Surface

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 19, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 312 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 279 out of 312
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 312
  3. Negative: 28 out of 312
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User Reviews

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  1. JessTurner
    Mar 8, 2018
    10
    I really wanted to see where this went... but canceled. A good gem for the intrepid to unearth when they tire of the current crop of trash.
  2. Tss5078
    Feb 2, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Long before creating The Event, the Pate brothers had another show on network TV, Surface. The premise of the show was different and I think people really would have gotten into it if not for the way the show was presented.

    All over the world, people are suddenly seeing sea monsters. The United States Government tries to cover it up, passing the creatures off as a hoax, but that's not good enough for marine biologist, Laura Daughtry (Lake Bell), who is almost killed by one on a deep sea expedition. Together with a scuba expert, who lost his brother, they investigate these creatures, and try to prove just how real they are. At the same time, a young boy in suburban North Carolina has discovered a baby sea monster and has decided to train it and keep it as a pet, leading to some pretty funny and outrageous moments.

    The way this show was presented was really strange and problematic. For 12 episodes, the series just runs around in circles, with the group trying to prove the existence of the mysterious creatures, the government trying to cover up the creatures existence, and this young boy who has decided to keep one as a pet. It isn't until episode 13 where things finally start to take shape. It takes 13 episodes before we even learn about the vast conspiracy behind the whole thing and that's when things really get interesting.

    The sea creatures and special effects were cool, but I'd imagine that most people got bored with it after a few episodes, the way I did. Why not bring in this mysterious group and conspiracy sooner and add a little intrigue to the show? If they had, maybe people would have seen Surface as something more than a badly scripted show, hiding behind it's special effects.

    Lake Bell, an actress I've never really liked, stars as the marine biologist, and was beyond fantastic. This could have easily been a career defining role for her, had the show lasted. Bell is paired with former child star, Jay Ferguson, who I would have been fine with if not for his awful and completely annoying New Orleans accent. Finally, the cast is rounded out by young Carter Jenkins, a kid who has made somewhat of a name for himself. After the excitement of the sea creatures and special effects wore off, it was Jenkins antics with little nimrod that kept the show watchable. Jenkins was terrific and if it wasn't for this angle of the show, I probably wouldn't have even made it to 13 episodes.

