Terra Nova

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 26, 2011
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 308 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 157 out of 308
  2. Mixed: 80 out of 308
  3. Negative: 71 out of 308
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  1. pmart4
    Oct 26, 2015
    7
    I hate cheesy Americanised TV series like Xena, NCIS and the likes of those. This series has a lot of All American cheddar but the dinosaurs, great story and half decent acting actually made this really good. I enjoyed it so much that I watched the entire season in just three days!

    So why only a 7? : The series was cancelled so no more to come. Massive shame as I would have definitely    I hate cheesy Americanised TV series like Xena, NCIS and the likes of those. This series has a lot of All American cheddar but the dinosaurs, great story and half decent acting actually made this really good. I enjoyed it so much that I watched the entire season in just three days!

    So why only a 7? : The series was cancelled so no more to come. Massive shame as I would have definitely watched season 2!    … Expand
  2. Themazedude
    Apr 16, 2015
    10
    It's a very good tv-show i think it"s one of the best i have watched since tower prep! You should check this show out it's on netflix so if you have a profile then watch it!
  3. survivorfan989
    May 16, 2013
    7
    I missed this show when it first ran because I took a trip to the US but now that I've seen it I know I didn't miss too much. It started out OK but never really went anywhere, and even though it ended well it was left open for the second season that never came. I also didn't like the fact that the dinosaurs were pretty much irrelevant. Overall a decent show but nothing worth going out ofI missed this show when it first ran because I took a trip to the US but now that I've seen it I know I didn't miss too much. It started out OK but never really went anywhere, and even though it ended well it was left open for the second season that never came. I also didn't like the fact that the dinosaurs were pretty much irrelevant. Overall a decent show but nothing worth going out of the way to watch.… Expand
  4. Annoymous1
    Jan 10, 2013
    7
    This TV show is a think a bit OK....though it needs a polish in the editing and the Computer Graphics. The good is that the story is easy to follow but hard to understand. Just a change in CG and the voicing will make Season 2 better.
  5. mrmonster
    Sep 23, 2012
    7
    I was highly anticipating Tera Nova. Unfortunately, it fails to live up to the hype achieved by other action themed live action TV shows like "The Walking Dead". It was a good show while it lasted, but mainly, I just wanted to see more dinosaurs. I wanted something like "Jurassic Park" or "Walking with Dinosaurs" where there were dinosaurs wherever. It was still an okay show, it it needed work.
  6. pattersonmusic
    May 10, 2012
    10
    Terra Nova had great writing great consistent character and a crazy amazing plot line! It was one of the few tv shows that really showed how a tv show can be produced well and seem like a movie through the whole series.
  7. SchroederRock
    Apr 10, 2012
    8
    There's more to Terra Nova than meets the eye. A subtlely charming and enjoyable cast mixed with a cool new world that almost any age can appreciate and take part in is a rarity these days. Although it has been put on hold after one season, there's reason to bring this back. The only argument is whether they should try and keep the polish with so much post-production work or move to aThere's more to Terra Nova than meets the eye. A subtlely charming and enjoyable cast mixed with a cool new world that almost any age can appreciate and take part in is a rarity these days. Although it has been put on hold after one season, there's reason to bring this back. The only argument is whether they should try and keep the polish with so much post-production work or move to a more grit film style to breath more urgency into each episode. If this show gets another opportunity, it could easily grow into a mainstay series for several seasons.… Expand
  8. SwarleyStinson
    Mar 18, 2012
    7
    Terra Nova had potential to be a lot better than it was because of its good mythology/overall story arc, but instead of focusing on the mythology like it should have, until the end it stayed in the background and the bulk of the series was standard sci-fi filler episodes, with bog standard stories you've seen before in any Syfy show - someone gets murdered, someone gets a virus, they getTerra Nova had potential to be a lot better than it was because of its good mythology/overall story arc, but instead of focusing on the mythology like it should have, until the end it stayed in the background and the bulk of the series was standard sci-fi filler episodes, with bog standard stories you've seen before in any Syfy show - someone gets murdered, someone gets a virus, they get attacked by an unknown new creature. Its still decent though and started an interesting story for season 2 if it gets one on Netflix.… Expand
  9. Procritic1
    Feb 20, 2012
    8
    This show is pretty good i liked it and it's deffinately worth trying out if your into scifi
  10. Johnny5530
    Feb 3, 2012
    9
    I've recently finished the last episode, and I thought I look after the release of the second season. I was flabbergasted when I saw the negative critics all over the net. But I don't understand why?! I'm not a big series fan to be honest. The last one I saw, was one and a half year ago; but for me, the only problem were the effects, because they were a bit unrealistic. Especially for theI've recently finished the last episode, and I thought I look after the release of the second season. I was flabbergasted when I saw the negative critics all over the net. But I don't understand why?! I'm not a big series fan to be honest. The last one I saw, was one and a half year ago; but for me, the only problem were the effects, because they were a bit unrealistic. Especially for the dinosaurs. On the other hand, the plot was excellent, the actors were likeable and the world was awesome. I really hope, they will continue this series, because the end of the last episode got me really excited.… Expand
  11. GiggleGoddess
    Jan 4, 2012
    10
    I love this show! I like the drama and the character relationships...I wouldn't have every watched it if my boyfriend wasn't so stubborn and kept bugging me to watch it, lol. In some ways similar to Lost BUT they actually explain things! You fall in love with the characters and their story. So what if it may not be "sci-fi" enough or the actors not perfect? It's a good story so that's that!
