Show Me a Hero: Season 1

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 33 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 115 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	Your Score
7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 115 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

HBO | Season Premiere Date: August 16, 2015

Summary: Based on Lisa Belkin's nonfiction book of the same name, in the 1980s, a federal court order forces Yonkers mayor Nick Wasicsko (Oscar Isaac) to make a decision to build low-income housing in white neighborhoods that could ruin his political career and further divide the city.

Creator: David Simon

Genre(s): Drama, Movie/Mini-Series

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Season 1 Episodes

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S1:E1. Part One
Air Date: August 16, 2015

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Melissa Maerz

Aug 10, 2015

[David Simon's] new six-part miniseries is another masterwork of storytelling that's both miniaturist and epic in scale. [14 Aug 2015, p.50] Read full review

100

Hank Stuever

Aug 14, 2015

It’s brilliant. HBO’s Show Me a Hero is a subtle and deeply effective melding of art and conscience; from its writing and narrative pace to its outstanding performances (particularly that of its star, Oscar Isaac) the miniseries locates a seldom-found sweet spot between storytelling and moralism. Read full review

100

Robert Lloyd

Aug 17, 2015

It's like a procedural drama, about the drama of procedure--it isn't ever dry. There are some superbly mounted, loud, crowded big scenes--Simon is a great orchestrator of chaos --but there is an intensity to the quieter, more private moments as well. I wouldn't trade it for a bushel barrel of tortured detectives or all the kings and queens in Westeros. Read full review

Tim Goodman

Aug 6, 2015

While it might seem that Show Me A Hero ... has a distinct "eat your vegetables" aroma to it, what becomes apparent when you settle down to watch is the unmistakable lure of being hooked by the storytelling and the first-class acting. Read full review

Glenn Garvin

Aug 14, 2015

An absorbing drama.... To the extent that Show Me a Hero is flawed, the problem lies not in Simon's dramaturgy but his journalistic instincts. Show Me a Hero is but a single snapshot of a lumbering crisis that unfolded over a period of nearly three decades, and while the show's narrative is painstakingly accurate within its timeframe, its wide implications are not. Read full review

James Poniewozik

Aug 13, 2015

The opposition is less well-drawn.... But the plot advances, slowly and inexorably as the gears of bureaucracy, and Hero‘s emotional power builds as it focuses on the townhouses’ new residents and the initiative’s power to change their lives. Read full review

Chuck Bowen

Aug 13, 2015

The potential emotional satisfaction of this melodrama, which is insultingly pat to begin with, is hampered by the seemingly endless scenes of council meetings that Simon characteristically loves, which are contextually diluted by the stock dialogue and cartoon acting that surrounds them. Read full review

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7.3

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User Reviews

mikepariscritic

Sep 1, 2015

This is HBO at its best. Powerful, comeplling, moving, clever mini-series with brillant acting. This social dram will take you through years of politics battling with the issue of social housing integration. Thank God for HBO. This is superb TV.

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

Awsaf

Aug 31, 2015

Astonishingly majestic series it is. Amazing story writing, directing, acting, no lack in anything. A story that is said amazingly by every single actor and actresses. A story that puts every single person up on their feet. Staring from acting Oscar Issac is a true genius, the way he actedAstonishingly majestic series it is. Amazing story writing, directing, acting, no lack in anything. A story that is said amazingly by every single actor and actresses. A story that puts every single person up on their feet. Staring from acting Oscar Issac is a true genius, the way he acted and showed rage and power was incredible. And also other actors and actresses like Catherine keener, Winona Ryder, Alfred Monila and Carla Quevedo and others they all were so great. From every character's perspective is shown and pretty delightfully. A mark of a genius which is put on by Paul Haggis. Surly a must watch series.… Expand

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

LamontRaymond

Aug 16, 2015

Pretty outstanding show so far. Oscar is perfect in the lead role. Jim Belushi's rather modest exit - knowing what a cluser-f the situation would be for the new mayor - was pitch perfect. I like how the first 2 episodes set up the profiles of the future resident of the low-income-housing.Pretty outstanding show so far. Oscar is perfect in the lead role. Jim Belushi's rather modest exit - knowing what a cluser-f the situation would be for the new mayor - was pitch perfect. I like how the first 2 episodes set up the profiles of the future resident of the low-income-housing. Should make for an outstanding final 4 parts.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Justinavery7074

Oct 2, 2018

David Simon succeeds yet again. Oscar Isaac is great, all the story lines are great

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Knighthawk81

Aug 17, 2015

David Simon is an incredible storyteller. And he also focuses on important stories. "Show Me A Hero," the new six-hour miniseries for HBO, fits both those categories. It's the true story of the city of Yonkers and its battle with the courts over building low-income and affordable housing inDavid Simon is an incredible storyteller. And he also focuses on important stories. "Show Me A Hero," the new six-hour miniseries for HBO, fits both those categories. It's the true story of the city of Yonkers and its battle with the courts over building low-income and affordable housing in more affluent neighborhoods, and the young mayor caught in the crossfire. The first two episodes played like a slow burn -- building the world and the characters. I can't wait to see where this is going.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

avan1976

Aug 27, 2015

Good show thus far (up to episode 3). The acting is great. The main story compelling. And for those that love The Wire, the many cameos are fun (and a little shocking).
My only criticism is that there are so many little side stories included whose purpose is more to provide a 'fair andGood show thus far (up to episode 3). The acting is great. The main story compelling. And for those that love The Wire, the many cameos are fun (and a little shocking).
My only criticism is that there are so many little side stories included whose purpose is more to provide a 'fair and complete' picture of the social dynamics surrounding the rehousing case - almost like an in-depth documentary - rather than for dramatic purposes. I think this is admirable from a social/education perspective, but it undercuts the dramatic tension somewhat.
Still a great show though.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

stevesf

Sep 19, 2015

As a superfan of the Wire I was expecting so much. But then I adjusted me expectations much lower. And I was still disappointed. Were we supposed to find the lead character compelling?? Or for most of the other characters for that matter?? I can truly say that it was a waste of over 6 hoursAs a superfan of the Wire I was expecting so much. But then I adjusted me expectations much lower. And I was still disappointed. Were we supposed to find the lead character compelling?? Or for most of the other characters for that matter?? I can truly say that it was a waste of over 6 hours of my life. Do not waste your time. Hands down the least satisfying long form television I've ever had to endure. And I am very patient usually as a viewer.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Seasons & Episodes

85

Series Overview
Season 1

85
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: August 16, 2015
- tbd
  S1:E1. Part One
  Air Date: August 16, 2015