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. devilslawyer
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Absolutely smashing! James Spader acts with his eyes. One forms an opinion at the beginning of each episode, only to have it turn on its head. The plot is well written, and the music and the background songs are great. I was wondering what after Breaking Bad...? I guess my question is answered.
  2. bruceschaller
    Sep 20, 2014
    4
    Meh. It's another black ops type show. I am not done watching the 1st season and am kind of bored by some fairly obvious plot points? Also, the cinematography isn't so great. there are funny details which are not right, which to me seem really blatant. Ep. 2, 21 minutes, it's easy to see the cut scenes based on the rain on the jackets. There are times when you can't make the scene.Meh. It's another black ops type show. I am not done watching the 1st season and am kind of bored by some fairly obvious plot points? Also, the cinematography isn't so great. there are funny details which are not right, which to me seem really blatant. Ep. 2, 21 minutes, it's easy to see the cut scenes based on the rain on the jackets. There are times when you can't make the scene. It didn't need to be harbor-side. The digital effects are also poor. They stand out like effects from the early 2000's. The plot is alright, but requires some real suspension of disbelief. Best bet, read a book, skip the series.

    I can suspend disbelief, but make it somewhat close to how real life would be, where not every next person is known, already pre-linked, and pre-fried.

    NEXT!!!    … Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. goaa3412
    Nov 18, 2014
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Who are you kidding with this crap? I can practically SEE the checklist the 'writers' tick off for each episode. Aside from Spader, ever single episode is ABSOLUTELY GENERIC! They cram in a death now and then that has ZERO impact on the progression of the plot or even have a significant emotional toll on the characters just to feel 'dark', because apparently that's the 'feel' they've decided to go with now. For example, the bossman is almost strangled to death on the last episode of season one, and BAM next scene, the guy's already caught and being interrogated, and so far besides having a limp this doesn't have ANY impact on the character AT ALL. (btw, skipping through capturing or indictment scenes doesn't make it seem 'streamlined' or 'cutting off the fat'. There's supposed to be a flow to the story, and just skipping parts doesn't make the show 'efficient'.
    Or what about the pandemic episode, with the LUDICROUSLY CONTRIVED SETUP, in which the bad guy who GASSES AND THEN SHOOTS THE GIRL just so the heroine could do her heroic thing. Well, it didn't swell up any emotions because THE GIRL HAD NO PRESENCE, AND THERE WAS NO CHEMISTRY BETWEEN HER AND KEEN AT ALL. In fact, did they even once talk to each other, other than the 'you screwed up and let the virus out' diatribe that was planted just for this event, just so that they could carry out this RIDICULOUSLY OVERDONE, CLICHE SCENE?
    Everything else about the show is generic, generic boss, generic tough guy, generic nerd, generic heroine in distress. EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER is emotionally flat, even Spder's character and ESPECIALLY ELIZABETH. Her reaction to RED killing her father might well as been her reacting to him running over her mailbox. i mean, are you **** KIDDING ME? DO YOU PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO CALL YOURSELF WRITERS? THROW THE **** CHECK LIST AWAY. THROW IT AWAY NOW.

