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. rabaker07
    Apr 13, 2015
    0
    This show is awful. Unfortunate because there might have been something there, but the writing and acting are so horrifying that the show is actually hard to watch.
  3. 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
  4. rmdashrf
    Aug 23, 2013
    3
    So you love science fiction? And your heart cries out for family-friendly heart warming sci-fi horror? Surface may just be what you're looking for. It's not good, though.
  5. mcmcmc
    Nov 11, 2011
    1
    this web site defaults all reviews to 10 so that the first time one submits a review one might be surprised to discover that their review that identifies a lousy show gets a rating of 10.... silly way to structure the functionality
  6. 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
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. ElizabethJ
    Jan 24, 2010
    1
    Carter Jenkins' performance is one of the worst I've ever seen. He has one expression, mild surprise. Much like Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter. God Awful.
  10. TroelsM
    Nov 27, 2009
    10
    I loved this show, and was very dissapointed when they cancelled it.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. juliey
    Apr 21, 2007
    10
    I loved this show and was very disappointed when it was cancelled
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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!
  18. 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!
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. MaxE
    Dec 24, 2006
    4
    If you're looking for so-called 'sci-fi' miniseries,i prefer you to watch Stargate SG-1.And if you're looking for mysterious and thrill one,i bet you should see LOST or Prison Break .Everything about this show is quite predictable,no stunning scene,..with the pretty silly dialogue..and one more thing..please use high quality FXs..this is sci-fi,rite?
  22. AlfredC
    Dec 2, 2006
    9
    Loved this show
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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!
  26. 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 !!!!
  27. delm
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    great show, good plot, good characters, suspenseful. I can't believe they didn't bring it back earlier.
  28. SigridM
    Oct 28, 2006
    10
    Great show
  29. SherriH
    Oct 13, 2006
    9
    Please bring Surface back - it was such a great show!!!!!
  30. Reggie
    Oct 11, 2006
    10
    Great story, great plot, great characters...can't say anything wrong about this show.
  31. 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???
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. SurfaceRulez
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    Surface was about all that was worth watching last season...
  37. CristinaA
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    I love SURFACE, bring it back!!!
  38. MichaelA
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    This show was one of the first TV series I could sit down and enjoy in about 5 years and trust me i've tried. It was original, innovative and though it didn't seem like it could have lasted longer tha none more season, another 15 episodes could have told the conclusion to the story. We missed out because the Winter Olympics hit, that like life is not fair. 30 episodes have This show was one of the first TV series I could sit down and enjoy in about 5 years and trust me i've tried. It was original, innovative and though it didn't seem like it could have lasted longer tha none more season, another 15 episodes could have told the conclusion to the story. We missed out because the Winter Olympics hit, that like life is not fair. 30 episodes have finished many of my fav. shows, Cowboy Bebop is one of them (yes its a cartoon but it didn't need 2000 episodes like the simpsons.) if anything a Mini-series event should finish out the conclusion.… Expand
  39. JayVH
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    bring it back - we love it. We hate when you leave a show hanging!
  40. SherryD
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    I really injoyed the show. For me it was filled with great lengths of suspense. I was always wondering what was gonna come next, I couldnt wait to see the next show to air. BRING IT BACK.
  41. heathera
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    I'm very disappointed this show was cancelled. My 7-year old and I were waiting all summer for this to come back on.
  42. nathans
    Sep 20, 2006
    10
    this show ws incredible, it kept me on my feet wanting to know what was going ot happen next. i loved how there was one main plot and a whole bunch of sub-plots leaking off the main plot. please bring it back! i really want to know what happens next!
  43. isvarp
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    An imaginative and original show. BRING IT BACK!
  44. sandrau
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    Love the show, and I can't stop watching it. There are not too many shows out there that makes you look forward to the followng week to see what's going to happen.
  45. RolandV
    Sep 12, 2006
    6
    The show has some good special effetcs. But one character polutes/destroys the whole show. Its that enoying kid that took care of that little creature Nim Nimrod ?, it all smells to much ET !!! (lack of fantasy) . The character seems so stupid, for one example he doesnt tell anybody about the creature, and dont even tell others other weird stuff that happends. Im going to stop seeing this The show has some good special effetcs. But one character polutes/destroys the whole show. Its that enoying kid that took care of that little creature Nim Nimrod ?, it all smells to much ET !!! (lack of fantasy) . The character seems so stupid, for one example he doesnt tell anybody about the creature, and dont even tell others other weird stuff that happends. Im going to stop seeing this silly show.… Expand
  46. PaulL
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    NBC needs to fire those in charge of cancelling surface. Great show---bring it back please!
