• Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 30, 2015
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 98
  2. Negative: 28 out of 98
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User Reviews

  1. Aug 4, 2015
    8
    The characters are like able. The animals are fun to watch. The animal science fiction and nonfictional facts are interesting. Super impressed with the animal actors. Nora Arnezeder's role as an agent is hard to watch. The suspenseful story line and ever changing scenery keeps me watching
  2. Oct 28, 2015
    9
    This show is amazing. If you love any kinds of animals, watch this show. It is original, the storyline is great, really guys, I don't get attached to a TV show series that easy, but this show, attracted me so much. The 5 main characters all have different personalities and make the show even better. The only thing i could said that is not very good is that James Wolk always seems to beThis show is amazing. If you love any kinds of animals, watch this show. It is original, the storyline is great, really guys, I don't get attached to a TV show series that easy, but this show, attracted me so much. The 5 main characters all have different personalities and make the show even better. The only thing i could said that is not very good is that James Wolk always seems to be smiling even when he get shot. Expand
  3. Nov 5, 2015
    7
    Not perfect by far, but the story is quite good and the characters are written as if they are able to think on their feet. The "mistakes" that the characters make are very much in keeping with who they are and the goals they want to attain.
    If the world's animals were able to communicate with each other and to turn on humanity, it would be a very one sided fight, with humanity being on
    Not perfect by far, but the story is quite good and the characters are written as if they are able to think on their feet. The "mistakes" that the characters make are very much in keeping with who they are and the goals they want to attain.
    If the world's animals were able to communicate with each other and to turn on humanity, it would be a very one sided fight, with humanity being on the losing end very quickly.
    Interesting take on the "end of the world" genre.
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  4. Aug 4, 2015
    6
    The series started out with what seemed like so much hope and promise and I'd thought I'd be hooked. But after watching now episode 5 I'm like what's happening?

    Or, more precisely, what's not happening?
  5. Sep 17, 2015
    10
    One of our favorite shows. Good acting and a new and interesting story line so far. Ends with "I'm open to suggestions" being said and if the writers can write thier way out of this it would be worthy of another season.
    We are just so tired of r"eallity" TV, "Talent shows" and crass sitcoms that this new show could spark a resurgence of thought provoking TV. The 10 is to outweigh the
    One of our favorite shows. Good acting and a new and interesting story line so far. Ends with "I'm open to suggestions" being said and if the writers can write thier way out of this it would be worthy of another season.
    We are just so tired of r"eallity" TV, "Talent shows" and crass sitcoms that this new show could spark a resurgence of thought provoking TV. The 10 is to outweigh the negative people who watched a couple of episodes and just didn't get it. We understand it is not everyone's cup of tea but ZOO has a good following.
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  6. Jul 23, 2016
    8
    Great characters, a fun fresh idea (I've seen hundreds of animal horror or animal action movies, but never one with the whole world's animals and insects banding together vs humanity)- the plot is a little muddy here or there but it's a solid show and you should watch it. Lots of action, comedic moments, character growth, good lore, etc.
  7. Aug 31, 2016
    10
    When I started watching the show it was interesting and I was intrigued to watch more of it and I completed the first season that way. The show's storyline was an ongoing story which I loved and it made sense to me as I watched more episodes into the season. I love all the characters and their roles in the story. Season 1 was epic and awesome.
  8. Aug 31, 2015
    10
    good actors, good plot. i like that they explore different cultures and species of animals. it keeps you wondering "what if?". looking forward to another season.
  9. Apr 14, 2016
    10
    This show is hilarious. If you like cheese and goofy animal attacks you should give it a watch. The humor is not apparently intentional but it's glorious.
  10. Jul 1, 2015
    5
    The idea might have worked, but both the fauna and humans are far from engaging. Zoo has a simple concept of animals rebelling against humans. Enough is enough for them as they randomly converge on some tree or attack random passerby. It has merit since with both viewpoints from savanna and urban locales simultaneously detect anomalies. Unfortunately, there's not much interest sparked byThe idea might have worked, but both the fauna and humans are far from engaging. Zoo has a simple concept of animals rebelling against humans. Enough is enough for them as they randomly converge on some tree or attack random passerby. It has merit since with both viewpoints from savanna and urban locales simultaneously detect anomalies. Unfortunately, there's not much interest sparked by the human characters while the animals certainly can't carry the show by themselves.

