Transparent

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 254 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 254
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 254
  3. Negative: 44 out of 254
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On
Buy on

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. MphsTom
    Jul 7, 2017
    8
    Season 1 was strong and was interesting to take a peak into the life on a transperson. Hope it doesn't become a yawn fest but seems it's possible. Jeffrey and Judith's characters are superb. Well rounded and believable. The others not so much.
  2. Electricchic
    Feb 28, 2017
    4
    The acting is fabulous, which is why this show is almost unbearable. The protagonists are monstrously selfish with only a rare glimmer of generosity toward others, but I can't stop watching because of all the wonderful supporting characters they draw into their web of self-absorbtion and betrayal. Almost any non-Pfefferman character is someone I'd choose as a friend, and none of theThe acting is fabulous, which is why this show is almost unbearable. The protagonists are monstrously selfish with only a rare glimmer of generosity toward others, but I can't stop watching because of all the wonderful supporting characters they draw into their web of self-absorbtion and betrayal. Almost any non-Pfefferman character is someone I'd choose as a friend, and none of the Pfeffermans would make the cut. I can't help but wonder whether the cruel narcissism of the main characters is the point of the show, or whether the creator is so like her characters that she considers them heroes. Maybe it's because of the current political climate, but a main cast of characters dominated by their exceptionalism, snobbery and Id feels like an assault.… Expand
  3. JohnMcQ
    Feb 29, 2016
    10
    Transparent is honestly the best television show I have ever seen. Jill Solloway has created pure magic with her brilliant screenplay and direction. The brilliant lead actor who plays Maura with such incredible nuance is worthy of every award that exists.
  4. RogerE
    Feb 28, 2016
    10
    A heartwarming story focused on a troubled and ever evolving family living in L.A., Transparent is a story about transgenderism, opulence, homosexuality, youth, confusion and all the turmoil encountered by those living on the forefront of modern civilization. It is truly an encapsulating journey of the central character Mort/Mora, marvelously portrayed by Jeffrey Tambor, and the PfeffermanA heartwarming story focused on a troubled and ever evolving family living in L.A., Transparent is a story about transgenderism, opulence, homosexuality, youth, confusion and all the turmoil encountered by those living on the forefront of modern civilization. It is truly an encapsulating journey of the central character Mort/Mora, marvelously portrayed by Jeffrey Tambor, and the Pfefferman family that consists of three children (adults in the show) and a mother. The show sheds light on a quite a few pressing issues of the day such as the need for transgender restrooms, addressing homophobia even in progressive cities, sexism, need for better interpersonal communication and lack of empathy in an increasingly evolving world. This Hulu dark comedy incorporates several layers of human emotion and deconstructs existential issues in a refreshing new light. Great acting and a well-written script.… Expand
  5. danielsons
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Good acting, amazing soundtrack, and a interesting plot, this production totally deserve this so high grade. Absolutely one of the best actual series.
  6. katezoe
    Dec 22, 2015
    10
    If you loved Transparent first season then you are ready for a roller coaster ride. The second season is AMAZING! Jill Solloway has outdone herself. The cast is impeccable. The writing is brilliant. Enough superlatives just watch a family filled with love and making mistakes unfold. before your eyes.
  7. zettacritic
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    Perfection in one season. The characters, the plot, the setting, the writing, the directing, the acting, the scenery.... all perfect. It is so enchanting to watch. Growing up in southern California, the setting resonated with me exactly how it felt to grow up there. Magical. Words cannot describe: watch it yourself. Season 2 does the unthinkable; it gets better.
  8. nsabbott
    Dec 15, 2015
    10
    phenomenal show. second season improves on what was already brilliant. Beautifully written, shot and acted. Opening up a world of relationships and social interactions not covered anywhere else on television. Stunning, funny and touching.
  9. Whadafug
    Dec 14, 2015
    6
    Season 1 started out strong, more than deserving of the praise and accolades it won. Characters followed a progressive and, more importantly, realistic development through the overall arch, with each characters reactions to the main pivot in the series being tasteful and well executed. Season 1 won praise for its originality, and its heavy-handed approach to dealing with "hot pocket"Season 1 started out strong, more than deserving of the praise and accolades it won. Characters followed a progressive and, more importantly, realistic development through the overall arch, with each characters reactions to the main pivot in the series being tasteful and well executed. Season 1 won praise for its originality, and its heavy-handed approach to dealing with "hot pocket" topics of the media elite. This was never a show made for "you or me", and more a show made for "them", a self-reflection on the difficulties and tribulations that a small and largely ignored sub-section of the upper echelons of American society. This however was not a problem; with strong writing, simple arch progression and a raft of likeable characters (that all left your routing for them, even when they came into conflict with one and other), Transparent seemed to hit the ground running and by the tenth episode of season 10 was definitely breaking a sweat as it sprinted across the finish line...