  12. bsdrago
    Dec 29, 2011
    8
    Terra Nova is a fun, family show that it pays to be seen. I think his greatest virtue is exactly the clichés.I do not want another "LOST". The series is simple, fun, with no great pretensions, and should not be tempted to have large overly complex scripts. Great series.
  13. gymnast96
    Dec 26, 2011
    10
    I think it's one of the best shows out there! i love it! It's very entertaining, you never know what is going to happen next. I think the qualitity of the show is actually pretty good..I love the dinosaurs and how it is written. At times i think the script is a little chessy, but not that bad. I hope there will be a season 2!
  14. PsychoticOrc
    Dec 21, 2011
    10
    I've found this show to be amazing, much better than the crap that most people watch. It's not very often that a show really grabs my imagination and I for one am glad I took the time to watch this and very very hopeful of a second season being announced soon
  15. Celtic
    Dec 21, 2011
    7
    Ah ! Ah ! 2012 is set in motion with coming Bermuda's triangle theories. Well, the show now moves forward at an interesting pace and is at last entertaining. Lets hope for the best in 2012
  16. CiiXoTChris
    Dec 19, 2011
    10
    This show had me attached from day one. The action-packed Sci-Fi series always has my attention and adrenaline running. I heard about it on the radio before it premiered and decided to give it a chance. I became attached in the first 5 minutes. The show never let me down. It's sad to see so many people aren't giving it a chance. Yea, it's different but it's a "cool" different. With seasonThis show had me attached from day one. The action-packed Sci-Fi series always has my attention and adrenaline running. I heard about it on the radio before it premiered and decided to give it a chance. I became attached in the first 5 minutes. The show never let me down. It's sad to see so many people aren't giving it a chance. Yea, it's different but it's a "cool" different. With season 1 of Terra Nova completed, I really hope FOX decides to renew [Terra Nova] it.… Expand
  17. photo45ej
    Dec 19, 2011
    10
    You know I remember this show it started out on what then was call USA network. In the first season it was a little out there, the plot was not so polish, and the characters were not quite there. So USA cancel the show and this should had been the end. Then came along this new tv channel. It was so knew that people thinking on it was you got to be kidding and yeah right. They saw somethingYou know I remember this show it started out on what then was call USA network. In the first season it was a little out there, the plot was not so polish, and the characters were not quite there. So USA cancel the show and this should had been the end. Then came along this new tv channel. It was so knew that people thinking on it was you got to be kidding and yeah right. They saw something in this show that USA had cancel an so brought the rights. The show was call Babylon Five and channel was TNT the rest is history. I said go ahead Fox Tv executives make that mistake cancel the show an watch some else walk off with the prize.… Expand
  18. Kboozer
    Dec 13, 2011
    10
    Our family loves this show. Writing isn't always great, but it has a good theme we all enjoy. If someone can't appreciate what terra nova brings to the table, it's only because they don't realize how hard it is to find a show that's interesting for parents, friendly enough for kids, and doesn't shove god up your a$$ with that combination. It's a television series. It's not a movie.Our family loves this show. Writing isn't always great, but it has a good theme we all enjoy. If someone can't appreciate what terra nova brings to the table, it's only because they don't realize how hard it is to find a show that's interesting for parents, friendly enough for kids, and doesn't shove god up your a$$ with that combination. It's a television series. It's not a movie. Different budgets. Not disappointed with special effects. We hope there are more seasons to come. We will be very disappointed if it gets canceled.… Expand
  19. RogueCmdr
    Dec 8, 2011
    10
    The show has alot of potential. I cant get enough of it. It was slow to get interesting a little bit because it was slow to build the plot in the first couple episodes, but I think it really took off and hooked me. I do not understand the low user score or meta rating. This show has more potential than some other bad shows like Once Upon A Time or the rash of Vampire shows.
