The X Factor

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2011
Season #: 13, 12, 11, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 83
  3. Negative: 21 out of 83

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User Reviews

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  1. upnorth
    Sep 24, 2011
    1
    Nice show if you want to see just how cool the judges are! Is it possible to show Simon on camera anymore? And does he make a lot of money; look at my car! The audience doesn't help...the back stories are too many...the performances not too many...and how can the judges complain about the talent when everybody is picked by other show employees before they go to the stage! It makes me missNice show if you want to see just how cool the judges are! Is it possible to show Simon on camera anymore? And does he make a lot of money; look at my car! The audience doesn't help...the back stories are too many...the performances not too many...and how can the judges complain about the talent when everybody is picked by other show employees before they go to the stage! It makes me miss Ryan and Idol even more!… Expand
  2. Beau
    Sep 29, 2011
    0
    This is the biggest piece of crap ever. End of story. America already has too many singing shows, and this is just another one to add to the pile. People are clearly only watching to see Simon making rude comments, and that's not worth the millions of dollars Fox has spent on this.
  3. Kaptain
    Oct 19, 2011
    3
    As far as Musical talent shows goes, this is the worst of the lot. It's one big cliche wrapped in a mess. The only way I can rationalize folks giving this program any score above 5 would have to be their connection to the contestants themselves, who by the way, are sub par when compared to vocalists from The Voice, The Sing Off and even American Idle. These shows are being done ad nauseam,As far as Musical talent shows goes, this is the worst of the lot. It's one big cliche wrapped in a mess. The only way I can rationalize folks giving this program any score above 5 would have to be their connection to the contestants themselves, who by the way, are sub par when compared to vocalists from The Voice, The Sing Off and even American Idle. These shows are being done ad nauseam, and this particular one doesn't deserve the air time. I wanted to like this show but there just isn't anything there to grab on to. It feels like every hug, tear and cheesy queued up musical track mixed with a slow motion sob story is another poor attempt to hypnotize the audience into caring about people who have no appeal.… Expand
  4. CriticalCritic
    Sep 23, 2011
    4
    I don't know what makes this show think it is better than American Idol. Yeah, I'm tired of American Idol and its horrible judging and talentless winners, but X Factor is not adding anything new. The audition process is nothing different other than the fact that there is an audience. The only noticeable difference are the new classifying groups and while this change does lower theI don't know what makes this show think it is better than American Idol. Yeah, I'm tired of American Idol and its horrible judging and talentless winners, but X Factor is not adding anything new. The audition process is nothing different other than the fact that there is an audience. The only noticeable difference are the new classifying groups and while this change does lower the discrimination and opens doors for some, it adds little excitement to the entertainment value. I thought Simon would provide some much needed judging to the table, but he proves to be lackluster so far. Nicole Scherzinger should not even be a judge on the show. Too many commercial breaks and sob stories also lower the appeal of the show.… Expand
  5. CyberResident
    Sep 22, 2011
    5
    disappointed by the first episode. i thought it would be great in every aspect but it turn out to be weaker version of the voice + American idol. the production clearly not focusing on the talent but once again on the fame chaser people. for the judges, it is clearly a wrong move kicking out cheryl. reid proved to be a good judge to me alongside paula and simon. nicole need to step it up.
  6. Kadeemluvmusic
    Sep 28, 2011
    7
    It may not be as a success to the U.K. version, but The X Factor sure has some great talent. Last Wednesday, I watched the 2-hour premiere and it was okay, except for the part where one reject was trying to dance his way to Hollywood, but not anymore. The most embarrassing moment on the show was that he dropped his pants down and I was so laughing that Paula throwed up on stage and sheIt may not be as a success to the U.K. version, but The X Factor sure has some great talent. Last Wednesday, I watched the 2-hour premiere and it was okay, except for the part where one reject was trying to dance his way to Hollywood, but not anymore. The most embarrassing moment on the show was that he dropped his pants down and I was so laughing that Paula throwed up on stage and she heads to the bathroom started to puke. I think the show almost crossed the line because of the horrible stunt they made (probably not the remix version of General Platt's "Pants on the Ground"), but the show was great. Just like major artists have gone off from X Factor contestants in the U.K. to bonafide international stardom like Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle, I think this season will be no exception. I think it stiil could beat DWTS ratings, and hopefully I'll see who the winner is Christmas 2011. See it!… Expand
  7. magicfrank61
    Sep 21, 2011
    10
    I loved it. I thought the crowds in the audition was a great idea and added a lot of energy. I love the diversity from young to old and single and groups. I thought the Judges were good and LA will give Simon a run for his money. I liked that they showed more quality auditions and less of the crap ones.
  8. floydix
    Oct 13, 2011
    6
    Being a massive fan of the U.K X-Factor, i must say I was quite surprised about this show. And not in a very positive way. I might be biased for having seen all of the previous UK X-factor seasons, but this show lacks something. It all happens way to fast, from the judging, to the contestants getting through or not, it looks like it was edited on the top of someone's knee in rush. ItBeing a massive fan of the U.K X-Factor, i must say I was quite surprised about this show. And not in a very positive way. I might be biased for having seen all of the previous UK X-factor seasons, but this show lacks something. It all happens way to fast, from the judging, to the contestants getting through or not, it looks like it was edited on the top of someone's knee in rush. It lacks the dept of the UK version, which actually manages to focus on the fame chase AND the talent. And i must honestly say that removing Cheryl Cole from the show was by far the worst decision Simon Cowell made; she actually added something to the show, she is fresh, current, and despite the fact that she isn't the best singer, she actually has the eye for this type of competition, and actually handles her own against megalomaniac Simon. It's still a good show, but at this point it stands below The Voice and American Idol. It needs to get down to show less of the futility and more about the thrive to achieve dreams.… Expand
  9. JYT
    Jan 6, 2012
    0
    Useless. Vote yourself on ourstage (dot) com