    And then season 2 happened.

    In one fell swoop, it seems, the writers - at the behest of the "ongoing series" desires of their Amazon paymasters - took every character almost 100 steps backwards. Forgotten was the initial excitement of discovering "transparency" in the show's chosen context. Gone were the likeable characters, their difficulties and trials that inspired empathy and understanding from the audience. In their place previously engaging and morish characters became mundane and boorish, as the show switched pivot from "modern masterpiece" to "modern drama guff". To offset this mundane practice in media creation comes a torrent of unrealistic settings, characters and story archs that simply lead the viewer on a journey from the potent exploration of the people and topics at the heart of the show to something more resembling a depressing light-scifi fantasy drama set in an alternate reality to the first season.

    Coming in for particularly potent criticism is the character of Josh, who simply seems to meander from revelation to revelation with the ignorance of a boy. Just when you think the character cannot sink any further, cannot make a worse decision, or speak words so far removed from any of the lessons he had learned through season 1, he lets us all down bit by bit. And whilst I personally reserve particular scorn for this aborted child of a man, the rest of the cast hardly comes out smelling of roses. The ensemble works not to engage you in the family drama at the heart of the show but to almost entirely remove you from the family drama and vogue issues at the core of the series. This can be seen in the acting from the stars as well, with season 2 offering performances far and away from the award-winning outings in season 1.

    Quite simply, Transparent was a superb single run outing... and it should have been left there. With the impetus to keep the story going, the show has lost much of what gave it merit, and as it has removed itself further from the strong themes at the heart of season 1 it has blindly meandered into the dull world of boring family drama, its only saving grace being a man in a dress.    … Expand
  10. JIgnacio
    Oct 21, 2015
    10
    Don't listen to the naysayers. Transparent is a truly unique show about family, values, what we should be like in our lives vs what we want to... Thematically the show really delivers. However, it can be difficult to get into it... But make an effort, get past the first 3 or 4 episodes and I bet you will be hooked. You won't be disappointed...
  11. roinujrino
    Sep 21, 2015
    10
    PERFECT, the acting, the writing, the directing. Everything in it is awesome, I can't describe how cool and touching it is, I really love it. I recommend it.
  12. OpinionatedGuy
    Jul 13, 2015
    9
    With its balanced humor and drama, the first season of Transparent is beautifully heartwarming from start to end.

    Rating: 9/10 Pros: +Maura is the show. Her transition as a transgender is one of the most emotional things I have seen on TV. Her character is also backed-up with an amazing performance by Jeffrey Tambor. +While most of the main characters are flawed and sometimes    With its balanced humor and drama, the first season of Transparent is beautifully heartwarming from start to end.

    Rating: 9/10

    Pros:
    +Maura is the show. Her transition as a transgender is one of the most emotional things I have seen on TV. Her character is also backed-up with an amazing performance by Jeffrey Tambor.
    +While most of the main characters are flawed and sometimes really hard to like, they feel like real people.
    +The cinematography and direction feels really cinematic that it feels like you’re watching a five-hour movie.
    +The show is heartwarming as the show balanced its humor and drama very well.