    Its most problematic issue is the awkward writing. None of the personalities are fascinating, in fact nearly everyone is either showing exaggerated emotions or lack of urgency. For the city perspective, we have the story of a journalist who writes blog of preserving animal rights. She's meant to be a strong female lead, but sadly she just seems preachy and unapproachable.

    The savanna cast is very elementary, they even react very stiff in face of danger, bantering about theory while the animals literally just attacked them. I reckon it could be better if presentation could resemble Jurassic Park of Planet of the Apes, but such caliber is not within the Zoo's grasp.

    Ultimately, the show sounds rather tediously pretentious and nonsensical. It could build tension, but it would be a long trek for audience to follow since there’s no characters, walking with paws or feet, is worthy on investing time on.
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  11. Aug 6, 2015
    1
    What does it say about this show when the main evil character dies in episode five. The first couple of episodes based in Africa were very interesting. Now jumping from the U.S to Europe to South America to the pacific makes it choppy and confusing. And the characters are so lightweight they are not even keeping one's attention. It had potential but it got lost in its own lame script.
  12. Jan 3, 2016
    5
    I like the idea of animals taking over the world, it's a fun idea and just as plausible as zombies taking over the world, but the dialogue and the acting is just lousy. The two lead female actresses are so awful they make me want to pry my eyes out of my head when they're on screen. If you kill them off, and find two other actresses that can actually act, fire your writers and get someI like the idea of animals taking over the world, it's a fun idea and just as plausible as zombies taking over the world, but the dialogue and the acting is just lousy. The two lead female actresses are so awful they make me want to pry my eyes out of my head when they're on screen. If you kill them off, and find two other actresses that can actually act, fire your writers and get some interesting dialogue, this series would be the bomb. It has potential, please stop messing it up. Expand
  13. Oct 2, 2015
    2
    First episode was okay. It got interesting and then 6 episode, no offense why do rich people open their back door and how the hell do you not feel a present behind you. The bear was breathing hard and this show just got stupid. Like They make it seem like americans are stupid lol
  14. Jul 31, 2016
    1
    Saw Season 1 and enjoyed it.
    Finding Season 2 to be annoying especially with the new characters being added. The script writers have made a serious mistake by adding a supposedly strong female character (Alyssa Diaz) who disobeys everyone and everything only to find she needs to finally listen. Very phony and very ANNOYING.
    This script just seems like every second program created by cb.
    Saw Season 1 and enjoyed it.
    Finding Season 2 to be annoying especially with the new characters being added. The script writers have made a serious mistake by adding a supposedly strong female character (Alyssa Diaz) who disobeys everyone and everything only to find she needs to finally listen. Very phony and very ANNOYING.
    This script just seems like every second program created by cb. Regurgitated claptrap.
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  15. TVW
    Sep 6, 2016
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This picture started out great. Now, it has been reduced to sex, zombie looking people (trying to compete with those shows), and who knows what. what was the original theme? I thought it was animals taking over. Expand
  16. Jun 30, 2015
    4
    I hate to be so harsh, but why is it with nearly all cbs shows of late have the dumbest scripts? This feels like watching another one of their dumb cop shows with a ripoff selection of jurassic park stunts. It just feels predictable.
  17. Jul 2, 2015
    3
    I once read an article which explained why the Wolfman movies never made it big like Dracula or Frankenstein, etc., etc. The theory was that the Wolfman character simply looked to much like our own lovable dog or cat. He wasn't "different" enough to really scare us.

    And so it goes with the new TV show "Zoo". You probably know by now that the premise of the show is that wild animals
    I once read an article which explained why the Wolfman movies never made it big like Dracula or Frankenstein, etc., etc. The theory was that the Wolfman character simply looked to much like our own lovable dog or cat. He wasn't "different" enough to really scare us.