  20. legendst3r
    Dec 6, 2011
    8
    After seeing the first 2 or 3 episodes the euphoria finally settled in and the realisation caved in that I am watching a weekly episode of Dinosaurs making guest appearances on a family drama.
    I love what Jason O Mara and his family does but the role of Skye is underdeveloped and so is the role of the other 'kids' in the series.
    The rivalry between Jason and his wife's ex boyfriend -cum-    After seeing the first 2 or 3 episodes the euphoria finally settled in and the realisation caved in that I am watching a weekly episode of Dinosaurs making guest appearances on a family drama.
    I love what Jason O Mara and his family does but the role of Skye is underdeveloped and so is the role of the other 'kids' in the series.
    The rivalry between Jason and his wife's ex boyfriend -cum- classmate could have been far better and well worked on which was technically ignored.
    What I dont get is the fact if there are so many pilgrimages why is there not a sensation of Terra Nova being a larger place than what it looks like ?
    The "Sci-Fi" plot is too weak to keep me captivated enough for long because I just dont get the fact of a son who gets all nutty over his father cuz his dad wrecked his toys when he found out that what the son was up to was not 'right' ?? So he goes and plays 'abcd' on the rocks ???
    In all the show is a very exciting adventure and 40 out of 100 people would agree with that, HOWEVER the show 'lacks adventure' which 70 out of 100 people would agree to. I for one believe that there is a far more epic new season of this show is awaiting for all of us next year and THATS THE BOTTOMLINE !!!    … Expand
  21. Marckr32
    Dec 2, 2011
    8
    It dragged a bit at the beginning, became a bit to soapy for a bit and seems to have settled now. I am starting to enjoy the show. Few more dinosaurs would be fun.. Taylor comes across as a bit fake! for a first season with little know actors (for me) i think its pretty good.
  22. radiobenji
    Nov 4, 2011
    7
    It's really fun having dinosaurs back on TV, and whilst I would like the show to be more of a continuing story as opposed to a "monster of the week" style show, and considering the idea of a portal back in time has been used before, it's still not unwelcome on my TV screen. The opening 10 or so minutes of the show ran through too quickly and was too confusing, but with so much to getIt's really fun having dinosaurs back on TV, and whilst I would like the show to be more of a continuing story as opposed to a "monster of the week" style show, and considering the idea of a portal back in time has been used before, it's still not unwelcome on my TV screen. The opening 10 or so minutes of the show ran through too quickly and was too confusing, but with so much to get through in the space of 90 minutes, once the story slowed down it was easier to follow. The show has created 2 worlds and both are fascinating, one with it's extreme laws and ruined earth and the other with a bright-eyed new world with it's crazy wildlife. Essentially, at first, it's a cop show with dinosaurs so I'm really hoping that past episode 6 or so, the show starts to become it's own genre. Fox learned nothing from the mess they created with Dollhouse. Audiences may not have been there in droves but the first 5 episodes are nothing short of standard among a fantastically fascinating world. It seems Terra Nova is on the track of the early Dollhouse episodes. It's not bad but it is not yet the brilliant show we're looking for.… Expand
  23. IceMetalPunk
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    I can't write a formal review for Terra Nova without being a bit casual at least once: I freakin' LOVE this show. From the first episode, its production value is obvious, and obviously Spielberg-esque. The attention to detail in the settings is amazing (anyone catch all the billboards in the background of the pilot?), and filming in the remotest parts of Australia really creates this senseI can't write a formal review for Terra Nova without being a bit casual at least once: I freakin' LOVE this show. From the first episode, its production value is obvious, and obviously Spielberg-esque. The attention to detail in the settings is amazing (anyone catch all the billboards in the background of the pilot?), and filming in the remotest parts of Australia really creates this sense of a prehistoric world, and while the CG isn't movie-quality, it definitely gets the job done convincing viewers that these dinosaurs are real, they're mean, and they'll kill you if you get too close. The tech CG is even better, and the effects team manages to combine futuristic tech with the prehistoric setting in a way that somehow just meshes. The acting is fantastic. For one thing, I had no idea that Jason O'Mara and Naomi Scott weren't Americans by their accent, and for another, the family unit actually acts and naturally becomes a family. A lot of shows end up having the family members seem like strangers, but either this cast really loves each other or they're the best actors on Earth. I'd guess it's a little of both. One of the main concerns I had during the pilot was "how are they going to have a new story every week if there's just dinosaurs around?" But they've been doing an amazing job at that, from the creation of the Sixers, dinosaur mating grounds, prehistoric pathogens, and (because we know it'll pop up at some point) Taylor's son with his mathematical scribblings. It seems like the writers never run out of ideas and are definitely not limited by the concept in any way. I love-love-love it, and I'm not too proud to kiss the television if it'll convince you of the extent of my adoration for Terra Nova.… Expand
