The Night Of

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 10, 2016
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 522 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 478 out of 522
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 522
  3. Negative: 22 out of 522
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User Reviews

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  1. Paulo_Jorge
    Jul 10, 2016
    10
    Where do I begin with? That's the best pilot that I've ever seen since True Detective's pilot, such a masterpiece driven story of a mysterious homicide which places even the spectator who has seen what actually happened in a doubting position, but upon this amazing storytelling comes some great acting, some actors that I've never seen before were just acting the **** out of this pilot,Where do I begin with? That's the best pilot that I've ever seen since True Detective's pilot, such a masterpiece driven story of a mysterious homicide which places even the spectator who has seen what actually happened in a doubting position, but upon this amazing storytelling comes some great acting, some actors that I've never seen before were just acting the **** out of this pilot, like Riz Ahmed for an example. And for those that I've already known, John Turturro's character seems to have a great connection with Naz (Riz Ahmed), and as a bonus, I've never seen Sofia Black being so convincing.

    Overall, it doesn't take itself as serious as True Detective did and indeed The Night Of comes from a quite different vibe comparing to it, showing the crime from a different perspective and creating a great thriller with it, so again, great acting, great plot, great storytelling and great cinematography, that's a perfect pilot.    … Expand
  2. pkd
    Sep 22, 2016
    10
    I'm reviewing the series as a whole - a story told in the 8 parts. And it's fabulous. The top of the pops.
    it has a cathartic effect - that which squeezes your heart when you realize a great story just been told here about... you.
    The characters, apart from being played in an extraordinary fashion by ALL actors (they should all get the Emmy together), are so interesting and non-cliche,    I'm reviewing the series as a whole - a story told in the 8 parts. And it's fabulous. The top of the pops.
    it has a cathartic effect - that which squeezes your heart when you realize a great story just been told here about... you.
    The characters, apart from being played in an extraordinary fashion by ALL actors (they should all get the Emmy together), are so interesting and non-cliche, no one is totally bad, no one is totally good, they all make mistakes, they all regret and carry on, they all have a cross to carry. It's a story to tell and it will not be easily forgotten. So - well done!    … Expand
  3. panichse
    Sep 4, 2016
    9
    Manages to improve with each episode. I now know what happens if you take some of the best parts (and players) from "The Wire" and run it through a "True Detective" filter. Turturro and others deserve serious awards consideration, even in an amazing television year.
  4. boguesswhat
    Aug 31, 2016
    9
    The Night Of was an amazing show to watch this summer. I appreciate the concept of very carefully setting up the scene on the first episode, and forcing the audience to remember what they saw during that episode. It almost puts yourself in the shoes of a jury member, or even better, a witness. You know what happened that night, or at least you know what Naz knows. Despite this fact, it canThe Night Of was an amazing show to watch this summer. I appreciate the concept of very carefully setting up the scene on the first episode, and forcing the audience to remember what they saw during that episode. It almost puts yourself in the shoes of a jury member, or even better, a witness. You know what happened that night, or at least you know what Naz knows. Despite this fact, it can still be difficult in remembering the tiny important details that took place that night.… Expand
  5. Said01
    Aug 16, 2016
    9
    The Night Of is a must watch! It has all the elements that a perfect thriller should have. Riz Ahmed and John Turturro are amazing, I would even say their best performance so far. I love how Nazir (Riz) transforms from good Muslim boy to what he is becoming (don’t want to give away spoilers). Until now I am still not sure whether he’s innocent or not … It is dark, realistic and it keepsThe Night Of is a must watch! It has all the elements that a perfect thriller should have. Riz Ahmed and John Turturro are amazing, I would even say their best performance so far. I love how Nazir (Riz) transforms from good Muslim boy to what he is becoming (don’t want to give away spoilers). Until now I am still not sure whether he’s innocent or not … It is dark, realistic and it keeps you guessing.… Expand
  6. Gozi
    Sep 3, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So I just finished the entire series and the most impressive thing about this show is by far the cinematography, lighting, atmosphere, music (and lack of), and the characters. Naz and his Lawyer are played to perfection. John Tuturro gave the performance of a lifetime it was really spectacular. I usually hate crime dramas and those cheesy big court scenes, but this show did it right. Its gritty and has a twisted urban realism to it similar to "The Wire". This first few episodes were without a doubt the best of the series. The setup of the crime was probably the best I've ever seen in this type of show. As the series progressed, it never got boring, but it did meander at points and there were lot of specific details about characters (particularly tuturro's) which could have been left out. That being said the investigation putters along with each little piece of evidence seeming more important than the last. It never stops being engaging and I think the cinematography truly draws you into this neo-noire atmosphere that is both depressing but also oddly satisfying. When the finale was over I found myself feeling like detective Box, wanting to reopen new evidence and discover something else. But sadly I must admit the finale was a bit of a let down. I watched those short teasers every week before Game of Thrones, which lead me to believe this was going to be one hell of a shocker. Its a classic whodunit wrapped up in a very modern setting. However, the ending did not deliver that 1, 2 punch I was expecting and I am sitting here writing this an hour after seeing the finale feeling almost no closure. The pilot in particular laid out so much to dig your teeth into, it was such a great television experience to see "The Night Of" the crime take place knowing every detail would be important later on. My eyes were glued to the screen throughout that first episode. And as the show progressed, I was always questioning my own detective skills. But I wasn't fooled. The twist was marginal and too ordinary to make me feel like "you got me.. good twist". Instead I felt the way I do after a Law and Order episode... and that's not a good thing. But overall the show was still amazing. I would absolutely recommend seeing it as long as you don't have a foot phobia :).… Expand
  7. Lou_Chou
    Sep 7, 2016
    9
    Negative reviews seem to be from people who don't understand symbolism, or think all TV that doesn't suit their own individual taste is bad TV.

    The Night Of is intense with deceptive amounts of depth. There's a story, but so much of the show's nuance and intrigue is from the way it treats its characters. As much as it's a thriller about the pursuit of justice, it's actually the    Negative reviews seem to be from people who don't understand symbolism, or think all TV that doesn't suit their own individual taste is bad TV.

