The Path

:

Season 1
  • Network: HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 30, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 82
  3. Negative: 10 out of 82
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User Reviews

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  1. allisonjane65
    May 29, 2016
    3
    I've persevered through most of the first season because of a few promising episodes but I'm over it now.

    It's just getting more and more ridiculous and unbelievable and I can't be bothered waiting to see if it will improve.
  2. kirsten123
    May 28, 2016
    2
    I finally gave up on The Path eight episodes into the first season when it became apparent that the show is going nowhere fast.

    Aaron Paul must be ruing the day he signed on to star in and produce this turd.
  3. visiblelight7
    Feb 25, 2018
    5
    had to edit my previous 10/10 review.
    This show doesn't make it past the first season.
    Season 1 was really good and felt like it was going to be a masterpiece but by season 2 this show ruined itself... it's terribly boring and they should have stuck with a concentrated story with a conclusion instead of trying to add filler material. If you don't like watching a show without    had to edit my previous 10/10 review.
    This show doesn't make it past the first season.

    Season 1 was really good and felt like it was going to be a masterpiece but by season 2 this show ruined itself... it's terribly boring and they should have stuck with a concentrated story with a conclusion instead of trying to add filler material.

    If you don't like watching a show without finishing it, then you'll probably want to avoid this show. Trust me, season 2 and season 3 are a complete letdown. The quality of the plot drops from 10/10 to a 5/10. Seriously i'm not joking.    … Expand
  4. bigmackk
    Mar 30, 2016
    9
    Great show, the performances especially are fantastic so far. Very interesting look into a functioning cult and how people can get pulled in. Also love the slight mystical element with the introduction of the ayahuasca retreat.
  5. Jseven
    Feb 20, 2018
    3
    When I first started watching this show it was very interesting. This current season has add new story lines that are really random and don't tie together well.
    It definitely does not add to the show its such a complicated show it actually creates a distraction from the important relavant plots.
    Additionally, As a tv watcher Im aware that Hollywood has a agenda to make sure every show ha    When I first started watching this show it was very interesting. This current season has add new story lines that are really random and don't tie together well.
    It definitely does not add to the show its such a complicated show it actually creates a distraction from the important relavant plots.
    Additionally, As a tv watcher Im aware that Hollywood has a agenda to make sure every show ha
    ve a principle queer LGBT focus. The way they push this agenda is unnatural, Unrealistic and forced.
    On this show the Son goes from liking girls a lot to out of no where have a sexual relationship with another man. The Son's sexual Public brawdcast on 8. is sooo corny. Its so irrelevant that I just fast forward.
    Im ok with this but not like this. Not one net work has found a realistic natural way to push their agenda its always out of left field having zero to do with the meat of the story line, often highly sexually visual . Often miss representing actual real life for most of the country.
    I believe your agenda can be pushed in a realistic natural way that makes sense in real life to each story line.. Ie every parent is not going to be ok with this. Your push could be deeper creating questions make the public think about it in a much more deep way. It just sucks that its sooo obvious and only for numbers. looking once again for a new show to watch.    … Expand
  6. pythag0ras
    Apr 6, 2016
    2
    Severely boring. So far the first three episodes have been nothing but build up. The premise is pretty weak to begin with. The whole "situation" they are in could easily be corrected by simply killing the bad guy. Hes got no backup , hes all peaceful and trusting like, and hes probably the least ominous antagonist Ive ever seen in a show. Could literally walk up to him in the show and justSeverely boring. So far the first three episodes have been nothing but build up. The premise is pretty weak to begin with. The whole "situation" they are in could easily be corrected by simply killing the bad guy. Hes got no backup , hes all peaceful and trusting like, and hes probably the least ominous antagonist Ive ever seen in a show. Could literally walk up to him in the show and just end him. Not to mention that cults are becoming a thing of the past as people realize that anything that has to do with faith or religion is a scam. The ONLY saving grace this show has is from the lead actor (who was in breaking bad), who plays his role well, what role there is. ultimately so far its not been worth the time it took to watch it.… Expand
  7. leelustig
    May 20, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hulu's 'The Path' is a surprising treat. The first episode is dynamite entertainment that set the bar high. From there on, the show manages to not only sustain its tense character arcs and plotlines, but actually seems to grow more refined by the episode. Not only are the characters highly dimensional and likeable, but some of them seem to be a dark, bizarro-mirrored versions of some of the actors' previous roles. Hugh Dancy and Aaron Paul's 'frenemy' relationship strangely mirrors the shaky yet deep bond between Hannibal and Will Graham. The character of Eddie Lane is reminiscent of Jesse Pinkman's conflict, where he is forced to do things against his will which he was made to believe are right. Kier Dullea's false claims of ascension is literally the opposite of his character David Bowman in 2001: A Space Odyssey, who did in fact evolve into a being of light. These extremely thoughtful casting choices are a small piece of what gives 'The Path' such a powerful tone. The writing here is top notch, where every second of screen time seems carefully crafted with layers upon layers of purpose. If you're a fan of good writing or any of the casted actors, don't miss 'The Path.'… Expand
  8. Prosmooth
    Mar 31, 2016
    9
    Not sure where this is heading--but it's very strong. Only seen 2 episodes. I first saw Aaron Paul in Big Love--and he was the reason I started watching Breaking Bad. He's the reason I started watching this show as well. The man can pick good projects (Need For Speed being an exception to the rule)--and he's actually producing this show. Hugh Dancy from Hannibal is strong too--along withNot sure where this is heading--but it's very strong. Only seen 2 episodes. I first saw Aaron Paul in Big Love--and he was the reason I started watching Breaking Bad. He's the reason I started watching this show as well. The man can pick good projects (Need For Speed being an exception to the rule)--and he's actually producing this show. Hugh Dancy from Hannibal is strong too--along with the whole cast. I'm intrigued to see where this is going. Really suspenseful and thought provoking show about faith and religion.… Expand
  9. Lozlaw
    Apr 1, 2017
    10
    WOW people are anal about TV these days! I think it has a slightly predictable bent in some ways, but STILL up there with Game of Thrones and breaking bad. I think cults like this HAVE a predictability that can only be represented with, well, a slightly predictable bent.

    Absolute power corrupts absolutely; it;s an old cliche, but it's very true. I didn't mind Cal too much at the start -    WOW people are anal about TV these days! I think it has a slightly predictable bent in some ways, but STILL up there with Game of Thrones and breaking bad. I think cults like this HAVE a predictability that can only be represented with, well, a slightly predictable bent.

    Absolute power corrupts absolutely; it;s an old cliche, but it's very true. I didn't mind Cal too much at the start - but I knew I'd end up hating him!

    Aaron Paul is just an excellent actor who really, really becomes the part, and how "Jessie" is the character, in a GOOD way, like, it could almost be a very left - field spin off from Breaking Bad, Jessie escapes into the Meyerist movement, I mean why not? Better call Saul to throw off that media attention! And set Mike (RIP) onto Cal!

    It has all the depth I need, all the shades of grey, all the very best and worst of human nature, and strangely deluded but nonetheless beautiful souls - Brilliant piece of art in my honest opinion.

    And I am SURE it's going to all end VERY dramatically!    … Expand
  10. sonder
    Apr 22, 2016
    9
    The Path is a show that is well worth watching. I found the first three episodes a little slow, but it was interesting enough for me to keep watching. By episode 5, things really pick up. It's not a show about brainwashed cult members, though it seems that way in the first couple of episodes. In The Path, nothing is black and white, no character is either good or evil, and that's aThe Path is a show that is well worth watching. I found the first three episodes a little slow, but it was interesting enough for me to keep watching. By episode 5, things really pick up. It's not a show about brainwashed cult members, though it seems that way in the first couple of episodes. In The Path, nothing is black and white, no character is either good or evil, and that's a relief. Every character has flaws and redeeming characteristics, and character development is consciously part of the writing. Most importantly, The Path is a very unique show; watch it!… Expand
  11. JTV
    Apr 5, 2016
    8
    This show about a Drama about a cult seems to do a good job picking the right cast and story to make this show happen I find this show very interesting it started off a bit rocky in the first episode but it seems to hit it off well in the second episode I hope they do more.
  12. Graceland09
    May 26, 2016
    9
    Although a little predictable at times, this show provides an in depth look to religious movements (or cults). Great character development and setting, not everything is as it seems - and that is what makes this show addictive.
  13. d-lux
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    Only two episodes in but The Path looks extremely promising. Great acting, unique vision, and visually pretty powerful. Very curious to see where this goes.
  14. viewer911
    May 15, 2016
    8
    Aron Paul carries the show. One of those series that takes a while to get into but intriguing as to where it ends up. Predict a growing following of dedicated viewers as it progresses.
  15. dibopitt
    May 7, 2016
    1
    one of the worst shows i have ever seen. i could not take it more than 30 minutes. shows usually with a high note and some kind of excitement but this show was boring from the very beginning. i think i am being generous giving it a 1 out of 10.
  16. JennetP
    May 27, 2016
    7
