The Michael J. Fox Show

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Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 26, 2013
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
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Critic Reviews

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 26, 2013
    60
    The pilot is clever in a number of places and the banter is quick.... Like Modern Family, which it seems to be aping, The Michael J. Fox show is big on hugs and syrup in the end notes, but that can be overlooked if what precedes it has enough right angles. Unfortunately, the second episode--which airs directly after the pilot tonight--is a complete and utter mess.
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Sep 26, 2013
    60
    The Michael J. Fox Show, which marks his welcome return to a regular network series, isn’t an instant classic. But it does a lot of things right.
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Sep 25, 2013
    60
    This comedy has its moments, particularly in scenes featuring Ms. Brandt and Mr. Fox, but too often the stories, as in Thursday’s 9:30 episode feel like they’re straight out of Sitcom 101.
  5. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Sep 26, 2013
    58
    For a fleeting moment, the show hints it might venture into some saucy territory. Then it gets all “Family Ties” saccharine and goes in for the squishy hug.
  6. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    Sep 26, 2013
    50
    But all too often, [exploitation is] what this semiautobiographical series feels like.
  7. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Sep 26, 2013
    50
    The three episodes NBC screened, especially the two past the pilot, aren’t bad, really; they’re studiously un-bad to the point of blandness. The supporting characters are thin types.
  8. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Sep 25, 2013
    50
    It’s nice to see Fox in primetime again, and he isn’t the problem with the show. The problem is the writing, which is domestic comedy at its laziest. You’ve seen this material before, and before that, too.
  9. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Sep 25, 2013
    50
    Very little that Mr. Fox, or anyone else, does in The Michael J. Fox Show, which starts on Thursday night, will force you to laugh. Everything about his return to sitcom stardom is mild, tucked in, determined not to offend.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Kevin Scott
    Sep 20, 2013
    50
    Between Leigh's sexually graphic ventures into young-adult lit and Ian's misguided search for an intern for his practically nonexistent web startup, it seems like many of the subplots are going to prove more interesting, if not more adventurous, than the main story arc.
  11. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Sep 18, 2013
    50
    Harmless as it is, The Michael J. Fox Show remains a pretty thin concoction, built heavily around the appeal of its leading man.
  12. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Sep 25, 2013
    42
    Get past the mawkishness (if you can) and there's a sweetness here, and geniality. The Michael J. Fox Show needs to be much more, but love is hard to shake.
  13. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Sep 24, 2013
    40
    It's a strained, generic affair.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best TV Season of 2013
58
#58 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 80
  3. Negative: 18 out of 80
  1. high90
    Sep 27, 2013
    0
    Dreadful. Unfunny and exploitative, I get it he has Parkinson's, where are the jokes Watch Seinfeld Or Curb Your Enthusiasm then an episode ofDreadful. Unfunny and exploitative, I get it he has Parkinson's, where are the jokes Watch Seinfeld Or Curb Your Enthusiasm then an episode of this and weep.… Full Review »
  2. Birdsht
    Sep 26, 2013
    2
    This is one of those projects that should have never made it past early development stages. Its just plain awful. The odd setups to make himThis is one of those projects that should have never made it past early development stages. Its just plain awful. The odd setups to make him seem that he is actively doing things to lessen the tremors is kind of distracting. The obligatory mentions of Parkinsons on intervals is needless. The "kids" are actors in their 30's. Casting alone destroys any chance this might have. Weak one liners, family members that don't feel like a family. Poor writing. Painful to watch outdoor one camera scenes. This show is awkward, forced, and unfunny. Its almost like a Saturday Night Live commercial.… Full Review »
  3. EFYevan
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    My wife and I loved this show! There were many "laugh out loud" moments, and it was great to see Michael J. Fox back on television and doingMy wife and I loved this show! There were many "laugh out loud" moments, and it was great to see Michael J. Fox back on television and doing something with his life! I hope this show goes on for a long time. Well done Michael!… Full Review »
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