    The Night Of is intense with deceptive amounts of depth. There's a story, but so much of the show's nuance and intrigue is from the way it treats its characters. As much as it's a thriller about the pursuit of justice, it's actually the characters, and their handling of this situation, that keep you rolling immediately into the next episode.

    It's not flawless. There's smaller aspects that perhaps don't make sense, or are in play simply to serve a greater purpose. Ones that could perhaps be cut, with no harm to the plot. But it does a stellar job of making every role matter.

    I wish TV of this quality would roll around more often.    … Expand
  8. TheZeroPercent
    Sep 15, 2016
    10
    WOW!!! Be careful! This one will steal 8 hours right from under you!!!

    I am no master of cinematography, so I am not exactly sure how to explain a piece of cinema that is so damned good!! My mind is blow, this one is as good as it gets baby! Pure gold!
  9. eagleeyeviking
    Dec 22, 2019
    8
    "The Night Of" is both a riveting courtroom drama and an incisive look at the American Criminal Justice system. This is aided by phenomenal acting across the board, a brilliant script, and tension that never lets go.
  10. Nicholash6321
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    An enthralling and disturbingly realistic insight into the permeating effects on an emotional, cultural and psychological level of the criminal justice system.
  11. Sepehr_Ai
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    When I finished watching the whole series I was mesmerized By the realistic picture that the series rendered.The Show is great because it questions justice.Just Be careful ,this series is not something that everyone will be a fond of.It is definitely one of the bests in justice realm.
  12. meren
    Oct 15, 2016
    8
    This was the best editing piece that i have seen on T.V. for a long time. Soft starting keep going with intense ambition you are always feeling when watching.
    What makes the series is getting closer to truth is political authenticity and social ennui.
    One guy looking for fun with excitement step out into dark side of the tragedy which combines the fear of a man with social reality. The    This was the best editing piece that i have seen on T.V. for a long time. Soft starting keep going with intense ambition you are always feeling when watching.
    What makes the series is getting closer to truth is political authenticity and social ennui.
    One guy looking for fun with excitement step out into dark side of the tragedy which combines the fear of a man with social reality.
    The script with good acting feel like watching fairly good picture.    … Expand
  13. brockcheese
    Jul 12, 2016
    9
    The first episode is absolutely riveting from start to finish. Almost everything about this show is well done. The acting is great, the cinematography is very expressionistic.
  14. PoeticDumpling
    Jul 17, 2016
    10
    Solid. The cast, cinematography, story, everything is solid. I am excited to see how this mystery unfolds. The characters are excellent. Looking forward to peeling back the layers episode by episode.
  15. McBean
    Aug 30, 2016
    6
    This started off great, with a deliberately slow pace and a really authentic air to the proceedings. The acting was excellent by everyone concerned and the production values and technical skill were high. Although the screenplay ended up lacking, the dialogue was very good throughout. The first episode in particular was extremely well done in terms of pacing and tension. This level ofThis started off great, with a deliberately slow pace and a really authentic air to the proceedings. The acting was excellent by everyone concerned and the production values and technical skill were high. Although the screenplay ended up lacking, the dialogue was very good throughout. The first episode in particular was extremely well done in terms of pacing and tension. This level of overall quality was sustained for roughly six episodes with only a few minor missteps. **SPOILERS AHEAD***

    That said, the 7th and 8th episodes take a huge nosedive in terms of credibility, and the finale is supremely unsatisfying:

    Exhibit A - Chandra Kapoor's actions and motivations are silly. Kissing her client while in jail - a client she hardly even knows - then smuggling drugs in for him shortly thereafter? I'm not buying that.

    Exhibit B - The multiple alternate suspects emerging at the trial have back stories ranging from scant to highly contrived. The step father has the most to gain, but in the end only serves as a counterpoint to the other suspicious characters. The undertaker's actions under initial questioning are stupid - he'd never admit to such misogynistic thoughts to a stranger, who happens to be a (female) lawyer investigating the death of a woman he was recently in contact with - especially if he had actually committed the crime. Duane Reade's backstory is hilariously identical to someone who could have committed the specific crime in question. And then that Ray guy pops up out of nowhere, half an hour from the end of the final episode, with a motivation that seemed dreamed up at the last minute.

    Exhibit C - It seems extremely far-fetched that any jury would not convict Naz with the evidence they'd been presented with.The amount of physical and circumstantial evidence pointing towards Naz being guilty is overwhelming, any alternative suspects seemed scraped up in a desperate scramble by his defence team to throw anything at the wall in the hopes that something would stick, and Naz himself first accepts a plea in exchange for leniency, then changes his mind and proclaims his innocence, then finally admits after being asked directly if he killed the girl says, 'I don't know'. What jury wouldn't convict in those circumstances?

    Exhibit D - The audience never finds out who killed Andrea. And in fact doesn't even know that Naz isn't the killer.