    Good but not as good as it could be. What's fresh and fascinating is the portrait of Meyerism, the "path" of the title, and the people drawn to it. The series asks questions about belief and doubt, and, just when viewers think they understand what's true (or possible) in the world, shows them that they don't. Great stuff. Unfortunately, the series doesn't seem to trust this material, so itGood but not as good as it could be. What's fresh and fascinating is the portrait of Meyerism, the "path" of the title, and the people drawn to it. The series asks questions about belief and doubt, and, just when viewers think they understand what's true (or possible) in the world, shows them that they don't. Great stuff. Unfortunately, the series doesn't seem to trust this material, so it adds a lot of implausible melodrama. I love Hugh Dancy, but his character is so twitchy and out-of-control that he couldn't lead a cult consisting of himself and some gerbils, much less a thriving psycho-social-spiritual movement. After 10 episodes, it's too late to walk back some of the more lurid plot developments, but I can't help wishing the series would focus more on faith, power, and community on the fringe.… Expand
  17. WorldofLucky
    Mar 6, 2018
    9
    I wasn’t sure what to expect from a show about a Aaron Paul and a cult. I put it off watching it because it really isn’t my normal thing. Then one day I needed something to watch and thought I could blow an hour watching it. Now I have been binge watching it. What I didn’t really expect was how interesting it was.

    A story about loss of faith, the prison of belief and how to deal with    I wasn’t sure what to expect from a show about a Aaron Paul and a cult. I put it off watching it because it really isn’t my normal thing. Then one day I needed something to watch and thought I could blow an hour watching it. Now I have been binge watching it. What I didn’t really expect was how interesting it was.

    A story about loss of faith, the prison of belief and how to deal with the in and out groups in your life was a lot better show then expected. Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame has moved out form his younger sidekick role and he carries the show. He is surrounded by other great actors like Hugh Dancy and Michelle Monaghan.

    The show is fairly quick paced as it explores the cult of Meyerism and the issues of that kind of religious dogma and fanatacism. There is a foreboding of Jonestown or Waco in the subtext, along with petrified heirarchy that seems to insinuate itself into the movement. Followed by the search for truth, not only in religious subtext, but also in what is really happening behind the scenes kind of way. Is the movement corrupt, or is it just a few people? All of it makes it interesting for drama, and that is what it is good at.

    Pros: Aaron Paul is great, the pacing is fairly quick and it ends at a good point.

    Cons: I am unsatisfied yet again with the main female character. They seem to be following down that rabbit hole of a woman who can’t choose, who is unable to make up her mind. Hopefully next season they will fix that.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best TV Season of 2016
77
#77 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Amber Dowling
    Apr 11, 2016
    70
    When stacked up against a series like “The Leftovers,” which also examines a cult, it feels flat at first. But once the story does finally get rolling, the intersecting elements begin to build towards a compelling story with more complexity than first meets the eye.
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  2. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Michael Slezak
    Apr 6, 2016
    75
    There are also moments you’ll find yourself wishing Goldberg and Katims had trimmed away some of the less vital elements of their dense tale and cleared a path toward higher stakes and greater suspense. ... Still, The Path benefits greatly from the way it takes us into a murky world and repeatedly makes us question how we feel about its protagonists.
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  3. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Apr 6, 2016
    75
    If you're patient and willing to sit through its slower moments, there's plenty to enjoy with The Path.
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