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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  1. Mortvicr
    Jul 23, 2014
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Coming from someone that has read the book.

    Obviously this is going to be tampered with due to the expert nonsense writer Mr MacGuffin Damon Lindelof.
    This will offer no comfort but the book is right up his ally as it is just nonsense also, nothing is explained and it just ends.

    The weird cult non-speaking, chain smoking people that looks as threatening as a WI jam making group - not explained
    The Huggy Black, young Asian girl loving cult freak - Not explained.
    Why 2% 140 million people vanished, not really explained.
    Why after 3 years everyone became dumber than the average Justin Bieber fan- no explained.

    Also just to add, nothing is explained, you will get more sense reading the telephone directory than this show, its will just do a Lost, add more nonsense on top of nonsense and you will get all confused and never have any reveal.

    Just watch The Strain, or The Last ship, or maybe True Blood, not great shows, but far better than this crap, and they don't have many if any annoying teens in them.    … Expand
  2. cdp888
    Jul 22, 2014
    4
    I tried to like this, but it's become saccharin in it's silliness and over the top violin background music blandness, that I've actually begun to view it as a comedy. Do I care about these characters, not really. The Chief's kids are moronic, the whole wife left me for a cult premise is ridiculous (they look like the most impossible couple casting could come up with...). It seems likeI tried to like this, but it's become saccharin in it's silliness and over the top violin background music blandness, that I've actually begun to view it as a comedy. Do I care about these characters, not really. The Chief's kids are moronic, the whole wife left me for a cult premise is ridiculous (they look like the most impossible couple casting could come up with...). It seems like it was made for network TV, not cable. The writing is awful, as is much of the acting (which isn't really their fault with a vehicle such as this). Even the opening title sequence, it tempts us with a Sistine chapel-esque portraits of people levitating up to a Heaven of sorts. But after the 4th episode, it's a boring as clay.… Expand
  3. ak2381
    Jul 22, 2014
    0
    If you are going to be dealing with highly depressing themes, you need to think about having some positive redeeming factor, to counter-balance them. Unfortunately for the viewer, the show is entirely depressing and sad. Couple that with terrible acting, subpar writing, pretentious themes and some downright annoying subplots/story lines and you have the formula for a really bad show. I'llIf you are going to be dealing with highly depressing themes, you need to think about having some positive redeeming factor, to counter-balance them. Unfortunately for the viewer, the show is entirely depressing and sad. Couple that with terrible acting, subpar writing, pretentious themes and some downright annoying subplots/story lines and you have the formula for a really bad show. I'll give it one more episode but me writing this while watching the third episode tells you everything you need to know...… Expand
  4. CygnusX1Bk2
    Jul 21, 2014
    1
    After 3 episodes of mediocre exposition I'm done with this thing. Get it off the air ASAP. Nothing happens and it seems to go nowhere. The latest episode title says it best.... Why are we still here?
  5. ThemBakerBoys
    Jul 21, 2014
    8
    Two rules that I go by when judging new TV shows: A) Is there any other show on right now that is similar to it? B) Is it unpredictable or is it a familiar formula with new HBO paint.
    The answer to A is that while there are many end-of-the-world show on right now, (all with world ending badly), none other seem to be tackling a possible biblical rapture. Yet this isn't some Left Behind    Two rules that I go by when judging new TV shows: A) Is there any other show on right now that is similar to it? B) Is it unpredictable or is it a familiar formula with new HBO paint.
    The answer to A is that while there are many end-of-the-world show on right now, (all with world ending badly), none other seem to be tackling a possible biblical rapture. Yet this isn't some Left Behind story with Christian overtones. And B, it IS unpredictable and the characters are crazily off balance, careering from one crisis to the next.
    The writing and dialogue are sharp, there is a palpable atmosphere of uncertainty in the show as characters try to come to grip with what has happened and what could possibly come next. Local government and news media are just pretending to be in control when it's clear to everyone that there is no real control.
