Sleepy Hollow

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 16, 2013
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 196 out of 249
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 249
  3. Negative: 18 out of 249
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User Reviews

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  1. PittLord
    Sep 16, 2013
    8
    If you can't or aren't willing to suspend your imagination then this show really isn't for you. Having said that what we have is a promising, if preposterous, pilot with a solid cast, good production values, and the genesis of a serial story arc. While I'm sure we'll be dealing with a certain number of stand alone episodes, the show's pilot seems strictly focused on the largerIf you can't or aren't willing to suspend your imagination then this show really isn't for you. Having said that what we have is a promising, if preposterous, pilot with a solid cast, good production values, and the genesis of a serial story arc. While I'm sure we'll be dealing with a certain number of stand alone episodes, the show's pilot seems strictly focused on the larger picture...apocalyptic you might say. This is a good thing as a serialized shows tend to rely more on the characters to carry individual episodes than the individual content of each episode. While for some shows this would spell doom, in this case it is a very good thing as the strength of the acting and the chemistry between the two leads is arguably the best thing it's got going for it.

    There are creepy, but only occasionally scary scenes, but the pilot seems to suggest that Sleepy Hollow is intended not as a horror show, but as a supernatural mystery with dark overtones and a scare here and there. The horseman himself is well done and makes a more interesting character than one might expect from a character that has no lines and no head. There's a surprising amount of humor, although much of it relies on the fish out of water concept that is sometimes pretty campy.

    As for the show's mythology...well it's certainly going to be interesting. It seems as though the writers brainstormed on things they could tie in to the idea of the headless horseman and rather than deciding on any specific idea, they instead decided to go with a mixture of most if not all of them. This might seem disastrous when viewed from a distance, but after watching the pilot it somehow works.

    Give it a shot. See what you think. I recommend it, particularly to those who like sci-fi, horror    … Expand
  2. TabithaBr0512
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    I love, love, love, the show it keeps me wating more. I love how it reference the bible. The actors are great and I think they have great chemistry it makes you believe the story. I look forward to more seasons
  3. piasmom
    Oct 1, 2013
    10
    Awesome acting, awesome storyline, awesome special effects! Scary. The visuals are amazing and the story keeps you wanting more. This show is the bomb!
  4. RecklessTV
    Oct 16, 2013
    9
    This show has had a lot of mixed reviews since its release in early September and I only came across it myself recently. This show is by far the best NEW release this fall and had me gripped from episode one and sweating with anticipation for the next! I agree and acknowledge that the show wont be for everyone especially with the strength of the mythological roots that it holds in eachThis show has had a lot of mixed reviews since its release in early September and I only came across it myself recently. This show is by far the best NEW release this fall and had me gripped from episode one and sweating with anticipation for the next! I agree and acknowledge that the show wont be for everyone especially with the strength of the mythological roots that it holds in each episode. Would definitely recommend to any horror action fan!