    And so it goes with the new TV show "Zoo". You probably know by now that the premise of the show is that wild animals and (I believe later on) domestic animals turn on people and start wreaking havoc. Maybe if a monitor lizard came at me, but really, lions and tigers, and bears. Sure they are potentially dangerous but they are still lovable animals, still mammals, still like us. I always thought the Laurence Talbot, the Wolfman, was just a poor, misguided soul. The same with the lions in "Zoo". I will bet somewhere along the line those lions realize the error of their ways and make it straight to the writers' room to give this show's creators some of their own medicine. Just a spoonful of BS makes the medicine go down!
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  18. Jul 16, 2015
    2
    While I know there can be room for disagreement between people of good faith, giving this "show" a 100 rating begs the question of who is in bed with whom! The acting? By far, the best actors are the animals. The "writing?" Not much in evidence. The concept? Well, others have said it better than I. Male lions are slothful layabouts who expect the females to do all the work. Bats actuallyWhile I know there can be room for disagreement between people of good faith, giving this "show" a 100 rating begs the question of who is in bed with whom! The acting? By far, the best actors are the animals. The "writing?" Not much in evidence. The concept? Well, others have said it better than I. Male lions are slothful layabouts who expect the females to do all the work. Bats actually cannot fly above 5000' because the air is to thin for their thin little wings. This show could be improved with the hiring of a highschool freshman science advisor. The humans depicted in this show so far largely deserve extinction... by any means! All that said, my son and I watch it as a "guilty pleasure," it's kinda like the great "Mystery Science 3000" series in that regard. Watch it and make fun of it in real time! Expand
  19. Jun 30, 2015
    0
    Horrible! Juvenile junk. Who decided to air this piece of crap? Terrible acting, terrible writing. Did actual writers script this or was it activists with a moronic point of view. Craptastic.
  20. Jul 12, 2015
    3
    The show has an interesting concept, but quickly shoots itself in the foot quite early. It doesnt start off with a rogue manatee, horse or even a rhino, no, it decides to start off with the king of the jungle, being a male lion. A male lion, not a female lion. To top this off, the show then uses two male lions. So near the end of the first episode, what does it do to top the use of twoThe show has an interesting concept, but quickly shoots itself in the foot quite early. It doesnt start off with a rogue manatee, horse or even a rhino, no, it decides to start off with the king of the jungle, being a male lion. A male lion, not a female lion. To top this off, the show then uses two male lions. So near the end of the first episode, what does it do to top the use of two male lions? It uses 5 male lions. What, by the end of the first season it will use 50 lions to attack the protagonist? Season 2, 5 gazillion lions? It is absolutely ridiculous. Nevermind the fact that the female lions tends to be the hunters, and that there are more of them in the wild, no, this show decides to use a (relatively uncommon) male lion as a a sort of, what, zombie horde? The only thing the show has going for it is relatively decent CGI effects in where it blends the CGI lion footage with the actors. But I guess the show is, to a certain extent, bound by the content of the "book", if the book uses 5 gazillion lions, then the show must aslo. Though, there is no excuse basing a show off of a terrible book. With regards to the acting - it can be better. Expand
  21. Aug 17, 2015
    3
    I had some hopes for the show at first. The idea that the animals are banding together against humans seems interesting even if the science behind it is a little weak. But six episodes in I just want to throw a shoe at the TV. It's not the animal behavior that's the problem, it's the human behavior. It is so obvious that the producers are trying not to offend any sort of animal rightsI had some hopes for the show at first. The idea that the animals are banding together against humans seems interesting even if the science behind it is a little weak. But six episodes in I just want to throw a shoe at the TV. It's not the animal behavior that's the problem, it's the human behavior. It is so obvious that the producers are trying not to offend any sort of animal rights group that every episode doesn't show people fighting back at all. It's kind of crazy to think that people would not fight back against animals that are rising up against them, but that is exactly what's happening. Even in the episode where they do show people buying guns in a gun store, you never actually see any hunters doing anything. And there are so many times when it would be so easy to defend against these animals. Not only that but the people who are supposed to be scientist put themselves in ridiculous danger by going places where they know animals milescould easily get them. The plot holes are just so big, it's pretty difficult to watch. I'm giving a couple of points for the journalist and the big guy who are the only interesting human characters. Expand
  22. Jun 20, 2017
    5
    @ Bodkid: Are you really saying that a bear is a "loveable animal like us"? Ha. A bear is a very dangerous animal, nothing like a "teddy bear". If you see one and you think it is loveable and cuddly, you are awaiting a gruesome death. They may be mammals, but are nothing like a dog or a cat.