    It's a real shame this ended up the way it did. It had so much potential. If the makers had tread the thin line of credibility as carefully in the second half of the series as they did in the first then this would have been a truly memorable affair.    … Expand
  16. katezoe
    Aug 1, 2016
    10
    The best show of the summer season! Stupendous acting by the entire cast. A thriller, murder mystery and court room drama all rolled into one great show.
  17. yass
    Jul 29, 2016
    10
    Defenitely the most exciting show of the summer. Everyhting you need is in there: drama, suspense and characters who can act. Looking forward for what's next
  18. Kar_Rwen
    Jul 25, 2016
    10
    All I can say is wow. I was blown away by the first episode. It was exciting, the plot so suspenseful and the characters are so complex and compelling. Such a great example of good television that will last the ages.
  19. EPMD
    Jul 18, 2016
    9
    The first episode was a 10 out of 10. The escalation of seriousness, the drama, the way the dots were connected...it was all expertly done. The second episode lacked the same level of suspense as the first, but the realism was still there. I am hopeful this show can stay strong to the end. Due to the incredible detail of the first episode, I think there will be plenty of material to workThe first episode was a 10 out of 10. The escalation of seriousness, the drama, the way the dots were connected...it was all expertly done. The second episode lacked the same level of suspense as the first, but the realism was still there. I am hopeful this show can stay strong to the end. Due to the incredible detail of the first episode, I think there will be plenty of material to work with in the follow up to the crime.… Expand
  20. LamontRaymond
    Jul 10, 2016
    10
    After the 90-minute opening episode, I'd say we're off to a damned good start! I'm a big fan of the TOP quality cop shows from the past 20 - 30 years (Homicide: LOTS, The Wire, The Shield - in no particular order), and it feels like this series will take it's proper place among them. The acting is top notch (the kid, Turturro, the lead homicide detective, the witness who saw the coupleAfter the 90-minute opening episode, I'd say we're off to a damned good start! I'm a big fan of the TOP quality cop shows from the past 20 - 30 years (Homicide: LOTS, The Wire, The Shield - in no particular order), and it feels like this series will take it's proper place among them. The acting is top notch (the kid, Turturro, the lead homicide detective, the witness who saw the couple enter the building - also from The Wire), and it's dripping with authenticity. I'll make sure to revise my score if it ever wavers, but I can't see it happening. I can see the makers of True Detective Season 2 just cryinging themselve to sleep tonight. Yes, THIS is good real crime noir. Not that garbage.… Expand
  21. shellview
    Jul 15, 2016
    10
    This is what great TV is all about. Brilliant. The first episode (pilot) allows the viewer to get to know the characters without muddying the water. Too many police dramas throw so much at us that we end up scratching our heads. In passing we see the limo driver and the second eyewitness who disappears while we get to know in depth Box and Naz. Too bad it is only seven episodes butThis is what great TV is all about. Brilliant. The first episode (pilot) allows the viewer to get to know the characters without muddying the water. Too many police dramas throw so much at us that we end up scratching our heads. In passing we see the limo driver and the second eyewitness who disappears while we get to know in depth Box and Naz. Too bad it is only seven episodes but when it is over I will watch the original from the UK which is also suppose to be terrific.… Expand
  22. FleshWorld
    Jul 14, 2016
    10
    Heady stuff. Huge props to the director - there's nary a movie in theaters these days that can compete with this level of drama. It's a "For Dummies" treatise for lay-people in criminal procedure. I'm loving this.
  23. MartinG
    Aug 5, 2016
    10
    So far, this is the strongest tv series of the summer. Brilliantly written, stylishly directed and with very strong acting, it's intense, captivating and engrossing. I love the attention to the details.
  24. aymenbenhalima
    Aug 4, 2016
    10
    my words can't describe this amazing show a brilliant cast .interesting story it is like a combination between True Detective and The Wire . i have to admitted HBO is the king of TV
  25. thedarkbird
    Jul 28, 2016
    10
    This series can be seen as an extension of The Wire. Where The Wire was a sociological analyses of the condition of police and black people in Baltimore, The Night Of is a - frightening - analyses of the US legal system from the point of an individual caught up in it.

    The plot in the pilot is rather predictable, but that's not the point here. The point is to show how the legal system    This series can be seen as an extension of The Wire. Where The Wire was a sociological analyses of the condition of police and black people in Baltimore, The Night Of is a - frightening - analyses of the US legal system from the point of an individual caught up in it.

    The plot in the pilot is rather predictable, but that's not the point here. The point is to show how the legal system works and this series does that like no other series has done before. Obviously it's not a pretty picture: it's dark, it's gritty, it's inhumane, it's vicious, it's a journey of hitting a brick wall, it's being inside a relentless machine.

    The acting is superb, the camera work is superb, the soundtrack is superb, the world it shows is hard to watch. This series is not entertainment, it's education. A wakeup call. And you should watch this if you even have the slightest interest in how our society works.

    If you liked the Wire you will love this, even though there's nothing much to love in the world you'll see.

    Obviously this is not for Michael Bay-fans. If you're looking for cheap popcorn entertainment you better skip to Batman vs Superman and live your life happily everafter.    … Expand
  26. chidime
    Aug 30, 2016
    8
    The first episode of this show is an 11/10. Perfection!. However, it slowly and slowly ebbed as the remaining 7 episodes played out. Overall, a great show with very realistic tones and plots, which is refreshing given the abundance of overdramatic shows like How To Get Away with Murder, Scandal, Suits, etc. However, this show would have done much better had it spent a bit more time onThe first episode of this show is an 11/10. Perfection!. However, it slowly and slowly ebbed as the remaining 7 episodes played out. Overall, a great show with very realistic tones and plots, which is refreshing given the abundance of overdramatic shows like How To Get Away with Murder, Scandal, Suits, etc. However, this show would have done much better had it spent a bit more time on unraveling what really happened on the night in question. So many of the scenes were really unnecessary and the time spent on those could have been used to propel the story forward in more rewarding ways. Still a good show, but it could have easily cinched that 10/10 from me if it had a better plot priority system.

    8/10    … Expand
  27. coreym
    Sep 2, 2016
    4
    Started off well, good production values and solid acting, but poor writing and over indulgent characterisations and lots of filler episodes. Very poor finale.

