The Blacklist

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Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 23, 2013
Season #: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 502 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 398 out of 502
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 502
  3. Negative: 55 out of 502
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  1. Bunny-Tnh
    Sep 23, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Blacklist is good, there's no denying in it. I had already watched the first season, I decided to start over and watch it more serious and attentively and it was almost as good as watching it for the first time.

    The pilot delivers too much, the good thing is that the episodes have their 40 minutes or more. Red is a fantastic character, my favorite of the series so far and I think it will be until the end; Liz has her ups and downs, a few ups and a lot of downs that make the character very unsympathetic, she thinks she knows everything; Tom is an **** but sometimes I like him more than Elizabeth.

    About the villain of this season that I believe to be Berlin: I found the way they ended this "arc" too peaceful. Seriously, he ripped off his hand to give up his long-awaited revenge because of money? C' mon

    I think every series that has a case/crime per ep. has those that drive you really crazy wanting more and those that drive you kinda "OK tomorrow I'll see the next one". The fact that every case is interconnected and has a bigger thing happening behind them all makes it so much better. Very good.    … Expand
  2. Hudsonguy385
    Dec 28, 2019
    10
    This a great tv show ! I’ve been watching this since the beginning . Loyal fan
  3. Snowbabiez
    Mar 6, 2019
    10
    I have just discovered this tv series and I have to say, I am so excited to watch the next episode. I was never a super fan of James Spader, he was ok in my book with parts that lead me to believe he was uppity. However, having just binge watched 5 seasons of The blacklist on Netflix, OMG he is so good. He is like a fine wine imo, he has fermented and leaves his viewers wanting moreI have just discovered this tv series and I have to say, I am so excited to watch the next episode. I was never a super fan of James Spader, he was ok in my book with parts that lead me to believe he was uppity. However, having just binge watched 5 seasons of The blacklist on Netflix, OMG he is so good. He is like a fine wine imo, he has fermented and leaves his viewers wanting more like right now. The cast is just awesome and the story lines are not boring or repetitive at all. I cannot say enough about this series, all I do know is I want more and I want it now :)… Expand
  4. NHSusan
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    I have always enjoyed James Spader in his TV roles. In this role I find him more of a updated Columbo with his humor. I still look forward to watching this every week with my husband. I wish Mr. Kaplan was still around and Denbe is perfect. I can't remember what happened to Agnes? I sure hope there is another season and the writer finds a new direction. I still want to know who theI have always enjoyed James Spader in his TV roles. In this role I find him more of a updated Columbo with his humor. I still look forward to watching this every week with my husband. I wish Mr. Kaplan was still around and Denbe is perfect. I can't remember what happened to Agnes? I sure hope there is another season and the writer finds a new direction. I still want to know who the real Reddington is. My guess is the real one is in the suitcase. And I think it looks like Keen & Ressler maybe hook up. We'll see...I hope.… Expand
  5. PumpedupKicks
    Nov 24, 2018
    7
    This is probably the earliest TV Show i started to watch, i must say its was very good. But few seasons down the line, it became pretty boring and predictable with the Blacklisters and I started to loose interest. The only thing keeping this show up the the secrets of Raymond Redington and Elizabeth's troubled and complicated history, which i believe has been dragged on for too long. AsThis is probably the earliest TV Show i started to watch, i must say its was very good. But few seasons down the line, it became pretty boring and predictable with the Blacklisters and I started to loose interest. The only thing keeping this show up the the secrets of Raymond Redington and Elizabeth's troubled and complicated history, which i believe has been dragged on for too long. As mentioned, now I'm only interested about knowing how the Redington-Elizabeth relationship will end with Redington probably, being the No.1 on the Blacklist.… Expand
  6. aimanz
    Mar 20, 2018
    9