  23. Jul 20, 2015
    4
    Dumb conventional TV writing and even worse acting bring down this promising premise. Still it's fun to watch animals go amok. The concept (had the same nearly exact one myself) is so big and so good as an epic cautionary tale that you have to be at least curious.
  24. Jul 8, 2015
    6
    This is failing to impress, and in the end is making no sense. The acting is OK but not top of the line. I hope that it gets better, and the base reason is not lame for why it is occurring.
  25. Aug 12, 2015
    0
    Terrible acting, bad casting! the animals are the only good actors. The worst is the girl playing the French whatever..she is so not believable. Too bad because the storyline is interesting. Will read the book.
  26. Sep 9, 2015
    1
    Awful - CBS can do so much better. Cut your losses and cancel this show quickly. The plot (if you call it that) is just sick and sad. I've tried to watch it a couple times as I like the she bookend shows but I always end up needing to change the channel to preserve my sanity. This is one of the worse shows I've seen come out in years. I'd suggest doing drug tests on the writers as theyAwful - CBS can do so much better. Cut your losses and cancel this show quickly. The plot (if you call it that) is just sick and sad. I've tried to watch it a couple times as I like the she bookend shows but I always end up needing to change the channel to preserve my sanity. This is one of the worse shows I've seen come out in years. I'd suggest doing drug tests on the writers as they must be severely impaired- no other explanation. Don't waste your time on this show not worth it. In the past few years CBS has had many great hits and has become my favorite channel but this show just is upsetting and disgusting. Expand
  27. Sep 13, 2015
    0
    While the story line started off somewhat interesting, as I watched more and more of it, it became unbearable. Not only is the writing so bad, but Nora Arnezeder, made me vomit and close my eyes every time she would talk or try to be serious. She was completely miscast as the character of Chloe. She is one of the worse actresses I have seen in a long time.
  28. Oct 13, 2015
    0
    This show has everything, inane plot, stupid non-sensical science, and wooden acting. Its good to see a show where the scenery and supporting animals move more than the actors. Just as an example of this stupidity, why would lightly furred bats with bald wings, not freeze and die near the south pole, when 2 heavily insulated clothed adult women, in a building freeze to death? CBS wouldThis show has everything, inane plot, stupid non-sensical science, and wooden acting. Its good to see a show where the scenery and supporting animals move more than the actors. Just as an example of this stupidity, why would lightly furred bats with bald wings, not freeze and die near the south pole, when 2 heavily insulated clothed adult women, in a building freeze to death? CBS would be better directed funding a show on competitive Origami. Expand
  29. Oct 21, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This had potential. The idea was ok, the acting not bad, but that's about it for me. Aside from the fact that there are so many implausibilities, there are so many inane things that just don't make sense. I'm fine with suspending belief for the sake of some concepts, I do it all the time for movies and shows, but to ask me to ask me to throw belief out the window is another thing altogether.
    Not wanting to give away anything, but the critters that attack in Antarctica and cut off the solar panels....what, a research facility without a back up generator? I'm sorry but that's just one of many things that just rub the wrong way. Come on, if you want to make things happen, do a little research and make it believable.
    I've pretty much given up on this being a serious show and think I've found a new (unintended) comedy.
