Tyrant

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 24, 2014
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 119 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 156
  3. Negative: 22 out of 156
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User Reviews

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  1. QCDRG
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Excellent lesson of life! Life never happens as we would have expected and following that we still have bad choices! When we idealize the choices we make the fall is even higher.
  2. Tick
    Dec 27, 2015
    9
    This series started off a as what I would call "Interesting and with promise"

    It has since evolved some and drawn me into the series. It's a GREAT show. Relevant, interesting, fun and engaging. The women are hot too! :D

    This series is definitely worth watching. I can recommend it without hesitation.
  3. cheinric
    Sep 17, 2015
    10
    This was a great show and so real! wonderful characters..well writte; Hope it is renewed because there is much more to the story than what has been told!
  4. elamin13
    Aug 12, 2015
    7
    I find this show interesting, but the thing that I dislike the most is that they take away the honor from every Muslim on the program. Veiled women do not behave in this manner, even if there are some that will, not all do it. They have all of the Muslim women dressing like street walkers, and even the ones that supposed to be religious behave like tramps.
  5. ZodarKindo
    Aug 12, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This TV show is refreshing compared to all the repeat type shows there are re hospitals and aliens and alike. This show takes you to places where you have never been emotionally and morally. You never know which way things are going to go. I find myself thinking about the story after watching an episode. Really enthralling viewing. I cannot for the life of me think why it has received negative reviews......I am so tired of all the droll stories concocted and fed to us on a daily basis. This makes all of us sit up and think.....we all have a Barry and a Jamal in us and we have to question our morals. Love this show and I hope it continues for a long time to come!!!… Expand
  6. derekjaypost
    Aug 9, 2015
    10
    I have found t his to be one of the most addicting shows on tevelvision at the moment. Great story, cast, plot, characters & acting. this show makes it hard for you to say anything bad about it. i think the bad reviews come from people who have only seen an episode or two. this show gets 2 thumbs up.
  7. drasm21
    Jul 19, 2015
    8
    This is an interesting show based on a fictional country, I wonder how close to fact it is... Either way Its kept me watching. The actors seem to be getting more into their roles as time goes on. Not your average "americanized" tv show.
  8. khoibd12
    Apr 28, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The show started off fantastically but by the end it simply felt like midway through the show, the writers cut out so much potential. In the beginning, the show introduced a range of very interesting characters with much potential. Bassam's son is in-the-closet and hooks up with another in-the-closet gay character. The two come from entirely different cultures and it would've been so interesting if the show went into life as a gay man in a conservative, religious, autocratic regime. But they just cut the storyline off with a one night stand and you never hear about them again, except for the son being in the background. Also, Bassam's journalist friend and his daughter are revolutionaries separated by a generational gap. The show could've gone much more in detail about them, their relationship, their pasts, but relayed them to the side and in effect stopped short of developing two characters with such potential.
    Bassam's daughter seemed at least somewhat socially aware when she made comments about hungry people in Abu-Dean and suppression of human rights, but they only have her as a background character. There's so much potential there. Have her befriend a local or get involved in local politics. The entire family has no reason to even be in the plot. They're literally just existing but not playing much of a role in the plot. Nobody cares about them because their potential either hasn't been utilized or has been cut short.
    That's my main problem with the show. Such a diverse cast with so many potential stories to be told in this very interesting setting, but the writers don't use them. If they just wanted the story to focus on Bassam, that's fine, but when you introduce these kickass characters and make us believe that they're going to be main characters, but then you never mention them again, it just disappoints me.
    That said, the plot and setting are beautiful. There are plot twists and the political/social commentary is astounding. It's truly an intriguing plot. I just wish they gave it their 100%    … Expand
  9. podaddy
    Apr 2, 2015
    0
    Glad i held off on reviewing right away. Had I based my review upon the pilot, I would have foolishly fallen in the 8-9 range, but 7 episodes in, the two leads, the brothers, have proven to be incredibly awful characters, as well as actors. The American doctor is just awful, maybe it's the dreadful writing and not him, but his character, probably the most interesting at the show's start,Glad i held off on reviewing right away. Had I based my review upon the pilot, I would have foolishly fallen in the 8-9 range, but 7 episodes in, the two leads, the brothers, have proven to be incredibly awful characters, as well as actors. The American doctor is just awful, maybe it's the dreadful writing and not him, but his character, probably the most interesting at the show's start, has hit rock bottom. The stereotypes that were employed to depict the Tyrant brother were obvious from the start, but the character has grown tired and laughable. And really, the wife of the American doctor, who also happens to be a doctor, is plain ridiculous. They've built up the ruling dictator, the father, to be the equivalent of Sadaam Hussein and she thinks it would be just swell to visit and even better to take the kids along and stay for an indefinite amount of time! Did she not watch CNN or google the Evil Dictator father prior to going there? What mother would want to place her children in such danger? What a joke....completely insulting to it's viewing audience. Maybe they can right some wrongs and make Tyrant interesting, but it seems an impossible task from this vantage point. I've honestly never seen a show start with as much promise get this bad, this quickly. For those looking for an interesting Middle Eastern drama Sundance's "An Honorable Women" looks to be the real deal, something the creators of Tyrant seem incapable of accomplishing… Expand
  10. Sketch987
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    All and all a highly intelligent, entertaining and timely drama that does a great job at examining the complexities Middle Eastern politics in a powerful, realistic manner. The only reason I didn't rate it higher is because of the hero's wife and her too-dumb-to-live sister.

