The Outsider (2020)

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 12, 2020
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 80
  3. Negative: 9 out of 80
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User Reviews

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  1. UncleWillard
    Jan 13, 2020
    5
    So far, so good. I enjoyed the book, and the Hodges trilogy as well, and this is pretty much following the book as far as the first two episodes. Great casting so far too, but I have not seen an episode with Cynthia Erivo yet, so I'm holding off on a final grade. I don't think Holly's race matters as long as they get the character right. Holly is an important character in the Hodge'sSo far, so good. I enjoyed the book, and the Hodges trilogy as well, and this is pretty much following the book as far as the first two episodes. Great casting so far too, but I have not seen an episode with Cynthia Erivo yet, so I'm holding off on a final grade. I don't think Holly's race matters as long as they get the character right. Holly is an important character in the Hodge's trilogy and in the Outsider, in which she handles the case alone (well, with the other cops and PI's). I was very disappointed in Mr. Mercedes and I love Brendan Gleeson. Holly was totally wrong in that (a 20 year old cute, quirky chick, which is NOT Holly). If Enrivo gets it right, that will lock this in as one of the best King adaptations for TV.

    Edit: Enrivo's Holly starts off fine, but devolves into someone unrecognizable. The last two episodes she says things the character King created would not. Shame, as I thought she was on the right track. I don't think she was the best casting choice. I Falling flat for me towards the end. Ralph's wife and Holly are working my nerve with this whole "you gotta believe or you're no use" bs. Some of the dialogue suffers as it strays from the book.    … Expand
  2. Lifeisbellablog
    Apr 19, 2020
    5
    The show definitely starts out strong, but the second half of the season drags on and becomes pretty boring. In addition to being boring, it's also somehow able to be confusing. Something about this show just wasn't for me.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed TV Season of 2020
6
#6 Most Shared TV Season of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Aug 14, 2020
    58
    The infectious nature of evil is an underlying theme here. This is one case where an infection doesn’t move quickly enough. Is it watchable? Sure. Is it memorable? Nah.
    Read full review
  2. Consequence
    Reviewed by: Michael Roffman
    Jan 27, 2020
    100
    Mendelsohn, in particular, is spectacular. ... The Outsider feels different. It feels fresh. It feels unique. It feels like a side of King’s Dominion we haven’t really seen on screen before, and that’s good news for Constant Readers and for HBO.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 21, 2020
    80
    The Outsider is deluxe King, befitting a tall tale that gains imaginative power by slowly weaving its spooky and supernatural elements into a gripping detective story. [20 Jan - 2 Feb 2020, p.8]
See all critic reviews »