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  30. Feb 3, 2018
    2
    The writes are absolutely awful. I can't stand to watch this show because every problem and every solution just reveal the ignorance of the writers. Almost nothing of what they do is even close to be possible. Also they definitely don't understand how long it takes to get anywhere, its like they just step into the next set in the next room...so bad.
  31. Nov 16, 2017
    10
    Great series. Something entirely new which we have not seen before.
    I love most of the characters in the series, and the character development is great.
  32. Aug 3, 2016
    1
    ha ha ha this show z so hilarious, please someone cancel this show. an elephant maximum can run with a speed of 15mph, and for an airplane to take off let say it requres 225 miles per hour approx lets not go that far how did that elephant manage to chase that van and a plane? oky lets say its that mutation thing but with those 5 Tranquillizers? hell no. but those angry polar bears atha ha ha this show z so hilarious, please someone cancel this show. an elephant maximum can run with a speed of 15mph, and for an airplane to take off let say it requres 225 miles per hour approx lets not go that far how did that elephant manage to chase that van and a plane? oky lets say its that mutation thing but with those 5 Tranquillizers? hell no. but those angry polar bears at the bus get down so easly with the same Tranquillizers but this time one Tranquilizer for each one of them ahggg. and I'm so tired of that triple helix chit chat its getting old and that stupid CGI plane, who wrote this again? Expand
  33. Aug 3, 2016
    4
    Yeah the show sux. But I'd rather watch a bunch of stupid mutated animals than another dumbass reality show. Nevermind the one lady that stepped on a nail, and didn't notice it until 100 yards after. How can you not love an angry beaver, a sloth that creates earthquakes... and a small animal vet that carries the show? Right...? If only Sam Raimi did this show, it would be much moreYeah the show sux. But I'd rather watch a bunch of stupid mutated animals than another dumbass reality show. Nevermind the one lady that stepped on a nail, and didn't notice it until 100 yards after. How can you not love an angry beaver, a sloth that creates earthquakes... and a small animal vet that carries the show? Right...? If only Sam Raimi did this show, it would be much more awesome. Personally, I love "Stompy" the ridiculously fast elephant. Maybe the french woman died to move on to another better show.
    This show will continue to suck. But, a funny, stupid suck that will be more entertaining than a bunch of scripted humans sitting around a hot tub (i.e. any other reality show ever). Watch it drunk... it won't be that disappointing.
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  34. Aug 4, 2016
    9
    Me encanta la serie, la verdad que es intrigante, siempre imagine que los animales algún día se levantarían para retomar lo que es suyo. Muy bueno, buenos actores. Muchos paisajes y muchos animales. Brinda mucha información que nutre al televidente de buen conocimiento. No es una serie para cualquiera.
  35. Dec 19, 2016
    5
    There were great actors, great plot and conflict, but the way the director and producers put the TV show together wasn't very great. The only thing that was good in this TV show was the special effects.
  36. Jan 5, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. quickly becoming one of my favorite shows. the plot is good and keeps you thinking. it brings twists that make you wonder wtf. the idea of the animals and humans adapting and evolving is a great scientific approach that it's not merely science fiction but indeed a possibility in the future. it's organized and written well. brings logic into play. the end of the second season actually pissed me off but it was a great twist that i'll look forward to watching in the 3rd season. 8/10 for some minor fixes of small things that fell through the cracks such as the girls dog who was taking the raidon global drugs but was never affected like so many other animals. and they did a great job explaining the animals normal and abnormal behavior, i actually learned some things watching this. plus for education bits. Expand
  37. Aug 10, 2017
    5
    I have mixed feelings about Zoo. I liked most of the first season where they were solving the mystery of why animals were attacking humans, but the writers have moved Zoo is a very weird direction with all of the family relationships and the introduction of the hybrids. Serious problems with this show are the dialogue and characterization. Why isn't there more subtle nuance and characterI have mixed feelings about Zoo. I liked most of the first season where they were solving the mystery of why animals were attacking humans, but the writers have moved Zoo is a very weird direction with all of the family relationships and the introduction of the hybrids. Serious problems with this show are the dialogue and characterization. Why isn't there more subtle nuance and character development? Why don't the characters talk like regular human beings? New characters keep getting introduced but none of the old characters are getting killed off, so the narratives are getting more splintered and chaotic. I think some existing characters need to get killed off already to make room for new characters. Or else develop the old characters better. The show has gotten silly, and I keep watching but I am underwhelmed. Expand
  38. Sep 20, 2017
    7
    It's slightly better than a cheesy SyFy movie... But the story and acting is still good enough to binge on Netflix. Also, I'm really hoping someone is killed by a squad of murderous penguins.
