Timeless (2016)

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 3, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 203 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 141 out of 203
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 203
  3. Negative: 29 out of 203
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User Reviews

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  1. Rhiannon
    Nov 2, 2016
    10
    So fun love this show. The concept is great and I am at the edge of my seat every episode just waiting to see what happens next. So curious as to who Rittenhouse is.
  2. zekezebra
    Dec 7, 2016
    8
    I am a big fan of time travel shows. They take the imaginative, "what if," to the next level. I am glad that this is no different. But what is different in this show is that they do make the changes come home on a very personal level. Plot twists abound and the actors do well. But the writers are not dealing with some issues that just baffle me. First and foremost, It kills me thatI am a big fan of time travel shows. They take the imaginative, "what if," to the next level. I am glad that this is no different. But what is different in this show is that they do make the changes come home on a very personal level. Plot twists abound and the actors do well. But the writers are not dealing with some issues that just baffle me. First and foremost, It kills me that the super advanced machine is left sitting unattended where anyone could happen upon it. After over looking the holes in the story line. Timeless makes history come alive in real terms.
    History is made up of real people, just like you and me. The fascination comes from yesterdays situations being compared to today's point of view. People riding a horse seems so alien after 100 years of the automobile. Keeping the story fresh and inventive makes this worth while.    … Expand
  3. Firmamento
    Nov 3, 2016
    9
    Good show with good-looking casts and costumes.
    I enjoyed the show even though it lacks logic.
    Recommended for those who love American history (same if you hate it).
  4. firefox317
    Nov 4, 2016
    9
    Timeless is a TV show that TV needs it has history and drama and does not follow the same profile as most TV. In todays TV world if you not a cop or a lawyer good luck surviving on TV. Timeless takes us back and helps us remember some of the history that has brought us to today and how fragile it can be. I will continue to follow this TV show mainly because I like to see where they willTimeless is a TV show that TV needs it has history and drama and does not follow the same profile as most TV. In todays TV world if you not a cop or a lawyer good luck surviving on TV. Timeless takes us back and helps us remember some of the history that has brought us to today and how fragile it can be. I will continue to follow this TV show mainly because I like to see where they will go next and how they will interact with scenes from history that we can relate to from school and past stories. There is an element for everybody in this show.… Expand
  5. larafire
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    In love with this and need it renewed. I had all my friends watch it and they surprisingly loved it and got straight into it without me having to push it.
    The plot keeps you on edge while learning so many things about the past and how those things have shaped our current world, any history junkie would love this, even my professor is into it.
    One thing I do not understand, is how some    In love with this and need it renewed. I had all my friends watch it and they surprisingly loved it and got straight into it without me having to push it.
    The plot keeps you on edge while learning so many things about the past and how those things have shaped our current world, any history junkie would love this, even my professor is into it.
    One thing I do not understand, is how some reviews state the acting as "stiff". Clearly, when watching it, and understanding realistic reactions to events, one would call the acting precise, beautiful, and true to each character. It's almost as if you understand what each character is like by their change in tone and facial expressions by the very talented actors.
    This show does not need Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, or Denzel Washington to spark interest. The plot itself and the very nature of the actors in it already have you hooked!    … Expand
  6. Havvkeye
    Apr 9, 2018
    9
    A very good show that is historically accurate (for a change), has a great cast and is captivating due to the writers' special ability to mesh stand alone plots with and ongoing themes. Intricate. Its a keeper.
  7. emilycare
    Nov 11, 2017
    10
    An exciting show full of adventure and little known lessons about history. Good for the whole family. My favorite show on TV. Great diverse cast, strong writing, excellent special effects. And romance. Deserves many more seasons.
  8. ggaz
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    It may be true that the show was a bit slow coming out of the gate but there was a lot of back story the viewer needed in order to really get acquainted with the premise of Timeless. I am so invested in this show and was especially thankful to see some of the more historic stories injected into a science fiction television drama. It has forced me to look up the historic time periods theIt may be true that the show was a bit slow coming out of the gate but there was a lot of back story the viewer needed in order to really get acquainted with the premise of Timeless. I am so invested in this show and was especially thankful to see some of the more historic stories injected into a science fiction television drama. It has forced me to look up the historic time periods the characters find themselves in and talk about it with others. My hope is there will be a Season 2 so we can all enjoy the drama, science fiction and brush up a bit on our history and interest in historical information a bit, too. This show is a refreshing change from the mindless shows that have become "popular" with the majority of TV Viewers today. My greatest fear is that more and more people will just pass on any programs that remind them of their History lessons. The characters are easy to become invested in and I hope the fans have the opportunity to see their stories play out in Season 2. Enjoy watching Timeless! It's definitely worth it.… Expand
  9. Hello12
    Nov 20, 2016
    10
    Not sure why the show has negative reviews i enjoyed watching the episodes so far. The characters have good chemistry and story plots are intriguing. I hope we see more episodes.
