The Leftovers

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 29, 2014
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 706 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 546 out of 706
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 706
  3. Negative: 102 out of 706
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User Reviews

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    Trying to place all the things that make this season great feel like an unfair task worthy of being a circle in dantes inferno. It's a fresh visually stunning character driven opus from a lauded writer/director. A thrill through and through that never apologises for how seriously it takes itself. This is the definition of underrated and "better with time" .it never meanders and is aTrying to place all the things that make this season great feel like an unfair task worthy of being a circle in dantes inferno. It's a fresh visually stunning character driven opus from a lauded writer/director. A thrill through and through that never apologises for how seriously it takes itself. This is the definition of underrated and "better with time" .it never meanders and is a compilation of nateographic winning shots. Truly phenomenal piece of work that still finds no comparison.… Expand
  2. Felindie
    Sep 9, 2019
    7
    At times it was hard to watch, but the story is somehow captivating, definitely an interesting show.
  3. garmonbozia
    Aug 15, 2018
    10
    "The leftovers" is one of the best and the most underappreciated shows in the last decade of television. Every season can stand on it's own, but all of them share the same themes: Family, Home, Truth, Loss, Love, Faith. This show asks the most ultimate, the largest (or) the most basic questions and helps you to answer them (or not) on your own. What is the most important in life? Why are"The leftovers" is one of the best and the most underappreciated shows in the last decade of television. Every season can stand on it's own, but all of them share the same themes: Family, Home, Truth, Loss, Love, Faith. This show asks the most ultimate, the largest (or) the most basic questions and helps you to answer them (or not) on your own. What is the most important in life? Why are we here? What happens after we die? Is there a plan for all of this? If not - what matters? Why do we even believe in something?
    It's a mixture of faith and reason. Every difficult to understand event in the show is filled with that dichotomy. The series shows variety of human behaviour and attitude towards inexplicable phenomenon. What people are capable of doing to cope with their grief and how do they make sense of the world that has changed so rapidly and irreversibly. It's a dark, brutal, bleak, fantastic, visionary mysterious, emotional, depressing, mystical, funny, crazy, liberatory and sublime show. It will drag you through the dirt and then lift you up in the sky. The cast is phenomenal and their acting is mind-blowing (it's almost disgusting that actors from that show were notoriously ommited by the Emmys). I'm pretty sure that Max Richter's music in the show can move anyone to tears. I cried like a baby on so many scenes. The show moved me and will stay with me forever as one of the best shows I have ever watched.    … Expand
  4. drlowdon
    May 12, 2018
    7
    Based on the novel of the same name The Leftovers follows the residents of the town of Mapleton three years after a global event called the "Departure", in which 2% of the worlds population (140 million people) suddenly disappear without a trace.

    The premise is an instantly intriguing one and, much like another Damon Lindelof show (Lost) The Leftovers leans heavily into the mysterious    Based on the novel of the same name The Leftovers follows the residents of the town of Mapleton three years after a global event called the "Departure", in which 2% of the worlds population (140 million people) suddenly disappear without a trace.

    The premise is an instantly intriguing one and, much like another Damon Lindelof show (Lost) The Leftovers leans heavily into the mysterious and deliberately withholds information from the audience. Until these mysteries are revealed its difficult to judge this show as a whole but this opening season was overall a bit of a mixed bag. A couple of episodes, which essentially narrow the focus down to a single character, are excellent pieces of television but the writers struggle to juggle the entire cast and its plots in a cohesive way over the course of the 10 episodes on offer here.

    Season two will apparently move beyond the scope of the original novel so I'll be interested to see the direction it takes as this is potentially a great show.    … Expand
  5. Deckz
    Jan 6, 2018
    10
    SPOILER FREE - you can see many people rating this show very low, as they are sort of angry about it not being what they want it to be. if you let the show be it self, you will enjoy this show, it is different. it does something amazing tho, it solves so many problems that other tv shows have, with awesome dialog. it tells a story. there is no perfect answer, stop waiting for it. justSPOILER FREE - you can see many people rating this show very low, as they are sort of angry about it not being what they want it to be. if you let the show be it self, you will enjoy this show, it is different. it does something amazing tho, it solves so many problems that other tv shows have, with awesome dialog. it tells a story. there is no perfect answer, stop waiting for it. just enjoy the insanity ride of this weird and very special show.… Expand
  6. EDEN91
    Dec 17, 2017
    10
    The Leftovers is one of the best tv shows ever. It's hard to forget the feelings and emotions of this series. Congratulations to Tom Perrotta for his book, Damon Lindelof and Max Richter for his tracks.
  7. jaasieljunior
    Dec 3, 2017
    7
    The Leftovers inicia como uma das primeiras temporadas mais confusas da HBO. Mas o mistério é a base da série e isso pode ser uma característica positiva para que a segunda temporada seja bem mais explicativa e significativa.
  8. The3AcademySins
    Oct 19, 2017
    10
    Absolutely outstanding television. This show is a hidden gem, and some of HBO's best work. Every single season, episode, and shot is a masterpiece in film making. Do not miss this show.
  9. arovo
    Jun 23, 2017
    10
    Great acting, great storytelling and great music, Leftovers theme is one of my favourite ever. I really liked the faith theme recurring in the whole season.
  10. TheOman
    Jun 1, 2017
    10
    I must say after watching the ads on Youtube about Leftovers. I got hooked right there.
    Watched all seasons and new episodes.

