Roadies

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 26, 2016
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 61
  3. Negative: 8 out of 61
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  1. Markolodeon
    Aug 23, 2016
    10
    As many others have mentioned if you loved Almost Famous you'll feel the same about Roadies. This show has tremendous heart and we look forward to every new episode. Here's hoping Showtime will give Roadies a second season and ignore the bummer critic reviews.
  2. mojobeat
    Aug 24, 2016
    9
    Don't get discouraged by some below average reviews. Roadies is definitely worth checking out and is easily my favorite new television series of 2016. Although initially it seems a bit light and funny, there is definitely more than meets the eye. The cast is absolutely outstanding, and with time, all the quirky characters will begin to grow on you. Unlike HBO's Vinyl which was all hype andDon't get discouraged by some below average reviews. Roadies is definitely worth checking out and is easily my favorite new television series of 2016. Although initially it seems a bit light and funny, there is definitely more than meets the eye. The cast is absolutely outstanding, and with time, all the quirky characters will begin to grow on you. Unlike HBO's Vinyl which was all hype and too expensive, or ABC's Nashville which just wasn't too honest in the latter seasons, Roadies seems true to itself from the very beginning and doesn’t try to do too much. It is entertaining and fun, yet honest, creative and captivating, presenting some definite truths about how the music industry works. Anyone who has ever hanged out with musicians, roadies, DJs, music promoters, will know what I’m talking about. There is this mysterious magic in the air when you are in presence of musicians that you just can’t explain. I always thought that it would be impossible to convey this in reasonable way in a film or a television show. Luckily we have Cameron Crowe, who has managed to capture this strange cool aura of being a musician, and just as importantly, what it’s like to be someone hanging out with them day in and day out by being a roadie. This show is also perfect to watch as a prerequisite to Crowe’s excellent film, Almost Famous, or vice versa, to watch it afterwards. Then there is this wonderful, eclectic soundtrack in the show that could only come from someone like Cameron Crowe. We have everything here from classics like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac, to true alternative stuff like The Replacements, Robyn Hitchcock, Cocteau Twins, to things like Eddie Vedder, Kurt Vile, Black Lips or Courtney Barnett. As a final note, I sincerely hope Showtime orders at least a couple more seasons of Roadies, as I see a potential for a lot of interesting stories to tell. My only worry is that Roadies has only ten episodes per season. It should be more than that!… Expand
  3. lcmcmillin
    Aug 28, 2016
    10
    I just finished watching the season finale of "Roadies" and was as thoroughly entertained as I have been by every episode. This show has easily been my favorite of the summer season and the show most looked forward to each week. It is therefore with a certain wistfulness that I find that the show has NOT YET been picked up for a second season.

    The show makes the viewer think. Forces one    I just finished watching the season finale of "Roadies" and was as thoroughly entertained as I have been by every episode. This show has easily been my favorite of the summer season and the show most looked forward to each week. It is therefore with a certain wistfulness that I find that the show has NOT YET been picked up for a second season.

    The show makes the viewer think. Forces one to evaluate how they fit into their world by showing others wrestling with their own journeys.

    I believe that the show did not have anywhere near enough marketing. Yes there were previews before the season began, but I don't recall seeing much in the way of ongoing marketing. Word of mouth only goes so far.

    I am an 54 year old white male from California. I mention this just in case the demographic information is at all important.

    This is also the very first time I have every signed up and reviewed a show. My hope is that this small action may in some way sway the decision makers to make the correct choice and keep "Roadies" alive.

