Zoo

:

Season 1
  • 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. Mixed: 21 out of 98
  3. Negative: 28 out of 98
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User Reviews

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  1. breathassure
    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.
  2. ana_melinte90
    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.
  3. happyjak
    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.    … Expand
  4. ChromXsome
    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.
  5. Goldenrose
    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.
  6. ChapouJunior
    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
  7. romisoria22
    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.
  8. toomuch386
    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
  9. electronicoffee
    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.
  10. Soobinatonic
    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
  11. Blacksmith64
    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.    … Expand
  12. SD_Scott
    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.
  13. habrown
    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?
  14. Qldgamer
    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.
  15. quincytheodore
    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.    … Expand
  16. Mabie
    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.
  17. whirleygurl
    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
  18. Cheetahice
    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.
  19. GoodVibrations
    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
  20. cylun
    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
  21. AxeT
    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.
  22. aaschmidt
    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.
  23. blopp
    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.    … Expand
  24. likes2sing
    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
  25. Jrtlaktalk
    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
  26. BogKid
    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!    … Expand
  27. RichardGonci
    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
  28. WWHATSUPPP12
    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
  29. noleafcloverx
    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.
  30. WestLil0
    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.
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
39
#39 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Daniel Holloway
    Aug 20, 2015
    50
    While the pilot script excels in efficient plot building, it lags in dialogue and character development.
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  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    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.
    Read full review
  3. The Lincoln Journal Star
    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.
    Read full review
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