Reign (2013)

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Season 1
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 4 out of 24
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Critic Reviews

  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Oct 17, 2013
    60
    Even though many will find this brand of overripe melodrama as silly as the indelible "Death of Mary Queen of Scots" sketch from Monty Python's Flying Circus, I can't help but root a little for such a zany risk.
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Oct 17, 2013
    58
    Reign is a big stick of stupid wrapped in gauzy costumes and tramping around a sumptuous estate.
  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Sep 13, 2013
    58
    Once you get past the utter silliness of the idea, Reign is kind of a kick.
  5. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    Oct 16, 2013
    50
    Not that I think The CW has any grasp of the mental mojo that made its WB network predecessor such a pop-culture kick. Really? This twaddle? Every single week?
  6. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Oct 16, 2013
    50
    Reign looks good (the pilot was shot in Ireland), moves smoothly and features CW’s characteristic bland but competent performances.
  7. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Robert Rorke
    Oct 16, 2013
    50
    History fans will scoff at this rendition of a famous story and the target audience won’t give a royal tweet about it.
  8. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Oct 15, 2013
    50
    Reign isn't half bad at times with its marvelous costumes, palace intrigues and Follows' delicious take on Catherine. But the minute you start getting into fantasy, you're yanked right out by the contemporary music and other oddities—like a montage of giggling gals putting on makeup.
  9. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Oct 15, 2013
    42
    This is a frothy, giggly, historically silly, pop tune-themed trifle, with mid-16th century France as its backdrop.
  10. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Sarah Rodman
    Oct 17, 2013
    40
    With its grand castle backdrop and sumptuous costumes, Reign looks beautiful, as do all of the people in it. But there needs to be something a little more substantial--be it drama or kitsch--between those walls and seams to make Reign into a show worthy of ascending to the heights of guilty pleasure TV royalty.
  11. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Oct 17, 2013
    40
    All told, the series--handsomely shot in Ireland--represents what amounts to a sleight-of-hand act--an attempt by CW to look like it’s trying something different while really just churning out more of the same, albeit with more splendid settings and ornate costumes.
  12. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Oct 16, 2013
    40
    Reign is a bit of forgettable froth that might amuse you for a few minutes.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
24
#24 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 140 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 104 out of 140
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 140
  3. Negative: 17 out of 140
  1. Lucy8Bell
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    Best show on the CW and best new show of the fall. It's getting overlooked because it is pretty much the only thing on the CW that is notBest show on the CW and best new show of the fall. It's getting overlooked because it is pretty much the only thing on the CW that is not based on popular YA books and doesn't have vampires. REIGN is mysterious, thrilling, dramatic, romantic and dark, and it should be at the top of your DVR. The cast is pretty spectacular as well, especially Adalaide Kane as Mary and Megan Follows as Catherine de Medici.

    This show is the less R-rated (yet nowhere near PG) version of Game of Thrones, and I haven't seen a network drama go for it as hard as this one. Props to the writing staff and the network for doing something bold and original in the bland world that is broadcast television.    … Full Review »
  2. AddyMoss
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    If this show is a guilty pleasure then I am guilty as charged. No lie, this show ranks up there in brave, bold storytelling with Game ofIf this show is a guilty pleasure then I am guilty as charged. No lie, this show ranks up there in brave, bold storytelling with Game of Thrones, Orphan Black, Homeland, etc. If you're not watching this you should be.… Full Review »
  3. ana_melinte90
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    A really great show. It has a little bit of all. The costumes are great and the soundtrack is very good. I think is one of the best new seriesA really great show. It has a little bit of all. The costumes are great and the soundtrack is very good. I think is one of the best new series from this season.… Full Review »
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