    Best to all.
    Lance    … Expand
  4. Matchbox
    Jul 25, 2016
    7
    Having watched the first four episodes of Roadies, I have to say it's really growing on me. There's nothing else quite like it on TV today. It's a music-themed dramedy that has a lightness and sweetness about it that, honestly, is a welcome antidote to the other (much darker) high-production-value hourlong shows on premium cable and streaming. Is it cutting-edge highbrow fare? No. It's itHaving watched the first four episodes of Roadies, I have to say it's really growing on me. There's nothing else quite like it on TV today. It's a music-themed dramedy that has a lightness and sweetness about it that, honestly, is a welcome antidote to the other (much darker) high-production-value hourlong shows on premium cable and streaming. Is it cutting-edge highbrow fare? No. It's it cynical and gritty? No. But it doesn't strive to be any of those things. Instead, it's a strong group of actors portraying a makeshift family devoted to music, telling breezy, sentimental, funny stories each week. I'll take that.… Expand
  5. kevinlot
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    This is an incredible show. It is refreshing to see something so well written on television. Many of the shows being written for television are dark, which does not really reflect the reality of our lives. Roadies is a beautiful show about the people who have found a calling in life and the emotional connection they share as a result. The music is just an incredible bonus. Can notThis is an incredible show. It is refreshing to see something so well written on television. Many of the shows being written for television are dark, which does not really reflect the reality of our lives. Roadies is a beautiful show about the people who have found a calling in life and the emotional connection they share as a result. The music is just an incredible bonus. Can not wait for Season 2!… Expand
  6. segrant
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    I have seen every episode and this show is easily one of my favorites this summer. Every time I watch the am excited to learn about new musical groups and to watch the story unfold. No other show highlights musical talent like this show and it is a great medium for musical acts to expand their audience.
  7. mycasper
    Sep 13, 2016
    10
    I don't watch too much TV but I really liked this show. Roadies and Wentworth are my two favorites. They are different from the usual canned laughs fare presently on TV. I enjoy quirky characters and Roadies is full of them. I hope they are going to renew it for next season. To the "real" roadies out there, this is not a documentary, it is a comedy. I played in a Band for many years andI don't watch too much TV but I really liked this show. Roadies and Wentworth are my two favorites. They are different from the usual canned laughs fare presently on TV. I enjoy quirky characters and Roadies is full of them. I hope they are going to renew it for next season. To the "real" roadies out there, this is not a documentary, it is a comedy. I played in a Band for many years and I don't expect a comedy TV show to slavishly follow the mostly boring nature of being on the road. If it is not "real" enough for you, don't watch it.… Expand
  8. Tonywilson
    Aug 18, 2016
    0
    THis has to be the worst music series I've ever seen, I worked on the road during the 80's and 90's and believe me this show is a complete fabrication of life on the road. I can't begin to explain how wrong this show is, it is nothing like the real thing, there is no hugging and camaraderie or crew on the nice bus arguing over the best bunk, this show is total bollocks and an insult toTHis has to be the worst music series I've ever seen, I worked on the road during the 80's and 90's and believe me this show is a complete fabrication of life on the road. I can't begin to explain how wrong this show is, it is nothing like the real thing, there is no hugging and camaraderie or crew on the nice bus arguing over the best bunk, this show is total bollocks and an insult to those of us that have done and loved this job, and as for the support band quitting on every show, they pay big money to be on those bills, you don't just quit like on the show, that would be commercial suicide. Cameron Crowe is obviously an out of touch wanker of the highest order… Expand
  9. neppie
    Aug 17, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Roadies" isn't great. With names like Cameron Crowe, Winnie Holzman and J.J. Abrams producing, it should be. After eight episodes, its Metascore is barely mediocre. Only I love it. Anyone who appreciated Crowe's autobiographical "Almost Famous" should also grok "Roadies" and the electric feeling of backstage.

    The series is as much drama as comedy, but like traditional sitcoms relies on familiar gimmicks like.band rituals, a song of the day, different (but same) cities and character quirks. There's a never-ending search for an opening act. There's a smart, oddly attractive blond who is all about the music, counterpart to Kate Hudson's character in the film. It's campy, paying homage to groupies, critics and, last week, internet fans.

    There's rock & roll history. One episode revolves, in a roundabout way, around Cincinnati's 1979 "The Who" concert tragedy, where eleven people were trampled. In another, a subplot builds to the day Lynyrd Skynrd upstaged the Rolling Stones (1976) at England's Knebworth fair, a fact to which I was heretofore unaware.

    A particularly likable (to me) gimmick are guest actors from the likes of John Mellencamp, David Spade and Rosanna Arquette (who launched Toto's same-named song/drum shuffle, and inspired other artists). There are inside jokes and corny jokes. 'Roadies" is just good, better than mediocre fun    … Expand
  10. pnance26
    Aug 8, 2016
    8
    As one who spent time "on the bus" as a second electrician, I see way too many things that are right and a lot of things that are interesting and a lot things that bring back memories.

    If Cameron Crowe took one day of every crew members life and profiled it for that 24 hours, it would take... 24 hours. No two venues are the same, explaining rigging and pic points and floor monitors and    As one who spent time "on the bus" as a second electrician, I see way too many things that are right and a lot of things that are interesting and a lot things that bring back memories.

    If Cameron Crowe took one day of every crew members life and profiled it for that 24 hours, it would take... 24 hours. No two venues are the same, explaining rigging and pic points and floor monitors and back lighting and effects... well, you see? Being a roadie is one long day after another, deciding which dirty t-shirt to wear unless the swag guys will spot you something clean. It is making sure you have enough underwear to go 2 or more weeks between off days. It is eating breakfast at 11, lunch at 5 and dinner after the show from whatever the caterers didn't feed the band (and the beer). It is staying up until 0500 just to wind down only to pull into the next venue and do it all over again. It is local unions, crappy caterers and cranky performers.