    Would like to support and pay HBO. But they've done it harder for me since I live in another country.
    So need to be a pirate, in order to watch it. Blaim HBO.

    I've enjoyed The Leftovers so far. Good actors as well.
  11. blackonblackski
    May 30, 2017
    10
    Really hits its crescendo around episode 6. From that episode forward, the momentum never stops. Episode eight with Patti's monolog is particularly gripping. The ending of the finale is breathtaking.
  12. fanglemeister
    Apr 26, 2017
    7
    I watched the first two seasons in their entirety before rating and writing a review. First-off, you should not judge the series by the first 1-2 episodes, they are excruciatingly slow, and mostly pointless. Trust me: the character development becomes so ruthlessly efficient that by Ep-5, I was only continuing to watch because I hated almost every single stupid, shallow character in thisI watched the first two seasons in their entirety before rating and writing a review. First-off, you should not judge the series by the first 1-2 episodes, they are excruciatingly slow, and mostly pointless. Trust me: the character development becomes so ruthlessly efficient that by Ep-5, I was only continuing to watch because I hated almost every single stupid, shallow character in this show, and just kept watching to see how many of these loathsome people ended up being killed off. Some do meet a satisfying end, but in my opinion, too few were dealt their timely justice. But then, that is more or less the entire point of the story-- being left behind and having to deal with all the other wastes of oxygen who were also left behind.… Expand
  13. SoulChaos
    Jun 14, 2016
    10
    This show moved my ice heart moved me away from the darkest time of my life its legit changed me made me think ask call for help appreciate family friends people.

    This show is a story a voice that will reach and grab you and make you open up to the world and people around you a guide to the world we live in. The story is so moving it breaks physical and emotional walls it raises    This show moved my ice heart moved me away from the darkest time of my life its legit changed me made me think ask call for help appreciate family friends people.

    This show is a story a voice that will reach and grab you and make you open up to the world and people around you a guide to the world we live in.

    The story is so moving it breaks physical and emotional walls it raises emotions questions it will make you appreciate the art of story telling its art behind any art I saw on TV few people can bring you this level of artistic story telling.

    I want to end it with acting and music. Actors carry the heavy load of their characters with ease they are the most professional actors I saw on tv what they bring to the table only a handful few can do. Music is so touching it compliment the show in a way that makes it perfect every track I listen to after or during the show make me enter a safe zone it protect the listener in an emotional way.