    No offense to the actresses, who do what they can with what they've been given, but I couldn't help but wince    All and all a highly intelligent, entertaining and timely drama that does a great job at examining the complexities Middle Eastern politics in a powerful, realistic manner. The only reason I didn't rate it higher is because of the hero's wife and her too-dumb-to-live sister.

    No offense to the actresses, who do what they can with what they've been given, but I couldn't help but wince every time their characters appeared on screen. They cheapen the show significantly by injecting needless and inane melodrama, and are at best an irritating side-show to the central story.

    I hope there's a season 2, but I equally hope those offending characters are minimized (or better yet dropped) so that I don't have to tolerate them anymore.    … Expand
  11. tomanymind
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    I really hope there is a season two of this show. I've never written a review before but I didn't wanna leave this one to bored housewives and feminine stick figure guys to trash. This show simply is not for you. Tyrant is the middle eastern Sopranos equivalent. It has the potential to be much more. It shows that sometimes you may not get to choose between right and wrong.I really hope there is a season two of this show. I've never written a review before but I didn't wanna leave this one to bored housewives and feminine stick figure guys to trash. This show simply is not for you. Tyrant is the middle eastern Sopranos equivalent. It has the potential to be much more. It shows that sometimes you may not get to choose between right and wrong. Sometimes you must choose a lesser evil. Even choosing to do nothing may be the cruelest decision to make. What do I know? Firefly was cancelled on me and even family guy at one point. Bravo tyrant, bravo… Expand
  12. Cdladi
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    I was hooked from the first show.......I can't say enough about this new series!!!!
    It is catapulting, sad, happy, exciting and culturally exhilarating! The actors and actresses are all so vivid and clear of their parts and actions, it is truly spellbinding. The best show I have seen in many years!!
    Please, please tell me there will be more to look forward to!! I anxiously await the    I was hooked from the first show.......I can't say enough about this new series!!!!
    It is catapulting, sad, happy, exciting and culturally exhilarating! The actors and actresses are all so vivid and clear of their parts and actions, it is truly spellbinding. The best show I have seen in many years!!

    Please, please tell me there will be more to look forward to!! I anxiously await the next set of series.

