The Blacklist

:

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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User Reviews

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  1. Shiftyeyeddog
    Oct 1, 2015
    3
    Spader is great, but they must be paying him a fortune to get him to act opposite one of the blandest, lamest "actresses" in television history. How she got cast I'll never know. And the rest of the cast is not much better, though to be fair the mediocre writing does them no favours. That the show is doing as well as it is is a testament to Spader's considerable skills and charisma, butSpader is great, but they must be paying him a fortune to get him to act opposite one of the blandest, lamest "actresses" in television history. How she got cast I'll never know. And the rest of the cast is not much better, though to be fair the mediocre writing does them no favours. That the show is doing as well as it is is a testament to Spader's considerable skills and charisma, but it's not enough for me to wade through the rest of the mediocrity.… Expand
  2. Stenapan
    Aug 8, 2014
    3
    James Spader is the only reason this show is worth watching at all. The critics of america seem to collectively have been drugged or bribed to give this show such glowing reviews. Most plot lines in every episode are utterly predictable. The whole Tom Keen story ark is very predictable after just a few episodes. The action scenes are repetitive between the episodes and don't feelJames Spader is the only reason this show is worth watching at all. The critics of america seem to collectively have been drugged or bribed to give this show such glowing reviews. Most plot lines in every episode are utterly predictable. The whole Tom Keen story ark is very predictable after just a few episodes. The action scenes are repetitive between the episodes and don't feel believable and the FBI agents do not seem to think planning is worth anything. The characters in the show do some surprisingly stupid things just to keep the plot alive. Consistency seems to be VERY hard. People are moving between D.C. and New York in a few minutes. EVERY american citizen has had it's DNA recorded in a government database somewhere.

    For some reason James Spader manages to keep me interested.    … Expand
  3. chidime
    Feb 2, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sorry couldn't get past the first episode. I stopped at the scene at the house where she finds her husband strapped in a chair with tape. Right from the trailer, i already decided I didn't like this show and wasn't going to watch but my friend convinced me to. I think this show is too dramatic, but that would not be a problem if the acting was able to rise to occasion. the scene where she finds her husband captured in the house was just too bad. Shows like this piss me off: Reminds me of "The Following". Find a very dramatic plot-line but don't bother finding actors who can convincingly carry out the plot line and don't bother making the show as realistic as possible tone-wise and plot-wise. This show is for people who just want cheap entertainment and don't want to think or reason as they watch.… Expand
  4. Chorus
    Mar 6, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. James Spader is one of the great all time actors. He is riveting. Unfortunately Megan Boone is as bad as Spader is good. Her acting compromises the show. Poor casting except for Spader. Good premise of plot.… Expand
  5. Amovielover
    Aug 27, 2014
    1
    This series is astonishingly unrealistic and also completely derivative of previous works.

    Spader's acting is the only redeeming aspect of the series.
  6. chrball
    Oct 9, 2013
    6
    It's not terrible but it's story is a little self serving and they pull conspiracies out of thin air. It's a mindlessly violent, over a exaggerated spy drama... About non-spies. Is it a procedural.. Is there a meaningful story arc there somewhere? Not that I can see. Save yourself some time and watch Homeland instead (if you haven't already). Spader is the only redeeming part of the show for me.
  7. sllim99
    Oct 1, 2014
    3
    Started off so well and found Reddington to be a great character BUT the acting in general, especially by Agent Keen, is terrible. The concept is great but week in week out take down of super villains is pretty unbelievable - feels like it was trying to be Dexter but without the clever sub plots and story lines. Essentially college level writing. By the end of season 1, which I had toStarted off so well and found Reddington to be a great character BUT the acting in general, especially by Agent Keen, is terrible. The concept is great but week in week out take down of super villains is pretty unbelievable - feels like it was trying to be Dexter but without the clever sub plots and story lines. Essentially college level writing. By the end of season 1, which I had to force myself to watch, it felt rushed and was too predictable. Shame… Expand
  8. aravazer
    Feb 4, 2015
    4
    Spader's talent is wasted on terrible writing, audio and an illogical script.