    Watching James Spader acting is by itself so much fun. Some actor around him are complementary to push the story line forward. In one session where Berlin comes on the line, the chemistry sparks and we can see a real action. Spader needs more strong companions with him, say actors with Ed Harris or Jack Nicholson talents. This could turn into a mini short movies of criminal sociopaths withWatching James Spader acting is by itself so much fun. Some actor around him are complementary to push the story line forward. In one session where Berlin comes on the line, the chemistry sparks and we can see a real action. Spader needs more strong companions with him, say actors with Ed Harris or Jack Nicholson talents. This could turn into a mini short movies of criminal sociopaths with historical appearances of remarkable actors… Expand
  7. Criticview
    Dec 31, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like this show, but Lizzie is very, very hard-headed. Her demise is her based on her stubbornness. She is very bull headed and doesn't have any regard for others sometimes. She is just too hard-headed.… Expand
  8. Painless
    Sep 2, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Blacklist Staffel 1 startet stark, wirkt mit der Zeit aber vorhersehbar. Die Schlussfolgerungen, die zur Ergreifung von Zielen führen, erscheinen zeitweise sehr weit hergeholt oder übertrieben offensichtlich, die Ziele werden zu schnell eliminiert, als dass sie eine ernstzunehmende Gefahr darstellen könnten. Das leichtsinnige Verhalten mancher Agenten ist teilweise schwer zu ertragen. Die Ermittlungsarbeit wirkt nicht sehr plausibel und die Storyline verliert zunehmends an Halt.
    Warum dennoch eine positive Bewertung? The Blacklist punktet mit guten schauspielereischen Leistungen (Megan Boone als Agent Keen ist von ''perfekt'' zwar weit entfernt, aber nicht so schrecklich wie von manch anderen behauptet wird) und einem Spannungsverlauf, der zum Weiterschauen animiert. Die Serie hat großes Potential, das leider nicht völlig ausgeschöpft wird.    … Expand
  9. sapphine
    Feb 13, 2017
    7
    It started out good but got boring. lizzie keen acts stinks and reddington has too much dialogue. if you havent start to watch this show, i wouldnt recommend it.
  10. Tss5078
    Dec 12, 2016
    8
    The Blacklist is the wildly innovative new crime drama that took network television by storm four seasons ago. The show did so well in the ratings in fact, that Netflix shelled out a ton for the exclusive streaming rights, but was it a good investment, lets find out. Raymond Reddington (James Spader) is number one on the FBI's most wanted list. There isn't a crime that this formerThe Blacklist is the wildly innovative new crime drama that took network television by storm four seasons ago. The show did so well in the ratings in fact, that Netflix shelled out a ton for the exclusive streaming rights, but was it a good investment, lets find out. Raymond Reddington (James Spader) is number one on the FBI's most wanted list. There isn't a crime that this former government agent hasn't committed, so everyone is shocked, when after years on the run, he turns himself in under the condition that he speak with Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), an agent who just started working at the FBI, that very day. Eventually Reddington comes to an understanding, that he will provide information about the worst criminals out there, from what he calls his blacklist, but he will only do this for Agent Keen. On the surface this show is ingenious and was originally very addictive. The writers of this show have a way of developing the bad guy that would put Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to shame. Some of these guys have committed acts and exhibit personalities like you have never seen, but they all fail in comparison to Red. The show is extremely addicting, but it is somewhat narrowly focused for a continuous show. What I mean by this, is that the show features continuously running story lines and you have to see every episode to keep up, but these are such a small piece of each episode, that the series almost plays as though it were episonic. Some of these story lines run in circles and drag out throughout entire seasons, long after the audience has figured them out, as a viewer that can be quite frustrating. All that aside, James Spader is the star and he is as good as he has ever been. Most actors come across their career defining roles early on, and its somewhat unusual for someone to find the character they will forever be associated with, after they've been doing this for decades, but much like with Anthony Hopkins and Hannibal Lechter, James Spader has found his role. Spader will be forever known as Red and for good reason. The bottom line, sometimes the story lines are frustrating, but James Spader is as good as it gets, particularly on a network show. The writing isn't always amazing, but the character development for the Blacklist is top notch. This show is unusual in that it's more about the personalities than it is about the actual stories, but that really is the point isn't it, something different?… Expand