    Instant fan
    Colleen    … Expand
  13. d440
    Sep 4, 2014
    9
    Great show and the presidents wife is the hottest aribac woman I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  14. mrkoko
    Aug 29, 2014
    10
    Many viewers may take the show as an interesting political satire of U.S.'s foreign policies in the Middle East. The first few episodes may have received criticism for appearing shallow: Bassam Al-Fayeed the prodigal son of the country's ruler, returns home from his self-exile in the U.S., waving the freedom flag, and things more or less move in his favor. The perceived shallowness thereMany viewers may take the show as an interesting political satire of U.S.'s foreign policies in the Middle East. The first few episodes may have received criticism for appearing shallow: Bassam Al-Fayeed the prodigal son of the country's ruler, returns home from his self-exile in the U.S., waving the freedom flag, and things more or less move in his favor. The perceived shallowness there may have been intended, to mirror Bassam's own biased perception of his home country. As the first season closes, the show starts to reveal the flaws in Bassam's naivete and self-righteousness; and that things are much more complex than he had originally anticipated. Definitely recommend sticking around for at least the whole first season.… Expand
  15. comcastpatty
    Aug 27, 2014
    10
    Do not get your panties in a bunch people. Being to critical of this show is stupid. For a first season this show has exceeded expectations. The careful shooting of this show is flawless. The visual appeal is top notch and the scenes are intimate and specific. I am thoroughly impressed with the characters. The plot could be better but give it time this show is truly a gold mine. You haveDo not get your panties in a bunch people. Being to critical of this show is stupid. For a first season this show has exceeded expectations. The careful shooting of this show is flawless. The visual appeal is top notch and the scenes are intimate and specific. I am thoroughly impressed with the characters. The plot could be better but give it time this show is truly a gold mine. You have never seen a show like this!!… Expand
  16. bob516
    Aug 24, 2014
    10
    Wow, did not expect this to be a must watch for me. Watching Barry/Bassam trying to stay on the honorable path, while there is such evil underneath is fascinating.
  17. BogKid
    Aug 20, 2014
    9
    Initially, I wasn’t at all sure whether or not I liked this show. It takes place in a Middle Eastern country run by a dictator. It had a little reference to Syria’s history with the younger son, a physician, returning to run the country upon the older sibling’s death. I stuck with it and I have been rewarded. I don’t have a real feel for what living in a country like this might be. IInitially, I wasn’t at all sure whether or not I liked this show. It takes place in a Middle Eastern country run by a dictator. It had a little reference to Syria’s history with the younger son, a physician, returning to run the country upon the older sibling’s death. I stuck with it and I have been rewarded. I don’t have a real feel for what living in a country like this might be. I doubt that many of us in our comfortable protected environments do. My impression of the show is that it is well written and generally well acted. The story line is intriguing and, maybe best of all, there is not one police detective in sight. I certainly find myself at odds with and confused by many of the professional critics comments as well as the negative critics by the public reviewers. If you put any stock at all into this type of individual review, I would urge you to track this show down and stick with it. You will be rewarded.… Expand
  18. Krogg
    Aug 20, 2014
    10
    My wife and I love this show. Great story, plot , characters & acting. I'm confused by what negative reviews it has received to be quite honest. I look forward to my Tuesday evenings so they must be doing something right ;-)
  19. Avafae
    Aug 20, 2014
    10
    This is excellent thrilling and educated.

    The characters are interesting individually as well as having great chemistry together. The acting is also very believable. The interior shots especially of the palace and Katrina’s flat are stunning. The décor and the fabrics that have been used are eye catching.The scenery and Colors used induce an intense and exciting feeling that draws    This is excellent thrilling and educated.

    The characters are interesting individually as well as having great chemistry together. The acting is also very believable.

    The interior shots especially of the palace and Katrina’s flat are stunning. The décor and the fabrics that have been used are eye catching.The scenery and Colors used induce an intense and exciting feeling that draws you in. The viewer gains a believable insight in to a very passionate and vibrant country. along with the back ground music all this is extremely realistic and transports the viewer in to the characters word.

    Even the ruins are sights of beautiful architecture in their plaster pastels and vibrant turquoise and gold’s. We are shown a country in conflict with its damaged beauty and corruption.

    It takes a lot to convince me and Tyrant has won me over with its great acting. interesting characters griping intense story and heaps of mental arousal bought on by the beautiful accents and the characters distinct mannerism's.    … Expand
  20. mac5
    Aug 11, 2014
    3
    It could be so interesting given the production value. However, I feel it would be more relevant if there were more focus on the political struggle on the Middle Eastern inhabitants and less on Barry/Bassam simply awful family. The wife is so annoying with her repetitive ‘are you ok’ on constant loop and their god awful children portrayed as the most selfish inane useless parodies of theIt could be so interesting given the production value. However, I feel it would be more relevant if there were more focus on the political struggle on the Middle Eastern inhabitants and less on Barry/Bassam simply awful family. The wife is so annoying with her repetitive ‘are you ok’ on constant loop and their god awful children portrayed as the most selfish inane useless parodies of the worst teenage stereotype. I feel it’s cheap, tacky and tasteless and its visuals are way too clean and polished considering the abject violence. It is verging on the patronising, spoon feeding every scene with a flashback to remind the viewer of their viewpoint. Personally I find it a tad vulgar.… Expand
  21. kivircik
    Aug 10, 2014
    8
    You may find it hard to believe but 95% of this show is really happening in the Middle East as I am writing this. I highly recommend watching this show and then read more about the middle east countries and their politics.

    With all that brutality though I wish they have also shown more things about the culture of this imaginary world.

