True Blood

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 7, 2008
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 705 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 593 out of 705
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 705
  3. Negative: 68 out of 705
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User Reviews

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  1. derekw
    Jun 17, 2009
    10
    I love this show to death. every episode i am at the end of my seat on what will happen next. first i think the acting is great. all the characters have there own thing going in the series. second so what if it is over the top with f bombs and death. that is what makes it even better. this is going to be one of the biggest cult series ever and i hope more people will come to appreciate I love this show to death. every episode i am at the end of my seat on what will happen next. first i think the acting is great. all the characters have there own thing going in the series. second so what if it is over the top with f bombs and death. that is what makes it even better. this is going to be one of the biggest cult series ever and i hope more people will come to appreciate its original story telling.… Expand
  2. AndrewN
    Jun 14, 2009
    3
    This show is painfully weak in character and dialogue, nothing close to the powerhouse that 6 Feet Under was. I watch because I have nothing better to do and it gives me confidence in my own writing abilities that something so poorly crafted as this can actually get produced.
  3. StephanieS
    Jun 9, 2009
    2
    Quite possibly the worst adaptation of book to show I've ever seen. The story line is not even close and major changes are made to the lore Harris created in the book. About the only similarities are the overarching thread of season one to book one (murders of fangbangers and vampire enthusiasts) but other than that the only things that are the same are the characters and the Quite possibly the worst adaptation of book to show I've ever seen. The story line is not even close and major changes are made to the lore Harris created in the book. About the only similarities are the overarching thread of season one to book one (murders of fangbangers and vampire enthusiasts) but other than that the only things that are the same are the characters and the settings. Sookie is nothing as I imagined to her to be (and the acting is terrible) except for blond. The only accurate casting was possible Eric and Pam but acting still leaves something to be desired as does the special effects. C'mon people! Buffy didn't have great quality graphics but yet they were more believable than this show's. I am truly disappointed.… Expand
  4. KathrynM.
    May 23, 2009
    0
    I HATE this show. I'm sick of being hit over the head repeatedly with what bigoted, homophobe I am and America is. Nothing like the books. They were fun. Too bad the director can't tell a story without bashing America and overloaded with sex and profanity.
  5. EmilyS
    May 22, 2009
    2
    This show seemed like it might be good, but it just seems to have gone down hill with each episode. The writers apparently have no idea how to deal with problematic characters other than just killing them. It follows Jason for much of the show simply having hallucinogenic dreams and sex and being far too stupid to live. There was no foreshadowing as to who the murderer might be, even This show seemed like it might be good, but it just seems to have gone down hill with each episode. The writers apparently have no idea how to deal with problematic characters other than just killing them. It follows Jason for much of the show simply having hallucinogenic dreams and sex and being far too stupid to live. There was no foreshadowing as to who the murderer might be, even though the main character can read minds- it seemed like they just picked him as the killer in that episode and made it obvious in the first couple minutes of the episode. Now it seems for the next season Jason has joined an anti-vampire church and so will continue being more stupid than ever and taking up time where we could be doing so many better things, like throwing salt in our eyes.… Expand
  6. MichaelEmersonFan
    Apr 3, 2009
    0
    The first episode of "True Blood" is an absolute train wreck. Where do I start? 1- The dialogue is unbelievably stupid and every word- instead of advancing the plot and allowing for character development- is astronomically expensive filler. Gratuitous F-bombs fizzle damply in every other line, although it seems as though the audience is supposed to be shocked by these fu-nannigans. Yes, The first episode of "True Blood" is an absolute train wreck. Where do I start? 1- The dialogue is unbelievably stupid and every word- instead of advancing the plot and allowing for character development- is astronomically expensive filler. Gratuitous F-bombs fizzle damply in every other line, although it seems as though the audience is supposed to be shocked by these fu-nannigans. Yes, we know.. it's HBO. People say "F-" and don't get bleeped out. What's new? 2- The actors take the most cliche interpretations imaginable, resulting in lifeless performances. In spite of this, the actors still manage to overact each sequence so painfully that it makes me want to shove forks into my eyes. 3- Above, I had mentioned such trivial things as "plot advancement" and "character development." I'm sorry. 4- I would have to say that the melodramatic musical sequence that plays whenever Suckie sees the vampire must be what they refer to affectionately as "comedic relief." Every show needs it. And this show needs something. Like an axe.… Expand
  7. MRoberts
    Mar 12, 2009
    10
    Love this show, I cant wait till the 2nd season comes out !