    Cons:
    -The eight episode felt like it was good on paper but the execution was a miss.    … Expand
  13. DakotaFred
    Jun 11, 2015
    0
    Um.. OK, THIS is the highest rated show on this site?! haha It's some kind of joke, right? This must be one of if not the most shallow shock-for-ratings shows ever made. #1.. what a joke!
  14. wrgower2508
    Mar 27, 2015
    10
    I am 4 episodes into season 1 as of this review and have yet to be disappointed or bored. The hype that many other reviewers mention is NOT an issue for me- I just stumbled onto this when browsing a site and didn't read any reviews prior to watching. The characters feel rich and flawed, yet their behavior rings true. I think that the flashback scenes are superb and don't feel contrivedI am 4 episodes into season 1 as of this review and have yet to be disappointed or bored. The hype that many other reviewers mention is NOT an issue for me- I just stumbled onto this when browsing a site and didn't read any reviews prior to watching. The characters feel rich and flawed, yet their behavior rings true. I think that the flashback scenes are superb and don't feel contrived or forced at all. It takes quite a bit for me to get invested into a series. My attention is lost easily when watching tv (comedies are notoriously bad about becoming predictable and just stupidly hammy). That being said, this series has yet to reveal and odor of swine. Not once have I found myself wondering what happens in the next chapter of the novel that I am reading currently during scenes with no dialogue. The highest praise that a comedy can earn (in the medium of tv) has just been typed. When I can focus on it for the ENTIRE run time (minus credits/intro theme) then I have dubbed your production tv GOLD! Yes, I will come back and add to/edit my glowing review if the next 4 episodes fall short of this laurel. Thanks for those that click on the helpful box. It is appreciated by this reviewer and I WILL return the favor.… Expand
  15. zouz123
    Mar 16, 2015
    9
    Excellent show with guaranteed laughs, the bar was raised high and you'll find most taboo issues tackled. Mentioning that, it's the actors who made this show succeed with their top performances. Really enjoyed it
  16. ParisLove
    Feb 28, 2015
    1
    Another show that seems to be unjustifiably favoured by the hollywood bigwigs. Dont get me wrong, I love Jeffrey Tambor. He cracks me up. But, this show is slow and empty. It's not show you cant wait for more of. Some of the characters are too annoying to watch. This show seems to be getting the hype due to hollywood connections and not true quality.
  17. shavenwookie
    Feb 9, 2015
    6
    The problem with this show is that its labeled as a comedy when its never really funny. It is a decent piece of dramatic story telling however. It follows three self centered siblings and there father who do very little growing during the course of the first season. The show doest really keep up the momentum of the first few episodes and begins to stretch its premise a little thin by theThe problem with this show is that its labeled as a comedy when its never really funny. It is a decent piece of dramatic story telling however. It follows three self centered siblings and there father who do very little growing during the course of the first season. The show doest really keep up the momentum of the first few episodes and begins to stretch its premise a little thin by the end of it. It is well filmed and the acting is great through out the season, even if the characters decisions feel forced at times for drama. If your a fan of Jill Soloway you will most likely enjoy this.… Expand
  18. Rex_richards
    Jan 28, 2015
    3
    Yet another show with so much positive hype you feel almost guilty being negative about it. BUT, all the main characters are pretty much unlikable most of the time. I just don't care about any of them, Maybe if I was a upper middle class american with an interest in jewish culture and family values then... but no, that also describes Curb your enthusiasm, arrested development, and manyYet another show with so much positive hype you feel almost guilty being negative about it. BUT, all the main characters are pretty much unlikable most of the time. I just don't care about any of them, Maybe if I was a upper middle class american with an interest in jewish culture and family values then... but no, that also describes Curb your enthusiasm, arrested development, and many other shows that are totally brilliant.
    It's ultimately really trashy with every possible human deviation and sexual fetish imaginable thrown into the pot. But the characters are all just so selfish you don't really give a rats ass what happens to any of them after about episode 4.    … Expand
  19. haw2991
    Jan 27, 2015
    9
    Brilliantly written, directed, and acted show that takes on a somewhat sensitive and controversial topic. Transparent is definitely a must-see and one of the best television shows out there.
  20. ponderflix
    Jan 22, 2015
    8
    Transparent is a show about a bloke in a dress. It is also about family. It is also about a family coming to terms with the fact their patriarch is now a bloke in a dress. . .and it doesn’t end there. For there are boobs....You don’t trip over something and write, film and edit a scene with boobs into your opening sequence by accident. Those boobs are deliberate and come with a message soTransparent is a show about a bloke in a dress. It is also about family. It is also about a family coming to terms with the fact their patriarch is now a bloke in a dress. . .and it doesn’t end there. For there are boobs....You don’t trip over something and write, film and edit a scene with boobs into your opening sequence by accident. Those boobs are deliberate and come with a message so powerful even the most ardent bloke-in-a-dress hater may stay tuned throughout the series, that message being: this show will probably have a lot of boobs in it.

