The Kominsky Method

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Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 16, 2018
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
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Critic Reviews

  1. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Nov 12, 2018
    60
    There is no shortage of chuckles along the way, but the hit-and-miss nature of the writing keeps the series from staying on track as it heads for moments both humorous and poignant.
  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Nov 15, 2018
    50
    In glimpses, The Kominsky Method shows what it could have been, given a more generous spirit and a willingness to dig deeper. Arkin is superb as Norman. ... His chemistry with Douglas is truly endearing, and the setup for the show demands a reckoning of some sort between the successful and surprisingly powerful Norman and the less prosperous Sandy. But Lorre seems stuck in sitcom mode.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Nov 14, 2018
    50
    The Kominsky Method isn’t a disaster; it has a certain warm-bath appeal, if you don’t mind a thick foam of prostate jokes. But it is adrift in a bland netherworld between Lorre’s precision-tooled, laugh-a-minute network comedies and the quieter aesthetic of the alt-sitcom, lacking the strengths of either.
  5. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Kathryn VanArendonk
    Nov 14, 2018
    50
    While Douglas and Arkin are playing messy, intelligent, believably flawed human beings, they live in a world mostly populated by dumb, goofy stereotypes for whom they exhibit either dehumanizing objectivity or outright disdain. All of Sandy’s students are idiots, except for an older woman named Lisa (Nancy Travis), whom he wants to date.
  6. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Nov 5, 2018
    50
    Both Douglas and Arkin are acting in their comfort zones--Douglas is a smarmy, scarf-wearing charmer, and Arkin is a lovable grump--but the latter pushes himself further than the former. ... Ultimately, it’s Lorre who doesn’t take full advantage of his stars.
  7. Variety
    Reviewed by: Daniel D'Addario
    Nov 5, 2018
    40
    Douglas, as congenitally likable as ever, brings charisma but little more to Kominsky, written less as a role than as a series of defense mechanisms and gripes. ... It’s not much fun to watch a curmudgeon be curmudgeonly without someone or something powerful enough to cut through the attitude. Arkin, given grief and not just grievances to play, comes as close as anyone, but he’s outmatched by Douglas’ angry anomie.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best TV Season of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 49
  3. Negative: 4 out of 49
  1. mdbackes
    Nov 17, 2018
    9
    I took professional acting training in the 70s from one of Lee Strasberg's proteges at the Actors Studio. In one of my many conversationsI took professional acting training in the 70s from one of Lee Strasberg's proteges at the Actors Studio. In one of my many conversations about what constituted great acting, eventually the discussion would shift towards which actors were the very, very best: the greatest. Olivier? Brando? I would ask. The answer was surprising. My teacher said flatly that Alan Arkin was the greatest actor in the world. and Christopher Plummer a close second to him, but Arkin was greatest because he was brilliant at both drama and comedy, while Plummer was a dramatic genius. The Kominsky Method is a rare opportunity to watch the best being the best. The show is funny and sad and real, if sometimes a little much. Michael Douglas is the titular lead and he's believable as hell and wonderful. This is a show about aging, death, memory and loss, but it's still pretty funny. And it's got Alan Arkin, and perhaps that is more than we deserve. Just watch him, and you'll surely see that it's kind of ridiculous how good he really is and he's that good every single instant he's onscreen.… Full Review »
  2. Billiebob
    Nov 17, 2018
    6
    Funny at times but not what I expected from a Chuck Lorre comedy. Also, somebody should tell Michael Douglas that he looks absolutely awfulFunny at times but not what I expected from a Chuck Lorre comedy. Also, somebody should tell Michael Douglas that he looks absolutely awful with the scruffy beard. He looks like a homeless man and about 10 years older than he really is. I think the character he plays thinks the look is “young” but the character is also suppose to be smart and anybody that smart should be able to look in the mirror and realize how crappy he looks!

    Both Alan Arkin and Douglas are great in their parts as one would expect from them. Arkin especially good and might even be in line for an Emmy. I will continue watching as it is a pleasant show but so far, nothing spectacular.    … Full Review »
  3. Lolacorolla
    Jun 1, 2021
    1
    Good until they start.ripping on republicans therefore **** show would not rerun it.
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