  8. als
    Feb 18, 2009
    10
    Great show. Can not wait for the new season.
  9. BridgetA
    Jan 17, 2009
    10
    Addicted. Completely obsessed by it. And I am a literature major. The books are fine. Watched the series first and prefer it.
  10. georgetter
    Jan 4, 2009
    10
    This is one show that I look forward watching and not too many shows do that I can not wait until it comes on it keeps you guessing what will happen who is going to do what next Number one show in my book
  11. CarolL.
    Dec 25, 2008
    10
    Stephen Moyer is the sexiest man in the world. Without him the show would get a 6 from me. I love to love him. Dear God I hope sombody recognizes that he is the whole show and does nottry to write him out EVER EVER. Stephen...call me.
  12. mariashavzin
    Dec 21, 2008
    7
    I like the show, but I haven't watched the ending. I really like Bill, Rene, and Jasons new girl Amy. I absolutely HATE Sam, and often fast forward thru scenes with him in it. Sam realy has that short male complex were he has to prove something. Tarra is hard to take, but I can deal with her. It depends on how this season ends wether ill be seeing it next season. If sam dies, ill I like the show, but I haven't watched the ending. I really like Bill, Rene, and Jasons new girl Amy. I absolutely HATE Sam, and often fast forward thru scenes with him in it. Sam realy has that short male complex were he has to prove something. Tarra is hard to take, but I can deal with her. It depends on how this season ends wether ill be seeing it next season. If sam dies, ill watch for sure. He is obviously the collie. In fact he acts like a collie. He certainly isn't anything better.Maybe a shetland pony.… Expand
  13. AnnetteN
    Dec 17, 2008
    9
    Though I love the show, I many times wish that it followed along better with the actual book. I feel that many of the books notes are not expressed in the series that could quite possibly make the series even better! I look forward to season two!!!
  14. KarlK
    Dec 16, 2008
    10
    Amazing series, I was hooked from start to finish, full of shocks, surprises, comedy it had everything. Thanks HBO for giving us another superb production to stand alongside the sopranos and rome etc.
  15. TinaM
    Dec 10, 2008
    9
    Flawed, but extremely entertaining. If you are not a fan of tongue-in-cheek exaggeration (a la Grindhouse, Black Dynamite, etc), you probably won't like this. The show tries to be a lot of things (comedy, pulp, ensemble drama, and fantasy) and sometimes comes off as uneven, but the overall quirkiness/weirdness of the show allows for it. I think the acting is quite good (accents... Flawed, but extremely entertaining. If you are not a fan of tongue-in-cheek exaggeration (a la Grindhouse, Black Dynamite, etc), you probably won't like this. The show tries to be a lot of things (comedy, pulp, ensemble drama, and fantasy) and sometimes comes off as uneven, but the overall quirkiness/weirdness of the show allows for it. I think the acting is quite good (accents... meh... I think it's funny that the best/most convincing Southern accents come from the two foreigners of the cast! Shame on Americans and Canadians!)... The Sookie-Gran's-pie scene made me tear up a bit (I NEVER cry during films or TV... exception: Ikiru). Basically the show goes between hilarious scenes (stereotyped some, yes... but they're usually not negative... they're badass stereotypes), really poignant, well acted dramatic scenes, some cheesy love scenes (white dress scene? lol) and some really sincere romantic scenes. Bit bumpy but worth it. And to quote a guy friend of mine: "You get to see Anna Paquin's cans!!"… Expand
  16. EricW
    Dec 7, 2008
    10
    This show keep you wondering what will happen next. Who in the next episode with have some " Fucked up shit" happen to them. Where else can you watch in 5 monutes and watch 2 people ahving sex, someone die , and a vampires drining blood from a bottle. Come on thats some funny sh*t.
  17. RaquelG.
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    This show is just SOOOO INCREDIBLY AWESOME. the acting may not be emmy-worthy but MAN does this show move you. The last episode made me cry, get shivers and literally scream. I can watch it over and over.
  18. Ash
    Dec 1, 2008
    4
    R rated vampire story meant for the Lifetime network. More time spent on the unimportant side dramas than the vampire stories. If you are into watching an "angry daughter-drunk mother" relationship, an entire eisode devoted to a pointless funeral wake, or love triangles, this is a show for you.