    The main character Mort is played by Jeffrey Tambor who, with his appearances as Hank Kingsley in The Larry Sanders Show and as Dad/Pop-Pop in Arrested Development had long ago established himself as one of the greatest American comedy actors of all time, can surely now make a claim to simply being one of America’s greatest actors of all time. His performance as Mort/Maura is as subtle and powerful a performance as you are likely to ever see in what is essentially a sitcom, albeit one full of drama, sex, love, dementia and death.

    Full review available at ponderflix on wordpress.    … Expand
  21. traderebay
    Jan 16, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was surprised at all of the 10's this series received. As you can see I think it gets a zero.

    This series is about a bunch of upper middle class, spoiled people who have a lot of issues.

    Just to give a little perspective, Shameless is about a lower class family with a lot of problems with an idiot as the father. Most of the family members make bad decisions due to poverty and poor parenting skills.

    It seems real and you can relate to their problems.

    In this series you have a wealthy, educated, family with lots of problems. Why do they have all these problems? Who knows? The producers just show their current, strange problems and in the first two shows they don't give any clue why everyone is so screwed up. I guess you are supposed to infer that Jeffery Tambor has lied to his wife, kids, and coworkers about his desire to change genders. His lies have led to all the kids problems. I guess.

    His two daughters are so self absorbed that they are very unsympathetic.

    The son is looking for love in all the wrong places.

    I just did not find this show funny at all.

    When I see the show tagged as a comedy I expect to laugh a little.    … Expand
  22. spageopriya12
    Jan 11, 2015
    10
    Transparent is an American comedy-drama television series produced by Amazon Studios that debuted on February 6, 2014.[1] The series was created and directed by Jill Soloway. The story revolves around a Los Angeles family and their lives following the discovery that father Mort (Jeffrey Tambor) is transgender.[2] It was picked for a full season by Amazon Studios on March 12, 2014[3] whichTransparent is an American comedy-drama television series produced by Amazon Studios that debuted on February 6, 2014.[1] The series was created and directed by Jill Soloway. The story revolves around a Los Angeles family and their lives following the discovery that father Mort (Jeffrey Tambor) is transgender.[2] It was picked for a full season by Amazon Studios on March 12, 2014[3] which premiered in full on September 26, 2014.[4] On October 9, 2014, Transparent was renewed for a second season, which will be released in 2015.… Expand
  23. toliverjohn
    Jan 9, 2015
    0
    I guess if you are gay this show is for you. I don't find it funny or interesting at all! The characters act self absorbed and weird for the most part.
  24. muses18
    Jan 8, 2015
    2
    I for one am always up for a good sex scene or two, but this show is bordering on the absurd. It should be called Transporno. If you like watching ugly people having sex with good looking people ALL the time (yeah, that's realistic)...then this is the show for you. The children are depicted as selfish and extremely unlikeable, which is clearly intentional. In the end you wind upI for one am always up for a good sex scene or two, but this show is bordering on the absurd. It should be called Transporno. If you like watching ugly people having sex with good looking people ALL the time (yeah, that's realistic)...then this is the show for you. The children are depicted as selfish and extremely unlikeable, which is clearly intentional. In the end you wind up cringing whenever a new character is introduced, because inevitably one of them wind up (as the butch so poignantly states) "fcking your brains out". Extremely tedious. However, all that being said, Jeffrey Tambor and Judith Light are terrific. It would have been a much better show if it just focused on them.… Expand
  25. ajarias96
    Jan 8, 2015
    8
    Transparent is a refreshing new modern day television show. The cast has the chemistry that you would expect from any great television comedy. It's a great commentary on new modern day issues that people just have never thought of before; that people didn't want to think of before. Prior to 2014 who knows if a show like this would've even be made, but it has been made and it doesn'tTransparent is a refreshing new modern day television show. The cast has the chemistry that you would expect from any great television comedy. It's a great commentary on new modern day issues that people just have never thought of before; that people didn't want to think of before. Prior to 2014 who knows if a show like this would've even be made, but it has been made and it doesn't disappoint. It's a great show that I recommend for all Prime members… Expand
  26. MisterPibbs
    Jan 1, 2015
    10
    Is this show a morally wholesome, feel-good family sitcom fun?