    I started watching The Leftovers and the final season of True Blood at the same time and True Blood looks like it should be on Nickelodeon with once interesting characters playing stereotypes of themselves. The Leftovers is far superior in every way and it's one of the new shows that I actually look forward to each week. I hope it has a long and successful run.    … Expand
  6. shanemoore83
    Jul 20, 2014
    7
    I'm still not quite sure what to make of this series, and I wouldn't be surprised if I never do. The plot is a bit convoluted, and I feel like there's too many mysteries thrown at me all at once before I've even invested enough time to care about solving them. And apparently the main mystery is never going to be solved which is a bit of let down. However, there's something about the showI'm still not quite sure what to make of this series, and I wouldn't be surprised if I never do. The plot is a bit convoluted, and I feel like there's too many mysteries thrown at me all at once before I've even invested enough time to care about solving them. And apparently the main mystery is never going to be solved which is a bit of let down. However, there's something about the show that keeps me watching. I guess I'm one of those few that actually like how dark and depressing it is. However, I'm about 99% sure that the plot will end up somewhere stupid or nowhere at all, and I'll be pissed that I spent so much time anticipating each episode. Keeping fingers crossed that I'm wrong about that.… Expand
  7. Caliesque
    Jul 20, 2014
    2
    Pretty bad. First episode totally did not keep my interest. I'll give it 4 episodes in, because that's how long True Blood got to get me hooked. I was hoping for better.
  8. beht
    Jul 20, 2014
    10
    Oh please, please don't let this show disappear because a bunch of mindless numbskulls would rather watch something with an overload of "events". This is a very promising show, and after three episodes, I can easily say I am hooked. It's extremely well acted, written and produced. As soon as I read the premise, which I immediately found interesting, I expected the show to be cheesy, butOh please, please don't let this show disappear because a bunch of mindless numbskulls would rather watch something with an overload of "events". This is a very promising show, and after three episodes, I can easily say I am hooked. It's extremely well acted, written and produced. As soon as I read the premise, which I immediately found interesting, I expected the show to be cheesy, but premises and plotlines like this usually yield something disappointing. But this does not disappoint. I think any fan of France's "The Returned" should give the Leftovfers a try.… Expand
  9. blade01
    Jul 20, 2014
    2
    What the heck is this?Ive tried the pilot.I wont watch more of this **** kinda dumb?Some terrible actors in this too, great.And like many other people wrote here:Where are all te funny guys?It seems only depressed and bored people walk the earth in this show.Sorry, i try 3 EPs per show and then comes my conclusion.Will i watch 3 EPs of this show??The pilot was so boring and depressing illWhat the heck is this?Ive tried the pilot.I wont watch more of this **** kinda dumb?Some terrible actors in this too, great.And like many other people wrote here:Where are all te funny guys?It seems only depressed and bored people walk the earth in this show.Sorry, i try 3 EPs per show and then comes my conclusion.Will i watch 3 EPs of this show??The pilot was so boring and depressing ill quite right after it!This suckz!… Expand
  10. rodericrinehart
    Jul 18, 2014
    8
    I fell asleep on BOTH attempts to watch this show. I had pretty decent expectations and it sounded intriguing, but it was incredibly boring. It had flat characters, bad pacing, and an emptiness to it.
  11. whiskeyknight
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    Why does Metacritic allow people/websites to post reviews for an entire season after only the first episode? That's like reviewing a movie after the first 15 minutes! Idiocracy!
  12. jentario
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    This show is amazing, such a great surprise! The characters are all great, the story mysterious and intriguing, the editing and the directing absolutely fantastic. I would give the show a 9 if it wasn't for the perfect third episode (seriously, it's up there with the best episodes I've ever seen) and if it wasn't for the shear amount of misplaced hate I can see around here. I personallyThis show is amazing, such a great surprise! The characters are all great, the story mysterious and intriguing, the editing and the directing absolutely fantastic. I would give the show a 9 if it wasn't for the perfect third episode (seriously, it's up there with the best episodes I've ever seen) and if it wasn't for the shear amount of misplaced hate I can see around here. I personally recommend you give it a shot- it seems like the kind of show you either fall in love with or hate with a vengeance (going by the reviews) and I personally love it.… Expand
  13. micha
    Jul 17, 2014
    0
    Well, it sucks! Most of the people that have given it good ratings are Jennifer Aniston fans, therefore Justin fans by default. You can tell by looking at how many other shows they rated. In most cases it is the only show they have ever rated and they give it a 10? Hmmm.....
  14. JohnsJabber
    Jul 16, 2014
    8
    Unsettling and depressing with a storyline that you can't help but be intrigued by. A strong cast that showcase their abilities from the outset. While I haven't read the book it is based on, I have high hopes.
  15. Mcm76
    Jul 15, 2014
    1
    I have watched 3 episodes and I have to say The Leftovers tv series is how I feel about my wife's leftovers in the fridge "blah". I watched Lost and it didn't end well, but at least it had a ton of redeeming qualities you fell in love with the characters and the mystery of the island. I honestly hate every character in the leftovers and wouldn't mind if they were all killed off. I willI have watched 3 episodes and I have to say The Leftovers tv series is how I feel about my wife's leftovers in the fridge "blah". I watched Lost and it didn't end well, but at least it had a ton of redeeming qualities you fell in love with the characters and the mystery of the island. I honestly hate every character in the leftovers and wouldn't mind if they were all killed off. I will give it a few more episodes just because there aren't currently a ton of TV options. Not all series can be as interesting as True Detective.… Expand
  16. mac5
    Jul 15, 2014
    2
    I really wanted like this show as it has all the elements of a great and meaningful journey. I simply do not know what is going on nor do I want to know. To grab a person and keep their interest in caring for the story to unfold you have to provide something likable about either the characters or an intrigue to the storyline. I felt it failed on both counts. Am sure there would be lots ofI really wanted like this show as it has all the elements of a great and meaningful journey. I simply do not know what is going on nor do I want to know. To grab a person and keep their interest in caring for the story to unfold you have to provide something likable about either the characters or an intrigue to the storyline. I felt it failed on both counts. Am sure there would be lots of folks that love this TV Series but it’s too frustrating for me to even care. It could have been something special but it’s overly pretentious without the credence of twin peaks style intrigue. It’s simply disjointed to the point where the viewer has to try too hard to invest in its development thus appealing to a niche market.… Expand
  17. chuckvw
    Jul 14, 2014
    8
    An intriguing premise supported by a solid cast. Tom Eccleston is particularly good as the conflicted clergyman. I look forward to seeing where this goes. If it ends in a fizzle a la Lost, I will be a bit ticked off, but so far I'm onboard.
  18. kopachuck
    Jul 14, 2014
    0
    Horribly dull, pretentious and unbearable crap. It's summertime yet we are supposed to watch these lifeless unlikable characters' suffering? How and why does this show have a high critic score? This is the most overrated show I've ever seen. What's with Lindelof's writing of humans? People just don't behave the way he portrays them in film or television. Lindelof's hipster defenders willHorribly dull, pretentious and unbearable crap. It's summertime yet we are supposed to watch these lifeless unlikable characters' suffering? How and why does this show have a high critic score? This is the most overrated show I've ever seen. What's with Lindelof's writing of humans? People just don't behave the way he portrays them in film or television. Lindelof's hipster defenders will retort with "Well you just don't get it because your too simple minded." No I get it. His writing is atrocious. He creates characters the average viewer could not identify or connect with.… Expand
  19. mcrancidrugburn
    Jul 13, 2014
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just like my lazy uncle this show needs work because it's not unwatchable. It seems like the show purposely has no direction. Last episode it had this Waco style assault on the black british guys compound and it was really violent but, it didn't have a effect because the audience can't connect with the characters. It was kind of funny listening to SWAT team guy just talk crazy and curse as he's bleeding out. This show has alot of enigmatic moments. Like the police think the commissioner is going mental like his father because he's killing dogs and talking to toaster ovens. There's some lady in the forest trying to chop down a tree. There's a lady the commissioner's daughter and her friends follow because she has a gun in purse. So they follow her around which makes no sense. Wayne who I wish would be cast as Dr. Who kisses some dead guy on mouth and tries to heal the commissioner's son. There's product placement of Budweiser.
