Taboo

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX , TNN
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 7, 2017
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 328 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 292 out of 328
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 328
  3. Negative: 16 out of 328
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  1. Debaser7
    Jan 10, 2017
    10
    currently on 68, wtf??....Beautifully dark, very well written and acted, i can't wait for the rest of the series. Tom Hardy yet again has proved himself as one of the best actors working today.
  2. high90
    Jan 17, 2017
    10
    If you like something gritty and different then give this a go. I hate about 99% of tv and this was a real breath of fresh air. Hardy is truly menacing and the story itself sucks you in, well worth your time unlike the hundred other procedural case of the week crap that's on twenty four seven.
  3. Hua
    Jan 19, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm only two episodes in, and all I'll say for now is: hypnotic. What some may call boring and incomprehensible, I call entrancing! Tom Hardy is a master. My eyes were glued to the screen, and I didn't move a muscle for the two hours that I spent watching these episodes. And hardly anything happened! This is unlike much of television, and that is why I love it. I can't wait to see the remainder of this mysterious story unfold.… Expand
  4. Moirahas
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    In some ways it reminds me of Penny Dreadful,also is not as dark but still has a different kind of darkenes,less horror and more psychological.The main character reminds me of Baron Samedi and I wonder if this was the inspiration point.The actors are all amazing and I can't complain of any of them.One of the best series so far.
  5. tomfrenkel
    Jan 28, 2017
    8
    Taboo is dark and fascinating; Hard, as always in deeply into a very strange and weird persona, but he can always pull it off. Can't wait for the next episode.
  6. dawnsmith
    Jan 28, 2017
    10
    Absolutely addicted to Taboo. It is fascinating, captivating, complex and so different. Yes it does mean that the grey matter gets some exercise but better that than the endless mind numbing rubbish that is 99% of tv. The talented Tom Hardy plays his role to perfection and as James Delaney comes across as sexy, scary, dashing, dark, menacing and as mad as a box of frogs. MoreAbsolutely addicted to Taboo. It is fascinating, captivating, complex and so different. Yes it does mean that the grey matter gets some exercise but better that than the endless mind numbing rubbish that is 99% of tv. The talented Tom Hardy plays his role to perfection and as James Delaney comes across as sexy, scary, dashing, dark, menacing and as mad as a box of frogs. More collaborations from Tom and his dad please.… Expand
  7. 4dannaj
    Jan 30, 2017
    9
    I love the series! It's dark, it's the small guy versus the big guy, (The East India Company). It's enjoyable and I look forward to watching it weekly.
  8. movieboy
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    One of the most amazing TV shows I've seen in years. Utterly gripping with fantastic acting and phenomenal cinematography - some scenes are like historical paintings come to life. Very few shows come close.
  9. nellomora12
    Mar 1, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just love it, everything it's darky but well done. Great performances and scenography. Keep it coming.
    can't figure out how does it get 6.8, it's way better than those crappy oscar winning pictures...    … Expand
  10. mjlc2001
    Feb 20, 2017
    10
    Taboo lives up to its name. Tom Hardy is all grit with a touch of steamy sex and swagger. One moment you are rooting for Delaney and the next you feel sorry for those that stand in his path. I love that you have to listen/pay attention to the dialogue and allow it to beguile and submerge you into its intrigue. Don't leave the room for a moment or you will miss intricate details. ThereTaboo lives up to its name. Tom Hardy is all grit with a touch of steamy sex and swagger. One moment you are rooting for Delaney and the next you feel sorry for those that stand in his path. I love that you have to listen/pay attention to the dialogue and allow it to beguile and submerge you into its intrigue. Don't leave the room for a moment or you will miss intricate details. There isn't a predictable element to this series. As it twists and turns through the complex and tortured Delaney's plan you find yourself longing for more insight into his past. Just when you think he is **** crazy he turns around and does something almost chivalrous. Love it!… Expand
  11. nyphx
    Jan 27, 2017
    10
    All shows are not for everyone, so I understand the below average ratings from some; but for me, this show is one of the best new shows on television.
  12. Tony1984
    Oct 18, 2017
    8
    A moody, taciturn, glaring, supernaturally endowed reluctant hero in Tom Hardy takes on the might of the East India Company in a sepia, dank, luridly scabious Regency London. If marks were awarded for style alone than Taboo would get a 10. Its an anti - Downton Abbey of the slums ,squalid and filthy in exacting detail. With the wealth of the betters displayed ostentatiously to emphasiseA moody, taciturn, glaring, supernaturally endowed reluctant hero in Tom Hardy takes on the might of the East India Company in a sepia, dank, luridly scabious Regency London. If marks were awarded for style alone than Taboo would get a 10. Its an anti - Downton Abbey of the slums ,squalid and filthy in exacting detail. With the wealth of the betters displayed ostentatiously to emphasise the distance between the two.
    I say reluctant hero although James is portrayed as borderline amoral savage, he in fact seeks empathy , despite the grunts and snorts which are his core dialogue, we are pushed slowly but surely into his corner.
    Hardy aside, the supporting cast are superb, the best you will see in any movie or TV production this year. Marry them with the outstanding costume and set design, the colloquial rough vernacular and you have a winner.
    Negatives are the narrative which requires a little too much belief suspension at times and the ever present mumblings for period dramas. Enunciate people! Lastly there is a overly simplistic politically correct vein but these are the times we live in.
    Withstanding that and the dark violence, very enjoyable chaotic atmosphere of mayhem.    … Expand
  13. Jasos
    Jan 17, 2017
    10
    Inizio veramente grandioso, che sembra mantenersi anche con gli episodi successivi... Non manca nulla, qui c'é tutto: costumi e fotografia elevatissimi, produzione impeccabile, regia magistrale, sceneggiatura curata, misteri che ti catturano, e soprattutto un Tom hardy che non si smentisce mai
  14. JorgeLestre
    Jan 12, 2017
    7
    Taboo starts with a confusing storyline that actually doesn't end up anywhere good enough to love it, but the show has an aura darkened by Hardy's majestic performance that feels confident and worth taking a look.
  15. chrissycat
    Jan 20, 2017
    9
    Not for the casual audience. Rough and gritty. And as the title says there are themes that touch on subjects of a provocative nature. Tom Hardy is incredible.
  16. cinema
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    its an original series and very pure that made very Obsessively to reflect every details to you. you must watch Episodes 2 times to feeling all details.
    and amazing Character Building. with perfect playing tom hardy in the Role of a mad and savage Indomitable man.
    taboo is not gonna Imposition fake Thrill to you, like some other series and its very realist.
  17. drs1001
    Feb 8, 2017
    9
    As some of the critics have said, is a little slow to get going, but well worth sticking with as the story does develop nicely. Unusual to see such a dark 19 century costume drama, the darker side of victorian London is fascinating. Great atmosphere and performances all round (though I do find Tom Hardy mumbles at times).
  18. Corwin_of_Amber
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    Great show, also a great example that critics are wrong. They give 100 to some crap (Moonlight), while great films and TV series are not good enough, thats just ludicrous. Hardy is great as usual. Maybe a little bit slow start but then very addictive. Enjoyed this show a lot.
  19. alexscott680
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    Epic! I love this series, I must say particularly towards the end of the series the tension rose to a tangible amount. Of course Tom Hardy is fantastic, I was especially impressed by Atticus.
  20. Nathonas
    Apr 22, 2017
    6
    This show has good production quality and lots of potential but doesn't have the greatest writing. The biggest problem is that the main character looks and seems very interesting and unique, but his dialogue is just not in line with that at all. It makes his character seem foolish and simple, in contrast to how he is physically portrayed.