  47. RobertT
    Sep 4, 2006
    10
    It's a great show and I have waited for the second season to start for some time now. Bring it back please!!!!
  48. leighr
    Sep 2, 2006
    10
    please do a season 2
  49. PeterL
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    - Great show. Rather watch this show than ( Prison Break ). NBC should be proud to have a hit new series.
  50. JeffS
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    One of the best Sci-fi to hit TV in years
  51. JulieE
    Aug 30, 2006
    10
    what a joke!!!!! surface and invasion cancelled. who decides this crap, obviously not the viewers. Fall tv will suck.
  52. GregS
    Aug 30, 2006
    10
    Best Shoe on TV.
  53. BilA
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    AWSOME show. Hopefully NBC will pick it up.
  54. SamanthaS
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    I love this show. I was extremely upset to find out that the show had been cancelled. I watched every single episode of the first season. The characters were interesting and the graphics were very upscale for television.
  55. StephanR
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    It´s fantastic!!
  56. MattU
    Aug 28, 2006
    8
    Pretty entertaining. A little heavy on the Spielberg cloning, and I'm not crazy about the "ET phone home" story with the kid and his alien pet that the evil government is after, but the overall plot is moderately engaging. The so-called "science" is laughable (e.g. calling an egg-laying amphibian a "mammal"), but hey, it's Hollywood, right?
  57. RenaM
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    Since the show apperently isn't comming back and som many people liked it so much they should come back w/ a move explaining what happened afterwards. It wouldn't be hard they left the story open enough to go back and explain a lot.
  58. tomb
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    one of the better shows along with invasion. never should have been cancelled.
  59. JennyA
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    My husband and I really enjoyed the show and am currious as to what's next. Please don't leave us hanging without answers!
  60. JasonZ
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    I loved surface and the season finale really left me wanting more. I hope they bring it back!
  61. CathyG
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    I thought this was one of the best shows that was on NBC. I think that the critics have no Imagination, this is suppose to be a what if show, it makes you think of all that could happen. Its just fun. I am hoping they will bring it back. I have watch the reruns and now I am buying the DVD...So please let us know what will happen next..Just like they show alot..
  62. JessicaB
    Aug 24, 2006
    10
    Stumbled across this show by accident and VERY happy I did. The critics need an enema. Honestly all that gobbledy-gook they spew is asinine. Just shut up and enjoy a thoroughly entertaining show for a change! Loved it. Is it coming back?????
  63. MandyM
    Aug 22, 2006
    10
    Please bring this show back! My husband and I will be extremely upset if not! We became addicted to the show the first time it aired.
  64. BonnieA
    Aug 21, 2006
    10
    I'm not sure yet if this show is coming back, but I would be highly disappointed if it doesn't. The critics who watched this must not like a genuine sci-fi thriller. I watch a lot of shows and this one kept me interested.
  65. CarolinO
    Aug 21, 2006
    10
    I rarely watch sci-fi shows. But this one I enjoyed and couldn't wait until the next one. I've been looking to see if it is this fall's lineup! Would very upset if it doesn't return. So......what ever happen to making the viewers happy?!
  66. DonnaMarieM
    Aug 21, 2006
    10
    From Ireland - downloaded it on Itunes - best show ever had my family addicted. Have to bring it back would be stupid not too, best thing since xfiles.
  67. MikeT
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best TV shows ever! I love it!
  68. DelilahH
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    I like this show, its my favorite show. I think that there should be more about Miles though. I'd like the show to come back for a second season, if it doesn't I will be very, very bummed.
  69. AmosL
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    i can't beleive the critics what the hell show are they looing at this show was great
  70. LudeS
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    Please brings this show back!!!
  71. ChanM
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    This is the best serie, that I ever saw!
  72. RobertD
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    My favorite show last year really pissed if it doesn't come back!!
  73. MichaelC
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    Excellent Sci-Fi Drama
  74. SigridM
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    Great show
  75. NancyW
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    One of the best sci-fi programs I have ever seen! I could hardly wait for the next show. I really got attached to the story line and the people in the show. I can't believe they cut this show, every one of my friends are/were Surface junkies
  76. KathrynB
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    This was one of only two or three shows we watched regularly. We were looking forward to season two!