  11. Shimmy69
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    One of my top must watch shows and it keeps getting better and better each season. I've seen most of the reviews and agree to some extent on some of the topics, like 'is he or isn't he the father', I feel it is a story line that needs to be completed and then we can move on with the fall out from what ever the 'secret' is. James Spader is simply amazing in this show, been a fan sinceOne of my top must watch shows and it keeps getting better and better each season. I've seen most of the reviews and agree to some extent on some of the topics, like 'is he or isn't he the father', I feel it is a story line that needs to be completed and then we can move on with the fall out from what ever the 'secret' is. James Spader is simply amazing in this show, been a fan since Episode 1 and still a fan today.… Expand
  12. Abdu
    Mar 15, 2016
    9
    the show is awesome! James Spader is amazing as always! .. Boone is doing a great job and I thing she is very talented her face is very expressive.. the rest of the cast are really good....The story is beautiful.
    I dont watch shows usually because usually TV is lame but this show is really great and I hope it continues...
  13. BrandonBD85
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    This show has crept into my top 10 as i have watched it more and more. Not since 24 i have i seen a show that keeps you watching as well as The Blacklist. I am sorry to the people who feel this show is "unrealistic". 80% of the most popular shows and movies are not actually possible. Get over yourselves.
  14. Arbie5788
    Feb 5, 2016
    8
    Both my husband and I love this show and that makes it a winner. Good puzzles to be solved and dynamics to work out which can keep our interest for a long time.
  15. Sonnyc
    Oct 31, 2015
    8
    I think most people agree that Spader carries the show and people are wondering why Megan Boone is even on the show. A few thoughts that I'd like to get people's opinions on. I do like the cast of characters Redd has at his disposal. For the most part they are a varied collection of oddities that makes the show kind of fun. Aram is starting to become a puppy love sick guy for Samar. Do youI think most people agree that Spader carries the show and people are wondering why Megan Boone is even on the show. A few thoughts that I'd like to get people's opinions on. I do like the cast of characters Redd has at his disposal. For the most part they are a varied collection of oddities that makes the show kind of fun. Aram is starting to become a puppy love sick guy for Samar. Do you think this might be worth character development for these 2 just as a light distraction once in a while? I'm not sure if anyone else is salvageable?… Expand
  16. Twestsource
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    Spader holds his own and carries this show !!!! He is great from start to finish !! They are holding out to long on admitting lizzy is his daughter tho!!!
  17. rvcohen29
    Sep 13, 2015
    10
    This is my new favorite show and I enjoy binge watching it! I honestly watched it during my commute and played it through my car speakers. Not the smartest driving habits, but this show is worth it!
  18. bigt905
    Aug 19, 2015
    9
    honestly the acting is great...a little predictable but interesting to watch. James Spader and Megan Boone are a great duo ... even tho some things get annoying like her asking who she is ...
  19. Codytheman
    Apr 13, 2015
    10
    I love it!. James Spader is excellent as Reddington.
    The characters have a good depth.
    The plot twists keep you interested and engaged.
    The writers are amazingly skilled
    I hope it never ends
  20. Tellemall
    Apr 7, 2015
    9
    James Spader makes this show - as everyone agrees. His brilliance - undeniable and seems was only amazingly discovered by the world after "Boston Legal" became hot. Well now he has morphed into yet another facet of sheer genius here. The shock and aw of what he will do without hesitation - (shooting high ranking officials in their home when they consider themselves untouchable) is whatJames Spader makes this show - as everyone agrees. His brilliance - undeniable and seems was only amazingly discovered by the world after "Boston Legal" became hot. Well now he has morphed into yet another facet of sheer genius here. The shock and aw of what he will do without hesitation - (shooting high ranking officials in their home when they consider themselves untouchable) is what lets this show break through the "ho hum glaze" of cop TV dramas and thrusts it right to the peak of its niche.