    However due to the amount of mixed reviews, its not something I would bank on returning next year so if your looking for a series like supernatural or lost that will keep you entertained for a good few years, this is not the series for you. As always though this is not set in stone and for me is very much worth the risk.    … Expand
  5. artist55
    Oct 27, 2013
    8
    Can't wait for each episode. Was initially bummed because I thought each episode would only center on the deadly deeds of the horseman....but the trajectory of the series changed with the second episode. Love the vocal banter of the two leads, thankful for the metered way in which the backstory is revealed, and am already trying to figure out which characters in the police precinct areCan't wait for each episode. Was initially bummed because I thought each episode would only center on the deadly deeds of the horseman....but the trajectory of the series changed with the second episode. Love the vocal banter of the two leads, thankful for the metered way in which the backstory is revealed, and am already trying to figure out which characters in the police precinct are aware of what is going on in Sleepy Hollow. Thanks for not dragging out the storyline....which is why I stopped watching Once Upon A Time, Grimm (you've seen one, you've seen them all), and Lost. Good show FOX. I'm hooked.… Expand
  6. DoctorTorchwood
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    Great show. The season is very good with a lot of suspense, action, drama, character development, and surprises. The end of season left me wanting more. However, I was confused during some parts of it, but everything is explained as the series progresses.
  7. yoli28
    May 24, 2014
    8
    This is a captivating show. I would not have watched this show without a friend's recommendation because I thought, Sleepy Hollow, really? But, Sleepy Hollow, took me by surprise and I am hooked. The main characters have chemistry, the dialogue is smart and snappy, the visuals are mouth-watering, and overall, the show works! Give this little gem a whirl, you will not be disappointed ifThis is a captivating show. I would not have watched this show without a friend's recommendation because I thought, Sleepy Hollow, really? But, Sleepy Hollow, took me by surprise and I am hooked. The main characters have chemistry, the dialogue is smart and snappy, the visuals are mouth-watering, and overall, the show works! Give this little gem a whirl, you will not be disappointed if you like smart, entertaining tv.… Expand
  8. scifigeek
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    We'll see how this goes, but I liked the pilot overall. You have to suspend your disbelief a good deal, but only a little more than say some of those cop or doctor shows which are nearly as fantastical. The pace was fast, and the production and acting was solid, and even has the promise of some good chemistry between the leads. The writers seem to be blending in different ideas, stories,We'll see how this goes, but I liked the pilot overall. You have to suspend your disbelief a good deal, but only a little more than say some of those cop or doctor shows which are nearly as fantastical. The pace was fast, and the production and acting was solid, and even has the promise of some good chemistry between the leads. The writers seem to be blending in different ideas, stories, and worlds. And I assume that in this alternate universe Irving never wrote the story of the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane. I hope they can make sense of the stories and ideas as they go, as there is the danger that this can turn into another Hero’s. Fingers crossed.… Expand
  9. runnerLA
    Sep 18, 2013
    9
    Lots to like here if this is your genre. Agree with what everyone else is saying fast -paced, good acting, nice cinematography. The over arching plot is interesting and has loads of potential to expand, though it does seem like a show where you have to watch to keep up with the mythology. There were a few clichéd, annoying plot elements early in the pilot but thankfully they cleanedLots to like here if this is your genre. Agree with what everyone else is saying fast -paced, good acting, nice cinematography. The over arching plot is interesting and has loads of potential to expand, though it does seem like a show where you have to watch to keep up with the mythology. There were a few clichéd, annoying plot elements early in the pilot but thankfully they cleaned them up and moved on before the hour was up. And one super minor blooper, the real village of Sleepy Hollow has a population of 9870. For the series, they used the Village of Sleepy Hollow sign but changed the pop. to 144,000, which is a city, not a village.… Expand
  10. Smee
    Oct 5, 2013
    10
    This reminds the early supernatural scary as hell and take you to the whole new level of unpredictable horror.When theirs a startrek connection always can expect best and this time also no exception.Awesome cast nice plot with well managed dialogues and high tech effects,Probably the best new show of fall.
  11. Cugel
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    My initial skepticism at the concept was thrown at the door relatively quickly into the episode. Decent acting, good cinematography, and an intriguing plot point to this show having some promise. Hopefully they'll keep it up.
  12. mrmonster
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    An amazing, intense, creative horror action show that you can't help but love. This could be the best new show of the fall. It blends a classic story with age old myths and modern horror, and the result is scary and awesome.
  13. martinex
    Sep 18, 2013
    7
    Not crazy about the cast (so far) but I'm going to withhold judgement because the story is compelling. I am rooting for this show. Fox is pretty quick with the cancellation trigger so I've promised myself not to get too invested.
  14. bob516
    Sep 19, 2013
    8
    Watched the first episode concerned it was going to be like Grimm, an interesting premise that never came close to working for me. I was pleasantly surprised. While not great, a few holes in the characters and plot that weakened this episode, I found myself drawn to the show, and I am looking forward watching it again next week.
  15. Exakter
    Oct 11, 2013
    8
    Good show, interesting plot, great actors, pretty good dialogue.

    Only thing missing? Need better 'plot of the week' styled episodes. The main actor deserves a call out for his performance, and the writers too... for his lines. He OWNS the show. (but I kind of want the female cop to die, because she is way too much of the "skully" type. Skully-type Someone who should know better,    Good show, interesting plot, great actors, pretty good dialogue.

