywood wants to keep as incognito as possible and pretend they don't exist. However, the show quickly started disintegrate, emphasizing way too much on the feud between Donovan and his dad as well asThe show "Ray Donovan" commenced with some intrigue. It was an interesting look at a Hollywood problem solver. It was as if its audience was getting an inside-look at someone who Hollywood wants to keep as incognito as possible and pretend they don't exist. However, the show quickly started disintegrate, emphasizing way too much on the feud between Donovan and his dad as well as Donovan's dysfunctional household. And that's when the show began to lose its distinction and began to develop itself into just another hackneyed drama series… Expand
  18. loveraydonovan
    Aug 4, 2013
    10
    All the charactors are interesting with their own baggage and quirks. Elliot Gould is amazing as always
    Liev Schreiber is great in everything he does. I hope the show stays on! I put it right up there with Boardwalk Empire.
  19. ruchirguitar
    Aug 18, 2013
    8
    Does a good job holding on to the viewers with the title character's public/personal life. Kind of like The Sopranos. Apart from Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, it has a couple of nice dark characters like Avi played by Steven Bauer and comic relief characters like Lee Drexler played by Peter Jacobson.
    There is a good combination of dark and white, fun and drama, good and evil and all the    Does a good job holding on to the viewers with the title character's public/personal life. Kind of like The Sopranos. Apart from Liev Schreiber and Jon Voight, it has a couple of nice dark characters like Avi played by Steven Bauer and comic relief characters like Lee Drexler played by Peter Jacobson.
    There is a good combination of dark and white, fun and drama, good and evil and all the other opposites on all fronts. I think this one has a potential.    … Expand
  20. vnyc123
    Jul 2, 2013
    1
    Liev is such a scenery chewer. The show might be ok if it's allowed to develop, but anyone who is so in love with himself like Liev is can never carry a show.
  21. Jhwarfield
    Sep 5, 2013
    8
    Philadelphia tough guys make it big in Hollywood by acting like Philadelphia tough guys in Hollywood. Did Showtime hit a home run with Ray? Not yet, but I'm rooting to see it go over the fence.
  22. oakridge
    Aug 5, 2013
    9
    Intelligent adult drama full of well delineated troubled or quirky characters. Liev Schreiber delivers and it's good to see him in such a meaty role. Jon Voight acts to the hilt and is obviously having fun with his character. Also, the dialogue and plot development is so rich that you must pay full attention to get the just rewards. One of the best shows on TV at the moment.
  23. answerve
    Aug 6, 2013
    9
    Best new show since Sopranos, well written, well acted, beautifully scored, great production, not afraid to be controversial or irreverent. Loving it.
  24. Ebenn23
    Aug 18, 2013
    9
    This show is amazing! Ray Donovan is one of my favorite shows and all the characters play their roles perfectly! I hate it's only an hour, the show leaves you on the edge of your seat...make me wonder if someone's life is really like that!
  25. sombrassolidas
    Mar 20, 2014
    1
    como se dice falta de investigacion y falta de creatividad aaaaaaaaaaaaaa Ray donovan y true detective gente que jamaz leyo ni una carilla ni vio una serie ni investigo psicologia una mierda de serie
  26. mcmitch57
    Jul 13, 2014
    2
    I would rather have watched a Lifetime movie. Seriously this is corny, unbelievable and unbelievably silly. That's all good, but now when it's pretending to something more.
  27. vgmkyle
    Aug 31, 2015
    9
    I'm not sure why some professional critics give this show a hard time. It's a well paced show that is dramatic when it needs to be, is full of great talent that understand their characters -- and it also has a lot of heart. Hopefully the show continues.
  28. mmm71666
    Sep 8, 2015
    10
    Best show on TV!!! love RAY and the cast -- powerhouse show!!! keep it on forever!!!! Would watch if it was 4hours a show, the plot is awesome - the characters are superb! Boston accents are great!!1 lots of drama which keeps you tuned in!
  29. djrussell
    Jul 20, 2014
    7
    I ended up watching the entire season but really, only the pilot episode really impressed me. Not often is the pilot better than the rest of the season but it felt fresh and original. To me, it felt like a cross between a GTA game and the movie Get Shorty. As the season progressed though it became less interesting and more serious with less stories about celebrity mishaps and more family drama.