    No. If you are socially conservative or a right-wing Christian, this show is bound to make you feel uncomfortable. It humanizes transgender people, lesbians, and even "normal people" that happen to also be selfish, self-absorbed, lecherous, and less-than-exemplary in general. There is a warmness, familiarity, and deep    Is this show a morally wholesome, feel-good family sitcom fun?

    No. If you are socially conservative or a right-wing Christian, this show is bound to make you feel uncomfortable. It humanizes transgender people, lesbians, and even "normal people" that happen to also be selfish, self-absorbed, lecherous, and less-than-exemplary in general.

    There is a warmness, familiarity, and deep undercurrent of humanism in the show that draws you unflinchingly into the dysfunctional spiral of these incredibly flawed, messily human beings.

    The sort of guy who dines with tax-collectors, and prefers the company of prostitutes and lepers to the "morally wholesome" would likely enjoy this sort of show.

    This show is well ahead of it's time, and I hope to see more follow in it's footsteps.    … Expand
  27. RobbieCope
    Jan 1, 2015
    10
    Fabulous series. Complex, compelling, character-rich. Sometimes I scratch my head at the characters' decisions, but this is life! This is how people live and behave, as bizarre as it sometimes is. I look forward to seeing the characters in the second season become a bit more humbled by their problems and a little less self-obsessed. There is so much potential. A truly brilliant show.
  28. metabad
    Dec 31, 2014
    6
    It's a good thing, that there are shows that deal with controversial issues, like this one.
    And I like the sensitive way it portrays a man that dresses in women's clothes, because he'd rather be a woman.
    So the man has a lesbian daughter, granted. Two plot lines about how to deal with yourself being not part of the mainstream. But then we get her brother and sister with real personal    It's a good thing, that there are shows that deal with controversial issues, like this one.
    And I like the sensitive way it portrays a man that dresses in women's clothes, because he'd rather be a woman.
    So the man has a lesbian daughter, granted. Two plot lines about how to deal with yourself being not part of the mainstream.
    But then we get her brother and sister with real personal problems. Or you can simply call them screwed-up.
    The brother has attachment issues and always picks the wrong woman who he thinks he's in love with.
    The sister likes to have casual sex with more than one man. So what?
    It's only a couple of episodes, so why can't we focus on a transsexual man and his lesbian daughter and follow their stories? Aren't these enough issues to tackle?
    Do we have to stack neurotic people on top of each other just to have enough problems to throw at the audience?
    Why do we need to add two people having problems that show in their sexual behavior when the show can't give us a hint about what's really going on with them or what went wrong with them?
    It's just problems for problems' sake.
    I liked the series early on but the makers of the show didn't seem to trust their initial concept
    and added more to the formula, especially sex, just to be safe.
    I was disappointed in this overrated show, sadly.    … Expand
  29. Eckstein
    Dec 26, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best seasons of a television show I've seen in my life, and I've watched a LOT of TV, of all types. The writing captures the fractured and often chaotic and confusing thing that is the human psyche. Every single performance is incredible, even the kid versions of the children, and that's a huge nod to the casting department as well. Can't wait for season 2.
  30. CFAZ
    Dec 24, 2014
    10
    I'm seriously in awe of this show. None of the characters are saints—in fact, they all do bad, stupid things, the way that real humans do—and it never feels like any of them are just filling a role in the story. In the end I had a deep emotional connection to all of these flawed people, and to the story itself. I can't wait for season 2.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best TV Season of 2014
31
#31 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
13
#13 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Spencer Kornhaber
    Sep 23, 2016
    100
    The show creator Jill Soloway’s deeply empathetic filmmaking style and her writers’ penchant for fine, funny details give the series soul and prevent the characters from tipping over into full monstrousness. The performances are more precise than ever, naturalistically portraying people who are neither wholly good nor wholly bad. Most impressive is how Soloway’s team keeps finding fresh angles on the same characters navigating the same big existential questions.
    Read full review
  2. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Dec 10, 2015
    90
    There are times when “Transparent” will run into a narrative convenience that it often seems too good for--someone stopping by a party at just the right time, someone running into someone in public, etc. Or a character will express something that seems just a bit too self-aware in an argument. I like these characters so much that I really just want to sit around and listen to them talk naturally to each other, examining the dynamics between one of the most fascinating families on TV.
    Read full review
  3. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Sep 30, 2014
    91
    This is the series that puts Amazon Prime on the map, if not yet on the same level with competing streamer Netflix.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »