Texas Ranch House

:

Season 1
  • Network: PBS
  • Series Premiere Date: May 1, 2006
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9

Critic Reviews

  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Gloria Goodale
    100
    "Ranch House" is engaging, droll commentary on the American dream and how we became the nation we are today.
  2. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    80
    This being a made-for-television environment, no one perishes, but there are no happy endings here, either.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Anita Gates
    70
    Intriguing.
  5. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    63
    Over four nights, the episodes do gradually blossom into the kind of internal dramas that power Mark Burnett-style reality shows. Just be prepared for long early stretches with minimal action and not entirely riveting characters.
  6. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    63
    "Ranch House" is the most ambitious of the "House" projects.
  7. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    50
    I kept wishing for a rose ceremony to perk things up. [8 May 2006, p.39]
    All this critic's reviews
  8. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    40
    Every reality show needs a mix of those you cheer for and those you jeer against, but "Texas Ranch House" has too many of the latter.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    30
    A plodding series that really just proves life was unrelentingly hard and pretty monotonous in the not-so-wild West.
  10. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Richmond
    30
    So it turns out that being cowboys isn't so romantic after all. It's also mighty slow-moving from an entertainment standpoint.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best TV Season of 2006
58
#58 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 43
  3. Negative: 7 out of 43
  1. JonP
    Oct 21, 2006
    4
    I know PBS purposefully chooses personalities that will clash and add an extra dimension of drama to these shows, but I would have enjoyed I know PBS purposefully chooses personalities that will clash and add an extra dimension of drama to these shows, but I would have enjoyed Texas Ranch House a thousand times more if they would have replaced the entire Cooke family. What an imbecilic, self-absorbed, and thoroughly worthless family!! Could have been another excellent show, but not with the Cookes on it!… Full Review »
  2. TimM
    Oct 17, 2006
    7
    Just saw this on DVD not when it originally aired, but for the most part was interesting. I agree with the others that the women on the show Just saw this on DVD not when it originally aired, but for the most part was interesting. I agree with the others that the women on the show were not "playing" by the rules of 1867. Mrs. Cooke with her superior attitude was too much to take. You can tell she never raised sons because she had no idea what and how much men eat. She would have been better cast in a Manor House where she could be the Queen. I feel bad for Mr. Cooke beause men that are in these all female households tend to become one of the girls.… Full Review »
  3. kenth
    Aug 26, 2006
    5
    I agree with most others, and the historiacl assessment by the experts. Mrs. Cooke was the worst problem followed by Mr. Cooke. Other than I agree with most others, and the historiacl assessment by the experts. Mrs. Cooke was the worst problem followed by Mr. Cooke. Other than not respecting the women (chivalry), the ranch hands were goodl.… Full Review »
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