The Originals

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
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Critic Reviews

  1. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Chuck Barney
    Oct 1, 2013
    75
    This series is about the bonds of family and heated power struggles--with a big dose of vampiric hedonism mixed in. Sounds like the makings of something pretty fang-tastic.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Kyle Anderson
    Sep 27, 2013
    75
    The debut treads water getting everybody up to speed, but the dagger-in-the-heart of a cliffhanger--coupled with [Joseph] Morgan's radioactive onscreen charm--should keep The Originals' veins flowing amply. [4 Oct 2013, p.60]
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  3. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Oct 3, 2013
    67
    There are a lot of moving parts and agendas here, but The Originals does a pretty good job of stitching them all together by the end of its first hour.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Carrie Raisler
    Oct 2, 2013
    67
    Gillies’ character is one for the ages, and although the actor’s portrayal of him is as wonderfully measured as ever, his actions here feel like the equivalent of a vampire Parent Trap situation, with Gillies just trying to keep his siblings together using whatever trickery he can. Yet, in spite of all of these concerns, it still feels like there’s a show here.
  6. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Oct 1, 2013
    63
    If you’re into The Vampire Diaries (I’m not), you’ll get sucked into this sleek spinoff.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 228 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 190 out of 228
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 228
  3. Negative: 24 out of 228
  1. Exakter
    Oct 11, 2013
    9
    I don't understand the reviews for this show, it just proves that critics are usually the worst reviewers available. First they consider theirI don't understand the reviews for this show, it just proves that critics are usually the worst reviewers available. First they consider their opinions to be the only ones that matter so they give creative material absolutely NO wiggle room for interpretation.

    This show is NOT vampire diaries. It's a little older, more mature, and a bit edgier. While VD is about an awful main actress and her unbelievably complicated *or some say stupid* romantic life, this is about family. Not family in the disney sense, but in the medieval "My brother is really my worst enemy, at least until we come up against someone even more vile".

    This sets a story with believable motives (if you can believe in witches, vampires, etc, or give the writers the benefit of the doubt that within this universe they exist) and interesting characters. I love me some grey (rather than black/white) antagonists. I love the motives for moving to/staying in New Orleans. Klaus is a fantastic actor. Elijah is.... kind of a god. Rebecca is obviously the weak link in the Originals, and seems to now have moved off of VD, which is both good and bad. I hated her in VD, but her presence in the Originals has me apprehensive. Yet, even here the character's motives and dialogue are improved over the dialogue (in the same week) the character has on VD.

    Let's see where this goes, though I am a bit anxious that the Originals (and by extension VD) keep finding more and more powerful baddies, at least in the Originals the motives behind Marcelle and his Devina are clouded.    … Full Review »
  2. kipstart
    Nov 8, 2013
    10
    This is one of 2013's best series. Although it is a spin off from Vampire diaries, it has gone above and beyond what is expected of aThis is one of 2013's best series. Although it is a spin off from Vampire diaries, it has gone above and beyond what is expected of a supernatural series. This show not only features some good acting, but there is also some real charisma amongst the actors. Additionally, it take suspense to a new level.… Full Review »
  3. Criticak
    Oct 26, 2013
    9
    I previously rated this before but now i've come back to correct my sin. WHAT A SHOW! Full of twists and turns with so much mystery andI previously rated this before but now i've come back to correct my sin. WHAT A SHOW! Full of twists and turns with so much mystery and action! not a cheap spin-off at all.. Not only should the vampire diaries watch out but the entire CW network! well done on a fantastic new show.… Full Review »
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