    Only thing missing? Need better 'plot of the week' styled episodes.

    The main actor deserves a call out for his performance, and the writers too... for his lines. He OWNS the show. (but I kind of want the female cop to die, because she is way too much of the "skully" type.

    Skully-type Someone who should know better, but doesn't and gets away with it. Sillyness... get rid of her. Her sister is fine though!    … Expand
  16. sacg96
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just the best new TV show of this Fall Season. Has horror, suspense and comedy. Just perfect! I love the history!

    The pilot it's just perfect. I can't imagine the next ones!    … Expand
  17. almightymalachi
    Sep 19, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've reserved judgement on this so far, but the introduction seems a bit interesting. However, I'm finding some of the characters flat thus far.

    Spoiler Alert below:

    Okay, so you've been handed a supernatural mission from beyond the grave, wake up 250 years later, everything is different, you're still wearing clothes appropriate to the era you died in, and lo and behold, it turns out you've been hauled back because your nemesis is out to do some Apocalypse Now, and the one thing you comment on is that the old livery stable is now a Starbucks.

    ...what?

    Not that your wife was burned at the stake (historically inaccurate as hell, the Salem witch trials didn't spread into New York and the last person to be executed in the US for witchcraft was a Huron named Leatherlips in the 19th century) not long after your death, not that you suddenly are presented with all modern technology in all its marvels, not that the town you died in that had a grand total of, say, 60 residents and now sports a good 150,000 or so.

    Nope, the most important thing to note is that you happen to be passing by a coffee place in a modern conveyance of a most speedy clip in a strangely new land.

    Granted, having been awoken by the fact that the guy you beheaded prior to dying is running around chopping people's heads off again might strain credulity in the first place, so why bother with little things like crazy fish-out-of-water situations in the midst of hunting down the personification of Death?

    Get it together, Sleepy Hollow writers. Either Ichabod is the most stable guy in all of the world (almost EXACTLY counterpoint to every single interpretation of the original Sleepy Hollow tale) or he's barely holding it together in the modern world.    … Expand
  18. TheChaser1985
    Nov 25, 2013
    7
    It's okay so far. It started out great but has kind of slowed down. I'm hopeful that it will get better before the season's end. I'm not set on all the actors than play the characters.
  19. mgastryker
    Sep 24, 2013
    9
    A mix of action, horror, and a touch of comedy. The main actor and actress are fairly good in their roles and the show provides a very nice hour of entertainment. I recommend watching this series, or at least give it a try.
  20. beingryanjude
    Sep 28, 2014
    7
    Formulaic and curiously fantastical, Sleepy Hollow is actually one of the most interesting suspenses to come out of last year. Well-worth watching--especially for a fresh look at American history.
  21. BogKid
    Oct 4, 2013
    7
    Not a bad show but really guys, the Apocalypse again. Four horsemen, end of days, witnesses, kitchen sink. The writers of Johnny Depp's movie about the headless horseman legend rewrote the story in a far more effective and creative manner. This show (and, yes, I did give it a 7) reminds of the American Horror Story's writing formula. Throw absolutely everything at them and they'llNot a bad show but really guys, the Apocalypse again. Four horsemen, end of days, witnesses, kitchen sink. The writers of Johnny Depp's movie about the headless horseman legend rewrote the story in a far more effective and creative manner. This show (and, yes, I did give it a 7) reminds of the American Horror Story's writing formula. Throw absolutely everything at them and they'll love it. Not always. Cute, though, that the Orlando Jones character is named Capt. Irving.… Expand
  22. bioid
    Apr 17, 2015
    8
    This show is ridiculous. In the good way! The two stars, Mison and Beharie have a particularly strong chemistry; honestly, without that I would be a lot less inclined to watch this show. Otherwise, it's 13 episodes of headless shotgun-wielding fish-out-of-water buddy-cop supernatural-action fun.
  23. th3uglytruth
    Oct 12, 2013
    7
    Do you like Teen Wolf (TV), True Lies, Vampire Diaries kinda shows? If so, then you won't mind this. Nothing original...just another way to pass a hour or so without feeling like watching a Duck Dynasty re-run. I wonder if it would last more than 2 Seasons though....
  24. andrewgarcia732
    Nov 21, 2013
    8
    While I can see why one might have had doubts over this show after seeing the first episode, I have watched all of the ones aired so far and I think the show is great. I honestly don't see why people criticize this show for being generic and cliched. I liked Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane (who's incredibly like-able as Ichabod Crane) and Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills and seeing the two of themWhile I can see why one might have had doubts over this show after seeing the first episode, I have watched all of the ones aired so far and I think the show is great. I honestly don't see why people criticize this show for being generic and cliched. I liked Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane (who's incredibly like-able as Ichabod Crane) and Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills and seeing the two of them be partners. I like the plots of each episode and the modern retelling of the old legend. The show will scare you with the occasional creepy scene, but it also has funny dialogue in the script as well. I will eagerly continue watch to see how this show turns out. This show looks very promising. (In case you were wondering, FOX renewed Sleepy Hollow for a second season. I think it'll have three seasons or so.)