    8 is for acting
  22. maimar
    Aug 7, 2014
    10
    I absolutely love this show. The show would have better ratings if it was on the USA Network. I can't get enough of it & I hope it has a lot more seasons coming.
  23. GilCore
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    I can't get enough of this show. Each week I'm tuning in to see what happens next. It's a sign of good writing when a show can develop characters while moving the plot forward at a breakneck pace. It's always refreshing when the story doesn't feel stalled for the purpose of stretching out critical plots between season finales. I'm not sure why I'm reading things about Rayner's performanceI can't get enough of this show. Each week I'm tuning in to see what happens next. It's a sign of good writing when a show can develop characters while moving the plot forward at a breakneck pace. It's always refreshing when the story doesn't feel stalled for the purpose of stretching out critical plots between season finales. I'm not sure why I'm reading things about Rayner's performance being bad. He was still very much a mystery until the end of the first episode. Since then, he's been a brilliant, charismatic force.… Expand
  24. Ravens1294
    Jul 30, 2014
    4
    I thought this show was going to be really good, but I've been disappointed. Each episode has been too similar to one another. Jamaal is clearly the best character with his brother, but the show could be so much better. I've given up on the show.
  25. yoli28
    Jul 26, 2014
    9
    Do you need to suspend your disbelief for this show to work? Yes, absolutely. But, suspending your disbelief is so easy to do here because the setting is opulent; the character's are salient and they work well as an ensemble; and well, the show is pure escapism. The show grabs you like a salacious novel--just go along for the ride for the rides sake and you will not be disappointed!
  26. Shkoder
    Jul 23, 2014
    10
    100 score, this move got my families attention, the actress are very selective for their roles, I say this because I know about acting bad directing, so all I can say my family and I we can't wait for the next show,
  27. nautico
    Jul 23, 2014
    3
    I'm always wary of dramas set in fictional countries ruled by rough talking men dressed in gaudy uniforms, and this one quickly lived down to my low expectations. The lead actor has all the personality of a piece of lox, and those who are arrayed against him are cartoonish in their personae. Then there's the US diplomat, John Tucker, who presumably represents the American position in thisI'm always wary of dramas set in fictional countries ruled by rough talking men dressed in gaudy uniforms, and this one quickly lived down to my low expectations. The lead actor has all the personality of a piece of lox, and those who are arrayed against him are cartoonish in their personae. Then there's the US diplomat, John Tucker, who presumably represents the American position in this festering bogus nation, and yet we are really given no idea as to what that position is. And does the guy have an office? Where's the American Embassy, and does anyone else work there?… Expand
  28. michaelganesan
    Jul 22, 2014
    10
    This show was filmed in Tel Aviv. The show is interesting and kept me glued to my seat. I binge watch this show because I am never home on time. This is a change in pace with reference to all of the sitcoms I watch. I am giving it a 10! I believe this show captures the duplicity of the arab leaders who claim to be religions heads of state but commit atrocities against their own people. TheThis show was filmed in Tel Aviv. The show is interesting and kept me glued to my seat. I binge watch this show because I am never home on time. This is a change in pace with reference to all of the sitcoms I watch. I am giving it a 10! I believe this show captures the duplicity of the arab leaders who claim to be religions heads of state but commit atrocities against their own people. The lead actor has captured the very essence of his struggle with the continued violence and the loss of freedom and a brother who is symbolic of suffering, torture and torment!… Expand
  29. robynpopescu
    Jul 21, 2014
    10
    I love this show. I hope it doesn't get cancelled. Does anyone know who composes the music? I think the characters are believable and the story line is very intriguing
  30. WestLil0
    Jul 20, 2014
    7
    Interesting. Tough. Hard core. Realistic. A topic/plot that most writers and shows would be afraid to touch, but FX has always been an edgy channel and that's a relief. I think it's time that we explored customs and societies that we may not agree with, but do exist. However, why must homosexuality also appear in this show? There's enough to write about regarding a fictitious country thatInteresting. Tough. Hard core. Realistic. A topic/plot that most writers and shows would be afraid to touch, but FX has always been an edgy channel and that's a relief. I think it's time that we explored customs and societies that we may not agree with, but do exist. However, why must homosexuality also appear in this show? There's enough to write about regarding a fictitious country that oppresses its people in this manner (which of course parallels reality in many parts of the world) without adding yet another component that dilutes the rest of the plot. Hope it makes it to a second season and that the writers use current events as a basis for future scripts.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
21
#21 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 33
  3. Negative: 5 out of 33
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jun 30, 2014
    67
    It’s brutal, violent and graphic. And it’s a story we’ve seen before.
    Read full review
  2. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Andrew Romano
    Jun 25, 2014
    40
    The case [ordon and Raff] make on Tyrant isn't particularly convincing, or even all that entertaining. The details are too generic. The conflicts are too simplistic. Abbudin is too unreal.
    Read full review
  3. Zap2it (Inside the Box)
    Reviewed by: Terri Schwartz
    Jun 24, 2014
    50
    The new FX drama from "Homeland" and "24" executive producer Howard Gordon balances family with politics in a show that constantly questions what the right choice is when torn between the two, but oftentimes finds itself bogged down in soap opera-style drama that distracts from the greater, more ambitious story that it's trying to tell.
    Read full review
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