    I love his cleaning lady too! Sure - It has its over-the-top "Hollywood" sequences that make you wish they hadn't gone there. But you must keep in mind, it is a fictional TV show with writers that have their limitations, as well.

    Now if it is to last on "the throne", Boone HAS TO GO! We are SICK of her whinny baby attitude and that stupid husband that just won't die! PLEASE Kill him off and move on! Lizzy can stay ONLY IF THEY CAN RE-TUNE HER TO HANG WITH THE CALIBER OF ACTOR SHE IS SIDED WITH. Maybe do a car wreck or shooting injury that leaves her in a coma, and when she awakes, she can act?

    If nothing else, the brilliant execution and total character immersion - so naturally, yet "deeply" mastered by Spader, is well worth the price of admission. He is the series. And love it or hate it - Everyone will agree to that fact.    … Expand
  21. royphishooh
    Mar 19, 2015
    9
    An enjoyable show with some good performances, especially James Spader. Harry Lennix on the other hand is really bad - he delivers his lines like he is constipated and is reading them from an auto-cue. Not since the dreadful David Harewood in Homeland have we seen such dismal acting. Lennix's character should be killed off as soon as possible!
  22. TexasAtheist
    Mar 6, 2015
    10
    This show is absolutely incredible in every aspect but one. Megan Boone is awful. She's a terrible actress, who's hindered even further by the writing of her character, FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen. It seems the writers have a checklist of every female stereotype that exists, and took great care to check every single box as the series goes along. Hopefully they stop trying to make her an overThis show is absolutely incredible in every aspect but one. Megan Boone is awful. She's a terrible actress, who's hindered even further by the writing of her character, FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen. It seems the writers have a checklist of every female stereotype that exists, and took great care to check every single box as the series goes along. Hopefully they stop trying to make her an over emotional basket case who has absolutely no ability to critically think, and a strong role model and agent.… Expand
  23. TheChaser1985
    Feb 17, 2015
    9
    Pretty good opening season. It got a bit slow during the middle but quickly picked back up. Stick with it and keep watching. Let's just say that everything is not as it seems... You think that you have the story figured out but there's way more to it.
  24. Thebossman
    Feb 2, 2015
    10
    Its fresh new take on crime drama series. It features some exemplary acting by James Spader. The story line is consistent, full of action, suspense and great dialogue. Its overall a brilliant show. MUST WATCH!!!!
  25. Juju2015
    Nov 10, 2014
    8
    Really a fun show, even if the female lead is a bit over the top. She is tempered in the second season, though the ongoing sub-plot is a stretch. Still, it's so much better than most of what's on the air, and James Spader is delicious.
  26. gbozo
    Nov 2, 2014
    8
    The Blacklist is a fascinating show. I was captured by it from the first episode. However, it was a big mistake to kill off Agent Malik. She was a big part of the show for me. What was the problem? Did the writers think she competed too much with Liz for our affections? Her death took a lot out of the show.
  27. sanejane
    Oct 21, 2014
    7
    James Spader as Reddington is brilliant. With a range of two emotions--angry and whatever that other one is--Megan Boone is completely out of her depth, as in absolutely dreadful. The fact that her skills haven't improved since season 1 has made The Blacklist difficult for me to watch. The wooden performances of some of the other cast members serve only to make the mediocre writing andJames Spader as Reddington is brilliant. With a range of two emotions--angry and whatever that other one is--Megan Boone is completely out of her depth, as in absolutely dreadful. The fact that her skills haven't improved since season 1 has made The Blacklist difficult for me to watch. The wooden performances of some of the other cast members serve only to make the mediocre writing and plot holes more noticeable.
    The higher score is for Spader, who brings the only value to the show.    … Expand
  28. nmzeta
    Sep 27, 2014
    7
    I really want to like this show but why are they making the agents so gulliable? I am ten minutes into Season 1 Episode 4 and I so grateful that these idiots aren't protecting me. I really hope they stop dummying things down.
    A FBI profile that can't tell Spader is her father??? Come on... I knew it after the first episode. God knows if they have actually 'revealed' it on the show and    I really want to like this show but why are they making the agents so gulliable? I am ten minutes into Season 1 Episode 4 and I so grateful that these idiots aren't protecting me. I really hope they stop dummying things down.
    A FBI profile that can't tell Spader is her father??? Come on... I knew it after the first episode. God knows if they have actually 'revealed' it on the show and it's already started season 2. Please realize your audience aren't a bunch of idiots. Challenge me, just a little.    … Expand
  29. Intelligent
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Being in the military and knowing intelligence officers in the civilian sector and government. This show does correctly portray what kind of sectors and pockets of intelligence gathering groups there are. It is not a long stretch at all to have a hand full of people in this case a set of FBI individuals of a particular task work for some ranking department of justice or defense persons.Being in the military and knowing intelligence officers in the civilian sector and government. This show does correctly portray what kind of sectors and pockets of intelligence gathering groups there are. It is not a long stretch at all to have a hand full of people in this case a set of FBI individuals of a particular task work for some ranking department of justice or defense persons. These "clusters" can become organized and disbanded quickly or stay intact depending on funding, goal/objective or necessity.