    Completely and utterly ridiculous but remains vaguely entertaining because of it. The storylines make absolutely no sense and the FBI agents are possibly the most useless employees I have ever seen in any organisation, in any TV show or film, in all of history. Reddington only sounds vaguely intelligent    Spader's talent is wasted on terrible writing, audio and an illogical script.

    Completely and utterly ridiculous but remains vaguely entertaining because of it. The storylines make absolutely no sense and the FBI agents are possibly the most useless employees I have ever seen in any organisation, in any TV show or film, in all of history. Reddington only sounds vaguely intelligent juxtaposed with the brainless FBI officers who apparently have no common sense or goal apart from dishing out dodgy one liners whilst being continually made a fool of by the supposed genius Reddington. A prime example of this stupidity is handsome blonde agent Donald Ressler. At one point he completely loses sight of his mission and decides to repeatedly punch an unconscious man in the face for no apparent reason - simultaneously ludicrous and hilarious.

    The amount of times the FBI let people escape is also a great source of humour along with numerous flaws in the bad guy's motives. In one episode we see 'The Courier' shoot an FBI vehicle head on with an assault rifle in the middle of a public highway. Soon after the FBI crash into his car leaving themselves dazed and vulnerable in the drivers and passenger seats... What will the deadly Courier decide to do with them? Well, the man who 'leaves no evidence' and 'kills all parties if a mission is compromised' decides to walk straight past them with his assault rifle and hide behind a wall, letting them survive and eventually catch him.

    This is like the Flash Gordon of crime drama. Charmingly terrible.    … Expand
  9. Lokathor
    Aug 2, 2014
    8
    The Blacklist is basically about James Spader being a jerk to everyone around him because everyone else knows less than him about his secret plans of being a master-criminal. He's smug about most everything and, because of the plot, he's always right about things and they mostly go his way eventually seemingly no matter how bad they might look. It works a few times, but takes the air outThe Blacklist is basically about James Spader being a jerk to everyone around him because everyone else knows less than him about his secret plans of being a master-criminal. He's smug about most everything and, because of the plot, he's always right about things and they mostly go his way eventually seemingly no matter how bad they might look. It works a few times, but takes the air out of things a bit after that.

    Most of the criminals that he schemes to take down are pretty interesting though, so it's a pretty good watch.    … Expand
  10. Neth3rtwist
    Oct 10, 2015
    6
    Along with alot of other reviews on here I agree that James Spader is a great fun to watch. Ever since a kid and seeing Stargate I have enjoyed his work. Unfortunately, and despite Spader's performance as the all-knowing mastermind, this show is the complete opposite of Homeland in terms of a realistic counter-terror fiction. It steals plot from 24, Alias, and other spy shows, but MeganAlong with alot of other reviews on here I agree that James Spader is a great fun to watch. Ever since a kid and seeing Stargate I have enjoyed his work. Unfortunately, and despite Spader's performance as the all-knowing mastermind, this show is the complete opposite of Homeland in terms of a realistic counter-terror fiction. It steals plot from 24, Alias, and other spy shows, but Megan Boone is no Jennifer Garner and Klattenhoff is no Cooper. I think if the task force surrounding such a highpowered terrorist and national criminal was larger, had more reach, and perhaps more star power then maybe the show could carry some of its preposterous plotlines a bit more effectively. If Klattenhoff was the sidekick to a more gravitas-inspiring actor then he wouldn't seem so over his head. Suspects who jump off balconies or out windows and yet scramble to their feet as if they just got out of bed, the same white dude fbi agent (Klattenhoff) as the only one chasing suspects, altogether unsubstantial operatives from all branches of the US government for many of the incidents that are in the show... These are just a few of the 'shake your head' moments the show likes to provide viewers.… Expand
  11. JCouch777
    Oct 19, 2013
    7
    Impressed so far. Will have to see how this shows continues to play out. Spader's character is very interesting but some the acting is not. But the story still grabs my attention
  12. WyoBear
    Nov 11, 2013
    8
    Who can not love James Spader? He is such a good actor taking command of any scene he is in. The show manages to keep my interest with decent characters, good action, and plot twists. I will keep watching this one.
  13. raviopatra
    Nov 17, 2013
    8
    The show has a great plot and, with James Spader as the leading actor, should not be worried of being anywhere near canceled as long as the story keeps being solid. The procedural one-case-at-a-time style is working well because there's a side plot that is potentially very related to the show's two lead characters. Great show!
  14. Noy
    Mar 13, 2015
    5
    Lizzy Keen acting stinks, Only reason I watch is Spader. When are you going to replace Agent Keen actress? Megan Boone is really bad for this role. Find a strong actress for this role and this series can go very long with Spader.
  15. bleedingliar24
    May 31, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like everyone else is saying, James Spader is literally the only good thing in the show, I find that seeing the FBI being dumber than one character is overly done and boring, because then the only good thing is Reddington, everyone tries to say Boone is a good actress, which she is but her character Liz Keen makes you want to slam your head against a wall, and doesn't grasp your interest at all, it's only though Reddington's efforts that she even stands out.