    I don't even have the minimum 150 characters to describe this tv program. It is totally useless and can be canned as soon as possible. Give the money to education, health system, charities, the unemployed, etc...
  10. jwt7000
    Dec 14, 2011
    1
    This show is far more terrible than even any talent show and it's as worse as Survivor. Talking about unfairness, respect and emotions, how can you expect a reality show that goes beyond out of the ordinary? The judging is too critical and crucial on all aspects from every contestant. Some singing shows were far better than this one. I like the idea of a $5 million prize with a SonyThis show is far more terrible than even any talent show and it's as worse as Survivor. Talking about unfairness, respect and emotions, how can you expect a reality show that goes beyond out of the ordinary? The judging is too critical and crucial on all aspects from every contestant. Some singing shows were far better than this one. I like the idea of a $5 million prize with a Sony recording contract but the way this show is planned isn't.… Expand
  11. MichaelD
    Mar 19, 2012
    7
    I'm from Ireland so if I had to pick from the UK version or the US version, I'd have to go with the UK version. But I still like the show and I would watch the second series if they make one.
  12. drlowdon
    Jan 16, 2014
    4
    Both the original UK and US versions of The X-Factor have involved a number of talented artists and some of the cover versions sung of the show have been very good. Unfortunately, as with most other modern TV talent shows, its primary objective is to make money not produce artists that will go on to create original music in the future, something that pretty much sums up the state of modernBoth the original UK and US versions of The X-Factor have involved a number of talented artists and some of the cover versions sung of the show have been very good. Unfortunately, as with most other modern TV talent shows, its primary objective is to make money not produce artists that will go on to create original music in the future, something that pretty much sums up the state of modern pop music.

    If there is nothing else on I'll occasionally tune in as there is usually a good performance or two to be seen but I detest what this sort of thing stands for.    … Expand
  13. Fearless13
    Jan 6, 2012
    6
    Despite several big flaws, the first season was overall enjoyable. Drew, Astro, Amaro, Krajcik, and Bell proved to be the highlight contestants. Hopefully, someone else is sitting in Scherzinger's judging seat for Season 2.
  14. lbolen
    Nov 20, 2011
    0
    OK, so I thought I would give the X Factor a chance because I somewhat like American Idol. I only made it through about a half of one episode. It was so contrived and couldn't stand it...had to shut it off!
  15. ladylu01
    Nov 11, 2011
    9
    I love this show! Way better than American Idol! I vote every week and I'm #TeamDrew! Poor Paula I feel bad for her & her groups & I really think they need a new judge besides Nicole because she's pointless.
  16. Shortfuse
    Dec 21, 2011
    2
    If you enjoy this show, do us all a favour and walk into your garage, close the door and window(s), turn on your car, and start jogging on the spot. This show is the entertainment equivalent of a lobotomy by way of enema.
  17. megacritic08
    Dec 29, 2011
    9
    Honestly this is a good show, might be a repetition/copy of American Idol although the show's good. Good panel of judges. Entertains us all, so why hate on the show? No reason to hate.
  18. mrmonster
    Jul 11, 2012
    9
    This show is far better than it's predecessor, American Idol. Simon Cowel is back in on TV with a show where the fight to make it to the top gets intense. The majority of the competitors could easily make it as stars. Can't wait for next season.
  19. Spotlights
    Dec 1, 2012
    1
    I firmly believe that this show's first season was a complete flop because they replaced Cheryl Cole with Nicole Scherzinger. This show should be categorised as a scripted drama rather than a 'singing' contest.
  20. michael777110
    Jun 22, 2013
    3
    This is the cookie-cutter singing show, with too many contestant backstories, emotional content, and low quality of singing compared to other singing shows such as The Voice and American Idol. However, I did enjoy the judges and their critiques this season.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best TV Season of 2011
46
#46 Most Discussed TV Season of 2011
43
#43 Most Shared TV Season of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Oct 28, 2011
    75
    The talent is good, and on the long road to announcing a top 16, the show expertly milking every drop of pathos. [24 Oct 2011, p.39]
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Sep 22, 2011
    60
    And so it goes. The same mix of sob stories, as anxious relatives looking on from the wings. And if there's not quite a Susan Boyle or Paul Potts moment (though one in particular comes reasonably close), the tears flow freely, and one or two genuinely stirring performances emerge.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Sep 21, 2011
    70
    While The X Factor may not on the surface offer anything that can't be found on "Idol," "America's Got Talent" and "The Voice" or their many cable imitators, it does have a level of showmanship that makes me want to believe again, whether it's in 13-year-olds who sing like established stars three times their age or in recovering addicts whose lives just may be about to change forever.
    Read full review
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