  10. Kieran1
    Apr 2, 2018
    9
    Good show. It, not a mind-numbing boring time-travelling series, you actually will learn about periods of history watching this show.
  11. AryamanS
    Apr 12, 2017
    10
    Wow bad reviews has really hurt the viewership of this series. But new viewers looking to join. Let me say one thing if you are searching for a good time travel show on google and legends of tomorrow pops up. Ignore that, timeless is more engaging than that. Don't even go through any reviews and watch it first and you'll find out for yourself, whether it is worth your time. I am betting onWow bad reviews has really hurt the viewership of this series. But new viewers looking to join. Let me say one thing if you are searching for a good time travel show on google and legends of tomorrow pops up. Ignore that, timeless is more engaging than that. Don't even go through any reviews and watch it first and you'll find out for yourself, whether it is worth your time. I am betting on the latter… Expand
  12. mlcarson63
    Feb 9, 2017
    9
    This is a well written and well acted show, look forward to it every week. Excellent chemistry between our trio to time traveling adventurers. And you get to learn something while watching.
  13. ube1kenobi
    May 16, 2017
    10
    YES! it got uncancelled! I loved this show because it would go through history trying to find the bad guy of the show. and yes, it's difficult to watch when a character cannot do enough b/c of the discrimination he has to face (it's really obvious who) in that period and you just want to scream at the TV like UGH WHY? anyways, i'm not a history buff, but I like learning bits and pieces ofYES! it got uncancelled! I loved this show because it would go through history trying to find the bad guy of the show. and yes, it's difficult to watch when a character cannot do enough b/c of the discrimination he has to face (it's really obvious who) in that period and you just want to scream at the TV like UGH WHY? anyways, i'm not a history buff, but I like learning bits and pieces of history here and there. Please don't cancel it, i definitely want to see how this story goes! If, at the very least, let it have a decent ending!… Expand
  14. maraskywalker14
    Jul 30, 2017
    10
    love it! If you have not seen should! With all the worthless reality shows ans endless cop shows, this stands out! Must see! Cant wait for season 2 to show!
  15. Micheale65
    Aug 14, 2017
    10
    Love this show! It has all the elements, terrific chemistry between the leads, great storytelling, amazing diversity amongst the characters, and it's always fresh, original. For those who poo-pooed the chemistry after the pilot, they missed the point. The three characters were thrown together and the leads did a great job of allowing their characters to react to that and over the next fewLove this show! It has all the elements, terrific chemistry between the leads, great storytelling, amazing diversity amongst the characters, and it's always fresh, original. For those who poo-pooed the chemistry after the pilot, they missed the point. The three characters were thrown together and the leads did a great job of allowing their characters to react to that and over the next few episodes develop amazing chemistry.… Expand
  16. Iamcritical86
    Nov 4, 2017
    8
    I like it. It grabbed my attention right from the beginning and that is my expectation of ANY T.V. show and Timeless passed that test! I can also respect the fact that they put some time and effort into the production of this show, most notably in the scenes where they have traveled back in time. I like the attention to detail in the set design, clothing, makeup etc. I'm patientlyI like it. It grabbed my attention right from the beginning and that is my expectation of ANY T.V. show and Timeless passed that test! I can also respect the fact that they put some time and effort into the production of this show, most notably in the scenes where they have traveled back in time. I like the attention to detail in the set design, clothing, makeup etc. I'm patiently waiting for the next season!...… Expand
  17. kirbylight
    Nov 3, 2017
    10
    Liked the show a lot. It is also educational because it makes you curious and interested more on history. I used google and wikipedia a lot to research/ fact check things from the show.