    Honestly White Collar does a better job at making FBI agents seem like they're worth watching, because none of them are portrayed as dumb. It's one thing to make an individual stand out, but to make everyone else seem dumber in comparison or not as interesting is what doesn't make this show stand out much. And none of the supporting characters or side characters stick out, or make you feel like WOW good villain, but it's just good acting, and it CAN be way better, though it isn't, like at all.

    The best villains are in Criminal Minds, and that's because they're shown as people, but overall, in terms of plot and characters, this show is not doing anyone justice. Especially when it comes to Keen's fiance, that plot-line and why Reddington keeps helping her, are the ones that drive you mad, not because you want to know, but because they keep dragging it out, like you know in each episode somebody is gonna be thinking about it, even if they don't need to, and all you're gonna keep saying is "please, just stop." which they won't be doing ever.

    I don't understand how anyone says anyone other than Reddington is worth it, because even though some characters are nice to watch, no one manages to catch your interest but Reddington, not even the list is interesting, even though that's what the show is named after. Like I feel if they'd named the show Reddington, and made him the main character and showed his life story, that would have been much better than showing us the FBI who can't match his intelligence nor wit in certain areas.

    I also wish that if the FBI couldn't catch the people on the list for a long time, that it shouldn't be easy for Reddington to find them, it's like saying the FBI doesn't know how to do undercover or its jobs, but one man can. It also should take some time to find the people on the list, and we should be seeing more agents rather than the same ones, and getting into their life stories, like I can learn a lot about a person without needing to watch 12 episodes which could take the span of a max of 2 months in their timeline. Introducing interesting characters within the FBI would be better, even if we don't like them. Otherwise this show should just be called 'Reddington and Keen' and then we won't have to keep skirting the issue of is he or is he not her father. I don't know, and I don't care.

