The Bronx Is Burning

:

Season 1
  • Network: ESPN
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 9, 2007
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15

Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    60
    Despite some fine performances, it fails to show a connection.
  2. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Nancy DeWolf Smith
    60
    You don't have to be a New Yorker to enjoy ESPN's eight-part miniseries, The Bronx is Burning, although it might help.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Phil Gallo
    50
    ESPN's eight-episode mini-series plays remarkably flat despite a sharp portrayal by John Turturro as the eye at the center of the storm.
  5. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    50
    As epic as Reggie vs. Billy or Billy vs. George were on the sports pages in the summer of Sam, it doesn't feel like quite enough to fill eight hours of scripted drama.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Jon Caramanica
    40
    Unfortunately, though, not only must the actors out-act one another, they must also best their wardrobes--Platt's hair is a slick helmet, Sunjata's Afro and mustache are disorienting, and Turturro's ears demand their own show. In this way, and others--clumsy editing, continuity and so on--Bronx consistently undermines itself.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best TV Season of 2007
89
#89 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. ChampG.
    Jul 31, 2007
    9
    Very enjoyable watch. I did not follow the Yanks back in '77, but this series brings to life a part of baseball history. Two thumbs up.
  2. brentoni
    Jul 17, 2007
    8
    An entertaining show. Drama, history, and sport rolled into one.
  3. othos.
    Jul 13, 2007
    9
    As a lifelong Yankees fan until 1978, when Steinbrenner drove me to the Cubs, the first episode is a validation of my choice. Superbly acted As a lifelong Yankees fan until 1978, when Steinbrenner drove me to the Cubs, the first episode is a validation of my choice. Superbly acted by Turturro and Platt as the centers of the maelstrom, the debut left me eager to see the rest of the series. I think it was a good idea that the producers and director decided to go the HOOSIERS route with the rest of the actors, using athletes who are given limited lines rather than actors who don't move like ballplayers (see: Anthony Perkins in FEAR STRIKES OUT and Gary Cooper in PRIDE OF THE YANKEES… Full Review »
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