    One of those shows that thinks its clever, but isn't really.
    I note most of the reviews here are based on the pilot episode, so this skews the rating.
  28. Zlatan
    Jul 11, 2016
    10
    Nothing to say than amazing. The acting, atmosphere all top notch. It is a shame that this ends in 7 episodes. It has a real potential to continue with more different cases!?....
  29. richardrad
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    Intense and splendid with great acting, this series has a deep appreciation, even love for New York. Yes, it is dark and the subject matter is difficult. It is hard not feel angry about the poor and often haphazard state of the criminal justice system. But parts are entertaining: the music is splendid and the quirky moments give viewers a needed respite from moments of despair. Great television.
  30. aigo
    Aug 16, 2016
    9
    Addictive and spell binding look at the criminal justice system, from crime through arrest, the legal system, and incarceration, sprinkled with issues of class and race. Terrific watch
  31. RebeccaLee
    Aug 8, 2016
    10
    I love HBO and this show is the reason I pay 15$ for HBOnow. Because they take incredible screenplays with incredible casts. It's another cops and bad guys show, BUT it has some slick cinematography and clever script. Its gritty and plays like a killer documentary. I love this show, my new favorite on HBO and it eases the pain fo GOT ending. Watch it, it's slow but its gorgeous.
  32. LatinCritic13
    Jul 15, 2016
    10
    If you like crime dramas that doesn't flop too much than CBS' underwhelming borefest crime shows like Blue Bloods or Scorpion, and etc, watch this show instead. Everything about this show is so gripping that it matches the depths of The Wire. When you watch it, it really feels like you're watching the third season of True Detective or a spin-off of The Wire but with different showrunnersIf you like crime dramas that doesn't flop too much than CBS' underwhelming borefest crime shows like Blue Bloods or Scorpion, and etc, watch this show instead. Everything about this show is so gripping that it matches the depths of The Wire. When you watch it, it really feels like you're watching the third season of True Detective or a spin-off of The Wire but with different showrunners and crew running this fantastic mini-series. And there's the best part about this show, the sociology, the performances, the cinematography, the sociology, and the nature of this show is truly immersive to binge on and trust me, you're not gonna be disappointed!!!… Expand
  33. jlplatten
    Aug 15, 2016
    3
    I have to change my grade from a 10, because the show has completely morphed into a political commentary with a huge left wing bias. It has gotten so bad that their agenda had totally ruined our main character, and now he's making the dumbest decisions while he's fighting for his life in court. Innocent kid tattooing SIN on his knuckles? Does he want to stay in jail? Whatever. The creatorsI have to change my grade from a 10, because the show has completely morphed into a political commentary with a huge left wing bias. It has gotten so bad that their agenda had totally ruined our main character, and now he's making the dumbest decisions while he's fighting for his life in court. Innocent kid tattooing SIN on his knuckles? Does he want to stay in jail? Whatever. The creators know how to make a great show, but their politics have completely destroyed the characters. I thought this was going to be a murder mystery. Nope. It's a show about prison.… Expand
  34. Jspotter89
    Aug 30, 2016
    6
    So, The Night Of turned out to not live up to the promise that was so clearly evident in it's first episode.

    The best way I can describe it is that it is a thoroughly watchable, but ultimately frustrating show. The list of positives are many: great acting, great atmosphere, and a great hook in the first episode that reels you in and demands that you pay attention. Turturro and Riz Ahmed    So, The Night Of turned out to not live up to the promise that was so clearly evident in it's first episode.

    The best way I can describe it is that it is a thoroughly watchable, but ultimately frustrating show. The list of positives are many: great acting, great atmosphere, and a great hook in the first episode that reels you in and demands that you pay attention. Turturro and Riz Ahmed were outstanding in their roles, and Michael K. Williams was fantastic, as always. Individual scenes and character moments were first rate.

    But as the series continued, I became more and more confounded by some of the writing choices and plot points the show kept harping on. The problem seems to have been that the size of the story that was being told was simply too large for the format that was telling it. What was the ultimate message this show was trying to convey? Was it a procedural drama, a murder mystery, a vehicle to explore the criminal justice system and how it often is more focused on results than on actual justice, or a depiction of how prison can take a law-abiding citizen and turn him into an animal as a means of survival? It was a little of all of these things, but in trying to wear so many hats, it diluted the message as a whole.

    To wit, the characters occasionally made decisions that made very little sense in the context in which they were made. Naz, primarily, was a thoroughly interesting, but ultimately infuriating character to follow. I found myself rooting for him to survive this ordeal with his life and freedom at the start of the series, but being utterly indifferent to how he ended up by the finale. This was because in the first half of the series, he is depicted as an unremarkable but likeable teenager who finds himself utterly out of his depth in a world he had never experienced. By the end of the series, he is right hand to the kingpin of Rikers Island, assisting him in murder, partaking in the drug trade, and other unflattering if understandable behaviors. This course of events was all well and good, but it was never explained to the viewer in any satisfying way. We don't witness Naz make this change, it just sort of happens. Maybe that was the point, that the prison system takes fresh-faced young people and churns them into hardened convicts. Again, too many messages and not enough time to play them all out.

    Naz's attorney Chandra was the most plainly misused character in the series. The events of the finale utterly gutted her character of credibility. First, she kisses Naz in a holding cell, an act that she must have known would result in the destruction of her career, and should have known would have been on camera. This act happens almost totally out of any sense of context, because there is barely any establishment of any attraction between the two characters. It just happens. Finally, and most non-sensically, she agrees to help Naz smuggle drugs into the prison. It seems left to the viewer to determine why she does this, but now she isn't just risking her career, she's risking jail time.

    Ultimately, the story is interesting. The acting keeps it enticing. But there's a lot of bizarre choices made along the way that make The Night Of a perplexing, if interesting, watch.    … Expand
  35. jimmypowder
    Aug 1, 2016
    8
    I have enjoyed the first four episodes but the show is spending too much time on prison life and too little on solving the murder.