    Thank you for reading my below average review I just wanted to write from the heart hope you enjoy this art like I did.    … Expand
  14. iffythecat1
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    Best show on TV. Like LOST, you have to be able to follow the ins and outs. Best characters are Nora and brother Rev Matt. I hear only one more season-I cannot figure out why this show is not more popular!
  15. lorilkezner
    Jan 4, 2016
    10
    My husband and I loved this show from the beginning! Creepy and captivating. We have been binge watching when we can...were just into season 2 and we still love it!
  16. slondon12
    Dec 14, 2015
    10
    I watch quite a bit of (good) television and this is absolutely one of the best shows on TV. The acting is well above par, especially considering the size of the recurring cast, and the writing is creative and full of effective and impactful symbolism and self-reference. The soundtrack is tasteful and plays into the serious and supernatural elements of the show. Anyone who gives a showI watch quite a bit of (good) television and this is absolutely one of the best shows on TV. The acting is well above par, especially considering the size of the recurring cast, and the writing is creative and full of effective and impactful symbolism and self-reference. The soundtrack is tasteful and plays into the serious and supernatural elements of the show. Anyone who gives a show like this a "0" is absolutely trolling.… Expand
  17. WJS
    Dec 7, 2015
    8
    Whenever I see Mimi Leder's name as director in the front credits of this series, I know that it will be a good episode. This series is very strange and frustrating to watch, but it's so well acted and directed, it can be forgiven its unusual quirks. Season two plays out much differently than season one, but it still proves to be compelling television, although I'm still not sure if IWhenever I see Mimi Leder's name as director in the front credits of this series, I know that it will be a good episode. This series is very strange and frustrating to watch, but it's so well acted and directed, it can be forgiven its unusual quirks. Season two plays out much differently than season one, but it still proves to be compelling television, although I'm still not sure if I understand what it's all about.… Expand
  18. RogerE
    Nov 23, 2015
    9
    This is very well put together show and season 2 is bringing it all together. The Leftovers balances a gigantic, world-changing sci-fantasy story with achingly small personal tales. I'm glad HBO is producing some amazing surreal content. Highly recommended for connoisseurs good storytelling.
  19. sonder
    Nov 22, 2015
    10
    I would give the leftovers a 9.5, but since so many reviewers didn't stick around to watch the show develop, I'm giving it a perfect 10. The Leftovers isn't some show with no point, and no preconceived destination, like "Lost" or "Twin Peaks." Rather, each episode builds on the last. Each character becomes deeper and more human. Towards the end of season 2, the slow burn pays off in aI would give the leftovers a 9.5, but since so many reviewers didn't stick around to watch the show develop, I'm giving it a perfect 10. The Leftovers isn't some show with no point, and no preconceived destination, like "Lost" or "Twin Peaks." Rather, each episode builds on the last. Each character becomes deeper and more human. Towards the end of season 2, the slow burn pays off in a big way. When there is so much utter **** on TV, it would break my heart if HBO pulled the plug on this show.… Expand
  20. leandro_bot
    Nov 19, 2015
    10
    If you like strong dialogue, great acting and sci-fi this is awesome. I really hope this show is recognized during the Emmy Awards and picked for a third season. Is Patty real? Will Donna Moss ever wake up? Is this just an episode of Dr Who?
  21. DonMega
    Nov 8, 2015
    10
    Some episodes are just so beautiful. The music always matches whats on screen and is great. This is the only show that I always watch with my headphones on. I have a feeling this show will have a very mixed bag of feelings as to me it gives me very similar vibes to that when I watched the movie cloud atlas, which I also loved btw. This is probably the best show I have ever watchedSome episodes are just so beautiful. The music always matches whats on screen and is great. This is the only show that I always watch with my headphones on. I have a feeling this show will have a very mixed bag of feelings as to me it gives me very similar vibes to that when I watched the movie cloud atlas, which I also loved btw. This is probably the best show I have ever watched personally. Every episode just feels so complete. The casting is superb, acting is spot on and general story is riveting, sometimes sad and at times fun. It makes you go through so many different emotions and lets you feel what the characters on screen feel. I love it. My biggest worry is that it will get cancelled because like I mentioned it has a similar vibes to cloud atlas which as reviews ranging from Masterpiece to Bad movie. So this shows viewership is not as high as it should be.

    If you like any of the following: Cloud Atlas, Magnolia, Memento, Awake you will like this. If you enjoy a deep story, good music you will like this. If you are an generally an artistic person, this is a MUST.    … Expand
  22. bru-nonono
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    This is my favorite TV show ever. I can't understand why people and critics underestimated the show. This is a great lesson about life, people ou love and how you can go through loss or mourning. So yes maybe the action is slow, nothing can happens for a few times but characters personality takes time to develop and the result is amazing.
  23. SquintyReviews
    Oct 4, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The series contains an amazing density of characters, reaction, emotion, and a sophisticated understanding awareness of how to precisely work the strings of audience sympathy.

    Most of the characters contain a rich set of outlooks, motivations, and faults that are put paces through the plot with a sense of almost will it or will it not realism. Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux), as one of the main protagonists, is one of the better of this breed currently on television. He is an authority figure as the police chief, father, and mediator, but at the same time his faults make him very vulnerable, and he is not always a good man, he has hate and disgust like everyone else, he is nakedly fearful and stubbornly obstinate and the occasional **** an excellently constructed flawed figure character, with Theoroux doing a stellar job making this character real.

    The side characters are also interesting and strong with Matt Jameson (Christopher Ecceleston), a former reverend in the show, who is a fascinating depiction of a man of faith who at the same time is vociferously skeptical of the Sudden Departure being the rapture, often pointing out that departed (the term for those who disappeared) contained some rather despicable be in their ranks as well as innocent and decent ones. His particular character arc that was focused on in “Two Boats and a Helicopter,” one of the arguably best episodes of the series, showed the struggles, sheer determination, and even moments of startling but believable violence that this man goes through, and Eccelston does a great job of portraying this unassuming man who is anything but.

