The Return of Jezebel James

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 14, 2008
Metascore
29

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 17 out of 22

Critic Reviews

  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    30
    Even without a death slot on Fridays, this strained story would be a tough sell.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    30
    Jezebel James might have fared better shaped into an hourlong dramedy, instead of being shoehorned into a lightly serialized sitcom format that plays poorly to her strengths as a writer.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    30
    Sadly, although Jezebel is packed with Sherman-Palladino’s trademark snappy banter, it’s a cold, brittle misfire.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    30
    All evidence to the contrary, the show has the potential of being very funny, but only if the writers can choose subtlety over shtick even a quarter of the time.
  6. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    30
    It's a very special, frustrating kind of bad, one with the power to actually change history.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Ginia Bellafante
    30
    Everything about Jezebel feels too broad.
  8. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    30
    It's a weird, tone-deaf mismatch of talents, styles and genre.
  9. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    25
    Not many women will want to come back after seeing it because the first 30 minutes are a complete and utter mess.
  10. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    25
    Everything feels forced, right down to the dialogue, wherein the characters all talk the way writers write when they're stretching to set up a joke.
  11. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    25
    Even rousing viewers to stay awake would be a big accomplishment.
  12. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    25
    Even if the performances were better and the scripts were funnier, Jezebel would still be saddled with one of the most preposterous, off-putting setups in sitcom history.
  13. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    20
    Despite the cast, Jezebel James is not a momentous arrival.
  14. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    20
    Miscast and only intermittently funny, Jezebel James misfires on all cylinders.
  15. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    20
    Somewhere, things went very wrong, and the comedy turns out to be a flat, unappealing mess.
  16. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    10
    The show is a full-fledged Fox flop.
  17. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    10
    As for the lack of laughs, you're just going to have to take my word for it, unless you want to risk serious brain damage.
  18. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    10
    Our mouths may be open, but more likely agape than laughing.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
63
#63 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 6 out of 13
  1. SeanF.
    Nov 22, 2008
    9
    I'm going to have to really strongly disagree with the critics on this one. I didn't even hear about this show when it was on. But I'm going to have to really strongly disagree with the critics on this one. I didn't even hear about this show when it was on. But a very good program. Parker Posey, Lauren Ambrose, and Amy Sherman-Palladino all teaming up for a sit-com (in a tired genre, and I thought this show took a unique approach to it). With all the tripe and garbage that clouds the airwaves, I can't believe this program was canceled. Then again how many brilliant and insightful shows over the years have been nearly immediately canceled. I saw some similarity to the Gilmore Girls (mainly that I thought Parker Posey was similar to Lauren Graham's character), but this show is also very different and seems to be aimed at an older demographic. Amy Sherman-Palladino is a genius, so I assume she'll be back sooner than later, with another brilliant program. Shame on Fox and the critics for this not still being on the air. I can't believe this show was promoted correctly, or stayed with long enough by the Fox Network.… Full Review »
  2. AmandaE.
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    Absolutely loved this show... just cant seem to find it on again. The premier was a bit shaky, but i think it will all be great, if i could Absolutely loved this show... just cant seem to find it on again. The premier was a bit shaky, but i think it will all be great, if i could find it again.… Full Review »
  3. BrandonS.
    Mar 25, 2008
    0
    Canceled already! Thank God.
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