    That is my only complaint.
  36. Gwyndolin
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    A great show all-around, with a fantastic finale.
    Acting was spot on, the script was intelligent, pacing of the story was steady and each episode was littered with interesting details.
  37. Orudomonki
    Aug 15, 2016
    10
    This show right here people, is getting killing me with pain, but it's that sweet pain. The way this story is told is perfect, I'm hooked at it for every minute of the run time. The way of telling is at the level of The Wire and Breaking Bad, and I can't wait to see how this concludes.
  38. vanhuizum
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    Amazing edge of your seat crime drama with incredible cast. A must watch! The story will keep you guessing to the end and the actors are top notch. Simply wonderful!
  39. FilmSnob
    Sep 1, 2016
    2
    There are similarities between The Night Of's premise and the Andan Sayed case made so popular on the podcast Serial but the tv series is not anywhere near as gripping. The first episode had a number of holes but I soldiered on, binge watching the entire series wondering what I was missing since this show rated so highly on Metacritic but I was so so sorely disappointed. The cat, theThere are similarities between The Night Of's premise and the Andan Sayed case made so popular on the podcast Serial but the tv series is not anywhere near as gripping. The first episode had a number of holes but I soldiered on, binge watching the entire series wondering what I was missing since this show rated so highly on Metacritic but I was so so sorely disappointed. The cat, the eczema, the inappropriate and unnecessary sexual exploits, the sloppy rendering of police and judicial procedure, the melodramatic pacing, and the one dimensional characters made even the great John Turturro's acting woefully inadequate to bring this drama 'justice'. There is no rhyme or reason why this badly written script should have been permitted to go to film. Do not waste your time hoping it gets better.… Expand
  40. mark_sf
    Aug 14, 2016
    10
    Another fabulous show from HBO, from what I've seen through episode 5. Hardly a weak link here. The cast is all around incredible, and the story telling is of a very rare quality. I expect this show to earn many awards.
  41. kxng
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    'The Night Of' is a masterpiece. The pilot was breathtaking and it only got better from there on out. First off, this show is not about solving a murder, it's about the corruption of the criminal justice system and showing us how people can change put in certain situations. The character development of Naz is the best I've seen since Walter White on Breaking Bad. John Turturro who played'The Night Of' is a masterpiece. The pilot was breathtaking and it only got better from there on out. First off, this show is not about solving a murder, it's about the corruption of the criminal justice system and showing us how people can change put in certain situations. The character development of Naz is the best I've seen since Walter White on Breaking Bad. John Turturro who played John Stone deserves every award possible for his performance, his closing statement was one of the greatest scenes in the show. While the murder was an interesting and intricate part of the story, the underlying messages about racism, the corrupt justice system, what life in prison is really like and how it changes even the (slightly) most innocent of us, is what really shines in this show. It's quite simply a story everyone should watch and take in. Wonderful acting, phenomenal writing, amazing show.. one of my favorite seasons of television.… Expand
  42. doctor_awesome
    Aug 6, 2016
    10
    I was somewhat skeptical of this show for the first 15 minutes of the lengthy first episode, maybe I was just in a bad mood, but it felt like an overblown "Law & Order" setup with generic TV characters I couldn't care about in some contrived hot-button social commentary story. That all changed rapidly because the story is just told in a compelling way, the characters get more interestingI was somewhat skeptical of this show for the first 15 minutes of the lengthy first episode, maybe I was just in a bad mood, but it felt like an overblown "Law & Order" setup with generic TV characters I couldn't care about in some contrived hot-button social commentary story. That all changed rapidly because the story is just told in a compelling way, the characters get more interesting (even if they start in somewhat cliche places) and what you're seeing is realistic in way, yet also insane and quite weird without being ridiculous.

    The episodes largely have a hard boiled realism feel to them, yet there's a lot of entertainment as well. Even though a lot of the decisions suggest there are some social commentary undertones, nothing is heavy handed yet. Mostly it's just a pretty cool mystery story that has you coming up with theories and thinking about possible angles, or just wondering what could possibly happen next.

    Even more rewarding, several of the obvious theories suggested in the first episode get explored in tantalizing ways in later episodes, this one is definitely a blast to watch. I haven't been this excited about a TV show in quite a while. Most obviously, if you liked "The Wire" then I think you're pretty much guaranteed to like "The Night Of". But I think anyone who likes cop shows on TV will probably enjoy this, this is kind of the story I always hoped to experience when I turned on that kind of show 20 years ago.    … Expand
  43. julieaanderson
    Aug 10, 2016
    10
    The characters and the acting are totally compelling. Every character is nuanced. I find myself wondering how closely will this follow The Call of the Wild? Is Naz going to have a fight with Freddie
    (like Spitz?)
  44. TVBug
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    I can't remember a time when I've encountered such beautiful, brilliant, poignant story telling in a tv series. This is a masterpiece. I'd give it 20 if I could.
  45. Laj
    Oct 9, 2016
    9
    An interesting and well produced TV show with some strong performances from all the actors. Great dialogue and captivating. What violence there is is within context and well within the bounds of good story telling.

    One of the best productions for 2016

    Highly recommended.
  46. Thirdrail
    Sep 8, 2016
    7
    Amazing production values, and solid performances. Two things keep me giving this higher marks: one, the core crime itself is just so predictable, it's like a song you've so many times that it can only be grating, no matter who sings it, or why. Killing the slutty free spirited girl was really the best idea anyone in that writer's room could come up with? Seriously, what slutty freeAmazing production values, and solid performances. Two things keep me giving this higher marks: one, the core crime itself is just so predictable, it's like a song you've so many times that it can only be grating, no matter who sings it, or why. Killing the slutty free spirited girl was really the best idea anyone in that writer's room could come up with? Seriously, what slutty free spirited girl has ever been deemed worthy to survive a crime story? Like, none, ever, in the history of tv of movies. It's just so painfully par for course. And the kid's reaction to the crime, which is so ridiculously stupid. They might as well have had a UFO or a fairy fly in to control his mind for a few minutes, it wouldn't have been any less outlandish than his reaction to finding the girl dead. And without that insanely dumb/boring stint of writing to set the rest of the story up, you have absolutely nothing, so, as defects, they are tough to ignore. Still, the show is too pretty, and too well executed, on some fundamental level, to actually be unwatchable. It's disappointing they didn't put as much time into the story as they did the look, because this really could have been a True Detective level production, had they simply tried to be a little smarter with their script.… Expand
  47. leaveit
    Aug 22, 2016
    7
    Good show, but it gets a bit ridiculous at times. Prison is actually safer than the streets in terms of potential murder on average. Also, what are these subplots about John's eczema and cat? Is this just another thing where something physical bugs him until he gets the big break on the Nazir Khan case? I feel the same way about each of these scenes as I do when Maester Pycelle did theGood show, but it gets a bit ridiculous at times. Prison is actually safer than the streets in terms of potential murder on average. Also, what are these subplots about John's eczema and cat? Is this just another thing where something physical bugs him until he gets the big break on the Nazir Khan case? I feel the same way about each of these scenes as I do when Maester Pycelle did the calisthenics in Game of Thrones. The show seems to be plodding along and I am somewhat reluctant to see how they're possibly going to wrap this all up in one more episode.

    Other than this, the show is well-shot and acted and keeps me entertained throughout.    … Expand
  48. RPGmax
    Aug 16, 2016
    0
    The first two episodes looked promising, had I only watched those episodes I would have rated this 10, but the recent episodes are ludicrous. I mean the subplot of john stones eczema condition is getting out of hand, too much focus is given for that. Moreover, Nazis transition into a tough guy in an extremely short period seems unrealistic. Anyway, I won't be watching this again.
  49. LordFAFA
    Jul 26, 2016
    6
    I'm truly surprised by the high ratings over here. I've only seen the first episode so the rest of the season must be mind-blowing then, because the pilot was really, really predictable. Maybe that was the intention or something. To each their own :)
  50. GOUYFu6rfou67f
    Jul 26, 2016
    3
    From the existing reviews, I expected big things - I don't thing I've ever been so disappointed by a show I've looked up on MetaCritic. For anyone with half a brain, the entire plot is completely predictable from very early on.The entire 120 minute first episode could have been wrapped up in less than half the time. I gave up after 50 minutes and skipped through the rest, it went exactlyFrom the existing reviews, I expected big things - I don't thing I've ever been so disappointed by a show I've looked up on MetaCritic. For anyone with half a brain, the entire plot is completely predictable from very early on.The entire 120 minute first episode could have been wrapped up in less than half the time. I gave up after 50 minutes and skipped through the rest, it went exactly as I thought it would. Very dull, I will not be watching more.… Expand
  51. marco34la
    Aug 27, 2016
    4
    I'm 5 episodes in and have to say -- this show is grossly OVER-RATED. The series shoots its load in the last 30 mins of episode 1... the rest is all downhill. SNOOZER.
  52. Lakyforever
    Aug 20, 2016
    5
    had promise in the first few episodes.
    now it has drifted into being just another free **** show in which showrunner decides what random stuff to fill and what direction to take it to, depending on what they eat for breakfast...
  53. Prosmooth
    Nov 12, 2016
    7
    Starts off brilliantly--and then gets pretty average during the end game. Still a pretty good procedural though. Very well acted all the way around, and I really liked the look of it.
  54. Gmart
    Sep 3, 2016
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was encouraged by the reviews, started watching with my wife, and the first woman character is some form of mysterious, one-dimensional character there to represent a beauty beyond his imagining but who turns out to insist he stabs her!! Introducing needless violence into a perfectly fine drama up to that point. No imagination or realism there just mindless. How am I supposed to get past that? - hardly realistic is it? - i was expecting an embarrassing night of non-violence, maybe I am not the market any more *sigh*… Expand
  55. freshtalent
    Oct 1, 2016
    10
    Hard for me to understand a mixed or negative review on this show. I know not every genre is for everyone, but this really a great drama.

    You feel for and against just about every major character. Suspenseful, enlightening, sad, often feeling realistic. I've never gone to jail, and I'm sure some parts are exaggerated, but other parts are dealer than I would ever be able to understand.    Hard for me to understand a mixed or negative review on this show. I know not every genre is for everyone, but this really a great drama.

    You feel for and against just about every major character. Suspenseful, enlightening, sad, often feeling realistic. I've never gone to jail, and I'm sure some parts are exaggerated, but other parts are dealer than I would ever be able to understand.

    Wish there was more. Strong directorial debut for this uber writer.    … Expand
  56. bob516
    Dec 26, 2016
    0
    Very stylish, but that is about where it ended for me. I knew from the beginning that Naz was going to be charged with the crime, so why did the first episode spend so much time creating moments when it looked like the patrol officers that stopped him let him off, walk away scot free from the crime scene, or walk out of the police station with no one noticing. Seems like poor, lazyVery stylish, but that is about where it ended for me. I knew from the beginning that Naz was going to be charged with the crime, so why did the first episode spend so much time creating moments when it looked like the patrol officers that stopped him let him off, walk away scot free from the crime scene, or walk out of the police station with no one noticing. Seems like poor, lazy writing to me, and it only got worse. I pushed through the first episode, and tried to get through the second, but gave up half way.

    I sure hope the deer head hanging on the wall had some meaning later on, otherwise it was pretentious b.s.    … Expand
  57. Boras
    Nov 23, 2016
    9
    I personally prefer mini-series. this one is a very good one. Turturro is a bit too much for the rest of the cast, it's role is a bit dominant among the other actors, however playing quality is superb the plot is deep and sticks you to your screen eager to know how it will end. Definitely a must see serie for this season. In my ranking, The Night Of is right below True Detective 1
  58. pmart4
    Nov 16, 2016
    8
    This show runs at a bit of a slow pace but very well written. It has enough twists and turns to keep you hooked and the overall plot is well above average. There were times I wanted something a little more 'major' to happen but that never really comes. This is salvaged by great acting and strong dialogue.

