Taking on Tyson
Animal Planet | Release Date: March 6, 2011
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
69
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
7
Mixed:
3
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
New York PostLinda StasiMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: Taking on Tyson is only a six-part series, but, in that limited time, this heartwarming, gorgeously filmed show reveals a terrifying man who has not just grown up, but grown into someone you now might want to know. Read full review
80
The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerMar 7, 2011
Season 1 Review: It would make an interesting documentary even without Mr. Tyson. With him, it becomes a personal test for the viewer. Read full review
80
New York Daily NewsDavid HinckleyMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: It's a feel-good story, and what makes it more satisfying is that in contrast to so many reality shows, the people here feel genuine, with no sense they're performing for the camera. This one's a contender. Read full review
80
SalonMatt Zoller SeitzMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: The process of self-discovery is right upfront in Taking on Tyson, and it's fascinating. Read full review
75
People WeeklyTom GliattoMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: An odd but involving concept--Raging Birds. [14 Mar 2011, p.42]
70
Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob OwenMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: If the concept of Taking on Tyson seems odd, the execution is more predictable, framing Mr. Tyson's pigeon racing, his first competitive endeavor in several years, as a kind of therapy. Still, the show benefits from some surprisingly strong visuals of the birds in flight--at least for viewers who do not see pigeons as rodents with wings. Read full review
67
Boston HeraldMark A. PerigardMar 7, 2011
Season 1 Review: Serenity arrives in surprising ways. Whether Mike makes it in this arena or not, Taking on Tyson suggests he's already won his toughest battle. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterTim GoodmanMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: Judging from the first of six hours that will air, this might be the perfect series where you can plop on the couch, pop a beer and think, "This is all a little odd." Read full review
50
Philadelphia InquirerJonathan StormMar 7, 2011
Season 1 Review: There's not a current star among them, but this wacky lineup could provide the biggest and brightest series of Celeb Appren train wrecks ever. Alas, as usual, the episodes of the show, are flabbier than Meat Loaf ever was, two long hours long. Read full review
40
VarietyBrian LowryMar 4, 2011
Season 1 Review: Tyson is joined by a colorful group of guys who easily could have been extras on "The Sopranos," but his quest to become a champion in this new arena simply doesn't hold enough interest to stay airborne. Read full review
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