    I've lost interest after the first few episodes, I tried to check out the summary of later episodes or seasons to see if I was doing the show injustice, but I'm not, not really anyway, because I tried, and it backfied, cause I ended up dying to finish the episode so I would've have to see Keen talk or any other FBI agent. And maybe its my opinion, but it's not as good as people keep claiming it to be, I apologize if this offends fans. And I hope this helps non-fans and saves people the effort of having to watch with so many expectations and then feeling bitter when those expectations blow up.    … Expand
  16. Nuke86
    Apr 9, 2016
    3
    James Spacer- Awesome. Why in the world he would agree to take on a horrible actor like Megan Boone as a co-star, I have no idea. The writers are so inept that this series is doomed to fail. Diego is also a horrifically flawed character. I think that this series shows a total dysfunctionality of the writing staff. I truly believe that the irrational behavior of the characters probablyJames Spacer- Awesome. Why in the world he would agree to take on a horrible actor like Megan Boone as a co-star, I have no idea. The writers are so inept that this series is doomed to fail. Diego is also a horrifically flawed character. I think that this series shows a total dysfunctionality of the writing staff. I truly believe that the irrational behavior of the characters probably mirrors the writers. I am such a fan of James Spader, but other than that this series is doomed to fail.… Expand
  17. JoyTheWizard
    Sep 29, 2013
    8
    The Blacklist stands out. There are so many new shows this season, so many comedies, so many "cop" dramas that are "different" but this one is truly different. It's a really interesting show that I can see going somewhere. On the other hand, some parts of the acting are just really blah, they just make you go, "Really?"
  18. Criticak
    Oct 12, 2013
    8
    This show is definetly fall's best new drama. It's filled with twists and turns, action, adventure, suspense, and last but not least thrill! Every episode creates a different story-line and at the same time recaps others and creates one hell of a story-line! i sense that reddington is her father with all the hints he's dropping especially in the latest episode but i hope they create a moreThis show is definetly fall's best new drama. It's filled with twists and turns, action, adventure, suspense, and last but not least thrill! Every episode creates a different story-line and at the same time recaps others and creates one hell of a story-line! i sense that reddington is her father with all the hints he's dropping especially in the latest episode but i hope they create a more cliff hanging conclusion as this season's number of episodes is limited.… Expand
  19. theuntold100
    Oct 13, 2013
    8
    The show has made a dazzling start. Lead Raymond 'Red' Reddington, portrayed by James Spader plays a
    wanted man, by the FBI, who over the last 20 years has made a so called 'Blacklist' of dangerous men including terrorists and politicians, who, with the help of Elizabeth Keen, who is played by Megan Boone, aim to take down and make society a safer place.
  20. Scoobydooby
    Dec 5, 2015
    5
    I'm giving a 5, and that is purely because of Spader. Without him this show is pretty much unwatchable.

    I can't get passed all the glaring holes in this show. The writing for the characters themselves is good, I will give it that. However the story is just, I mean cmon. Even if I was to really turn off my brain and watch this show, drool slobbering all over myself, with the most    I'm giving a 5, and that is purely because of Spader. Without him this show is pretty much unwatchable.

    I can't get passed all the glaring holes in this show. The writing for the characters themselves is good, I will give it that. However the story is just, I mean cmon. Even if I was to really turn off my brain and watch this show, drool slobbering all over myself, with the most uninquisitive gaze I could, I would still catch glaring continuity and story holes ALL OVER THE PLACE.

    How on Earth do people watch shows like this and not question something that has happened literally every 5 seconds. Its amazing to me really.

    Its one of those shows that tries to look "professional", and really Spader takes this idea a long way with his performances alone.. however so much else with this show just feels very amateur. The way the screens and typing and computer overlays are done are pretty bad.. the special effects, pretty bad.

    The music in some spots seems so forced.. like, they use decent songs, that are classic/memorable tracks, but they use them in ways that just don't fit the scenes, and in a way actually are pretentious. Again, like they are trying too hard to be "cool" by using a particular track where they do, but it just sounds stupid alot of the time. Also, the mixing between these songs and the rest of the show audio is often imbalanced.. at least, I noticed it when I watched.