    If you liked this review, read my other ones on a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and videogames and mark this review as helpful.    … Expand
  25. ELFlynn
    Oct 18, 2013
    7
    I think Tom Mison does a great job, he makes the show for me. The mythology is fun, the stories are good, and, as someone else mentioned, the show doesn't take itself too seriously. I just wish they'd get Crane some new clothes, it's kind of annoying, haha.
  26. lelefoxx00
    Oct 16, 2013
    9
    Really interesting! I love seeing Sleepy Hollow in a modern setting! Just seeing the headless horseman pick a shot gun was like "whoa"! It makes you see how much more dangerous it is for something like that in a modern time than it is an older time. The only reason I didn't give this show a 10 is because it does tend to jump around a bit which could cause a little bit of confusion toReally interesting! I love seeing Sleepy Hollow in a modern setting! Just seeing the headless horseman pick a shot gun was like "whoa"! It makes you see how much more dangerous it is for something like that in a modern time than it is an older time. The only reason I didn't give this show a 10 is because it does tend to jump around a bit which could cause a little bit of confusion to certain viewers but overall i like it. Can't wait to see more.… Expand
  27. AvantGuardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    9
    Thank you Sleepy Hollow, thank you. Sleepy Hollow is the first and only show in a long time that involves DEMONS. ACTUAL DEMONS!!! Not Vampire, not werewolves, not zombies, not aliens, DEeeeemons!!! YES! And they are awesome. Like Hellboy. This show is a LOT more epic than you might think. The Horseman is not a headless dude riding around town killing people because he's evil. He'sThank you Sleepy Hollow, thank you. Sleepy Hollow is the first and only show in a long time that involves DEMONS. ACTUAL DEMONS!!! Not Vampire, not werewolves, not zombies, not aliens, DEeeeemons!!! YES! And they are awesome. Like Hellboy. This show is a LOT more epic than you might think. The Horseman is not a headless dude riding around town killing people because he's evil. He's actually one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse signalling the beginning of the end of the world, so yeah. The writing is clever, witty and original. The cast is unique, likable and fun. Watch this show, you will like it.… Expand
  28. Gizmo11111
    Nov 9, 2013
    9
    Sleepy hollow is a pretty awesome show that involves crime, drama, mystery and fantasy. I loved the first few episodes tho literally I fell asleep during episode 6.
  29. AGarcia732
    Mar 28, 2014
    10
    While I can see why one might have had doubts over this show, after seeing many episodes I think the show is great. I think it's one of the best new shows out there. One thing I especially like is that unlike other shows (where some episodes don't really contribute to the overall story, and are somewhat random) every Sleepy Hollow episode adds something to the story arc or characters.While I can see why one might have had doubts over this show, after seeing many episodes I think the show is great. I think it's one of the best new shows out there. One thing I especially like is that unlike other shows (where some episodes don't really contribute to the overall story, and are somewhat random) every Sleepy Hollow episode adds something to the story arc or characters. Character development is pretty evident, such as seeing Ichabod become more and more stressful, worried and anxious, as the final battle between good and evil and possibly the apocalypse approaches.
    I honestly don't see why people criticize this show for being generic and cliched. I liked Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane (who's incredibly like-able as Ichabod Crane) and Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills and seeing the two of them be partners. The entire cast is excellent. I like the plots of each episode and the modern retelling of the old legend. The show will scare you with the occasional creepy scene, but it also has funny dialogue in the script as well. I will eagerly wait for season two. This show looks very promising. (In case you were wondering, FOX renewed Sleepy Hollow for a second season. I think it'll have three seasons or The only complaint I have with this show (and pretty much every show) is that the episodes end a bit too conveniently; they're able to wrap up just before the hour is up. But that is a very minor complaint.
    If you liked this review, read my other ones on a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and videogames and mark this review as helpful.    … Expand
  30. rmorgan77
    Jan 18, 2014
    8
    Great show. Not a big cop drama fan, so reluctant to watch. Glad I did it's keeps you watching with just the right amount of comedy,action, and drama. Really enjoy the combination of time travel, religion, and humor.
  31. yvonnea58
    Feb 12, 2014
    10
    Love this show! Naturally it has some flaws, and sometimes the storylines and arcs can be difficult to follow, but the cast and scripts have found the perfect balance of drama, humour, social commentary and history (albeit, not quite what you read in the history books!) Love the Apocalyptical theme. Just wish there was more Headless Horseman on screen... when he first uses that pump-actionLove this show! Naturally it has some flaws, and sometimes the storylines and arcs can be difficult to follow, but the cast and scripts have found the perfect balance of drama, humour, social commentary and history (albeit, not quite what you read in the history books!) Love the Apocalyptical theme. Just wish there was more Headless Horseman on screen... when he first uses that pump-action shot gun, I was hooked! Please, please, don't cancel this show. Keep the writing and the characters strong because, apart from Almost Human and Sherlock, Sleepy Hollow is the only show on the box worth watching.… Expand
  32. jacob4
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    An interesting show that adds an interesting twist to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It adds many interesting twists and fun "inaccuracies" like referencing the Bible, adding twists to history, and even adding crazy twists to George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. This show has action, suspense, a few laughs, interesting plots, and simply the feel of Sleepy Hollow. If you like mystery,An interesting show that adds an interesting twist to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It adds many interesting twists and fun "inaccuracies" like referencing the Bible, adding twists to history, and even adding crazy twists to George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. This show has action, suspense, a few laughs, interesting plots, and simply the feel of Sleepy Hollow. If you like mystery, comedy, and monsters in present time, this is the right show for you! I mean what other show would depict the headless horseman with shotguns, or Ichabod Crane working for the police, or seeing Frankenstein face off against the headless horseman?!?… Expand
  33. ZeroNihilism
    Sep 23, 2014
    8
    it survived death. Will it survive a chairman-o war?