    The weaker end of the character chain in the show though would have to be Jill Garvey (Margaret Qualley), Kevin’s daughter. She’s not a wholly bad teenaged character, she does have some moments, but they make her so bratty and emo that it’s hard to really like her. She’s had no real development, and comes across a little to cliché; It’s more that she is there to be the cause of things to happen or to have things happen to her. Though to give Qually credit though, she does the best with what she has and is able to express those quiet moments of genuine emotion quite well, with perhaps her strongest episode being “Cairo.”

    Now the part that really shines in this show and boy howdy does it! The story.

    At first, there is a leery weariness prevalent when starting out that this is just another religious style doom and gloom, believe in the lord and ye shall be saved style of show, making it more about bible promotion then story, but this show was a pleasant surprise in that, while it does have religious themes couched in the plot, particularly the theme of faith, it’s done intelligently and unobtrusively, not being the central focus of the story, more an element of the consequences that arise from major catastrophic events that effect people. This story’s focus is more on characters in the setting of a post-event culture that sprung up.

    It also shows an amazing sophistication in blurring the lines between “sides.” Often in film and television, the main focal point that is shown within a movie or show, the protagonist traditionally, is often the one whom we as viewers want to see succeed, even if the focal character, or “side” shown can logically be said in hindsight to have values that work against our own. For example you could watch a film about an amoral drug dealing **** who is the focal point of a film, but in the end, because you are made to watch from their perspective, you become invested and root for said **** even though in real life you likely wouldn’t hop the pro-drug dealing train (or **** train if you’re a drug dealer). It’s mainly because movies and television induce an inside-looking-out perspective in viewers, always on one side of the line in the sand so to speak, an “Us vrs. Them” scenario. With that in mind, The Leftovers actually manages to effectively manipulate this empathy space relation so well that those you are meant to empathize with are unclear, the show utilizing different richly presented perspectives with a smarter use of moral ambiguity, moving the viewer around the space of the show, on the side of the “normal” towns folk of Mapleton one moment, suddenly on the side of a cult in another, turning on the Garvey family spoke, inducing a state of fluidic sympathy and empathy for pretty much all of them to the point where you are forced to face a narrative in which there is no side or person you are routing for, you are just experiencing like the characters themselves.

    A show that can do that, is a very smart show indeed!

    The Leftovers is a prime example of quality television with a dense, compelling, and intelligently constructed story, with decent plot progression, a high ratio of relatively unique cast of well-acted and very real characters; a good series for those who enjoy rich drama with just the hint of supernatural mystery.    … Expand
  24. jeremyp
    Aug 25, 2015
    8
    Judging from the reviews this is clearly a love it or hate it series. I love it, am exasperated by it, shake my head at it, but stay glued to the set. I am not someone who needs answers, I can figure things out myself, but the biggest drawback for me is the incomprehensible motivation of most of the characters. 2% of the world goes missing and that makes the rest of us neurotic and gloomy?Judging from the reviews this is clearly a love it or hate it series. I love it, am exasperated by it, shake my head at it, but stay glued to the set. I am not someone who needs answers, I can figure things out myself, but the biggest drawback for me is the incomprehensible motivation of most of the characters. 2% of the world goes missing and that makes the rest of us neurotic and gloomy? Still that is the premise and wallow with these characters I must, since they are as they are. But they are a compelling bunch, well presented by great acting and writing, and many of them do need a good slap every so often.… Expand
  25. viny
    Jul 27, 2015
    9
    I loved it... It was really mysterious (maybe a little bit too much) and sometimes not easy to understand (that's why I put a 9 ....) I think this TV show leaves you with a hole in you heart... You see that all the characters try to cope with what happened but nothing can fully help them. The music is well chosen ... it reflects the state of mind of the characters: sad, trying to grabI loved it... It was really mysterious (maybe a little bit too much) and sometimes not easy to understand (that's why I put a 9 ....) I think this TV show leaves you with a hole in you heart... You see that all the characters try to cope with what happened but nothing can fully help them. The music is well chosen ... it reflects the state of mind of the characters: sad, trying to grab something, beautiful... I am hoping for a great season 2.… Expand
  26. samuelodog
    Jan 30, 2015
    8
    While I hated Lost, because I could tell it was written with no real plan to tie things up, I felt differently about this one. Leftovers is an intricately woven show, with threads pulling through and over each other nicely. The acting is great, the script poignant. And it has something that is very rare these days - UNPREDICTABILITY.
    People agonise over whether there will be a reveal or    While I hated Lost, because I could tell it was written with no real plan to tie things up, I felt differently about this one. Leftovers is an intricately woven show, with threads pulling through and over each other nicely. The acting is great, the script poignant. And it has something that is very rare these days - UNPREDICTABILITY.
    People agonise over whether there will be a reveal or not. The show builds mystery upon mystery. But this doesn't trouble me. My amateur reading of it is this: The show is not about those who vanished. It is not about finding an answer - it is about those left behind, and how they deal with the mystery - the 'leftovers'. In this sense it is realistic. It asks what will the affect be if 2% of the pop. vanished overnight? It is an exploration of the psyche - it is philosophical. And it is excellently executed. I love the thoughtful pace, it is beautifully shot - carefully crafted. Very good show.    … Expand
  27. Vercoda
    Dec 8, 2014
    7
    From low expectations – a dreary, downbeat, nihilistic season opener – that almost totally turned me off, I gave The Leftovers a second chance – and I’m so glad I did, thanks to some terrific acting, curious but believable (and quite naturalistic) dialogue, and some great use of music and cinematography.