  30. TheKiddy
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    After a rocky start with the first episode, I found the first season of Ray Donovan fascinating and didn't want it to end. There are a lot of threads to follow, but they are worth following. Jon Voight is brilliant of course, and there are other strong performances. Looking forward to the next season.
  31. drose70
    Nov 16, 2018
    6
    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.
  32. moonman1994
    Oct 16, 2013
    8
    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 certainlyRay 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
  33. SlyckNickChick
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    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...is amazing! Glad to know it has been renewed for a season 3! WOO HOO!
  34. WyoBear
    Nov 11, 2013
    5
    This show is such a mixed bag for me. The actors and acting is pretty good but the storyline is a bit weak (as in who cares anyway). I watched the entire season but I really wouldn't miss it if it didn't return for a season two. If it does come back I will probably watch a couple episodes to see if it gets any better.
  35. Xyled777
    Sep 17, 2017
    5
    Loved the story but absolutely sick and tired of the porn and hard core sex/nudity. I would have gave it a 9/10 but we are getting fed up with the Hollywood perverts who think its ok to make people watch others having sex. Another show that jeopardizes society morals. So sad.
  36. dalerb
    Sep 28, 2015
    3
    I honestly don't get the good reviews this show has received from otherwise intelligent reviewers. It is an utterly unbelievable noir fairytale full of ugly characters sporting disgusting character traits. To begin with, our "hero" Ray (everyone calls him Ray) is nothing but a thug, yet he's more in demand than Steve Jobs at a technology conference. He's new to LA, but seems to constantlyI honestly don't get the good reviews this show has received from otherwise intelligent reviewers. It is an utterly unbelievable noir fairytale full of ugly characters sporting disgusting character traits. To begin with, our "hero" Ray (everyone calls him Ray) is nothing but a thug, yet he's more in demand than Steve Jobs at a technology conference. He's new to LA, but seems to constantly run into people that he knows, and they are all positively slobbering over him, "Hey Ray!", Hows it going Ray?" "How ya been Ray?" They also all seem to be in his debt somehow, for something he "fixed" for them at some point in the dim past. As a sign of his machismo of course, "Ray" treats them all with thinly disguised contempt, which they never seem to notice. Rich guys can't get enough of his enormous talents, "talents" which in the real world would have him dead or in jail in about a week. Get the picture? This guy is a comic book superhero without any super powers. His weaselly family, all with South Boston accents, are nevertheless in LA as well, and believe me you don't want to know any of them. Top this off by an appearance this season of Katie Holmes, having apparently just escaped from Tom Cruise's dungeon, wearing braces and looking AT LEAST ten years older than she is. Yuk…this show caused me to cancel my Showtime subscription, even though I'm going to miss Homeland.… Expand
  37. JustShai
    Mar 31, 2016
    8
    Absolutely outstanding series full of grit, wit, sex, scandal, family feuds and Hollywood heavies. John Voight plays a character you will love to hate! The entire cast is a perfect ensemble delivering excellent , believable performances making every scene a delight to watch. Kudos to the writers and directors for making this such a riveting ride.
  38. lks2017
    Jan 2, 2018
    10
    Such an amazing show. From beginning to end it takes you on a roller-coaster of emotion, suspense, drama and brilliant character development. When I finished it I felt like there was a void in my life. I can't wait for the new season. Watch it now!
  39. sansmotorcycle
    Feb 4, 2019
    0
    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

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best TV Season of 2013
36
#36 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 36
  3. Negative: 1 out of 36
  1. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Feb 13, 2014
    91
    The show, stylishly shot and strongly written, throws a lot at the wall in the premiere.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Jul 1, 2013
    40
    The series exists within its own ugly system, mining the by now tired convention of the thoughtful thug--the same idea that was so brilliantly subverted by more ambitious series, such as “The Sopranos” and “Breaking Bad.”
    Read full review
  3. Zap2it (Inside the Box)
    Reviewed by: Geoff Berkshire
    Jul 1, 2013
    50
    There's something both frustrating and fascinating about the way Showtime's classy but surprisingly dull new drama Ray Donovan aspires to greatness.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »