Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 13, 2008
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 179 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 179
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 179
  3. Negative: 32 out of 179
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User Reviews

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  1. KelvinSelimor
    Jan 4, 2022
    7
    Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Season 1. Judgment Day and Sarah Connor again. Very boring in places, very interesting in other places, and such a strange balance throughout the season. The characters are no different since Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
  2. FuzzyGrimlock
    Oct 22, 2018
    10
    This series is perhaps my favorite installment in the Terminator franchise. It explores morality and philosophy in many episodes and incorporates new (to Terminator) ideas on determinism vs free will. It also explores characters much more than the movies ever could. If you can push past the slow-down in the middle of the second season, it returns to excellent form again just before theThis series is perhaps my favorite installment in the Terminator franchise. It explores morality and philosophy in many episodes and incorporates new (to Terminator) ideas on determinism vs free will. It also explores characters much more than the movies ever could. If you can push past the slow-down in the middle of the second season, it returns to excellent form again just before the series finale. Terribly unfortunate that it got cancelled. Fox moved it to the Friday Night Death Slot and ratings never recovered.… Expand
  3. Le__Xenomorph
    Jan 9, 2015
    5
    This show is very OK. It has goods but all of the goods are brought down by the bads. The CGI is good for a TV show but it is brought down by the sub-par acting. Just watch the Terminator movies instead, they are a whole lot better. 5/10 (mediocre)
  4. Stabs_with_Pudz
    Mar 26, 2013
    7
    Its different, i know that. If you are expecting an exact same replica of Terminator 2 then you are in the wrong place. It focuses less on action and more of the emotional side of the whole ordeal, I'm not saying that it hasn't got action in it because it has plenty! The action scenes don't follow too much on James Cameron's massive flamy explosions and focus more on Terminator vsIts different, i know that. If you are expecting an exact same replica of Terminator 2 then you are in the wrong place. It focuses less on action and more of the emotional side of the whole ordeal, I'm not saying that it hasn't got action in it because it has plenty! The action scenes don't follow too much on James Cameron's massive flamy explosions and focus more on Terminator vs Terminator melee fighting and on the guns, but unfortunately doesn't quite live up to the state of the art visuals of T2, mostly because of the budget constraints... the visuals mainly suffered when it showed full CGI endoskeletons or when it showed people shooting lasers at HKs or just in general really. Even though the characters are different to the originals, I reckon the actors bring on a new side of them. Some acting that I would have nag about is that of the Terminators that are sent back, they just don't get it. I mean some of them are actually really good (e.g Garret Dillahunt as Cromatrie/John Henry, Summer Glau as Cameron and the machine from Sarah's dream in the pilot episode: Aaron Cash.) Others just can't do it, I know they're robots but when they walk and talk they aren't completely robotic, some of the people just presume that their movements are stiff and limited but they can actually move quite freely (like humans). So overall this show brings a lot of warmth and humanises the Terminator franachise… Expand
  5. Blitzcrag
    Jan 28, 2011
    10
    Long-time terminator fan here. I thought the shows were engaging and action packed! Characters are true to the movies, and the additional story in between the movies is definitely welcomed.
  6. pcch7
    Dec 26, 2010
    10
    Brilliant writing and acting. Summer Glau is the star to me but Brian Austin Green deserves some credit as well. The show is quite different from the movies but equally as good in my opinion.
  7. ginnygin
    Oct 11, 2010
    8
    Another TV series axed for no good reason except to treat us fans with contempt by the networks. And of cause it turns out to be another one that I enjoyed watching. Uhmmmmm.
  8. 1966Zodiac
    Oct 6, 2010
    4
    Now this show i not tht good really. You know that this website is BS if this show got higher ratings than Terminator 2 Judgement day. This show really did not have a good plot and there are many things wrong with it.
  9. NerijusD
    Jun 7, 2009
    4
    Rather bad TV series.
  10. DannyM.
    May 10, 2009
    10
    Tim Goodman is an absolute fraud who would rate Michael Phelps a bad swimmer simply because Goodman wants to make a name for himself. Dont listen to his tripe. TSCC is one the best sci-fi series in recent memory. If you want to fall in love with a show then give this a chance. Its superb.
  11. TomS
    Apr 26, 2009
    2
    A melodramatic, drawn out to the nth degree raping of the Terminator franchise. Sarah Connor's voice over narrations at the end of each episode are eerily similar to the Final Thoughts segment from The Jerry Springer Show. Bad in every way.
  12. davids
    Mar 28, 2009
    10
    I love this show. I have never been the type of person that watches a television show religiously, but now I count down the days until this show is back on. My wife and kids are now the same way. I don't understand how the ratings on such a great show can be so low. Everyone I know watches this show, and I would feel like I lost a friend if it was taken off the air.
  13. R.
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    Best drama on television. Great writing and acting. Last night's episode; "Today is the Day Part 2" was the best one yet.
  14. TeresaD
    Dec 28, 2008
    10
    Simply an incredible show. Ignore the drunken ramblings of that idiot Tim Goodman...the cast are exceptional. Especially Summer Glau. Watch it.
  15. EmmanuelB.
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    Probably the best show on TV today ! Great story, characters and actors.... I was very septic before I saw it, and now, I can't wait to see the next episodes.
  16. LayneD.
    Aug 20, 2008
    9
    No show is perfect, so I can't give this a 10, but it comes really close for me. Gritty, raw, faithful to the Terminator storyline but with just enough creative license to keep it fresh and interesting. It's the one I look forward to every week.
  17. weiweiL
    May 20, 2008
    10
    Very good show. better than most shows on TV right now.
  18. JohnM
    Mar 14, 2008
    9
    Love the show. Would have given it a 10 but the filming is so dark that I have to always adjust my tv to see it. Summer Glau is so good at this role and is very good as a robot finding life. She was also great on Firefly. (Actually, she's the reason I started watching but the show hooked me).
  19. MasJ.
    Mar 4, 2008
    10
    Awesome show !!! A great action show that is well written and has interesting characters. Summer is so good at delivering funny lines with a straight face. What a gem this show is among the tired cycle of reality TV, crime solving shows and boring dramas. I hope it has many seasons ahead.
  20. ShawnR.
    Mar 4, 2008
    8
    i hate time travel in movies and TV. when i 1st heard about this show, i thought to myself...'oh gosh, here we go with another pretentious and lackluster show'. even when the show started i was watching and the eye rolling started, somewhere along the line, it picked up and caught my attention. that pick up was Summer Glau's entrance. what the show does is provide an i hate time travel in movies and TV. when i 1st heard about this show, i thought to myself...'oh gosh, here we go with another pretentious and lackluster show'. even when the show started i was watching and the eye rolling started, somewhere along the line, it picked up and caught my attention. that pick up was Summer Glau's entrance. what the show does is provide an interesting look into the terminator genre and timeline. these glimpses, conceptually are stimulating in execution, they lose a bit of shine but played nicely nonetheless, for the most part. the weakness of the show are, in my mind, Sarah Connor and her son john. the supporting characters have been far more interesting with their story arcs...the FBI agent, cromartie, even the paramedic, and Derek Reese. i hope to see more of this and watch the story line develop.… Expand
  21. EspenS
    Mar 3, 2008
    9
    Great show! Some problems with the story and the actors in the first two episodes, but now after 7 episodes both the story and the actors has found their roles. Can't wait for more :D
  22. SusanL.
    Mar 1, 2008
    8
    Great effects, characters and premise. Summer Glau is amazing as the robot trying to make sense of humanity. It could use a dose of well written humour, though.