    Perhaps it gets some points for being a little quirky – as in different or unusual,    From low expectations – a dreary, downbeat, nihilistic season opener – that almost totally turned me off, I gave The Leftovers a second chance – and I’m so glad I did, thanks to some terrific acting, curious but believable (and quite naturalistic) dialogue, and some great use of music and cinematography.

    Perhaps it gets some points for being a little quirky – as in different or unusual, rather than goofy/daft, which this occasionally grim show resolutely isn’t – but, considering all the tired, clichéd shows still trotting out the TV stable door, The Leftovers really stood out as something new, fresh and engaging, problems aside.

    This “I hated it – now I really like it” attitude mirrors what I’ve heard from other people, who found it struck a chord, and I’d definitely like to see more from this show, and its setting.

    However, I absolutely don’t want to see another second of its “teenagers” – those segments were utterly *painful* to watch, and played out like Nihilistic Teens (as written by some middle-aged guys trying to guesstimate what teenagers are like – guys, they’re *nothing* like the weird ‘teens’ in this show; *nobody* is like Those jaded, knowitall, old-before-their-years teen characters in this show).    … Expand
  28. ckmaxx
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    I think anyone moaning about how depressing The Leftovers is are completely missing the point. It's supposed to be depressing. It's about depression. Come on folks, read between the lines. Just because there aren't explosions, **** and childish humour it's obviously a terrible show. I suppose that sums up society today and more importantly the same pathetic attitude to people who sufferI think anyone moaning about how depressing The Leftovers is are completely missing the point. It's supposed to be depressing. It's about depression. Come on folks, read between the lines. Just because there aren't explosions, **** and childish humour it's obviously a terrible show. I suppose that sums up society today and more importantly the same pathetic attitude to people who suffer from mental health problems. The Leftovers is fantastic.… Expand
  29. notforbreakfast
    Oct 31, 2014
    10
    Yes, the tone is bleak, and, yes, the characters are dark. But "The Leftovers" is different: It brought mortality back to television. It's bold and compelling. Great acting, writing, and directing make "The Leftovers" a hit. It won't interest everyone (some will detest it), but its got mystery, wit, and poise that strikes the right kind a people with a chill down their spine.
  30. smpering
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    I fail to understand how anyone can rate this show below a 7. Regardless of whether the darkness of mood suits your taste, the acting, wiring and directing are superb. I find myself drawn into this post(rapture?) world. The characters are well drawn and the relationships between them feel very real. I personally love this kind of show with its slow burn, so I’m giving it a 10!
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Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best TV Season of 2014
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 42
  3. Negative: 2 out of 42
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Aug 7, 2014
    70
    The narrative flow is murky and chaotic, and at times it chokes up.... But The Leftovers builds in potency.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Zach Hollwedel
    Jul 3, 2014
    70
    There's enough intrigue driving the premise to set The Leftovers up as a promising series; whether the show can maintain its momentum or succumbs to the weight of the myriad, potentially frustrating mysteries behind it remains to be seen.
    Read full review
  3. Denver Post
    Reviewed by: Joanne Ostrow
    Jun 30, 2014
    40
    The lack of a coherent storyline, even in a piece dedicated to exploring the lack of coherence in the world, makes The Leftovers a frustrating challenge.
    Read full review
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