    It's not a series you'd ever come back to but I'm glad I watched it.
  59. drambuie_
    Oct 28, 2016
    10
    i love this show!! it wasnt that much about the script , i mean there were not so great plot twists or suspense or even yet a powerful finale that we all needed . BUT the characters..! Oh the lawyer ! He was built piece to piece so carefully, so gently i could see his soul i could feel him anytime.He touched me. And that goes along with the great director i think who made us see everyi love this show!! it wasnt that much about the script , i mean there were not so great plot twists or suspense or even yet a powerful finale that we all needed . BUT the characters..! Oh the lawyer ! He was built piece to piece so carefully, so gently i could see his soul i could feel him anytime.He touched me. And that goes along with the great director i think who made us see every little detail of this character and of every character (the struggle and the fall of the main actor) . Hands down BEST characters development and BEST direction in a TV show. .… Expand
  60. NihadBOSna
    Dec 2, 2016
    10
    Damn this has been good show.I just loved it, loved the dark side of the series...seeing how prison can change people forever,how someone innocent can be punished. Definitely one of the best series of this year
  61. gustavonever
    Sep 15, 2016
    9
    Uma serie intrigante que consegue te prender do primeiro ao ultimo episódio sem muito artifícios apenas com um roteiro muito bem construído e atuações que merecem os aplausos da audiência (e quem sabe alguns emmys).
  62. wicker771
    Sep 28, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic opener, great ending, muddled middle. The prison scenes leave a lot to be desired, and Ahmed's transformation is hard to believe. Neck tattoos? You're supposed to be innocent, why are you getting neck tattoos. There is also a scene featuring the the female lawyer sneaking contraband. As unbelievable as it gets. Good show, far from great.… Expand
  63. ajgseries
    Nov 30, 2017
    9
    It’s one of the greatest mini series I’ve seen in my life. The thing that catches my attention the most is the cinematography. There is something beautiful, something magnificent to appreciate in every scene. The thing I least liked was the end, not bad, but I think it could have finished better. It's a well-produced series, very characteristic of HBO.
  64. DebraSavittieri
    Oct 16, 2016
    10
    The directing, acting,casting photography were perfect. The story line went far beyond and clearly captured the lives of almost every character beyond the end of the movie. it is a movie about LIFE and circumstantial things that can happen that affects everyone around you. This Series is my all time favorite! If it were a motion picture it would of won an Oscar in every single category.The directing, acting,casting photography were perfect. The story line went far beyond and clearly captured the lives of almost every character beyond the end of the movie. it is a movie about LIFE and circumstantial things that can happen that affects everyone around you. This Series is my all time favorite! If it were a motion picture it would of won an Oscar in every single category. LOVE LOVE Loved it.… Expand
  65. kaiserm86
    Nov 6, 2016
    8
    "The Night Of" was a great 8 part series, which I'll review on a whole. The series starts off with giving you just enough character development to be intrigued and want to stick with the series for the next episode, and the next, until several hours later the series is all over and you are fulfilled. And while I say you finish the series fulfilled, I will admit, I felt there were several"The Night Of" was a great 8 part series, which I'll review on a whole. The series starts off with giving you just enough character development to be intrigued and want to stick with the series for the next episode, and the next, until several hours later the series is all over and you are fulfilled. And while I say you finish the series fulfilled, I will admit, I felt there were several components at the end that left me wanting. I do not want to reveal any spoilers for the series, several of the interactions with Naz and his lawyer at the end were hard to believe. A lawyer with so much on the line, appears to risk an awful lot on her client. Additionally, Naz’s descent into prison life seemed accelerated (albeit most likely for the sake of the number of episodes). Finally, the ending of the series and Naz’s final existence, and what becomes of his family made me want a few more episodes. The series felt like it had all the classic story components, introduction, rising action, climax, and resolution, but the resolution just felt halted. One more episode showing the characters with their lives post trial would have made this series a perfect 10. All the actors did a great job executing, and I didn’t find a single performance weak. I would highly recommend “The Night Of” for anyone who gets sucked into legal and/or mystery tv shows.… Expand
  66. Palladium-46
    Dec 5, 2016
    10
    It's rare to see something so terrific -- the actors are uniformly brilliant, the direction so intricate, and the story so mesmerizing. I am a big fan of Paul Sparks ("House of Cards"), who is featured in this series. Turturro gives his best work ever. The writing is the best I've seen in years.
  67. Aimarley
    Dec 11, 2016
    10
    Una producción espectacular.
    con actores buenos y un inicio de serie muy interesante.
    vi el piloto de la serie. y desde el minuto 1 es brutal la serie.
    A mi me engancho, desde el principio.
  68. EstebanD
    Jan 9, 2017
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First, if not a disclaimer, at least a mea culpa. I’ve been a Richard Price fan for many decades, having read The Wanderers upon its original release in 1974. Thus, the criticism I offer now is born of disappointment, not closely-held malice. The Night Of, Price’s relatively recent HBO miniseries, so fails any standard of authenticity, I suspect that its creators held their viewers in literal contempt. I could begin with the two zhlubs (superb actors both) cast as prosecutor and defense attorney. Their like is not to be found in a New York City courtroom. And that’s especially true of prosecutors assigned to high-profile murder trials. These trials, by the way, are not conducted in what appears to be the back room of a Long Island City warehouse. Price had to know this.
    Most commonly, in works of this type, we know if the accused is guilty. Not here. The allure of The Night Of rests on our not being sure. We want to believe in Nasir Khan’s innocence, but the evidence compiled by the prosecution is so overwhelming that his first lawyer recommends he accept a deal. He’ll plead guilty to the crime of manslaughter and pass the next fifteen years in a maximum-security prison. Price works this theme to the very end. Even when the prosecution, after a hung jury, declines to re-try Naz, we’re still not sure that he’s innocent. (Just as an aside, Price’s A.D.A makes this decision a few minutes after the jury returns. No prosecutor has this power. In a high-profile murder case, the District Attorney would make the final decision after weighing all the political implications.)
    Here’s the bad news. Naz’s guilt or innocence should have been established at the time of his arrest. The victim was stabbed more than twenty times. Each time a bloody knife rises and falls, drops of blood are released. These drops, when they strike any surface, including Naz’s body and clothing, leave distinctive patterns that can easily be determined by forensic examiners. Did these patterns appear on Naz’s body and clothing? The defendant’s clothing was bagged at the time of his arrest, examination being the whole point, yet somehow the condition of his shirt and pants, his shoes and socks, wasn’t raised at his trial, not by the prosecution or the defense. There’s no wiggle room here. Andrea’s killer could no more avoid the blood thrown off by the rising and falling knife than the bed and the walls. If drops of Andrea’s blood were found on Naz’s clothes or body, he would certainly be guilty. If not, he would be as certainly innocent. The issue should have been determined, as I said, at the time of Naz’s arrest.
    I’m used to a very low level in authenticity from broadcast television. The courtroom procedure in Law and Order, for example, bore no resemblance to the procedure in a New York courtroom. In fact, it was only slightly more authentic than the flying forensics in a typical CSI episode. But that’s cool. As I’ve already said, my expectations, when it comes to broadcast television, are minimal at best. I expected more, however, from HBO, and especially from Ricard Price. I find his performance disappointing, of course, but not as disappointing as the terrific ratings this show garnered on websites like Rotten Tomatoes. I read many of the reviews posted on Rotten Tomatoes, enough to be sure their authors hadn’t spotted this very obvious hole in The Night Of’s plot. Did Price and his partner, Steven Zaillian, cynically exploit viewer ignorance? Maybe I’m being too harsh. Maybe not. But Richard Price has put more than four decades of his life into the crime-and-punishment game. He could not have missed something as obviously important as the defendant’s body and clothing. The omission had to be deliberate. More the shame in that.    … Expand
  69. EraserTraceur
    Jan 14, 2017
    4
    I am rating this a 4/10 for the average rating of this show being a 9 just to calm the fan boyism off from what this show actually is....and I just didnt enjoy it. The show for the first 15 minutes....I was on board, I was like yeah he is a smart tutor person...I know he has a party to go to, who is this chick??? I have to keep this short..

    I enjoy Game of Thrones,Breaking Bad, Diners    I am rating this a 4/10 for the average rating of this show being a 9 just to calm the fan boyism off from what this show actually is....and I just didnt enjoy it. The show for the first 15 minutes....I was on board, I was like yeah he is a smart tutor person...I know he has a party to go to, who is this chick??? I have to keep this short..

    I enjoy Game of Thrones,Breaking Bad, Diners Drive ins and Dives, theres always something happening, and yes I may be a sucker for action and stuff "happening" and tend to shy away from dramas, Mr Robt I gave up on, Walking Dead I gave up on, all had good promise like this show...but just fell off, OMG Luke Cage is just NO.

    The protagonist here does nothing...weird mamsy pamsy stuff.....what happened for the whole first episode??? he stole a cab...got arrested....stayed quiet....just sits there.... NOTHING HAPPENED....
    NEXT. Im gonna go watch the Wire season 1 because I heard good things.    … Expand
  70. GoodVibrations
    Aug 6, 2017
    10
    I really like many parts of this tv series, and I doubt they can top this first season in a second season. I really like the lawyer character, who is seedy, beaten-down, and jaded, and he is not on a wholly different plane from his criminal clients as some lawyers are. This shows the darker side of the law profession. I like how this character beats the odds to win this big league criminalI really like many parts of this tv series, and I doubt they can top this first season in a second season. I really like the lawyer character, who is seedy, beaten-down, and jaded, and he is not on a wholly different plane from his criminal clients as some lawyers are. This shows the darker side of the law profession. I like how this character beats the odds to win this big league criminal case. I like the Riz Ahmed character and how he is transformed in jail from a good, sweet, dutiful kid into a tough, swaggering enforcer for his mentor, Freddy. Ahmed successfully portrayed this transformation. In some ways, I like how the mystery is not completely solved leaving the case unsolved, but in other ways, I wish there had been more closure and resolution about who killed the girl. I like the retiring cop character who actually has a conscience and tries to do the right thing in the end. He is a contrast to the Ahmed character who gets corrupted by the jail system. I didn't like the kiss between Ahmed and the young corporate lawyer since (1) it is very implausible (2) it introduces an unnecessary romantic subplot that doesn't add anything. I hope there will be a season two, but, as I said, I doubt a season two will measure up to season one. I definitely hope Turturro as the lawyer and the cop characters both return since their duel was the central plotting angle.… Expand
  71. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 23, 2022
    8
    A highlight in the mini-series genre. The pilot is phenomenal and the story is cautionary. Its a kystery that doesn't try to be solve only exonerate. A slow burn that slowly unwinds to it climatic finish. Riz Ahmed doe eyed naivete is well performed alongside Turturro sleazy lawyer. An excellent thriller.
  72. SamComedian
    Feb 26, 2019
    10
    "The Night Of" en inglés, que decir, un seriote como la copa de un pino, aunque solo dura 8 episodios, se hacen super amenos y muy emocionantes.
    Fue una serie que cogí sin muchas ganas porque ya no sabia que ver en HBO, ostras, fue ver el primer episodio y alucinar, la trama es fantástica ( de suspense y policiaca, no digo más que si no son spoilers ), los actores son increíbles, tenemos    "The Night Of" en inglés, que decir, un seriote como la copa de un pino, aunque solo dura 8 episodios, se hacen super amenos y muy emocionantes.
    Fue una serie que cogí sin muchas ganas porque ya no sabia que ver en HBO, ostras, fue ver el primer episodio y alucinar, la trama es fantástica ( de suspense y policiaca, no digo más que si no son spoilers ), los actores son increíbles, tenemos a John Turturro, Riz Ahmed, Michael K. Williams, Bill Camp, etc. No se puede pedir mas.
    Me ha encantado y el final te deja, bueno... no digo nada. 10 sobre 10 sin duda. Mi octava crítica u/o review de la sección de TV.    … Expand
  73. geewah
    Jan 9, 2021
    10
    This is a fantastic limited series.
    A taut, clever script that never fails to captivate.
    Turturro & Ahmed are excellent in the lead roles.
    One of if not the best shows of 2016.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best TV Season of 2016
14
#14 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
21
#21 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jul 11, 2016
    100
    The wide-eyed Ahmed is perfect as the naive young man who can’t seem to make a right decision. That is until he agrees to let Turturro’s Jack Stone help him. And Turturro hits the right notes as the cynical attorney who has his work cut out for him.
    Read full review
  2. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Marlow Stern
    Jul 11, 2016
    90
    Though its title screams Christmas flick, HBO’s absorbing new miniseries is a pitch-black procedural that combines the system-is-broken outrage of Making a Murderer, the menacing atmosphere of Oz, and the shameless topicality and plot twists of Law & Order: SVU. And the first of its eight hour-long chapters plays like an elegant, extended version of the first three minutes of SVU.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Jul 11, 2016
    100
    How Naz's religion (he's the American-born son of Pakistani immigrants) becomes a factor in the case is a natural part of the narrative but never feels like a polemic--The Night Of is too subtle for that. Its brilliance is in the way, thanks to the moody, unrushed direction and pointed, spare dialogue, everything feels freighted with meaning.
    Read full review
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