    Overall, the best part of the show are the actors.. I find that the acting literally saves this show, and it has a decent cast. If the actors were provided a better story and overall if the production on this show was better, I'd likely continue watching it. Alas, with the way it is, its just too flawed for me.    … 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. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. Slowhand
    May 24, 2014
    6
    I am an ENORMOUS fan of James Spader and try to watch this show as an 'entertainment' but the script is often so irrational, it becomes laughable. The cast is strong with the notable exception of Megan Boone whose performance is weak and wooden. She has one of those faces you just want to hit with a shovel (perhaps then it would be less bland and more animated).
  26. Nincompoop
    Feb 3, 2014
    3
    It started out good but got boring and predictable real quick. Like everyone has said, the best part is Spader. LIzzy Keen appears incompetent and her acting stinks. The stupid mention of watch out for your husband is getting really old. That foreign mole is irritating too. Can hardly understand her when she talks. The plots are getting just too far fetched. Next......
  27. cmass
    Nov 12, 2013
    5
    Needs more Spader; less of the woman. If you didn't know better, you'd think the woman was the star of this show. I'm fading fast on the woman and her boyfriend story line. They need to move on from that. And more Spader! After all he is the star, but the show's becoming a yawn because his part is so small compared to the woman (his daughter in the show). I'll give it a bit longer toNeeds more Spader; less of the woman. If you didn't know better, you'd think the woman was the star of this show. I'm fading fast on the woman and her boyfriend story line. They need to move on from that. And more Spader! After all he is the star, but the show's becoming a yawn because his part is so small compared to the woman (his daughter in the show). I'll give it a bit longer to improve and then move on if this continues.… Expand
  28. AvantGuardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    10
    I don't know if you remember James Spader as Alan Shore from Boston Legal, but allow me to tell you that seeing him in court was almost like seeing Shakespeare in person. Now, I'm not personally a fan of Shakespeare, but we can't deny his brilliance and all the works that have stemmed from his. Alan Shore's speeches were shakesperian in that they were so brilliant and had so much longevityI don't know if you remember James Spader as Alan Shore from Boston Legal, but allow me to tell you that seeing him in court was almost like seeing Shakespeare in person. Now, I'm not personally a fan of Shakespeare, but we can't deny his brilliance and all the works that have stemmed from his. Alan Shore's speeches were shakesperian in that they were so brilliant and had so much longevity that if you removed them from their surroundings and just used them as words on a page, they would still be brilliant. Well, Alan Shore is back in the Blacklist as Raymond Reddington. He's every bit as brilliant, as witty and as smug, and let me tell you, James Spader was born to play smug.
    The Blacklist is a highly intelligent new drama about a man so smart, and so dastardly that he has conceived a plot to use the FBI as his own personal hit squad, taking out all of his criminal competition. He walks right into the FBI's HQ, and turns himself in, because he knows his value to them. After all, he's Raymond Reddington, the most wanted man in the world. Genius show, you must watch it.    … Expand
  29. Ispy4thefbi
    May 21, 2014
    0
    Imagine this, an FBI convoy of at least 5 large black armored SUV,s full of armed trained agents are speeding a potential kidnap victim to safety ....how could you possibly stop them a get to the kidnap victim
    I know get a phony road worker to hold up a stop sign !!!........this sums up this series which is only made more ludicrous by the inept casting ,the female lead looks like her    Imagine this, an FBI convoy of at least 5 large black armored SUV,s full of armed trained agents are speeding a potential kidnap victim to safety ....how could you possibly stop them a get to the kidnap victim
    I know get a phony road worker to hold up a stop sign !!!........this sums up this series which is only made more ludicrous by the inept casting ,the female lead looks like her hair and makeup were done by Linda Carter's (Wonder Woman) team from the 70's. They paid James Spader and whatever was left over hired the rest of the cast.....this show got good reviews!    … Expand
  30. nautico
    May 7, 2014
    7
    Blacklist suffers principally from miscasting in the female lead. Megan Boone just doesn't have the earthy toughness of, say, Piper Perabo in Covert Affairs. Her porcelain beauty just doesn't fit. As for Spader, he will always be Spader the actor on screen, as the persona of his characters is eclipsed by the man himself. I've come to think of this as John Wayne Syndrome, and many of ourBlacklist suffers principally from miscasting in the female lead. Megan Boone just doesn't have the earthy toughness of, say, Piper Perabo in Covert Affairs. Her porcelain beauty just doesn't fit. As for Spader, he will always be Spader the actor on screen, as the persona of his characters is eclipsed by the man himself. I've come to think of this as John Wayne Syndrome, and many of our most popular actors suffer that benign affliction.… Expand
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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
See all critic reviews »