  77. DonG
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    I was looking to see when season 2 comes on again we loved it. if it was cancelled because of some moron critics that sucks!
  78. PascalB
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    Hope that NBC will change there mind and go with a second season. If not it will be really sad... SURFACE is the best sci-fi series i've seen in the past 5 years.
  79. rebeccam
    Jul 30, 2006
    10
    Great family television. One of the few television shows this book reader would watch. I'm sure they will replace it with another cop or detective show. ugh!!
  80. LeahK
    Jul 28, 2006
    9
    I liked it, the acting wasnt all that great but it was entertaining, and thats not that easy with all the crap thats on t.v. now-a-days. They should have at least kept it around one more season. Instead they let the stupid critics ruin it.
  81. ChrisB
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    NBC should be ashamed, This was the first show from NBC I actually watched and enjoyed tremendously. Please rethink your decision.
  82. JennD
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    My favorite show last season! It's a shame NBC shot themselves in the foot by not keeping it!!
  83. HaleyS
    Jul 25, 2006
    10
    I loved this show it kept you on the edge of your seat.And I absolutly loved how the season ended. I'm real mad because now I'll never get to know what happened.
  84. SykviaW
    Jul 23, 2006
    9
    I thought it to be very entertaining. Did not miss an episode. It was good scifi.
  85. BrianL
    Jul 17, 2006
    8
    While the show does lack a little bit in the acting department, I still "like" the characters in that I actually kinda care what happens to them. Thats hard to do especially given the wild story line (which is the main strength of the show). It is cheesy. It has cheep thrills. But neither of those comments are meant to be negative. Its not trying to be a serious movie, its a sci fi While the show does lack a little bit in the acting department, I still "like" the characters in that I actually kinda care what happens to them. Thats hard to do especially given the wild story line (which is the main strength of the show). It is cheesy. It has cheep thrills. But neither of those comments are meant to be negative. Its not trying to be a serious movie, its a sci fi action/suspense romp. I certainly hope they pick up a season 2. What I tell people about this show is that its like a good sci-fi novel. I can't wait to see the deeper motivations and corruption that spawned the monsters and.... is Rick's Bro Alive?… Expand
  86. PatrickS
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    This Series was Awsome! It gave out alot of personal veiws about the whole point of the show! 2 thumbs WAY WAY up!
  87. EdwinK
    Jul 17, 2006
    9
    I thought it was good TV entertainment.
  88. TylerB.
    Jul 15, 2006
    10
    the critics do take it to hard they probably dont even watch the show. It makes me mad because I wanted to know what happens in the 2nd season but the stupid critics ruined it.
  89. DavidG
    Jul 15, 2006
    10
    What do the critics no about good old SciFi. Wake up NBC are you that stupid ? Give the people what they Like & not what the critics like. Surface season 2.
  90. Samantha
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    The first two episodes were a little iffy, but it improved and ended up being my favorite show EVER.
  91. lesliec
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    kept the tension going throughout. humorous too.
  92. PhyllisW
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    Love the show. Very entertaining lets me escape from this life!
  93. billl
    Jul 13, 2006
    10
    cutting edge graphic's intruiging one of the best sci fi show to date
  94. mcolwell
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Great Show Sci-Fi should pick it up, NBC needs to wake up,taking shows like this off is why its always last in the ratings.
  95. JeanS
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    Has this show been cancelled? I hope not, its my favorite show.
  96. JanetS
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    This show had more surprises than "Lost," and is actually based on real science. This type of speculation about the impact of science and technology on nature is the best of the science fiction genre. Surface is a fast pace drama that offers food for thought.
  97. PhillipS
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    I think that the show is awesome. I hope that their will be another season.
  98. RandyA
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    I just viewed the SciFi channel's marathon of 7 episodes from season 1. I thought the show was outstanding and kept me on the edge of my seat. Maybe SciFi will pick it up and continue this intruiging story!
  99. LisaM
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    I think this show is awesome. I am not a big fan of scifi but the end of each episode found me wanting to see more. I have been looking forward to the 2nd season and just found out that is was cancelled. The critics can stuff it, Surface was the only show I have watched on NBC since Friends. Guess I'll stick to Fox
  100. coreyc
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    i love surface, please bring it back for another season
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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 »