    Even Spader's not enough to save this joke of a show, and the fact that this show is getting any good reviews at all is very disheartening, to know that this, THIS is enough to keep the American viewer satisfied. ARE YOU **** DIMWITTED? And writers, HAVE YOU MADE ANY CREATIVE ATTEMPTS AT ALL FOR THIS SHOW? HOW ARE YOU NOT ASHAMED TO PUT YOUR NAMES ON THIS GARBAGE? HOW ARE YOU NOT ASHAMED?    … Expand
  6. 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!!!!
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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 ...
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. missinglink123
    Mar 1, 2016
    5
    I like the show. However, it is really hard to watch because half of each episode is filmed so the screen is so dark you can't see what's going on. It doesn't enhance the viewer experience, Every time the screen goes dark, I just think, whats going on now, because I can't see anything that is happening. I hate directors that think this enhances or experience as viewers, IT DOES NOT!!!I like the show. However, it is really hard to watch because half of each episode is filmed so the screen is so dark you can't see what's going on. It doesn't enhance the viewer experience, Every time the screen goes dark, I just think, whats going on now, because I can't see anything that is happening. I hate directors that think this enhances or experience as viewers, IT DOES NOT!!! Film it so we can actually see what is going on.… Expand
  14. 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...
  15. gonzo_57
    May 24, 2016
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season 1 started as an 8 (thanks to Spader) despite despite the bimbo whose main talent resides in her hair. Then things started to go south. Against all odds, I was hoping that her character was really dead and that the show would somehow renew itself. No luck. Too bad.… Expand
  16. Deboshir2016
    Sep 30, 2016
    1
    The Black List was my favorite TV series until I began noticing writer struggles towards the end of Season 3. James Spader has been one of my heroes until the Season 4 episode 2 aired. Killing Kate was the last straw. I will watch no more episodes. Hopefully, I can find a great series to replace BL with a truly talented writer. The BL had such a great start and showed hope until theThe Black List was my favorite TV series until I began noticing writer struggles towards the end of Season 3. James Spader has been one of my heroes until the Season 4 episode 2 aired. Killing Kate was the last straw. I will watch no more episodes. Hopefully, I can find a great series to replace BL with a truly talented writer. The BL had such a great start and showed hope until the writer's brain failed, tragically.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. Broyax
    Jul 15, 2023
    0
    Il y a des séries comme Prison Break ou la Casa de Papel (!) qui ne sont pas avares en rebondissements : elles en raffolent et en abusent et leur vraisemblance devient bien évidemment très discutable… mais ici dès le premier épisode, on est servi à ras bord : l’incrédulité fait les yeux ronds tout comme le cerveau du spectateur qui tente de comprendre (dans son sens le plus littéral) ceIl y a des séries comme Prison Break ou la Casa de Papel (!) qui ne sont pas avares en rebondissements : elles en raffolent et en abusent et leur vraisemblance devient bien évidemment très discutable… mais ici dès le premier épisode, on est servi à ras bord : l’incrédulité fait les yeux ronds tout comme le cerveau du spectateur qui tente de comprendre (dans son sens le plus littéral) ce qui n’est pas croyable et pas crédible pour un sou.

    Les épisodes suivants ne font que confirmer dans leur répétition ces scénarios foutraques où on fait n’imorte quoi, où on mélange les terroristes, la CIA, les Chinois, les cartels, un pseudo-Hannibal Lecter ou Keyser Söze (?!) (de pacotille) et une oie blanche du FBI.

    Il y a pourtant des moyens et James Spader (qui a perdu ses cheveux) fait ce qu’il peut mais rien n’y fait : non seulement on n’y croit jamais une seule seconde mais surtout on s’emmerde irrémédiablement dans ce tourbillon ininterrompu de conneries dont même un roman de gare en solde ne voudrait pas ! c’est du putain de n’importe quoi de A à Z !    … Expand
  19. blanca108
    Feb 7, 2017
    1
    Blacklist: Painfully monotonous and predictable

     Predictable stupid government agents with predictable responses, same shallow dumb agents show after show. Boring characters.  Conundrum of clueless woman who can not figure out who her father is, yet is presented as a smart agent? Terrible actress also  Gratuitous showing of guts and blood at every opportunity.  Perfect for a    Blacklist: Painfully monotonous and predictable

     Predictable stupid government agents with predictable responses, same shallow dumb agents show after show. Boring characters.
     Conundrum of clueless woman who can not figure out who her father is, yet is presented as a smart agent? Terrible actress also
     Gratuitous showing of guts and blood at every opportunity.
     Perfect for a dumb down , shallow bunch of gore loving sheeple viewers.
     Everything is awful except James Spader's acting , he is the ONLY saving grace, and even then the writer's are so fond of monotony they have stunted his character to that of comic book character.
     Predictable less than intriguing mysteries.
     This is a dumb down formula series that has no real mystery or depth.
     All the government Agents have the depth of comic book characters.
     Suggest the writers study a series like Scandal to understand character development , plot complexity, and engaging an audience.    … Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. BlackyE1128
    Sep 5, 2017
    1
    I was really happy watching this TV show, I did enjoy great part but the last few chapters really lost the interest of everything besides the deal with Mr Kaplan, her actions are insane, I lost the interest completely, Liz all the time acting like spoil child after Red help her so many times in so many ways, she can't even fight as FBI agent, her stupid husband so ungrateful all of them. II was really happy watching this TV show, I did enjoy great part but the last few chapters really lost the interest of everything besides the deal with Mr Kaplan, her actions are insane, I lost the interest completely, Liz all the time acting like spoil child after Red help her so many times in so many ways, she can't even fight as FBI agent, her stupid husband so ungrateful all of them. I wasted my time watching a show that I thought will get better and from great went to stupid, cruel part from everyone.
    The show was good but slowly got twisted to very bad. I did like the action but NO worth it to watch, wasted great part of my life watching such a stupid show. Shame of who ever did the show. Stupid, stupid very stupid.    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. Hudsonguy385
    Dec 28, 2019
    10
    This a great tv show ! I’ve been watching this since the beginning . Loyal fan
  26. 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
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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 »