  19. AnkushD
    Nov 29, 2008
    4
    True Blood is part soap-opera, part thriller, and the way in which it jumps between the two prevents any real atmosphere developing. The vampire aspect of the show doesn't really serve to distinguish it, as the show chooses instead to focus on the emotional swings and relationship issues of the central characters - something which Six Feet Under did infinitely better.
  20. CameronL
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    I can say, that sadly, this season has ended, and I feel utterly empty. This show has been the highlight of my Sunday Nights. Engaging characters, A plot that simmers until the very end, and show conclusions that leave you hanging until the next episode only add to the excitement and phenom that has become of this show. I suggest, while waiting for next summer, to read the novels, they I can say, that sadly, this season has ended, and I feel utterly empty. This show has been the highlight of my Sunday Nights. Engaging characters, A plot that simmers until the very end, and show conclusions that leave you hanging until the next episode only add to the excitement and phenom that has become of this show. I suggest, while waiting for next summer, to read the novels, they should hold your cravings very well!… Expand
  21. CG
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    This is the most entertaining series I have seen in a while. Nothing better to watch right now. I find it insane they're gonna wait until summer 09 to start it up again.
  22. JoelC.
    Nov 22, 2008
    10
    Right when I saw the begining of the first episode, then the ending of it I have been hooked and saw 11 episodes in 2-3 days and look forward to many many more seasons of this show. TRUEBLOOD BABY!!!!
  23. SammyKay
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    Excellent new material - ingenious concept re-creating the typical vampire story.
  24. DavidL.
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    The user-review rating says it all. I hate most TV shows, I really do. In fact, the only TV show I've actively followed and enjoyed in the last 5 years, is The Wire. Make no mistake, this isn't The Wire quality, but it is an incredibly fun, funny, interesting and downright intriguing show. There's nothing else out there like it. This isn't Buffy the Vampire Slayer on The user-review rating says it all. I hate most TV shows, I really do. In fact, the only TV show I've actively followed and enjoyed in the last 5 years, is The Wire. Make no mistake, this isn't The Wire quality, but it is an incredibly fun, funny, interesting and downright intriguing show. There's nothing else out there like it. This isn't Buffy the Vampire Slayer on HBO. Just like The Wire isn't The Shield on HBO. Both are incredibly different shows, and both extremely interesting.… Expand
  25. AnandG.
    Nov 16, 2008
    2
    I've seen 4 complete episodes only because people keep telling me this show is really interesting. after 4 episode I can honestly say there are about 5 minutes where it didn't suck. terrible dialog, acting, storyline, and uninteresting characters. they need a nuclear bomb to go of in that down and move Bill, the only with some potential, somewhere more interesting. this show is I've seen 4 complete episodes only because people keep telling me this show is really interesting. after 4 episode I can honestly say there are about 5 minutes where it didn't suck. terrible dialog, acting, storyline, and uninteresting characters. they need a nuclear bomb to go of in that down and move Bill, the only with some potential, somewhere more interesting. this show is less interesting than john from cincinnati and that should say it all.… Expand
  26. AndrewG.
    Nov 16, 2008
    9
    Good silly fun, buckets of blood, with lotsa sex, what more do you need?
  27. BraxS.
    Nov 12, 2008
    10
    Who the heck are these critics? Honestly.
  28. StephanieH.
    Nov 10, 2008
    10
    The best show on HBO since the Sopranos.
  29. NataliaB.
    Nov 10, 2008
    10
    I can't wait for each episode! The twist and turns keep you tuned in.
  30. FirstLast
    Nov 9, 2008
    0
    This piece of garbage series is nothing but a low grade soap opera veneered with pop vampire lore. It's not funny, it's not scary, nor is it even thought provoking. The shallow, crass character development reduces its characters to boring stereotypes. A complete and utter waste of time.
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best TV Season of 2008
2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
5
#5 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    42
    I'd say that the author is more vivid, subtle, and funny in her portrayal of Southern life; I'll be surprised if her fans aren't disappointed by this adaptation. The best thing about Ball's shows is their opening credits.
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  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    50
    Vampire fantasy, murder mystery, star-crossed love story, political satire, True Blood is all and none of the above. Not quite funny, not quite scary, not quite thought-provoking, the show's attempt to question the roots of prejudice is continually undermined by its own stereotyping.
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  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    60
    The core characters, including Sookie's best friend Tara (Rutina Wesley), Sookie's brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) and bartender Sam (Sam Trammell), who has a thing for Sookie, all have interesting features and are well-played. The rest of the locals don't come off so well, mostly having few brains and a big shortage of couth.
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