The Sympathizer
HBO | Release Date: April 14, 2024
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
80
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 38 Critic Reviews
Positive:
32
Mixed:
5
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
The New YorkerInkoo KangApr 15, 2024
Season 1 Review: The show, though frequently poignant and entertaining, is pulled in too many directions to establish any real sense of his [the Captain's] interior life. Read full review
60
CNNBrian LowryApr 15, 2024
Season 1 Review: Downey stands in for multiple ugly Americans, but the series descends into a narrative quagmire and, despite powerful moments, can’t consistently pull itself out. Read full review
60
IGNLaura SirikulApr 12, 2024
Season 1 Review: While Hoa Xuande and Fred Nguyen Khan stand out in their roles, The Sympathizer does a disservice to its source material by leaving out specific themes and key plots that leave the characters feeling empty. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergApr 10, 2024
Season 1 Review: This version of The Sympathizer is still substantive and audacious, a slab of satire and deeply felt human tragedy that’s worthy of conversation and consideration, even if the consideration leads to the conclusion that a kitchen-sink approach that worked on the page struggles to coalesce on the screen. Read full review
60
The Daily BeastNick SchagerApr 10, 2024
Season 1 Review: No matter an invigorated early going, however, it’s a venture that ultimately falls victim to its own bifurcations, torn apart by its desire to serve myriad masters at the same time. Read full review
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