  18. Gretchiekc
    Apr 6, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have loved this show from the start - it's so unlike anything else currently on TV. It's fun, entertaining, educational, all mixed with drama, suspense and comedy. Season 1 was great, Season 2 is so much better. One of the things I love most about this series is how they bring little known historical figures to life....as a historian myself, I appreciate how this series shines the spotlight on lesser knowns who deserve a chance to shine. Bass Reeves, for instance - the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, Sophia Hayden - the first female architect to graduate MIT...and these characters are drawn into the storyline in a way that doesn't seem forced, preachy or unnatural. Now that the second season has centered on Rittenhouse and "sleeper agents" altering history by literally imbedding themselves in the past, this show has become more focused. If there is a criticism I have of Season 1 it would be the lack of a clear antagonist..is it Flynn, is it Rittenhouse - what exactly are they trying to accomplish? Bringing Emma Whitmore in as the original sleep agent at the end of Season 1 was a brilliant move for the storyline and has tied the two seasons together nicely. This show is meant to be enjoyed...not sifted through with a fine tooth comb..there have been a few times when I felt the writers could have come up wth a better explanation, better clue, better dialogue...but by the end of the episode, I have been entertained...and that's what ultimately matters. This series is unique. It's not a hospital or police drama...which I, for one, am sick and tired of - they are so overdone. This series is a fun adventure through time sprinkled with just the right amount of drama, comedy, and truth....every week, I'm left wanting more. The relationship between the lead characters has only gotten stronger as the series has progressed, we've seen character development and the importance of each of them in their roles as scientist, soldier, and historian - in Season 1 they started out more or less as individuals, thrown together because of their particular expertise. As the series progresses, this group of individuals from different backgrounds became a team - they all matter, they all are important, and when one of them is absent there are consequences that the others are forced to deal with. Season 2 has changed the dynamic a bit with the addition of old nemesis Garcia Flynn to the "Time Team", but it works...it works so well. Thank you, NBC and Sony Pictures Television for Timeless. It needs a Season 3.… Expand
  19. leonstein23
    Jun 6, 2018
    9
    This is really my fav among the shows i watch. I don't see why nbc is taking forever to renew it already.
  20. Ladydeedee
    Sep 28, 2018
    9
    Love the chemistry between the characters and the writing is great. Love learning new historical facts,that are actually correct, while I’m being entertained. Love the witty banter and that the show makes you actually use your brain. An added bonus is the great locations and wonderful costumes.
  21. Ravivenk
    Oct 12, 2016
    8
    Good, light-hearted fun! The show transports you each episode to a different period in history and manages a clever little zag at the end of the epi. I for one learned a bit about the Hindenberg and Ford's Theater, so it wasn't completely mindless for me. There's also a droll sense of humor in the script that the actors use to good effect.

    I'll give this several more tries.
  22. Modelnet
    Oct 11, 2016
    9
    This si a very interesting show, there is an ongoing subplot which keeps your interest. The production values are high and I think well worth the time to watch. Corny as it sounds it does give you an appreciation of how everything is linked in the world and why the smallest things are important.
  23. sammy_k
    Oct 23, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show will give you the best hour of your life if you're a history enthusiast. This show isn't shy about the real problems history faced (for example racism with Rufus) and depicts history's events as accurate as it can get. People may think it's cliché, however, to me it isn't at all. Yes, we have the heart-throb soldier, yes, we have a female historian nerd, yes, and we have the classic scientist. Although, you can easily debunk these. Our heart-throb soldier isn't the classic jerk nor is he conceited or big-headed about himself. He is actually humble, protective, kind and incredibly caring. Even though he might not show it, he's still a soldier and trained to put a mission before his feelings. Our female main character isn't physically badass, however mentally badass. I absolutely love how the writers didn't make Lucy so tough, doesn’t allow others to protect her and non-fragile. There isn't anything wrong with that, however, the female badass character has become so over used it's becoming a cliché on its own. Lucy may be mentally strong and able, however, I admire she is still quite fragile and a bit clumsy. She doesn't give herself credit and is surprisingly keeping together even though her life has changed drastically. She still knows how to be feisty and sassy when she needs to be and her character is effortlessly likable and relatable. With our scientist, he's more so a coder. But, best of all, he's black. I absolutely adore how they easily touch the subject of racism as it was an evident problem in history. I love that he's the light-hearted aspect of the show and channels the funny bits in the show. He's the glue that keeps the group going as Lucy and Wyatt have something going on between them (if you know what I mean). Each character goes deeper the surface with Lucy not knowing her biological father and connection to the villain, Wyatt’s wife’s mysterious death and Rufus’s sketchy role with the government. Nonetheless, this show has the perfect amount of action and drama, romance and suspense, adventure and sci-fi. The actors have great chemistry on and off set which only sells the show further. This can truly sharpen your knowledge on history and can allow you to understand the historical events in an easier sense. The fight scenes are great in my opinion, it’s believable and gets you quite riled up. The perfect amount of mystery with how the government is really using the trio and the villain’s real intentions still on the rails. The writing will trigger your emotions and make you feel for the characters. All in all, it’s an amazing show I gave a 10 to for a good reason. It’s a good balance of everything a show should have and stays true to the historical and scientific aspects as well as the fantastic actors who know well enough how to jerk a few emotions within yourself.… Expand
  24. gerdesilets
    Oct 25, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this show is clever and with a twist their timeline who is crooked is ours and the bad guys seem to try to restore the original timelime that seem reliated to the NAZIs. The bad guys have advantages: they stole the big timeship so the heros have the 3 places shaky prototype; they have note and comments from the heroin so they came from future; they have a plan; they have support and know the secret organisation behind all this and may be against them because they can be the cause of our timeline? can the reich of 1000 years the real timeline? i hope not i love our timeline :P
    probably the secret organisation in the show invented the time machine and change timeline to ours but time travellers were captured and the notes from the heroin were transmitted to our time by and other organisation who stole the ship and want to change events for their side?    … Expand
  25. gay-boy-forever
    Nov 4, 2016
    9
    this thrilling series is amazing! NBC made the right move to extend the series. if your like me, enjoy daydreaming about a time we can travel back in time and see what happens if we change history, than this is for you. catch Timeless Mondays @ 10pm EDT.
