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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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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