    Anyway maybe the next episode will be better. It is suppose to be about Christopher Eccleston who I think was a horrible Doctor Who. He was a good Invisible Man on Heroes though.    … Expand
  20. Jbadiver
    Jul 13, 2014
    1
    This series moves at a glacial pace. This is what happens when you have a story that is 2-3 hours of material and you stretch it to 10 or more hours. I don't fault the actors here as they are doing a good job. The tone and atmosphere are fine it's just that no one wants to spend an hour a week to once again learn that no one cares what happened to their loved ones. I may tune in againThis series moves at a glacial pace. This is what happens when you have a story that is 2-3 hours of material and you stretch it to 10 or more hours. I don't fault the actors here as they are doing a good job. The tone and atmosphere are fine it's just that no one wants to spend an hour a week to once again learn that no one cares what happened to their loved ones. I may tune in again at the end of season to see if they found a direction that the story should go in.… Expand
  21. Floki
    Jul 13, 2014
    9
    This is my first review. I've felt compelled to write this, seeing how people can misjudge this show and comparing it with Lost because of Damon Lindelof. In fact, he does a great job with this show (which is based on a book, meaning that it will not wander around, not that Lost ever did).
    The premise is simple and it's perfect. 2% of the population went missing in a rapture- like event.    This is my first review. I've felt compelled to write this, seeing how people can misjudge this show and comparing it with Lost because of Damon Lindelof. In fact, he does a great job with this show (which is based on a book, meaning that it will not wander around, not that Lost ever did).
    The premise is simple and it's perfect. 2% of the population went missing in a rapture- like event. 3 years after the event we meet with these people trying to make sense of what happened, trying to find some sort of meaning. This single event has divided society and we can never go back to what we once were. What really happened 3 years ago doesn't matter. We might not get any answers, simply because what good will they do? There is no black and white here. Just imagine yourself being caught between the past and the future. The only thing is you don't know what happened and you don't know what's going to happen. What do you do when everything around you is covered in uncertainty? This is not your typical tv show, you don't have good people vs bad people, heroes or anti-heroes, you don't always know what kind of people are out there or how they are dealing with it.
    Oh, and the characters are amazing and really fleshed out and rich. An event like this can change a person to the point of no recognition and the cast is unbelievable in portraying that. This is an artfully crafted show, different from anything else on tv right now. I understand that it's not a show for everybody. I just wish people would stop bashing it and saying we're not gonna get a good finale after 2 episodes. Damon Lindelof gave us an amazing show in Lost, whether you liked the finale or not, he gave us some amazing stories, his stories. I know that some of you, wished for a different ending, but you cannot erase the story up until then or say it's less valuable. And also, Tom Perrotta (the author of The Leftovers) is a writer on the show.
    Watch this show with an open mind.    … Expand
  22. Kimberle
    Jul 8, 2014
    1
    I was looking forward to this one, now that I've seen 2 episodes....no thank you. The show is slow, painful, and depressing. The characters are difficult to relate to, to the point that I really don't care what happens to them.
  23. Lisa24
    Jul 8, 2014
    3
    Huge disappointment. I loved Perotta as an author. So depressing and tedious. All the characters can get "raptured" and who would care? Also, can Amy Brenneman ever play a likeable character? She is like nails on a blackboard in every scene.
  24. jazzythechef
    Jul 8, 2014
    8
    it seems a lot of people are punishing this show for what we experienced with lost. it s early days, and though i'll admit it could slide down the wrong side of the hill. it has me intrigued thus far. a real feeling of melancholy amongst its characters held up with some solid acting. gotta say though i don't like seeing dogs die even in fiction. nor do i enjoy any sort of religion, so itit seems a lot of people are punishing this show for what we experienced with lost. it s early days, and though i'll admit it could slide down the wrong side of the hill. it has me intrigued thus far. a real feeling of melancholy amongst its characters held up with some solid acting. gotta say though i don't like seeing dogs die even in fiction. nor do i enjoy any sort of religion, so it could loose me along the way. i would like to point out thar criticism of lost was loud and clear, if lindelof can take aspects that were done well in lost(there were plenty) and at the same time take on board the criticism, i believe he could be a master storyteller. at this stage i remain optimistic and based on only 2 episode i h ave to rate favourably .… Expand
  25. ziggy3
    Jul 7, 2014
    1
    The show stinks.After 2 episodes(unlike Lost) I could care less about any of the characters in it-except for the lead cop.So there really is no point in watching it as the show seems to have been made-on purpose- to be painfully annoying.Judge for yourself but all they seem to have accomplished here- is bringing the C word to cable TV-So Thanks and Congratulations on that.
  26. TheWaffle
    Jul 7, 2014
    3
    Having watched episode 1, the show is bland and uninspiring. Novels have tackled loss and sudden death for centuries, it is a well tread path. And while The Leftovers seems to want to be about a society in crisis, it falls into every cliche of loss. Quite simply, this is Ordinary People on steroids.

    The show's featured gimmick is a shallow one, considering that humanity has lost far    Having watched episode 1, the show is bland and uninspiring. Novels have tackled loss and sudden death for centuries, it is a well tread path. And while The Leftovers seems to want to be about a society in crisis, it falls into every cliche of loss. Quite simply, this is Ordinary People on steroids.

    The show's featured gimmick is a shallow one, considering that humanity has lost far more people dozens of times in human history. I expected the show to tackle a society in upheaval, with roles changing, new priorities, new cultural norms...but unfortunately this society has barely changed in three years since 2% of the population disappears. Everyone is glum and depressed. Kids are experimenting with drugs and sex. But otherwise, nothing has really changed. There is no new social order, just a few more creepy cults and apparently animal control has lost all its funding.

    Despite a constant and overbearing attempt to strive for mystery and meaning, The Leftovers doesn't garner much interest or emotional investment.    … Expand
  27. SlyckNickChick
    Jul 7, 2014
    5
    I had high expectations for this show, I have been sadly disappointed mostly by the mute smoking characters. If they are suppose to be purifying themselves, starting a new, why would they be smoking!? That's not the only disappointing thing, having millions of people disappear sounds cool, but the writers jump three years a head. Don't most story lines have a beginning before a middle!?I had high expectations for this show, I have been sadly disappointed mostly by the mute smoking characters. If they are suppose to be purifying themselves, starting a new, why would they be smoking!? That's not the only disappointing thing, having millions of people disappear sounds cool, but the writers jump three years a head. Don't most story lines have a beginning before a middle!? I do have to say the only thing that I have enjoyed so far is Justin Theroux, hope to see more of his pecs and abs.… Expand
  28. thebnote1
    Jul 7, 2014
    4
    As usual, I made the mistake of reading the book first. At this point, I cannot decide what this is. The book is a character driven novel that at least early on lets you know that the "event" is essentially over. The rest becomes interesting character responses to the "event." The series has created characters that don't exist in the book, along the a story line that doesn't either. So itAs usual, I made the mistake of reading the book first. At this point, I cannot decide what this is. The book is a character driven novel that at least early on lets you know that the "event" is essentially over. The rest becomes interesting character responses to the "event." The series has created characters that don't exist in the book, along the a story line that doesn't either. So it is so far very loosely based on the book, and I mean loosely!… Expand
  29. Raultv
    Jul 6, 2014
    8
    I love this type of shows at the beginning. It looks a lot like the one that started all "The Returned". They all have this premise about the people that we miss when they are gone and the dreams we have about them. It's a great start BUT by episode 5 (as in life) there are no answers, so everything becomes crappy evangelical sci fi very difficult to watch. The actors are amazing.
  30. Smee
    Jul 5, 2014
    0
    Another proof that critic writers are whores who write and do anything for money.This poorly written and bit and pieces story.Acting wise its perfect but lack of powerful plot make it unwatchable.Persons who love ths either retarded or losers who has so much time to waste
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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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