Stephen King's Bag of Bones

:

Season 1
  • Network: A&E
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 11, 2011
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
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Critic Reviews

  1. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Amy Amatangelo
    Dec 8, 2011
    58
    While the pace of the series definitely picks up in the second night, Bag of Bones doesn't pull off the scares of King's previous works such as Misery" or "The Shining" nor does it have the poignancy of his "The Shawshank Redemption."
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Dec 8, 2011
    58
    Sure, there are some fun moments. Sure Brosnan looks mah-velous. He always does. But a little less plodding plot and a lot more action, please.
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    Dec 12, 2011
    50
    There are elements on night one that actually are pretty darned scary. Too bad there's a night two.
  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Dec 9, 2011
    50
    Bag of Bones isn't completely devoid of suspense, but it's a lot less satisfying than many other, far superior King adaptations.
  6. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Dec 9, 2011
    42
    It's just a collection of creepy imagery, lots of screaming and the occasional musical number for Anika Noni Rose.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Dec 12, 2011
    40
    Although it is far from the worst King adaptation (would that be "Dreamcatcher"? "Lawnmower Man"?) it feels less like a ghost story than a dashed-together homage to the King oeuvre that's slow where it should be fast and fast where it should be slow.
  8. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Dec 9, 2011
    40
    Handsomely shot and deliberately paced, it has a superficially cinematic quality, but it doesn't have the storytelling juice to keep you engaged in Mr. King's convoluted multi-ghost story.
  9. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Dec 9, 2011
    40
    This Bag is sadly empty of surprises.
  10. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Dec 9, 2011
    40
    Like everything else in A&E's Bag of Bones, it is hollow and--boo!--not scary.
  11. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Dec 9, 2011
    40
    Bag of Bones feels a little skeletal.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. NicolaD
    Dec 17, 2011
    5
    I am a big SK fan, but this was still a waste of four hours of my life. This was one of his weaker plots to begin with and it has sufferedI am a big SK fan, but this was still a waste of four hours of my life. This was one of his weaker plots to begin with and it has suffered more in this adaptation. I was hopeful because of a strong cast, but alas, it was pretty terrible I can't recommend you watch it.… Full Review »
  2. RichFromTampa
    Dec 12, 2011
    10
    Needs faster pacing for subplot (historical violence at lake). Shorter would have been better for drama. . Acting is excellent. "Shock" scenesNeeds faster pacing for subplot (historical violence at lake). Shorter would have been better for drama. . Acting is excellent. "Shock" scenes are good. Just too slow, too drawn out.… Full Review »
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