The Newsroom

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Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 24, 2012
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 541 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 446 out of 541
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 541
  3. Negative: 41 out of 541
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  1. LanaY
    Sep 11, 2012
    7
    This show is and entertaining hour. However, it is a bit unbelievable as Jeff Daniel's character plays a Republican that doesn't seem to embrace any Republican ideals. It's not my favorite Aaron Sorkin show, but I hope it holds up over time. The female characters feel more ridiculous (not in good way) than usual and, in general, are not particularly appealing or approachable. They areThis show is and entertaining hour. However, it is a bit unbelievable as Jeff Daniel's character plays a Republican that doesn't seem to embrace any Republican ideals. It's not my favorite Aaron Sorkin show, but I hope it holds up over time. The female characters feel more ridiculous (not in good way) than usual and, in general, are not particularly appealing or approachable. They are more like silly caricatures with few (if any) redeeming properties.… Expand
  2. Toyfrog
    Sep 17, 2012
    10
    I just finished watching all of season 1 of the new series by Aaron Sorkin The Newsroom, and was glued to my seat. Very clever doing a back story of the characters lives behind the scenes of current events. I always wondered what would go through the mind of journalists who sold out for corporate controlled news manufactured by propaganda and hate mongering. Truthfully, I thought it wouldI just finished watching all of season 1 of the new series by Aaron Sorkin The Newsroom, and was glued to my seat. Very clever doing a back story of the characters lives behind the scenes of current events. I always wondered what would go through the mind of journalists who sold out for corporate controlled news manufactured by propaganda and hate mongering. Truthfully, I thought it would end after the gunning down of Gabrielle Giffords (my friend went to high school with her and has said nothing but wonderful things about this courageous woman) but alas, I was wrong. After years of being a proud centrist democrat, I became an independent during the Bush Administration because I could no longer believe democrats and republicans nor could I honestly TRUST what the media was reporting due to their corporate and political interests. The news became "friends" with the establishment therefore their credibility was lost-NEW YORK TIMES for example outing a CIA rogue operative all to control the Iraq War or having an entire network use language to influence the American People in the same way the far left or right spin doctors influence their agenda. My hope was that the new Administration would be cleaner and so would the news. The first two years, more HATE on the airwaves while an entire body of congress was stymied because of the rising Tea Party pushing such a vitriol and ignorance in society, where we were discussing if the President of the United States is a terrorist; not a natural born citizen; treated like less than a man; good republicans like Olympia Snowe or Chuck Hagel, Joe Scarborough, were being called RINOS-even the RNC Chairman comparing our president to a cowardly sea captain of a cruise ship-just disgusting! The hate toward moderate republicans and centrists because they are not far right or far left... enough was enough. President Reagan would be appalled and so am I as a citizen of the United States. Sorkin rips off the corporate duck tape glued to 'reporters mouths' and gives them a voice behind the camera. That to me is refreshing because I seriously doubt any college student wants to grow up and LIE to the American People on a daily basis all for political power and personal gain. They want to enrich lives and be courageous and change our world for the better. I am not surprised by critic outrage over this show. It's difficult to see what you've become-a weak shell of its former self, and a part of the problem. The news should not create truth-it should just simply TELL IT. Thanks Aaron Sorkin, and Scott Rudin and HBO for having the guts to TELL the TRUTH on both sides unlike the majority of the media-doesn't. Sadly, there are only a handful of good journalists on the airwaves. I'd like to see some of them take a stand like Richard Clarke did and say, "we screwed up and let you down. Now we start over." You owe it to Cronkite, Huntley, Brinkley, Jennings, Russert, Brokaw, Rather, and Edward R Murrow but most of all, you owe it to yourself! Even Bob Woodward can't even keep his integrity in check. Bravo Sorkin. Keep TELLING the TRUTH.… Expand
  3. Namenottakenyet
    Sep 24, 2012
    10
    I love this show to the point of being momentarily obsessed with it. I've watched each episode 4 or 5 times, including one final run through with closed captioning turned on to make sure I didn't miss any of the dialog. This one case where HBO On Demand has been worth while. The show is a perfect combination of wit, human nature, political clarity and a dash of drama.

    There aren't many    I love this show to the point of being momentarily obsessed with it. I've watched each episode 4 or 5 times, including one final run through with closed captioning turned on to make sure I didn't miss any of the dialog. This one case where HBO On Demand has been worth while. The show is a perfect combination of wit, human nature, political clarity and a dash of drama.

    There aren't many things that I would award a perfect score to, and The Newsroom isn't quite perfect, but it is damn close. Of course, if you are a "Tea Bagger", I'm not surprised that you would disagree. The truth often hurts    … Expand
  4. kcarroll23236
    Sep 29, 2012
    10
    Love this show! Lots of pertinent information about some of our real life news crises, full of humor, witty double entendre and dialogue, and makes you feel for the characters and their personal issues..so much character chemistry and just plain awesome! I don't normally purchase seasons/box sets of anything, but this is a must-have! Can't wait for the second season!
  5. Be_the_change
    Sep 30, 2012
    10
    the critic reviews of this are just disgusting and so shallow it makes me despise hollywood. finally, a show with intellectual honesty and integrity and all the sadly tasteless hollywood critic morons insecure about their intellect go crazy. mr sorkin, its about time you came. stay strong.

    best, a real person, with a real life, who enjoys good tv
  6. jkonowitch
    Sep 30, 2012
    9
    The critics are wrong. This show is fantastic. This is first and foremost a show about the news and not about public policy. Sure, it takes sides on political issues, but it is primarily about the broken way in which we have national conversations in America today. I think reviewers who focus on Mr. Sorkin's political views miss the point entirely. It also delivers on the fundamentalThe critics are wrong. This show is fantastic. This is first and foremost a show about the news and not about public policy. Sure, it takes sides on political issues, but it is primarily about the broken way in which we have national conversations in America today. I think reviewers who focus on Mr. Sorkin's political views miss the point entirely. It also delivers on the fundamental promise of any television show, that it should tell a compelling story. I care about every character and each scene feels important and exciting. I believe it also offers a lot of inspiration and food for thought vis a vis the news media.… Expand
  7. Dan_91
    Jan 13, 2013
    8
    This could easily be the best show to come out of the American TV machine. Another triumph of Aaron Sorkin's abilities as a writer and a clear display that he's still in the 'sweet spot' of story propagation. Some have said that the show is 'preachy' and to them I say, watch Newsnight in the UK and one might gauge a real appreciation that exudes from a news anchor (sorry Jeremy). Some sayThis could easily be the best show to come out of the American TV machine. Another triumph of Aaron Sorkin's abilities as a writer and a clear display that he's still in the 'sweet spot' of story propagation. Some have said that the show is 'preachy' and to them I say, watch Newsnight in the UK and one might gauge a real appreciation that exudes from a news anchor (sorry Jeremy). Some say that the show is too 'high-brow' and flaunts and agenda, and to them I say, GOOD. Why can't entertainment have a political agenda? Especially in the context that this programme is written in. Why can't entertainment show that the writer has an education and has assumed that the viewers have an education too? The acting is superb from a brilliant ensemble that is showcasing the acting talents of both the old-'er' generation with Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer portraying a dynamic, professional, yet chaotic, immature duo. Along with rising heavyweight Dev Patel, the show has only one place to go. Up. The only hang-up I have about this show is the underlying personal attitude that Sorkin has politically. This may seem hypocritical given what I've just said, however, Sorkin's thinly veiled content for the ultra conservatives in the Republican party (given his strong sympathies for the Democrats) is easy to spot and is only disguised by the fact the leading character is a Republican himself. Having said that, it's always fun to see someone poking fun at the Tea Party. The show has a great ensemble, great potential and a heavyweight production company, (let's face it HBO don't lend their name to a flop). It has the potential to go from brilliant to phenomenal.… Expand
  8. Dbswain91
    May 18, 2013
    10
    If you are like me, you just discovered the genius that is The Newsroom, only to find the reviews of the show unfavorable to say the least. How can a show so captivating and motivational, receive such low marks from the greatest and most experienced critics of the last 40 years? It's because Aaron Sorkin didn't write this show to please 50 year old critics. He wrote it to inspire 20 yearIf you are like me, you just discovered the genius that is The Newsroom, only to find the reviews of the show unfavorable to say the least. How can a show so captivating and motivational, receive such low marks from the greatest and most experienced critics of the last 40 years? It's because Aaron Sorkin didn't write this show to please 50 year old critics. He wrote it to inspire 20 year olds. He is speaking to a generation of young American's who have been told their entire lives that they are responsible for the collapse of a nation, and instead he is reminding us that through education and inspiration, we are the solution to the sickness that was our fathers generation. He uses drama and romance to lure in not just the highly educated, but all aspects of society while weaving in political messages and the importance of questioning the media. He learned from the West Wing that no 20 year old is taking a stand against big business by watching an hour of political based dialogue, so instead he wrote a series that speaks to them, incorporates drama, love, and even the power of the Internet and gave them a protagonist to look up to. That is the genius of Aaron Sorkin.… Expand
  9. maesterpycell
    Aug 10, 2013
    4
    The heavily forced dialogue is unforgivably cheesy and the characters are outright annoying, especially in the way they finish each other's sentences. This show had great potential from an experienced writer but unfortunately, the quality does not match the ambition.
  10. kingzardoz
    Nov 23, 2014
    4
    The delusion and arrogance are unmatched. Is it a show that makes dumb people feel smart? I'm couldn't say since I've never met a person that likes this show. Time to retire Sorkin, you will not be missed.
  11. giankot
    Aug 1, 2013
    10
    I can't believe some of the critics are being so silly about this. This is just about the best show on tv over the past few years. Not that I would expect anything less from Aaron Sorkin, but he really nailed it this time...
  12. hubbabubba2531
    Sep 20, 2013
    10
    A well written and well paced story that works around true news stories. I just had to watch the first 10 minutes of the very first episode and I was hooked. It's a drama that's relate-able if you pay attention to the news.
  13. Seriosity
    Aug 31, 2013
    7
    The Pilot is phenomenal. Watch that if nothing else. The rest of the show has its highs and lows. Witty like Sorkin can be, but with some annoying, messy characters. It's intelligent but also occasionally preachy, schmaltzy and melodramatic. It's not great television, but it's certainly bold. 6.8/10
  14. cajieboy
    Aug 27, 2014
    10
    Every now and then, along comes a TV series that attains that rarefied air of greatness. The Newsroom is that show. Excellent acting, script, dialog with a fast enough moving storyline to keep you engaged. A special gem indeed. Highly recommend.
  15. Praful
    Jul 23, 2013
    10
    This is just perfect...
    Its not only entertaining, but unpredictable and keeps us fully engaged in it...
    Its like you can feel the show...
    After watching the start of the 2nd season, I think Its going to be a bigger hit than anyone ever expected...
    Just Awesome..
  16. heromoder
    Jul 19, 2017
    10
    Whip-smart and unpretentious, The Newsroom is Aaron Sorkin at his best. Jeff Daniels deserves a Nobel prize for his performance in this series, and no, I'm not being over-dramatic.
  17. jgibbs1551
    Jul 8, 2013
    9
    After reading the reviews of pretentious journalist from main written media outlets like the NY Times and Wallstreet, I love the show even more. It has depth, comedy, and is one of the most thought provoking cable programs I’ve seen in a long time. Bravo.
  18. dmey
    Jul 12, 2013
    3
    It should be titled "Why Republicans are always wrong". I like Jeff Daniels, and the writing is often smart when it isn't pandering/sanctimonious/ridiculous, so I'm willing to give the 2nd season a shot, but only because they claim to have hired political consultants to present the GOP as more than knuckle-dragging trolls this time around.

    I'll give one or two season 2 episodes a try    It should be titled "Why Republicans are always wrong". I like Jeff Daniels, and the writing is often smart when it isn't pandering/sanctimonious/ridiculous, so I'm willing to give the 2nd season a shot, but only because they claim to have hired political consultants to present the GOP as more than knuckle-dragging trolls this time around.

    I'll give one or two season 2 episodes a try before signing off on this show as good for nothing but an infomercial for the DNC.    … Expand
  19. KafkaT
    Jul 28, 2013
    10
    Whilst many critics have judged The Newsroom harshly for being 'preachey' and ignorant of the fourth estate, I would like to take the time to acknowledge the positive qualities of this wonderful show. Sorkin delivers witty, fast-paced dialogue giving the audience something to really sink their teeth into. The banter amongst characters, reminiscent of Sorkin's The West Wing, overshadows anyWhilst many critics have judged The Newsroom harshly for being 'preachey' and ignorant of the fourth estate, I would like to take the time to acknowledge the positive qualities of this wonderful show. Sorkin delivers witty, fast-paced dialogue giving the audience something to really sink their teeth into. The banter amongst characters, reminiscent of Sorkin's The West Wing, overshadows any of the mundane, drab language that is plastered all over commercial TV. Furthermore, the show itself parallels the pace of the dialogue never letting up a dull moment. The show has also received a lot of criticism over the unrealistic characterisation of protagonist Will McAvoy. To any non-believers of the 'paragon' archetype, I would like to direct your attention to the immense success of Sorkin's Jed Bartlet, protagonist of The West Wing. Sorkin's Newsroom gives us hope that the paragons of this world will attempt to make the world a better place. Watch this show and see the characters defined not by their profession, but by their personalities as human beings. It's about time we had a show like this!… Expand
  20. dhtchk
    Aug 12, 2013
    8
    Great show; really grows on you. HOWEVER, Emily Mortimer has got to go. She is entirely unbelieveable as the Ex. Producer. Part of it is the script, for sure; but much of it is how she over plays each and every scene. No Ex. Producer would carry on the way she does, near hysteria in the public rooms about her personal life. She comes across as frail, weak and lacking in the gravitasGreat show; really grows on you. HOWEVER, Emily Mortimer has got to go. She is entirely unbelieveable as the Ex. Producer. Part of it is the script, for sure; but much of it is how she over plays each and every scene. No Ex. Producer would carry on the way she does, near hysteria in the public rooms about her personal life. She comes across as frail, weak and lacking in the gravitas necessary to carry out a job like that. As for the writing: enough already re. "Will & Mack's" former relationship. They are behaving like jr. highschoolers.… Expand
  21. SJvandelay
    Aug 19, 2013
    5
    Season 1 had very few redeeming qualities. In fact, I don't even remember what they were. The show was incredibly smarmy and pat (from me, a professed liberal). Mackenzie is supposed to be this great and powerful producer, yet, she doesn't know how to not send an email to the entire staff? She bumbles her way through every scene, which just outs Aaron Sorkin (again) for his lack ofSeason 1 had very few redeeming qualities. In fact, I don't even remember what they were. The show was incredibly smarmy and pat (from me, a professed liberal). Mackenzie is supposed to be this great and powerful producer, yet, she doesn't know how to not send an email to the entire staff? She bumbles her way through every scene, which just outs Aaron Sorkin (again) for his lack of knowing anything of how to write female characters. Bah.… Expand
  22. PepLeRus
    Aug 20, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Most of critical critics are just politically oriented opinions. Worst TV series ever? I would say the guy who says that is worse professional ever. The show is brilliant sometimes, kind of dumb about the personal love relationships but quite clever about the rest. I imagine Talibans means otherwise.… Expand
  23. DirkV
    Sep 5, 2013
    9
    i really enjoy this show and the characters. I don't understand why it is considered "hate viewing" buy so many perhaps because it wears its liberalism on its sleeve? Its West Wing in a newsroom big issues, snappy dialogue, a good mix of characters to like and to hate, and some eye candy too.
  24. Mskay
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    LOVE this show. The writing and dialogue is amazingly witty and clever. The characters and plot are engaging. I also appreciate the political sub-texts. I can't wait to see what happens next season.
  25. jimmywalter
    Aug 21, 2015
    8
    Life imitating art as the Main Stream Reviewers attack anything remotely honest about the political system, ie the Tea Party. The Head of the Network wants to eliminate the show because it attacks the Tea Party. She uses the gossip columns, real life uses the reviewers. Low and behold, another popular show bites the dust! Moreover, this show only attacks the obvious while reinforcing theLife imitating art as the Main Stream Reviewers attack anything remotely honest about the political system, ie the Tea Party. The Head of the Network wants to eliminate the show because it attacks the Tea Party. She uses the gossip columns, real life uses the reviewers. Low and behold, another popular show bites the dust! Moreover, this show only attacks the obvious while reinforcing the fantasy that 19 Arabs were allowed to destroy the twin towers and building 7, that Osama Bin Laden was alive and killed by US Forces when anyone with Kidney disease would have died long before the alleged event. So even this limited hangout was squashed… Expand
  26. MorbidPig
    Aug 19, 2014
    6
    It's heavily one-sided, but Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom easily swipes away at any flaws it may contain with incredible writing and a fully committed performance from Jeff Daniels.