  26. BobCotten
    Dec 11, 2016
    10
    The show is very entertaining, I like sci-fi shows like this. I enjoyed the old Time Tunnel show and wish they would bring it back. I hope there will be multiple seasons of this show. I like the Rittenhouse mystery too.
  27. scrambledeggs
    May 24, 2018
    8
    Plot certainly isn't original, but I surprisingly enjoyed the show. Historically inaccurate in some details. Interesting enough, though it'd be better if they didn't cast Matt Lanter and made his character fall in love with Lucy....talk about cliche.
  28. tiffanymorris84
    Nov 29, 2016
    10
    Anyone with an issue with early chemistry between the characters is missing the point of the show. Three unconnected people are thrust (literally) into each other's lives and another time. The story line has allowed them to gradually develop and become closer over the course of the show (brilliant!). Anyone complaining about how history is portrayed is just too thin skinned to appreciateAnyone with an issue with early chemistry between the characters is missing the point of the show. Three unconnected people are thrust (literally) into each other's lives and another time. The story line has allowed them to gradually develop and become closer over the course of the show (brilliant!). Anyone complaining about how history is portrayed is just too thin skinned to appreciate the show's brilliance (can we say, "offended by everything"?). Further, if your only analysis is to repeat tired, cliche phrases while berating the show for the same, well... I would say it's ironic, but that would be another misuse of a catch phrase... not to mention, cliche. ;)… Expand
  29. RobKnapp
    Mar 18, 2018
    9
    Excellent series and I have learned about history . Well worth your time . Good time espionage / time travel series .
  30. Holliejoy
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    I loved this show from its promo video. And from the pilot I was a lifelong fan. The adventure,pacing,humor,dialogue,characters, actors, writing,sets,plot, clothes,makeup, hair, lighting -this show does everything
  31. chrispetrillo
    Jan 4, 2019
    9
    Overall was a great series from the beginning. I wish they would have not canceled it. The show was funny, had good plots that used factual people from our history, had the sci fi and adventure to it. The entire cast was great and all had good chemistry and was nice to see them all grow character wise over the seasons. Bring it back
  32. JenniferL
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    I love this show. I care about the characters. The plot is interesting. Long story short, I’m entertained!
  33. planetMitch
    Jan 5, 2019
    10
    I'm a science fiction kinda guy. This show hits all my buttons even tho it isn't set in the future. Great stories wrapped in a great idea. Drama, romance, all around decent people fighting against evil etc.
  34. KennySevey
    Jan 5, 2019
    10
    Timeless is the best show I have EVER seen! It is the perfect combination of reality, fun, & whimsy! If you have not seen it yet you NEED to, my life is so much better because of Timeless. I now have a love for history because of Timeless! I am head over heels in love with this show & its characters, thank you Sony for this amazing show!
  35. leebilly8
    Feb 9, 2019
    10
    This is a unique, awesome show that takes you on a different adventure each week to different time periods to thwart the attempts of a perceived criminal who would want to alter the course of history to suit his own selfish desires. And each week you get to take a peak at the past and learn interesting facts you likely didn't know of before. It's also unique in that the whole family willThis is a unique, awesome show that takes you on a different adventure each week to different time periods to thwart the attempts of a perceived criminal who would want to alter the course of history to suit his own selfish desires. And each week you get to take a peak at the past and learn interesting facts you likely didn't know of before. It's also unique in that the whole family will enjoy it together. If I could give it 11 stars, I would. Highly recommended!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
55
#55 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Oct 14, 2016
    50
    A wildly uneven action-adventure-fantasy drama from executive producers Eric Kripke ("Revolution," "Supernatural") and Shawn Ryan ("The Shield," "The Unit"), it awkwardly follows a scientist, a soldier and a history professor pursuing the mysterious criminal who stole a secret time machine.
    Read full review
  2. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Oct 4, 2016
    58
    After two episodes, the resulting impression is ambivalence. Without anything strong to latch onto, Timeless is adrift in a sea of medium feels, none pressing enough to justify continuing the journey. Well, none but Abigail Spencer.
    Read full review
  3. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Oct 3, 2016
    63
    Watching Timeless won't endanger your past or present, most likely, and it might even be a pleasant escape from the history we're currently living.
    Read full review
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