    I have only enjoyed a hand full of TV shows, as I do not watch cable but I do watch this show through Netflix.
    I only started watching shows in the last year because my wife is doing acting.

    David Spader does a phenomenal job doing what's called minimalist acting, whereas his scenes of emotional portrayal are strong and vibrant because his character is normally stoic. Meaning every facial twitch and motion gives off a lot of his characters intentions. I wouldn't change a thing about him. The back drop of his character is believable as there are individuals who deal in contracting deals of legal and illegal activities. His character is of the illegal nature, who has conjured a very high rank among the black market.

    His daughter Elizabeth Keen is very emotional and actually works very well with David Spaders character and I'll explain why. The character Elizabeth Keen being a very inexperienced profiler and having only schooling as experience explains her emotional hiccups in the story line and play off of David Spaders minimalist acting and actually makes his acting more intense. It is like having a hyper barking out of control chihuahua next to a strong demeanored pit bull whereas the louder and more out of control Megan Boone becomes the more in control David Spader perceptually becomes, the contrast compliments each other. Making his character inevitably more of the leader-esque experienced mastermind type.

    The show is very good in my opinion, seemingly more to do with actions than another show I finished watching a few months ago, Breaking Bad which seemed to lean more on emotional distress than anything else...which definitely took away from the bullet points of the story becoming more of a drama instead of an adventure show which I think it tried to hit.

    The Blacklist to me is a great adventure show that keeps a decent pace. Not to fast and not to slow. Along the way introducing great "villains", from the blacklist. The show could last for a 100 episodes plus, willing the critics and viewership supports it. You might as well back this show now as it would be a shame to look back and wish that there were 5 seasons you could scour through looking for some interesting tales and quips to ponder.    … Expand
  30. seventhseal
    Sep 23, 2014
    8
    Spader is simply brilliant. The series on a whole is very good, albeit there are some episodes which would have been improved by simply not airing. I feel 22 episodes is too many for a TV series. Why air so many, surely less is more?

    Overall I would highly recommend this series, it is clever and fresh and with strong script and Spader is just too good not to watch this series.
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best TV Season of 2013
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
10
#10 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Oct 11, 2013
    75
    [A] pleasurable, cheeky new crime drama. [21 Oct 2013, p.47]
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Oct 9, 2013
    83
    Here and now, The Blacklist is top-of-the-list escapism.
    Read full review
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    Oct 3, 2013
    75
    [Spader’s] magnetic, chewing on the scenery so much that you can’t look away from him.
    Read full review
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