    Roadies gives a person like me just enough of a taste that I want to reconnect with the friends I made that year... who are still out on the road with the same guy. They are as odd as Phil, as lovable as Kelly Ann, as weird as Rick the bass player and as eccentric as Chris, the front man. This show has all the right elements, and just like a book such as the Bible, you can't tell the story in one sitting. All a director can do is give you glimpses. And Roadies does just that... circles and superstitions and bus surfing and weird fans are all a part of the day of a roadie.

    I like it. But then, I get it. The show is far tamer than reality but then again, we do have to keep our secrets. Unfortunately, most people won't get it.

    I do and I thank the gods above for the experience. Roadies just plain takes me to a nice place.    … Expand
  11. LamontRaymond
    Jul 17, 2016
    5
    It's just so average. I mean, I would have thought that the maker of Almost Famous could have birthed a much more compelling story about roadies. I'm guessing it probably needed to be grittier - dirtier. Perhaps borrowing a bit of the grid from Vinyl may have helped. The light-hearted feel - which isn't helped by casting very famous leads of whom we all have impressions - just feelsIt's just so average. I mean, I would have thought that the maker of Almost Famous could have birthed a much more compelling story about roadies. I'm guessing it probably needed to be grittier - dirtier. Perhaps borrowing a bit of the grid from Vinyl may have helped. The light-hearted feel - which isn't helped by casting very famous leads of whom we all have impressions - just feels flighty. The earnest and deep Almost Famous vibe - "it's all happening" is just not there. And not knowing the band at all - Staten House Band - just hurts things all the more. We need some glimpse into their world. It's almost like Newsroom without any of the current events heft.… Expand
  12. JennetP
    Sep 4, 2016
    3
    Roadies is a valentine to rock and roll, which would be okay except that it's a sappy, sentimental, nostalgic valentine. I watched the whole first season because so many reviews said the series improves as it goes on and because I love rock music more than oxygen. But the sublime energy of rock is missing from Roadies. Instead, I saw a soap opera crossed with a sermon on the redemptiveRoadies is a valentine to rock and roll, which would be okay except that it's a sappy, sentimental, nostalgic valentine. I watched the whole first season because so many reviews said the series improves as it goes on and because I love rock music more than oxygen. But the sublime energy of rock is missing from Roadies. Instead, I saw a soap opera crossed with a sermon on the redemptive power of music--as long as it's "authentic" (which seems to mean obviously embedded in the soap opera). Such a disappointment!

    Exceptions: Machine Gun Kelly, who brought fire and charisma to his role, and Reignwolf's performance in Episode 2, which made my hair stand on end.    … Expand
  13. FredinToronto
    Aug 15, 2016
    7
    I have now watched eight episodes of Roadies. The show continues to improve. The background music and guest artists are more current and Carla Gugino's character in particular has become more interesting.
  14. Juttybomb
    Jul 5, 2016
    6
    Luke Wilson is too much of a movie star to me to be on something episodic like this. No offense to the rest of the cast, because they are all fine actors. MGK actually surprised me as having some acting chops. (In his case it's probably good for his acting that he smokes weed) I see what they were trying to do with this show, Almost Famous meets Shameless. However two episodes in, and allsLuke Wilson is too much of a movie star to me to be on something episodic like this. No offense to the rest of the cast, because they are all fine actors. MGK actually surprised me as having some acting chops. (In his case it's probably good for his acting that he smokes weed) I see what they were trying to do with this show, Almost Famous meets Shameless. However two episodes in, and alls I think they got here is a story that's Almost Shameless.… Expand
  15. moellernr1
    Sep 15, 2016
    10
    My girlfriend and I watched the10 episodes this week. It is an easy-going and laid back show. Lots of good music, with no cuts midway. Some of the characters are a bit off, but overall it is thoroughly entertaining. It is not condescending in any way, a typical feel-good show, without being a total cliche.
  16. Loulou2
    Sep 19, 2016
    9
    Loved it, different and interesting. Guest stars and music is delightful. Characters are growing more interesting - up to episode 8. Please have another season!

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 30
  3. Negative: 6 out of 30
  1. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Tim Grierson
    Jun 28, 2016
    45
    Maybe over time Roadies will settle into a groove, but as of now it’s yet to find its rhythm.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jun 27, 2016
    50
    Roadies isn’t all there yet, but it’s trying something different.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jun 27, 2016
    40
    If Roadies spent half as much time showing us what roadies actually do as it wastes on framing gazes of tortured longing, it would be a very different, which is to say much better, show. Instead viewers get tossed a few slivers of meat--Phil tearing up whenever he mentions Ronnie Van Zant, Keisha Castle-Hughes’ engineer setting up for the “song of the day”--and a whole lot of corn.
    Read full review
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