    Also I really dislike the whole "white    This show has good production quality and lots of potential but doesn't have the greatest writing. The biggest problem is that the main character looks and seems very interesting and unique, but his dialogue is just not in line with that at all. It makes his character seem foolish and simple, in contrast to how he is physically portrayed.

    Also I really dislike the whole "white civilization is bad black civilization is good" **** that is being pushed by films and tv shows lately. The company guys (representations of white culture in this case) are all portrayed terribly, almost like cartoon villains, while the protagonist (who represents black culture since he went to africa) is characterized as the good guy who loves to say random african words, has african tattoos, and embodies the notion of white guilt over slavery with his flashbacks.

    This feels more like a fun project for Tom Hardy than an actually good show.    … Expand
  21. dudnik
    Feb 18, 2017
    7
    Extremely beautiful but shallow film. Well... actually not that stupid. There are some less smart TV series. The problem is these series are quite pretentious but can't deliver on their promise. The characters are flat. No development and it's episode four already. The story has nearly zero surprising twists. But atmosphere and art direction are perfect and I'm going to keep watching theseExtremely beautiful but shallow film. Well... actually not that stupid. There are some less smart TV series. The problem is these series are quite pretentious but can't deliver on their promise. The characters are flat. No development and it's episode four already. The story has nearly zero surprising twists. But atmosphere and art direction are perfect and I'm going to keep watching these series despite all of their flaws.… Expand
  22. miowhelper
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Love this show.................. Best news: Taboo (FX) renewed for an 8-episode 2nd season................ This show is awesome well written well acted......
  23. MacCloud101
    Feb 5, 2017
    9
    Curious , gripping , original and gritty. This show is a breath of fresh air . The way it portrays its characters with a grey tint and an anti-heroism is truly captivating . The story itself has a nice over-arc, with great plot development told through intriguing intermediaries . The cast of actors are above average and Hardy offers that touch of class in the way he portrays the dangerousCurious , gripping , original and gritty. This show is a breath of fresh air . The way it portrays its characters with a grey tint and an anti-heroism is truly captivating . The story itself has a nice over-arc, with great plot development told through intriguing intermediaries . The cast of actors are above average and Hardy offers that touch of class in the way he portrays the dangerous devil James Delaney along with the brilliant Jonathan Pryce who truly masters his part as so often he has . Overall a great show .… Expand
  24. khankira
    Feb 17, 2017
    10
    Sinema'dan eksiği yok fazlası var. Tom Hardy dahil bütün oyuncular özenle seçilmiş. Senaryo hem gizemli hem sade. Bir o kadar entrika dolu, bir o kadar da karanlık. Tarihi işleyişi muazzam. Yönetmenlik ise Hollywood'a ders niteliğinde
  25. Daaddy
    Feb 27, 2017
    10
    OMG What a superb start to the series. I love this! The acting was mind-blowing, top-notch, especially the powerful & classic performance from the great actor Tom Hardy & would you expect anything else as usual impressive. The look of early 19th century London certainly seemed to be spot on for a layman like myself. I'm looking forward to the NEXT Season and just hope it manages toOMG What a superb start to the series. I love this! The acting was mind-blowing, top-notch, especially the powerful & classic performance from the great actor Tom Hardy & would you expect anything else as usual impressive. The look of early 19th century London certainly seemed to be spot on for a layman like myself. I'm looking forward to the NEXT Season and just hope it manages to maintain the standard throughout, especially considering how high the bar has been set! I can't wait for the next Season… Expand
  26. andieforbes
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Amazing show. Skeptical at first, but a must-see for age appropriate individuals. Deep & cunning, well thought out plot. May need CC in some parts if normal U.S. speaking English is your norm because the accent can be a little difficult to understand. But overall an amazing story line with a consistency that is impressing and suspenseful. Definitely a 10 out of 10 from someone who doesn'tAmazing show. Skeptical at first, but a must-see for age appropriate individuals. Deep & cunning, well thought out plot. May need CC in some parts if normal U.S. speaking English is your norm because the accent can be a little difficult to understand. But overall an amazing story line with a consistency that is impressing and suspenseful. Definitely a 10 out of 10 from someone who doesn't usually watch these types of shows.… Expand
  27. superhorn
    Mar 30, 2017
    10
    Best new show on tv this season so far it is captivating dark story that unfolds an plays out with a great story so far an i am loving it an waiting for next season!!
  28. TheAhnafD
    May 30, 2017
    7
    Taboo is a weird show. Tom Hardy is such a powerful figure he barely lets anyone else shine in the show. Don't get me wrong, I love Tom and he carried the whole show but the whole cast was so great and i'm so disappointed they were so underused. Taboo would've been a masterpiece if the rest of the cast were given half as importance. great setting and lead performance. Hardy's leadTaboo is a weird show. Tom Hardy is such a powerful figure he barely lets anyone else shine in the show. Don't get me wrong, I love Tom and he carried the whole show but the whole cast was so great and i'm so disappointed they were so underused. Taboo would've been a masterpiece if the rest of the cast were given half as importance. great setting and lead performance. Hardy's lead protagonist is one of the best there is currently but it's too much. The show depends too much on his character his dark character James Keziah Delaney. That's where it looses itself. It has a great plot for James but nothing else. Every other sub-plot was weak. No real character development for any other characters even though they were portrayed superbly. Some unnecessary deaths. But everything about Hardy is almost perfect.
    It's extremely watchable and worth your time. Season 2 can be even better if they introduce some new characters and give every character a good plot line because this season everyone was just James Delaney's puppet almost.

    What they have to learn is one great character can't make a show great. That's my take on Taboo. Lemme know what you think.    … Expand
  29. Cryheme
    Feb 5, 2017
    10
    67? I cant fcking believe. Its a must watch- series. Reviews today are **** Tom Hardy is brilliant. London 1814 is stunning. Quality of picture is amazing.
  30. flora_lo
    Jan 10, 2017
    10
    It's a lot more than my expected. It's so dark and complex . When the music begun, darkness background but lightly brisk. It's so Tom hardy. Dig some sweet , good, hopes out in the dark. The first episode had lots cules, I m hooked. Well done,Tom!
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
41
#41 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Jan 10, 2017
    83
    The metaphorical gloom and doom of Taboo is likewise dense and relentless but so enveloping you can't help but be sucked in.
    Read full review
  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Jan 10, 2017
    40
    Taboo seem to have aspired to explore a number of complex, uncomfortable issues in the three episodes made available to critics without concretely establishing a thesis about any of them. Provided the viewer isn’t utterly bored or bewildered by what she sees, the show thus far seems like it could go to interesting places. As to where that is exactly, who can say?
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Daily News
    Reviewed by: Rob Lowman
    Jan 10, 2017
    70
    While it struts and frets and boasts some top-notch actors, I’m not sure it has anything in mind other than being weirdly entertaining.
    Read full review
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