  27. Glove
    Nov 28, 2014
    10
    This show rocks my world! Critics suck! It's so much better then most the duds on television and you know it. I'm just sad it's almost over. What a tragedy! Thank you Aaron Sorkin for being such an innovator and staying true to your voice. One of the finest writers of our time. Can't wait to see what you do next!
  28. Sankirk
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    Terrific...poses questions... I don't know of any other show that takes on the world events and possible background... The romances are okay... The political and world information is stellar. It is a threat to the tea party, Fox News, conservatives....a big source of negative reviews.
  29. fbtimes
    Mar 30, 2015
    6
    It's heavily one-sided, but Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom easily swipes away at any flaws it may contain with incredible writing and a fully committed performance from Jeff Daniels.
  30. hichem90
    May 14, 2015
    10
    great show, it's a shame it ended that soon...
    Jeff Daniels, Olivia Munn & Sam Waterston were super brilliant.
    It incites people to think for themselves and show how new media is making us dumber everyday.
  31. fbtimesofficial
    Jul 25, 2015
    6
    It's heavily one-sided, but Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom easily swipes away at any flaws it may contain with incredible writing and a fully committed performance from Jeff Daniels.
  32. UofAlec
    Aug 6, 2015
    10
    Aside from the West Wing, this is the great written show I've every seen (and I've seen a lot). The character development is fantastic and the real life events the show is built around lets you relive some of the biggest moments in the United States' recent history (with a slight editorial spin).

    I say it's a must watch.
  33. mistorica
    Oct 25, 2015
    1
    This is a show for people who can't get enough of MSNBC( or any other liberal media outlet for that matter) and need more of it, in fictional form too.
    But mostly this is intended for people who don't trust MSNBC- if they don't believe what they see on MSNBC they will believe what they see in a well crafted movie: that Republicans are the bad rich guys and Liberals are the smart and cool    This is a show for people who can't get enough of MSNBC( or any other liberal media outlet for that matter) and need more of it, in fictional form too.
    But mostly this is intended for people who don't trust MSNBC- if they don't believe what they see on MSNBC they will believe what they see in a well crafted movie: that Republicans are the bad rich guys and Liberals are the smart and cool guys and oh, so modest.
    It's simply disguised propaganda.
    Could've been a fun show had it not been so politically biased.    … Expand
  34. Klouri
    Feb 5, 2016
    7
    I'd like to say this show is fresh & riveting with a very witty & intelligent dialogue, but they're using REAL news events from the past, and hindsight is 20/20. It's VERY easy to look BACK at what's already happened and concoct the PERFECT foil, answer or comeback that one DIDN'T have the presence of mind to come up with at the time. THAT'S exactly what's happening here... Sorkin hasI'd like to say this show is fresh & riveting with a very witty & intelligent dialogue, but they're using REAL news events from the past, and hindsight is 20/20. It's VERY easy to look BACK at what's already happened and concoct the PERFECT foil, answer or comeback that one DIDN'T have the presence of mind to come up with at the time. THAT'S exactly what's happening here... Sorkin has taken OLD (albeit important) news and, for entertainment's sake, re-written history to reflect the perfect response to, from & by an intelligent, arrogant-but-compassionate, well-read character that didn't exist at the time same REAL news was happening. So, to that end, I would be MORE impressed if he DID NOT use FACTUAL past news stories, but made up just as important FICTIONAL news stories to make the overall premise more believable and credible.

    It's the classic 'I wish I would have thought of THAT then...." statement that we ALL make AFTER the fact, and we all know how EASY that is.    … Expand
  35. troglodyte_
    Jun 3, 2018
    6
    It could be a marvelous show except it isn't due to some amature performance from important characters lead by Emily Mortimer then her associate Alisson Pill though Jeff Daniels delivered a brilliant display. Screenplay and cinematography was great but execution wasn't proper and non pertinent sometimes. Still a good show to watch for a good story line.
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best TV Season of 2012
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
15
#15 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 31
  3. Negative: 6 out of 31
  1. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jun 25, 2012
    83
    Aaron Sorkin can write crackling dialogue. Believable characters, not so much.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Gareth James
    Jun 25, 2012
    60
    The Newsroom is timely, well acted, and big-hearted, but offers few surprises.
    Read full review
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Jun 25, 2012
    80
    In between the romantic dramas, a lot of sharply written comedy and some long passages of news-wonk stuff, it aims to make viewers do a little thinking.
    Read full review
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