  23. JimV.
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    The series started off slow, which turned out to be a good thing as the series continued on. The plot thickens each week, and more characters arise giving a good dimension and nice sub-plots to the whole story before Judgment Day. All in all, as the story moves forward, the intrigue and guessing "what's next", keeps the upcoming episodes on my list as 'must see', and The series started off slow, which turned out to be a good thing as the series continued on. The plot thickens each week, and more characters arise giving a good dimension and nice sub-plots to the whole story before Judgment Day. All in all, as the story moves forward, the intrigue and guessing "what's next", keeps the upcoming episodes on my list as 'must see', and hopefully nothing will spoil its flavor.… Expand
  24. AdamW.
    Feb 26, 2008
    8
    While it's not the best right now, the show still needs a little time to come on to its own. It's still pretty good so far. I was a little bored during the 1st episode but the action's picked up and so has the plot since. You should give it a try before condemning it or liking it.
  25. TheSwami
    Feb 24, 2008
    8
    A good, solid entry into the action genre. If you like the Terminator movies, it goes without saying you'll probably like this. My only complaint is the issue that the plot of this series somewhat ignores the plot outline from the third Terminator movie. That being said, it is still more than worth watching, and certainly better than 99% of the reality show garbage on TV today.
  26. VanC.
    Feb 23, 2008
    10
    Sci-fi and action mixed together, with great acting and editing starting to happen. this show is a leader!
  27. michaelT
    Feb 20, 2008
    9
    After watching the first show i was pretty much hooked . The acting is very good , story lines keep you wanting more , and the special effects are good . What is also nice is how they use references to the terminator movies ( i am talking about the first 2 ) and expand on it into the story of the show . Again , thats credit to great writing team . Lets hope they can keep this up and its After watching the first show i was pretty much hooked . The acting is very good , story lines keep you wanting more , and the special effects are good . What is also nice is how they use references to the terminator movies ( i am talking about the first 2 ) and expand on it into the story of the show . Again , thats credit to great writing team . Lets hope they can keep this up and its on for a while . I find you can always tell you like a show , when you cant wait till the next week when it continues .… Expand
  28. DaveS
    Feb 19, 2008
    9
    Subtle acting and scripting is not what you expect when you turn on the TV for prime-time SciFi, but it's exactly what you get from this show. Complaints about the characters being "flat" are unfounded. These are actors who, while not delivering Oscar-worthy performances, are playing their parts nearly perfectly. If you want the hysterical giddiness of Buffy, well those are out on Subtle acting and scripting is not what you expect when you turn on the TV for prime-time SciFi, but it's exactly what you get from this show. Complaints about the characters being "flat" are unfounded. These are actors who, while not delivering Oscar-worthy performances, are playing their parts nearly perfectly. If you want the hysterical giddiness of Buffy, well those are out on DVD. This show is about thoughtful science fiction: the examination of what one reviewer called "adolescent exceptionalism"; time travel; a mother's love. Most interesting, however, is the push and pull between John Connor and the Glau-minator, as the first is hardened to the realities of a possible, brutal future and the latter is softened to daily life with the Connors. There are plenty of one liners for the proles and lots of explosions for the More Cowbell set, but underneath is a show that is smart and confident.… Expand
  29. SteveR.
    Feb 18, 2008
    10
    Best show on TV. Period.
  30. BillG.
    Feb 13, 2008
    9
    I have been very impressed with this new TV series. Not only are the action sequences some of the best I've seen on TV, but the characters are compelling as well. The pace has slowed down a bit from the beginning, but now the character development has been kicking in. The main protagonists are coming into their own and I'm really starting to care about what happens to them. The I have been very impressed with this new TV series. Not only are the action sequences some of the best I've seen on TV, but the characters are compelling as well. The pace has slowed down a bit from the beginning, but now the character development has been kicking in. The main protagonists are coming into their own and I'm really starting to care about what happens to them. The reason I'm giving this a 9 is because I look forward to this show more than any other series each and every week now.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best TV Season of 2008
13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
32
#32 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    88
    The Sarah Connor Chronicles" begins as an intense, thoughtful, exciting, fun spectacle. The first episode will kick your ass.
    Read full review
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    80
    Humans vs. cyborgs in a movie spin-off that's surprisingly effective for fans of both action and character drama.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    70
    Some die-hards may be frustrated by inconsistencies in the timeline with "Terminator 3," but unless you get overly wrapped up in the details of time travel, tonight's pilot is an intense adventure.
    Read full review
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