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. 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
  2. CJD
    Jun 29, 2014
    10
    I usually don't rate until the whole season is over because it is only fair, but I feel the need to give a 10 in an attempt to average out the stupidity. 0 after one episode? And the reviews are making assumptions that may not end up being true. Also, if 140+ million people vanished from the face of the earth with no explanation as to why, it would be international news and would be a bigI usually don't rate until the whole season is over because it is only fair, but I feel the need to give a 10 in an attempt to average out the stupidity. 0 after one episode? And the reviews are making assumptions that may not end up being true. Also, if 140+ million people vanished from the face of the earth with no explanation as to why, it would be international news and would be a big deal. People are so stupid, but I guess it is the Internet, right? Anyway, loved the pilot. Compelling and well written, and yes I will change my rating if the show ends up being less than excellent, but I'll make that decision when the season is over.… Expand
  3. Bbrian2013
    Jun 29, 2014
    10
    I loved it, the premier sets up for an amazing series if you are the kind of person who enjoys dark TV shows i'd definitely recommend it! I will definitely continue to watch to see where it goes from here...
  4. EludiumQ36
    Jun 29, 2014
    3
    So Damon hasn't learned a thing from his controversial LOST experience. It's still going to "about the characters", not neatly tying up the major mystery, which by the way will be rife with deceptive rabbit holes and impotent subplots that just end up wasting everyone's time in the end. #foolmeonce
  5. Fluffybadger
    Apr 28, 2016
    1
    This series showed up as best series 2015 Been airing since 2014, I looked at the trailer and man was I hopeful. As I'm writing this I'm not in the middle of episode 6. Another dull boring episode which does not really have anything to do with what I saw in the trailer. Oh and the chain smoking silent people in white are hilarious. This series is a joke and I will never get the hours backThis series showed up as best series 2015 Been airing since 2014, I looked at the trailer and man was I hopeful. As I'm writing this I'm not in the middle of episode 6. Another dull boring episode which does not really have anything to do with what I saw in the trailer. Oh and the chain smoking silent people in white are hilarious. This series is a joke and I will never get the hours back I spent giving this a chance.....… Expand
  6. david8983
    Sep 18, 2014
    1
    You won't get back the hours you've wasted watching this show. All the poor elements of Lost, Heroes, The Following, etc, rolled into one. And I'll guess there's no explanation / answer at the end of the series, just a cliffhanger for series 2. And it goes on and on...
  7. Rex_richards
    Dec 22, 2014
    4
    I have no idea why I watched all this, but I did.
    I am fairly sure that the creators have no idea where the series is going.
    It is very very slow and there is absolutely no suggestion at all that any of it will be resolved, ever. Virtually nothing that happens has any real sense to it. It is just a collection of weird characters being 'sad' and 'unsure what next'. I guess you could    I have no idea why I watched all this, but I did.
    I am fairly sure that the creators have no idea where the series is going.
    It is very very slow and there is absolutely no suggestion at all that any of it will be resolved, ever.
    Virtually nothing that happens has any real sense to it.
    It is just a collection of weird characters being 'sad' and 'unsure what next'.
    I guess you could sum it up by saying that it is kind of like a small child came up with a weird story about people disappearing and a bunch of actors who fancy themselves as serious decided to go all method on it.    … Expand
  8. marc5477
    May 1, 2017
    5
    The bottom line is I couldn't finish season 1. I got to episode 8 before putting it aside. I may go back to it later but for now I cant find any reason to watch. The reason is absolutely nothing happens between episodes 3 and 8. Its just filler episodes without any development or advancement of the story. On top of that, the cliche characters are tiring to watch. I acknowledge that theThe bottom line is I couldn't finish season 1. I got to episode 8 before putting it aside. I may go back to it later but for now I cant find any reason to watch. The reason is absolutely nothing happens between episodes 3 and 8. Its just filler episodes without any development or advancement of the story. On top of that, the cliche characters are tiring to watch. I acknowledge that the show still has potential and the end of season 1 might surprise me but it can also go very badly as the mystery isnt too interesting to begin with.

    2% of the population disappeared, without reason, instantly. The interest in the show is the mystery of the disappearance and everyone's actions revolves around this event. The show deliberately ignores any sort of explanations to extend the number of episodes and adds other mysterious elements to distract you from the main plot of figuring out the disappearance mystery. The problem is, I dont care about the cult (non-cult) in white. They are not interesting in the least. I also dont care about the teenagers who are no different than they are in the common world except we only see the dumbest of the dumb in this show. Again I am not writing off the show completely but the writing has me worried that the authors have no story to tell. We have all seen this before in shows like The Dome (a disaster), and Lost (ended up a disaster). I will come back to it another day and I may update this review at that time.    … Expand
  9. 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
  10. TheListener
    Sep 8, 2014
    1
    I was bored with this after 15mins. I seems to be promoting smoking, weed, very bad language and non consentual rape.
    Not the best of TV and definitely not for me.
  11. ShiArch
    May 4, 2017
    5
    Not nearly as good as it was hyped up to be. Slow story which creates questions but never ever bothers to answer them (not even in the next season!). But I wont waste your time like show- In short it is - Boring, Slow, Full of plotholes, Incosistent, Overhyped and Pointless.
  12. 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.
  13. TalulaGrey
    Jun 11, 2017
    1
    Everyone was ranting and raving about this series and I decided to give it a try. I kept waiting for it to get better and you know, it didn't. I didn't buy The Guilty Remnant, the whole idea seemed really stupid. Everyone was sad and depressed because 2% of the population just up and vanished. I sat thru the whole first season and geezus it was the most exhausting TV I've ever watched. IEveryone was ranting and raving about this series and I decided to give it a try. I kept waiting for it to get better and you know, it didn't. I didn't buy The Guilty Remnant, the whole idea seemed really stupid. Everyone was sad and depressed because 2% of the population just up and vanished. I sat thru the whole first season and geezus it was the most exhausting TV I've ever watched. I kept waiting for an answer and never got it.… Expand
  14. fenwoman
    Jun 3, 2017
    1
    after watching the first 3 episodes I'm still uncertain of the plot and bored bored bored. This series is completely missable.I decided not to watch the rest of the series and felt nothing but a sense of relief frankly.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. LarsVictor
    Aug 15, 2014
    10
    Must say this show is the best i have seen next after True Detective.
    I know it sounds lame the overall plot, with people missing without explanation – but it is just the trigger effect, to get the drama up and run. It is in the intense moment where people in the world realize that the pain in the world is real – and there is not much to do other than trying to do the right thing, despite    Must say this show is the best i have seen next after True Detective.
    I know it sounds lame the overall plot, with people missing without explanation – but it is just the trigger effect, to get the drama up and run. It is in the intense moment where people in the world realize that the pain in the world is real – and there is not much to do other than trying to do the right thing, despite how uncomfortable it is. How they as human beings need to trust their human sense and start do the right thing (what that ever is?). There is no help in religion in politics in society – there is only help in their own humanity. That drama – when confronted with that - is epic television.    … Expand
  18. RaiderRow
    Dec 18, 2015
    0
    Makes you wonder who is leaving all these positive reviews one after the other in order after a bunch of horrendous reviews (go figure)! I never watched Lost but I heard that all its fans complained about how they felt cheated out of hours upon hours of their lives. I guess this is the same writer so I can't judge him on whether he is continuing the same theme here: create a show whichMakes you wonder who is leaving all these positive reviews one after the other in order after a bunch of horrendous reviews (go figure)! I never watched Lost but I heard that all its fans complained about how they felt cheated out of hours upon hours of their lives. I guess this is the same writer so I can't judge him on whether he is continuing the same theme here: create a show which poses a bunch of unanswered questions and then end it without anything ever being explained! I watched 3 episodes and I quit, the characters are not captivating though the cop does a good acting job. The story is quite weak so far with societies turning to mush though the "disappeared people" issue has not been addressed once in the first 3 episodes I've watched. I could go on and on about the huge holes in this story but consider my reluctance to do so a message for you not to waste your time!… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. ELCriticon
    Aug 18, 2014
    4
    The correct name should be " The Unanswered Tangent Show " . Basically the script goes horizontally opening situations that either go unanswered or that are forgotten. It pretends to be profound by creating a heavy overall climate with deep silences or still shots, but the lack of a good script is evident. Instead of an intelligent honest story this show is plagued by chicanery. OnlyThe correct name should be " The Unanswered Tangent Show " . Basically the script goes horizontally opening situations that either go unanswered or that are forgotten. It pretends to be profound by creating a heavy overall climate with deep silences or still shots, but the lack of a good script is evident. Instead of an intelligent honest story this show is plagued by chicanery. Only good acting saves the day a little bit. But not enough .… Expand
  21. davidkind2222
    Aug 4, 2014
    10
    and also here: where demon lindelof is involved the nerdy **** is not very far away.

    i liked the show very much - so far. for me it is not so much about the resolution. the series has it´s breathtaking moments in acting and screenwriting. and it is very slow, patient and compassionate. but the audience needs these skills too. you need to look closely you need to listen carefully. my    and also here: where demon lindelof is involved the nerdy **** is not very far away.

    i liked the show very much - so far. for me it is not so much about the resolution. the series has it´s breathtaking moments in acting and screenwriting. and it is very slow, patient and compassionate. but the audience needs these skills too. you need to look closely you need to listen carefully. my suggestion is: don´t watch this series with the mind. watch it with the heart. "the leftovers" is like a surreal dream. it´s full of questions and full of very interesting characters. if you give "the leftovers" time to grow it will pay you with some of the best moments of television this year.    … Expand
  22. Malasorte
    Aug 19, 2014
    10
    Amazing concept! Every week I want more and can't wait for the next one.

    A look into the psychology of masses of people confronted by a massive loss. Which leads to a variety of reactions among the public, cults being one of those.

    The question of the purpose of life arises when others are just gone in an instant, I'd love to find out more!
  23. minnesotanice
    Aug 25, 2014
    10
    I find Justin T to be surprisingly an amazing actor. I feel what he feels. I think all the acting is really good. It's like the left behind books, only not focused so much on the people coming to Christ, it's more on real life situations, people lost and trying to make sense of it all, without talking about the elephant in the room. Some of the story line was confusing at first. JustinI find Justin T to be surprisingly an amazing actor. I feel what he feels. I think all the acting is really good. It's like the left behind books, only not focused so much on the people coming to Christ, it's more on real life situations, people lost and trying to make sense of it all, without talking about the elephant in the room. Some of the story line was confusing at first. Justin kept me interested because of his acting skills. One more episode left.... I will give it another season!! Usually when I love something, it gets canceled.. Hope not!… Expand
  24. shoulderoforion
    May 2, 2017
    3
    Started watching this show when it first showed on HBO, only made it 4 episodes before I had to quit as it was so depressing it made me want to jump off a building. Saw the scores on the seasons started getting progressively higher, 70's to start, then 80's then this current season 3 98??? I never want to miss a good thing, so I just watched the remainder of season 1, and let me tell youStarted watching this show when it first showed on HBO, only made it 4 episodes before I had to quit as it was so depressing it made me want to jump off a building. Saw the scores on the seasons started getting progressively higher, 70's to start, then 80's then this current season 3 98??? I never want to miss a good thing, so I just watched the remainder of season 1, and let me tell you it was like pulling teeth. But I want to get the backstory so when I watch these NEWER BETTER? seasons, I'll know what's happening? This show is terrible bad, but it seems as if through some sort of mass psychosis people are thoroughly digging it. We'll see. On to season 2.… Expand
  25. vikesh2206
    Nov 10, 2014
    2
    The Leftovers is boring, dull and mundane. Not even the talented cast shines in this show which offers viewers nothing but the dourness. Nevertheless, great background music!
  26. ethangomez
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    Finally, has television begun to create shows that allows audiences to explore greater depths of themselves and others. Shows in which individuals can learn through discussion with others. Once again, has Lindelof created a beautifully crafted series. One that not only entertains the audience, but also makes the audience think. For far too long has television delivered mind-numbingFinally, has television begun to create shows that allows audiences to explore greater depths of themselves and others. Shows in which individuals can learn through discussion with others. Once again, has Lindelof created a beautifully crafted series. One that not only entertains the audience, but also makes the audience think. For far too long has television delivered mind-numbing performances. But finally, hope has been restored to television. No thanks to the newly televised series "The Strain" or other sloppily written programs, that the average viewer could create. Is that not the point of television? To open the eyes of the everyday viewer, to expand horizons? "The Leftovers" is art.… Expand
  27. Fluid_Dynamics
    Apr 18, 2015
    4
    If you like being strung along, by writers who have a track record of stringing you along for no other purpose than manipulating you into staying engaged, then THIS IS THE SHOW FOR YOU.

    If you watch it as a metaphor for how a society reacts after 9/11 or any other traumatic event, then you're likely to get more out of it. Reality has unresolved moments. Fine. Reality also    If you like being strung along, by writers who have a track record of stringing you along for no other purpose than manipulating you into staying engaged, then THIS IS THE SHOW FOR YOU.

    If you watch it as a metaphor for how a society reacts after 9/11 or any other traumatic event, then you're likely to get more out of it. Reality has unresolved moments. Fine. Reality also occasionally provides us a sense of resolution and answers.

    I despise being strung along and manipulated. If you enjoy it, have at it.

    They've finally made the perfect show for you.    … Expand
  28. Cadwallon
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Wonderful, difficult and compelling. Obviously not for those with a short attention span or in need of something predigested - or easy! As one of the reviewers said, very much like Les Revenants in its mood - no easy answers or revelations here.
  29. Westdene
    Sep 4, 2014
    9
    This is a series for the thinker, the philosopher, the existentialist, the therapist. It is asking the big questions, and let the viewer try to make sense of happenings. And the main characters are very attractive in addition to their good acting skills. Not everyone's cup of tea. If you liked True Detective and Breaking Bad I think this series will also be appealing to you. I'veThis is a series for the thinker, the philosopher, the existentialist, the therapist. It is asking the big questions, and let the viewer try to make sense of happenings. And the main characters are very attractive in addition to their good acting skills. Not everyone's cup of tea. If you liked True Detective and Breaking Bad I think this series will also be appealing to you. I've watched nine episodes up till now and am fascinated. It will be offensive to fundamentalists and "sensitive-to-vioolence" viewers.… Expand
  30. hauntedChae
    Jan 29, 2016
    1
    mais não é novidade nenhuma que the leftovers é o maior lixo que já passou pelo mundo das séries
    essa serie é uma FARSA
    seus criadores pedantes tentam exaustivamente recriar a lendária LOST e óbvio falham na tentativa os fãs iludidos como são, acham que esse pedaço de bosta é a oitava maravilha do mundo quando na verdade é só mais um lixo CANCELADO, SEM AUDIÊNCIA E SEM PRÊMIOS vamos    mais não é novidade nenhuma que the leftovers é o maior lixo que já passou pelo mundo das séries
    essa serie é uma FARSA
    seus criadores pedantes tentam exaustivamente recriar a lendária LOST e óbvio falham na tentativa
    os fãs iludidos como são, acham que esse pedaço de bosta é a oitava maravilha do mundo
    quando na verdade é só mais um lixo CANCELADO, SEM AUDIÊNCIA E SEM PRÊMIOS
    vamos ter um choque de realidade? vamos
    o único prêmio que essa série foi indicada foi o critics choice awards, na segunda temporada da série
    o reconhecimento passou longe da primeira
    critics choice como sempre caridoso, ainda deu um prêmio pra essa chacota de 6 que concorriam
    VAMOS A LISTA DE SÉRIES QUE JÁ PISARAM EM LEFTOVERS, VENHAM FÃS
    O SAMBA VAI SER GOSTOSOOOOOOOOOOOO
    O MAIOR PRÊMIO DA NOITE ERA MELHOR DRAMA E OS INCOMPETENTES DE LEFTOVERS E OS FÃS ILUDIDOS FORAM MASSACRADOS POR MR, ROBOT, O SUPRASSUMO DE 2015
    EU NÃO ESPERAVA MENOOOOOOOOOOOS

    AGORA VAMOS PARA O QUE EU CONSIDERO SER A MAIOR VERGONHA DA NOITE, ANN DOWN E REGINA KING KONG
    SIM, VCS NÃO LERAM ERRADO, AS DUAS FORAM DERROTADAS EM UMA UNICA CATEGORIA
    MDS QUE VERGONHAAAAAAAAAAAA
    A PROPRIETÁRIA DE UNREAL, CONSTANCE ZIMMER NÃO TEVE PENA E DIZIMOU AS DUAS CHACOTAS DE UMA VEZ
    RAINHA    … Expand
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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
See all critic reviews »