    The typical mismash of occult [revisionist] history glossed over with mechanically unique lexical style.
  34. DBPirate1129
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    What an amazing television series! Sleepy Hollow contains great actors with great chemistry and never ceases to disappoint me with its many interweaving and engaging plots. One of the best parts of the show, in my opinion, are the small Christmas themes and references scattered throughout. It's a great start to a great show!
  35. mjmurez
    Mar 30, 2018
    9
    The story was well-planned: all the pieces of the jigsaw fit perfectly at the season finale.
    The most remarkable pros are writers' imagination and the chemical between Abbie and Ichabod. However Katrina's storyline is very poor.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Best TV Season of 2013
30
#30 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
25
#25 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Feb 13, 2014
    25
    The mythology comes on hard and heavy in the first hour, but like ABC's blink-and-you-missed-it spring thriller "Zero Hour," it's ponderous yet silly.
    Read full review
  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Oct 3, 2013
    63
    Sleepy Hollow has an interesting premise and some terrific CGI effects (re: the Headless Horseman), but I didn’t buy into the show’s mystical/mythological/sci-fi overtones, a mishmash of history, witchcraft and muddled Biblical prophesy that left me confused instead of intrigued.
    Read full review
  3. HollywoodChicago.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Sep 26, 2013
    50
    It’s a program that bounces around tonally and narratively, never feeling like its head is in the right place to know where it wants to go.
    Read full review
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