  39. Dec 3, 2017
    1
    Honestly, I used to really love this show between the first and second season.
    However, thanks to the third, I find myself becoming ever more aggravated with the repetitive nature of the show.
    They roll with the same thing yet again, finding five or six animals for whatever purpose. And then have some villainous plot CONTINUALLY toppling everything, making every victory just seem like it
    Honestly, I used to really love this show between the first and second season.
    However, thanks to the third, I find myself becoming ever more aggravated with the repetitive nature of the show.
    They roll with the same thing yet again, finding five or six animals for whatever purpose. And then have some villainous plot CONTINUALLY toppling everything, making every victory just seem like it was a waste of all the hours you spent watching the show.
    The fact this show went from presenting a very good book, to milking it beyond that just to toy with your feelings when it comes to the drama and suspense, only to display you with a "EVERYTHING YOU JUST WATCHED DIDN'T MATTER IN THE END" just makes you feel insulted as a viewer.
    So really, producers of Zoo, just stop. Stop what your doing, invent a new story, perhaps a branch off of Zoo with new characters, a dystopian earth where humanity is scraping by after 100 years have gone by.
    Give us something new, and quit ruining a good story for the sake of money. If film makers spent as much time making a good story, as they do spending on it, we would have resulted with a much better show by now.

    But that's only my opinion, I still suggest you watch it before taking everything I say to heart. Least it deserves is a chance.
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  40. Jan 21, 2021
    5
    This season introduced an interesting concept in an alternate reality where animals rise up against humans. The assumption is made that this is possible and it's not necessary to bother about the scientific details. I liked the genre, the setup, the overall story arc, I even liked the characters. The writers included sexist and racist references occasionally, but this was the only flaw IThis season introduced an interesting concept in an alternate reality where animals rise up against humans. The assumption is made that this is possible and it's not necessary to bother about the scientific details. I liked the genre, the setup, the overall story arc, I even liked the characters. The writers included sexist and racist references occasionally, but this was the only flaw I could notice during the first half of the season. Unfortunately, storytelling methods are sub-par. Foreshadowing isn't utilized to integrate subverted plot twists into the main story. This lets them appear manufactured. Overall, it wasn't too bad until episode 13, though. Character and story arcs were built up towards something interesting, towards something I craved to see more. I began to feel attached to the protagonists as we've been shown more and more of their identities. Until episode 13 where they cut off everything without completing it. The last episode completely ruins the whole season, which is full of plot armor, which sacrifices everything I saw in what they've built up. Lost potential for nothing. In the end, it's no alternative reality anymore. It's Jurassic Park fantasy. You can shift genres in a TV show. Westworld does this in a convincing way. This one rushes through it in a single episode. We never get to see who the characters really are and what defines their relationships. We don't get to see what defines this completely new reality that they draw almost in an anarchical way. Why should we feel with any of the protagonists now? Why would we continue to watch? If we want to see huge hordes of exotic animals in a town, we can watch Jurassic Park. Expand
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 26
  2. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. Reviewed by: Daniel Holloway
    Aug 20, 2015
    50
    While the pilot script excels in efficient plot building, it lags in dialogue and character development.
  2. Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Jun 30, 2015
    75
    As with many a Patterson thriller, the breathless pace and spine-tingling what-ifs make it easy to get caught up despite your well-founded reservations.
  3. Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jun 30, 2015
    100
    The story will grab you, as we slowly see the animals begin asserting their control and the humans at a total loss as to what to do about it.