The Brink

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 21, 2015
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 30
  3. Negative: 7 out of 30
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Critic Reviews

  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jun 22, 2015
    30
    It’s been a while since I’ve seen so much acting, writing, and directing talent, and such top-notch production values, expended on behalf of a show that makes such a weak impression.
  2. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 19, 2015
    30
    Unfortunately, The Brink feels like a would-be daring political comedy that's lacking in insight and light on laughs.
  3. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jun 19, 2015
    30
    The Brink is far more likely to trigger a hasty finger on your TV remote.
  5. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Jun 9, 2015
    30
    The Brink aims to poke fun at world diplomacy by insisting that almost everyone at the highest levels of power is a fool focused on their basest desires. In the right hands it could be as provocative as the Kubrick film it emulates. But as it stands it would barely pass muster as a back-half sketch on SNL.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Jun 22, 2015
    25
    The Brink has no backbone, which happens to be the one thing that satire requires.
  7. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Jun 19, 2015
    25
    The Brink is a grim would-be comedy grindhouse full of half-baked one-liners propping up an overbaked plot.
  8. Salon
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    It’s screechingly awful.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 79
  3. Negative: 7 out of 79
  1. aculhane
    Jun 24, 2015
    10
    Smart, subtle and very funny start. Hope it maintains the humor and irony. Jack Black is perfectly cast. A welcome relief from the usualSmart, subtle and very funny start. Hope it maintains the humor and irony. Jack Black is perfectly cast. A welcome relief from the usual blood and boobs fare of HBO.… Full Review »
  2. AstuteEnigma
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    I find this show to irreverent and entertaining. The best part by fair is the "minor" characters. While it is certainly not the bestI find this show to irreverent and entertaining. The best part by fair is the "minor" characters. While it is certainly not the best television show on Earth, it is quite good for what it is and it makes fun of itself. It seems to be building. I find the idea that it is "in between" genres intriguing because it can navigate the dramedy space and if it succeeds and may well end it up being a success.… Full Review »
  3. WilfulG
    Jul 24, 2015
    10
    It's still not perfect - but very promising. By far the best comedy series of this lousy summer. The cast is good with the exception of TimIt's still not perfect - but very promising. By far the best comedy series of this lousy summer. The cast is good with the exception of Tim Robbins - who is just terrific..… Full Review »
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