    Surface was a show with potential, but the writers waited far to long to release their bombshells and conspiracies, leading to an audience that tuned out after a couple of episodes. Thankfully, the Pate brothers learned from their mistakes and came back with The Event, a terrific show that gained a cult following. While The Event didn't make the cut either, it was certainly much more enjoyable than Surface ever was.    … Expand
  3. gearbox
    Sep 12, 2011
    9
    I loved this show it is fun for the whole family. I can't believe the critics were so harsh. It's was a lot of fun to watch. I watched all 15 episodes in a two day marathon with my girlfriend. Very sad there is no season II
  4. johnlockewalks
    Jul 16, 2011
    9
    this show is super fun and campy... all of you who don't like it obviously are just full of hate it like syfy original movie but marginally better cg and acting
    really solid "monster movie" score too just enjoy it fools!
  5. ginnygin
    Oct 11, 2010
    7
    Was never given a fair go. Greedy networks treating us fans with contempt. Just pull the plug with no closure. Again. Maybe it's just the shows I like.
  6. TroelsM
    Nov 27, 2009
    10
    I loved this show, and was very dissapointed when they cancelled it.
  7. JamesM.
    Jul 21, 2008
    10
    I loved this show..and never missed a single episode at all...I wish that they would have kept this show on the air. I think its time for a network that will show nothing but canceled shows that audiences enjoy.
  8. RachE.
    Jul 4, 2007
    9
    The intellectual standard must not always be met to deliver an entertaining piece. This show, it one such case. While diverting from plausibility at times each episode is consistently entertaining with a charismatic leading cast. It's a fun hour to have with enough curious plot twists to tickle the imagination. It's a simple, honest show that deserves to be en joyed for the The intellectual standard must not always be met to deliver an entertaining piece. This show, it one such case. While diverting from plausibility at times each episode is consistently entertaining with a charismatic leading cast. It's a fun hour to have with enough curious plot twists to tickle the imagination. It's a simple, honest show that deserves to be en joyed for the purity of what it is. A good program.… Expand
  9. AdrianH.
    May 27, 2007
    10
    Absolutely fantasic, an original story line that breaks the boundries of scifi and the family, a must for any family with teenage kids and parents alike
  10. juliey
    Apr 21, 2007
    10
    I loved this show and was very disappointed when it was cancelled
  11. MashaM
    Apr 15, 2007
    9
    My 9-year-old son and I happened to stumble on the Surface just this year on the re-runs and we are both very disappointed that it only made thru first season. WE are bog fans of the Stargate and that is canceled too. Some people mentioned Lost-- Lost had me lost, it felt like too complex to follow. Maybe Surface was too simple for the critics, but it sure made sense. I am so sick of My 9-year-old son and I happened to stumble on the Surface just this year on the re-runs and we are both very disappointed that it only made thru first season. WE are bog fans of the Stargate and that is canceled too. Some people mentioned Lost-- Lost had me lost, it felt like too complex to follow. Maybe Surface was too simple for the critics, but it sure made sense. I am so sick of getting hooked on the show and have the network cancel it. And, no, Sci-Fi channel won't pick it up either, they really don't care about the fans. It is really too bad!… Expand
  12. WalterD
    Mar 24, 2007
    8
    What happened with the show? It's over? Without disclosing the specimen origin's? It was a good show, with a very good argument, but it lost a lot when the scientist (i don't remember his name) was killed.
  13. maridyn
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Its so captivating that my whole family fell for it! It was so good! It is the best series our family has seen in a long time,to bad we found that out by buying the dvd! WOW now we want more! This show ROCKS! I don't know anyone that could sit through one episode without wanting to see more! This show is a big hit! BRING ON MORE!
  14. MikeM
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    I'm not a big sci-fi fan but, Surface is the best No matter how busy I was I always made time to watch every episode. This is one show that needs to be brought back!
  15. CraigV
    Jan 30, 2007
    10
    I just watched this on DVD. I cannot believe a TV-Show of this quality even made it to network TV - and then cancelled. Everything about this show was done right, great acting, effects, pacing, cinematography, EVERYTHING. BRING THIS SHOW BACK!! If not on NBC then some other network, please.
  16. LindaS
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    I didn't know it was canceled. I was hoping to see it as a mid season replacement. Now, I'm sad. Please bring it back.
  17. AlfredC
    Dec 2, 2006
    9
    Loved this show
  18. KathyV
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    Very interesting show. I can't believe they cancelled it. I guess shows with imagination don't make it on TV any more.
  19. TanjaM.
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    It's a really great show. You never know what is going to happen next. All the smug critics cited above are just trying to outdo each other with their 'witty' comments.
  20. ChrisL
    Nov 12, 2006
    10
    Loved the show..one that I would rush home to see. Am very bummed it is cancelled. All my kids would actually sit and watch quietly for the full hour. Please bring it back!
  21. CheryleM
    Nov 8, 2006
    10
    I can't believe they cancelled 1 of the best shows.. I really looked forward to seeing this show every week. I'm really disappointed in the network for letting this show go !!! How stupid can you be !!!!
  22. delm
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    great show, good plot, good characters, suspenseful. I can't believe they didn't bring it back earlier.
  23. SigridM
    Oct 28, 2006
    10
    Great show
  24. SherriH
    Oct 13, 2006
    9
    Please bring Surface back - it was such a great show!!!!!
  25. Reggie
    Oct 11, 2006
    10
    Great story, great plot, great characters...can't say anything wrong about this show.
  26. ConnieS
    Oct 11, 2006
    10
    Boycott all NBC shows, until Surface comes back. I know I will. Was watching a couple of their new shows. No more NBC, they should have ordered more 1st season, so the story line could have been drawn out more, then to cancel it! Can you say S-T-U-P-I-D???
  27. KateD
    Oct 9, 2006
    9
    I'm a lit. teacher and I know this show was flawed, but it was flawed in all the right ways! Big, messy, exciting, compelling, and driven by a fantastic female character. I'm so disappointed it is cancelled.
  28. BEttyeR
    Oct 7, 2006
    10
    Best Sci-Fi I have seen. What a shame not to continue, all newspaers were neg and those who watched week after week were positive.
  29. amys
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    I loved this show !!!!!!! I know when the critics don't like something then the program will be great! This goes for everything -- tv, movies, plays, etc. what world do they live in? BRING BACK SURFACE!!!! As usual we are left wondering what next was going to happen
  30. ChristinaH
    Sep 28, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best shows I have watched. The suspense was awesome you knew somethings were going to happen but you didn't know if it would turn out like you thought and it didn't. I really hate when networks cut a show after only a few episodes or even a year you leave people haning.
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Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best TV Season of 2005
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005
41
#41 Most Shared TV Season of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
39

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 23
  3. Negative: 12 out of 23
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    30
    It's a bland Spielberg wannabe that doesn't succeed in evoking much creepiness or wonder
    Read full review
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    12
    The most confusing ensemble drama of the new season.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Sid Smith
    40
    Though relentlessly ominous, "Surface" is, so far, only good for surface scares.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »