The Mysteries of Laura

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 17, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 76
  3. Negative: 30 out of 76
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User Reviews

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  1. Shananny
    Oct 1, 2014
    0
    Comparing this show to Moonlighting and Columbo is practically sacrilegious. The writers should have to study those series before they come up with another concept. And to say it's a comedy so we're not judging it correctly? Puhleeze! Is Castle a comedy or detective show? Rizzoli and Isles? Claiming it's a "comedy" is no excuse for lousy writing. There's nothing new in this show exceptComparing this show to Moonlighting and Columbo is practically sacrilegious. The writers should have to study those series before they come up with another concept. And to say it's a comedy so we're not judging it correctly? Puhleeze! Is Castle a comedy or detective show? Rizzoli and Isles? Claiming it's a "comedy" is no excuse for lousy writing. There's nothing new in this show except wasted minutes of my time on not-funny bratty kids. I love Deborah Messing and so wanted this to be well done. She's the only reason I watched the first two episodes but i won't be watching any more.… Expand
  2. erom1943
    Sep 24, 2014
    3
    The problem here is that they couldn't decide whether to make this a police crime drama, or a comedy. They tried mixing the two together, and came up with a mess. They took a very good comedic actress (Debra Messing), made her a super sleuth, smart mouth, genius detective....and at the same time, a scatterbrained, hyper active, child abusing, conflicted separated mother. It didn't work.
  3. Geofferic
    Sep 26, 2014
    0
    This show, The Mysteries of Laura, is garbage. Everything about it is bad. The dialogue is bad. The plot is bad. The pacing is bad. The WARDROBE is bad.

    If you make Debra Messing look and sound awful, you are an awful show runner.

    This is an abortion. AVOID at all costs.
  4. xklem
    Sep 22, 2014
    9
    I watched the first episode with a totally open mind, and not really expecting much. Instead, I found it to be a bit of a dark comedy under-laying a fairly complex mystery. If you have ever been a working parent you can certainly relate to the challenge of balancing work and family life. If neither your work nor your family is typical or balanced, chaos ensues.

    The plot twists were    I watched the first episode with a totally open mind, and not really expecting much. Instead, I found it to be a bit of a dark comedy under-laying a fairly complex mystery. If you have ever been a working parent you can certainly relate to the challenge of balancing work and family life. If neither your work nor your family is typical or balanced, chaos ensues.

    The plot twists were believable and engaging. In a strange way, Laura's messed up personal life is also believable, at least that from a stressed-out parent's perspective it really feels like those-worst-case-scenarios-that-could-really-happen.

    While the pilot may have been a bit rough around the edges, I hope it grows on people. It is a breath of fresh air when the networks continue to trot out the same old formulas season after season.    … Expand
  5. Horsegirl
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    Mysteries of Laura is in good company with the great female detective genre. She ranks with Prime Suspect Bones, and Veronica Mars. Her personal life is a mess but she is a great detective with equally great instincts. I find the show funny, touching, and illustrates the challenges of a working woman who is a professional and has the normal chaotic personal life. Very enjoyable show.Mysteries of Laura is in good company with the great female detective genre. She ranks with Prime Suspect Bones, and Veronica Mars. Her personal life is a mess but she is a great detective with equally great instincts. I find the show funny, touching, and illustrates the challenges of a working woman who is a professional and has the normal chaotic personal life. Very enjoyable show. Good plots. Able to relate to her personal life. Bravo to Debra Messing and Cast!!… Expand
  6. jlizada
    Sep 22, 2014
    3
    Based on the pilot:

    I'm sorry, but no. The Mysteries of Laura wasn't funny and there was no suspense, at all. The show doesn't offer anything new.

    There's a slight chance the show will get better with that 'twist' in the end of the pilot but it's hard to be optimistic based on the pilot episode.
  7. tvnewsguido
    Sep 18, 2014
    1
    "The Mysteries of Laura" is, quite frankly, unbelievably bad.

    In a world with "Fargo" and "True Detective" - hell even with stuff like "Bones" and "Castle" available - just don't "The Mysteries of Laura" ever.
  8. PennyPenny
    Sep 19, 2014
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Don't want to take the time to even attempt to get a search warrant? Break the law.

    Don't want to go to the trouble of finding a Pre-K that might help your very, very disturbed, one dimensional demons you have been saddled with as offspring? Try illegal record searches and extortion.

    Afraid those kids won't make it through the resulting interview? Drug them.

    Thinking some of this might have been funny given a great script or proper delivery? Maybe, but unfortunately this desperate, throw everything at the wall (including feces, urine and soup) and see what sticks dramedy fails the viewer. If you are expecting entertainment, or even mild amusement, then you will be left disappointed.

    This heavy handed show is self consciously disrespectful and clumsy in its attempt to wrap itself in the crumpled overcoat of Columbo. She's sloppy! See! She's eating days old food off her desk! See!? She's spilling soup on a cadaver! Soup! (Insert yucks here). Her desk isn't just messy or cluttered, it's filthy! See how Columbo-like she is?

    No. Columbo was a capable, rules following (called douche bags in this show), detective that methodically moved towards solving a mystery while being consistently underestimated by his suspects. He didn't break the law for his convenience or for selfish reasons or to "find a place to dump off my kids at 8 and pick them up at 5". He didn't chew cheesecake with his mouth open and use cadavers as tablecloths. Yet somehow we still got it. He was a slob.

    The world has moved on, but really, have we really lost so much that writers feel comfortable in skipping the whole mystery concept and instead offer up cliches, neon signs and outrageously over-the-top antics to make a point? The mystery concept here was abandoned in favor of attempts at humorous or shocking interactions between characters largely outside of the mystery's setting. We are treated to watching an unlikeable, callous, grossly selfish woman chew, snort, bully and stomp her way through a silly story. And not in a good way. She wants place to shelve her children. This insult to working Moms everywhere was a bitter disappointment.

    I wanted this to be a fantastic show. A few minutes in I was hoping it could be an okay show, then a not-awful show, but in the end I fear it is not even a salvageable show. Though it may make a comfortable addition to a compost pile.    … Expand
  9. BogKid
    Sep 17, 2014
    1
    NBC! Are you kidding me? Someone slipped a grammar school writing project onto the programmer's desk and he bought it? This juvenile show is an insult to just about everyone. I tried to be fair and stick through with this thing to the end. II almost did, but sheer disgust forced me to click on the ERASE button a few minutes before the end. I probably missed the best part of the showNBC! Are you kidding me? Someone slipped a grammar school writing project onto the programmer's desk and he bought it? This juvenile show is an insult to just about everyone. I tried to be fair and stick through with this thing to the end. II almost did, but sheer disgust forced me to click on the ERASE button a few minutes before the end. I probably missed the best part of the show -- the credits, listing the brave, but clearly incompetent, people who put this thing on the air.

    Oh yes. I did not like "The Mysteries of Laura".    … Expand
  10. GreenChum
    Sep 25, 2014
    7
    "The mysteries of Laura" is a good show.
    Unlike many cop shows that I watch, it's not about a couple that has to be together in about 5 seasons . It's really about a single character that try her best to take care of everything.
    Also, it's the first time in many years that I didn't find out who the culprit was during the first 10 minutes. Plus I like comedies and cynical/sarcastic/crazy    "The mysteries of Laura" is a good show.
    Unlike many cop shows that I watch, it's not about a couple that has to be together in about 5 seasons . It's really about a single character that try her best to take care of everything.
    Also, it's the first time in many years that I didn't find out who the culprit was during the first 10 minutes.
    Plus I like comedies and cynical/sarcastic/crazy people and Laura seems to be all of that, so it's great.    … Expand
  11. amandamartin
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    I have watched the first three episodes and I am really enjoying this show! It's funny, entertaining, Debra Messing is great. It is light -- not too challenging. But that's what I want sometimes! I for one am looking forward to watching the entire first season
  12. EmmyPaden
    Sep 19, 2014
    10
    I know I can't be the only one that loved the Pilot! Maybe it is because I understand and have been in her shoes, juggling work, kids, husband, work, cheating husband, work, divorce and work... I will admit that I am already a Debra Messing uber fan from Will and Grace. I was afraid that the new character would be like the old, but it isn't! She is funny and professional at the sameI know I can't be the only one that loved the Pilot! Maybe it is because I understand and have been in her shoes, juggling work, kids, husband, work, cheating husband, work, divorce and work... I will admit that I am already a Debra Messing uber fan from Will and Grace. I was afraid that the new character would be like the old, but it isn't! She is funny and professional at the same time.... but then she is also frantic and worried about her kids. She is a great mom from what was in the Pilot! The divorce/possible reconciliation, her position on the police force while having style and GREAT SHOES and the new promotion of her husband are just three reasons I want to see Episode 2!! I believe we have a modern day Colombo flipped upside down!! If you didn't like the pilot, perhaps you should give it a second chance... Pilots are generally not as great as the rest of the premier season... I'll be watching!!!… Expand
  13. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 22, 2014
    0
    "The Mysteries of Laura" is a dramatic police procedural with a hint of "comedy" -- an intriguing recipe that is better left untouched.

    Characters are terribly bland, premise is completely cliche. It's surprising that this thing isn't already cancelled based on critical reception alone (it received a respectable 10.2 million viewers thanks to it airing after the season finale of AGT) --    "The Mysteries of Laura" is a dramatic police procedural with a hint of "comedy" -- an intriguing recipe that is better left untouched.

    Characters are terribly bland, premise is completely cliche. It's surprising that this thing isn't already cancelled based on critical reception alone (it received a respectable 10.2 million viewers thanks to it airing after the season finale of AGT) -- if its second episode posts a substantial drop in viewership, it will be pulled.

    To summarize: skip it. There are plenty of other shows that are much better (like the actually funny "Brooklyn Nine Nine").    … Expand
  14. martinex
    Sep 25, 2014
    3
    I love Debra Messing and hope she finds a vehicle worthy of her talent... Sorry Deb. This ain't it. The family comes off as over the top props (I did like the kid crime scene at the private school). I tried to look past that and concentrate on the cases but the show kind of revolves around her insane family life.
  15. thebestoftimes
    Sep 20, 2014
    3
    the mysteries of laura is a mess, there's nothing funny nor suspense about this show, debra messing who was so hilarious on will & grace (one of my all time favorite shows) is wasted here as a detective and single mom who with her ex-husband wants to check killers and more, the plot is silly, the characters are bland, the teleplay is a mess and the only good thing about is the title,the mysteries of laura is a mess, there's nothing funny nor suspense about this show, debra messing who was so hilarious on will & grace (one of my all time favorite shows) is wasted here as a detective and single mom who with her ex-husband wants to check killers and more, the plot is silly, the characters are bland, the teleplay is a mess and the only good thing about is the title, otherwise this is a real boring tv show and one of the worst tv of the year.

    I Give it a D.    … Expand
  16. Bowimbiri
    Mar 22, 2016
    4
    Compared to the original Spanish series "Los Misterios de Laura", this is a complete failure. It lacks all the suspense, thrill and puzzled case solving scenarios the original version offered.
  17. machias
    Sep 28, 2015
    3
    The second season premiere revealed some cast changes that scream desperation. The new captain is way too icy for the vibe of the show, the bubbly Frankie is out. Laura's hot boyfriend is gone. The show feels way too crowded now and the vibe has gone too dark. I'd be surprised to see it last the slated 13 episodes. Sorry Laura, the show is too dark and too much like other stuff now. YourThe second season premiere revealed some cast changes that scream desperation. The new captain is way too icy for the vibe of the show, the bubbly Frankie is out. Laura's hot boyfriend is gone. The show feels way too crowded now and the vibe has gone too dark. I'd be surprised to see it last the slated 13 episodes. Sorry Laura, the show is too dark and too much like other stuff now. Your originality is gone.… Expand
  18. kjjmmc
    Sep 22, 2014
    4
    As a fan of Debra Messing I can onlyvhope that the schizophrenic pattern of the pilot. Are cured by better writing to come in future shows. Nice on the job; awful at home...
  19. reellm
    Jun 22, 2015
    1
    1/5★ Well The Wire it aint. I like Debra Messing but not enough to like this mess. The writing is bad and the acting is worse. The Mysteries of Laura tries to be too many things and fails at all of them.

    Verdict: Skip
  20. Jlea
    Oct 18, 2014
    0
    Hello, I started watching an episode of Mysteries of Laura, but didn't stay long. The show is bland. Who thinks up this stuff? If it's supposed to be satire, it's got lousy delivery. Debra Messing? Machine gun spitting out dialog. Please find insightful people to write shows and use actors who know the difference between a sitcom and a drama. This generation is lame. Mysteries of LauraHello, I started watching an episode of Mysteries of Laura, but didn't stay long. The show is bland. Who thinks up this stuff? If it's supposed to be satire, it's got lousy delivery. Debra Messing? Machine gun spitting out dialog. Please find insightful people to write shows and use actors who know the difference between a sitcom and a drama. This generation is lame. Mysteries of Laura is no mystery, it stinks.… Expand
  21. Czarcasms
    Oct 22, 2014
    2
    The role of Laura might be cute if her kids weren't little monsters from Hell who never get punished for anything they do, if Laura didn't abuse her roll (returning a used swimsuit, yuck; lying to the neighbor about his broken window, no), and if the writer's used a bit more intelligence in the plot lines. Debra Messing is great with what's given her, but it will take more than her toThe role of Laura might be cute if her kids weren't little monsters from Hell who never get punished for anything they do, if Laura didn't abuse her roll (returning a used swimsuit, yuck; lying to the neighbor about his broken window, no), and if the writer's used a bit more intelligence in the plot lines. Debra Messing is great with what's given her, but it will take more than her to make this hot mess work.… Expand
  22. danibrighton
    Oct 27, 2014
    7
    This is solid family evening viewing with enough difference to amuse and engage. With so much hard edged and boundary pushing television around it is, at times, a pleasant change to watch a police procedural with the innocence of 1980s tv. Debra Messing is terrific, though I agree with the criticism that the character does overplay how tough her life is and it makes her less sympatheticThis is solid family evening viewing with enough difference to amuse and engage. With so much hard edged and boundary pushing television around it is, at times, a pleasant change to watch a police procedural with the innocence of 1980s tv. Debra Messing is terrific, though I agree with the criticism that the character does overplay how tough her life is and it makes her less sympathetic and a little annoying when her home life is addressed. The supporting characters are quite well formed, but more needs to be made of the relationship with her ex husband, played by film actor Josh Lucas. The lack of romantic tension hinting at reconciliation between them feels like an oversight by the show's writers and remedying this would give viewers a good reason to root for the couple - and the show - going for!… Expand
  23. tyiwhitcomb
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Decent show....I am watching it for the comedy aspect. I am not tuning in because it's the next crime drama. There are plenty other shows for that. Pretty good show all in all.
  24. Lin47
    Nov 7, 2014
    9
    My IQ is 150, and I like this show quite a lot. What does this say about the reviewers?? I guess it says that they prefer Duck Dynasty.

    Sigh...I guess they will probably cancel it because it's just not dumb enough.
  25. TVguy123
    Feb 12, 2015
    10
    Good fun. An enjoyable mix of comedy and cop drama. Great if you want to relax after a tough day at work. Reminds me of Castle. The cast is quite enjoyable.
  26. Vintagehippiech
    Mar 22, 2015
    10
    I seriously love this show. It's funny, clean, and I figured it would be cancelled after the first season! So glad that critics aren't totally responsible for who stays and who goes! I love the characters and grew to lke them all more with every episode! Go Laura!
  27. Lrgracie
    Oct 20, 2015
    8
    I really love this program. But I really dislike the new captain. I think they messed up when they changed who the captain was. I hope they will change it back again, or at least get this captain to have a different attitude.
  28. maxinee
    Jun 7, 2016
    10
    I thought is was a great light tv show to watch in the evening. Laura and Jake were great and sorry to see it end. It was a nice show with problems with ex's working together, a boss that had problems of her own and how everyone slowly adjusted to each other in the work place.I enjoyed watching them solve the problems of work and personal life. It was light enjoyable show... They allI thought is was a great light tv show to watch in the evening. Laura and Jake were great and sorry to see it end. It was a nice show with problems with ex's working together, a boss that had problems of her own and how everyone slowly adjusted to each other in the work place.I enjoyed watching them solve the problems of work and personal life. It was light enjoyable show... They all did a great job.… Expand
  29. Suzies
    Aug 31, 2016
    8
    This is a great show, it is very funny. I enjoy the characters especially Laura. I like the mystery / cop aspect, and it shows the power of women, I think it would be cool if they did a double episode instead of all of their crimes being solved in just one. I'm sad that they are not doing another season.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
77
#77 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
37

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 28
  3. Negative: 13 out of 28
  1. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Michael Landweber
    Oct 1, 2014
    50
    Trapped in the hour-long drama structure, the half-hour sitcom that The Mysteries of Laura might long to be never finds its footing.
    Read full review
  2. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Diane Garrett
    Sep 24, 2014
    50
    Alas, some of the dialogue is extremely problematic, and the jokes tired.... but the action keeps moving, and there are enough glimmers of freshness to keep the show entertaining and warrant another viewing.
    Read full review
  3. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Sep 17, 2014
    20
    What a big mess, and what a disappointing waste of Debra Messing.
    Read full review
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