  24. vernondudley
    Nov 1, 2011
    8
    Terra Nova is fun to watch. While the human stories will seem familiar sometimes, the element of dinosaurs has been gone from TV for too long, and it is reintroduced with stunning CGI. Terra Nova is to TV what Avatar was to cinema (ironically, both star Stephen Lang in a strikingly similar role...): A visually beautiful series with a familiar story that will provide solid, lightTerra Nova is fun to watch. While the human stories will seem familiar sometimes, the element of dinosaurs has been gone from TV for too long, and it is reintroduced with stunning CGI. Terra Nova is to TV what Avatar was to cinema (ironically, both star Stephen Lang in a strikingly similar role...): A visually beautiful series with a familiar story that will provide solid, light entertainment. And dinosaurs.… Expand
  25. Viktor1109
    Oct 27, 2011
    7
    While this isn't going to break new ground for anyone, it's a credible effort. The writing and acting are serviceable, but again, nothing special. The situations, though, are well structured and interesting. The camera work is especially strong. There's not much challenge here, but I find myself looking forward to each episode (I've watched the first four). On a side note, I don't know ifWhile this isn't going to break new ground for anyone, it's a credible effort. The writing and acting are serviceable, but again, nothing special. The situations, though, are well structured and interesting. The camera work is especially strong. There's not much challenge here, but I find myself looking forward to each episode (I've watched the first four). On a side note, I don't know if it's just me, but many of the characters seem like direct lifts from another Spielburg-produced project: Falling Skies. I don't know if the two shows are sharing writers, or if they're just engaging in the same basic stereotypes, but it's slightly annoying.… Expand
  26. Fanic
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    This is a great TV show. Acting is sketching at first but its a bran new television series. You get caught up in the show quickly and is fast passed. If you like Science Fiction or fantasy or Dino's then this is a good show. Anyone who doesn't give this show a good rating need to give it more then 20 minutes.
  27. jade_iris
    Oct 20, 2011
    10
    Great series! I'm not one that's really into the whole "dinosaurs" thing, but It's done well IMO. I find the plot and story to be very intriguing and keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting for more!
  28. Heavymetal4life
    Oct 14, 2011
    9
    I really like this show, cant believe its not getting better reviews, Its something new an a great IDEA! Really enjoying it look forward to see the plot develop an become a really strong new series.
  29. MrDymonize
    Oct 13, 2011
    7
    Very enjoyable show. Believable? No. Nerdy? Yes. Entertaining? Totally. Beautiful landscapes and impressive special effects for a weekly series. Great potential to become a cult phenomenon. If dork-tastic shows like Dr. Who and Fringe can find followings then there's no reason this show doesn't deserve a fair chance to flourish. As long as the writing stays fresh and the action staysVery enjoyable show. Believable? No. Nerdy? Yes. Entertaining? Totally. Beautiful landscapes and impressive special effects for a weekly series. Great potential to become a cult phenomenon. If dork-tastic shows like Dr. Who and Fringe can find followings then there's no reason this show doesn't deserve a fair chance to flourish. As long as the writing stays fresh and the action stays engaging, Terra Nova could potentially be the best series starring dinosaurs since, well, Dinosaurs... "Not the mama!"… Expand
  30. Bluethunder213
    Oct 12, 2011
    8
    I think this is a great fall show. It has an intriguing storyline and great characters. My only problem with it is that it would make better as a movie. A bigger budget would allow for better writers and more special effects but I feel that if you stick with it, it will have a rewarding outcome. Out of all the new shows, this is among my favorites. If you haven't been able to check thisI think this is a great fall show. It has an intriguing storyline and great characters. My only problem with it is that it would make better as a movie. A bigger budget would allow for better writers and more special effects but I feel that if you stick with it, it will have a rewarding outcome. Out of all the new shows, this is among my favorites. If you haven't been able to check this show out and you have free time, check it out.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best TV Season of 2011
8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 2011
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Sep 28, 2011
    50
    Nothing in this pilot is as compelling as the idea for the show, which begs philosophical and ethical questions that Spielberg and company (for now, at least) aren't interested in addressing.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Sep 27, 2011
    63
    Even with Steven Spielberg listed among the executive producers, this distant world doesn't inspire much awe. [3 Oct 2011, p.45]
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Sep 26, 2011
    50
    The slowdown of the show's pace is one thing, but the real issue here is that the family element often feels inauthentic and just isn't up to the quality of the CGI-fueled action sequences.
    Read full review
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