It’s no surprise that opinions among critics and viewers don’t always align perfectly. While it’s common to have minor differences of opinion, there are instances where one group adores something while the other flat-out dislikes it. Just as some films panned by critics can turn out to be fantastic, viewers frequently find greatness in TV shows that critics generally dismiss. The shows featured here have low scores on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic (less than 50), but boast significantly higher audience ratings, highlighting a significant divide between the two perspectives.
One common trait among several of these series is that critics tended to seek deeper meaning than what viewers found necessary, preferring instead a casual, entertaining experience. In some instances, the depth was indeed present, yet only the audience seemed to perceive and value it. It’s important to mention that many of these shows debuted years ago, and the criticism they received initially may not accurately represent current reevaluation. Essentially, viewers proved to be right in the end, as this scenario frequently occurs in both television and film.
The Terminal List
Even though it feels like Chris Pratt is everywhere these days, he managed to take on the lead role in the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series “The Terminal List.” As U.S. Navy SEAL James Reece, I found myself grappling with the confusing events of a recent classified operation and my own memory lapses and headaches. Seeking medical help, I was ambushed instead. To make matters worse, people close to me started dying mysteriously. This sets me on a perilous journey to expose the dark conspiracy behind it all.
Although critics commended Pratt’s acting and the series’ impressive production, they generally found “The Terminal List” lacking, suggesting it would have been more effective as a two-hour film. Critics also criticized it as being dull and filled with tired tropes. In stark contrast, viewers adore the show, as evidenced by its 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the critics’ score of 40%. Viewers appreciate the action sequences and how each episode feels like a standalone blockbuster movie. Many audience reviews even argue that the critics have misjudged the series, praising it instead. The positive reception has led to the renewal of “The Terminal List” for a second season.
The Neighbors
In the 2010s, network television sitcoms were struggling to make an impact, so new shows had to take a drastic approach to attract any attention at all. For “The Neighbors,” which premiered on ABC in 2012, that drastic approach was incorporating a sci-fi twist: the story revolves around a family who move into a gated community and discover that their neighbors are actually aliens disguised as humans. Initially, these neighbors appear to be ordinary humans with unusual names like Larry Bird and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, but their otherworldly nature gradually unfolds over time.
Initially, critics weren’t impressed by “The Neighbors,” as evidenced by the poor 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes during its first season. Many compared it to the popular sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun,” but generally to emphasize that “The Neighors” fell short of the success enjoyed by that renowned show. However, viewers immediately embraced “The Neighbors,” appreciating its unique premise and humor, which led to strong ratings that secured a second season.
Essentially, critics initially had mixed feelings about “The Neighbors,” but as the first season progressed and continued into Season 2, they began writing more favorable reviews. Viewers, however, were immediately captivated from the start. Regrettably, despite this early viewer support, when the show was moved to Fridays in Season 2, not enough viewers stuck with it, resulting in “The Neighbors” only lasting for two seasons.
Norm Macdonald Has a Show
2021 marked the sad demise of Norm Macdonald, a comedic genius whose talent often seemed under-appreciated during his lifetime. While his shows, films, and “Saturday Night Live” stint initially received mixed reviews, they were later appreciated more positively. This pattern of delayed recognition persisted throughout his career, leading one to wonder if critics might have benefited from giving Macdonald’s work a closer scrutiny in real-time rather than reevaluating it after the fact.
Despite securing a talk show titled “Norm Macdonald Has a Show” on Netflix in 2018, critics were quick to pan it again. Tim Goodman from The Hollywood Reporter deemed it as “pretty terrible,” while Caroline Franke of Variety expressed her confusion about who would watch it other than Macdonald’s devoted fans. However, those die-hard fans appeared unfazed by the criticism, showering the show with praise that resulted in universally acclaimed audience scores on all platforms.
It’s not unexpected that retrospective articles penned by critics ten years from now will argue that the reviews for “Norm Macdonald Has a Show” were undeservedly low, and that the series deserved more recognition during its run – all while Norm Macdonald was alive to enjoy it.
The Oblongs
In prime time television, for every well-known series like “The Simpsons,” “South Park,” “Family Guy,” and “King of the Hill,” there are around two dozen other animated shows that didn’t find their audience and were canceled after only one season. Although many of these shows lacked quality, there were some, such as MTV’s “Clone High,” which had the potential to be long-running hits but unfortunately didn’t garner the viewership they deserved and have since been recognized as excellent one-season TV series.
In 2001, when “The Oblongs” premiered on the WB, it was met with poor ratings and harsh criticism. The show’s ratings were so low that the WB didn’t even broadcast all of its completed 13 episodes. Instead, Adult Swim took it up, airing the eight already aired episodes along with the five that had not been previously shown. To clarify, the plot revolved around Bob Oblong (Will Ferrell) and his family, who have various physical abnormalities due to their exposure to pollution and radiation from the reckless wealthy community residing above them.
A family cartoon series featuring a father without arms or legs, two conjoined twin sons joined at the waist, and a daughter with a strange growth on her head was likely too extreme for regular network television. However, those who were able to discover it found enjoyment, and the show is now known as an underappreciated gem.
Ghost Whisperer
Initially, “Ghost Whisperer” Season 1 received a low rating of 17% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics found the show to be overly emotional and sentimental, criticizing its reliance on artificial uplift and inconsistencies in the rules of its supernatural world. It was clear that they did not appreciate Jennifer Love Hewitt’s portrayal of Melinda Gordon, a medium who struggles to maintain a regular life while assisting spirits with resolving their unfinished business before moving on to the afterlife.
For five seasons, starting in 2005 and ending in 2010, “Ghost Whisperer” aired on CBS. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it found favor with audiences. Critics who appreciated the show often described it as emotionally moving and likened it to comfort food for those who enjoy tales of individuals communicating with their deceased loved ones. It seems viewers found in “Ghost Whisperer” a heartwarming series where each episode usually ended on a positive note, providing an enjoyable contrast to the growing number of dark and ethically complex TV shows during that time.
It’s clear that cable networks like Ion, Syfy, and We valued “Ghost Whisperer” highly enough to spend $700,000 per episode on the rights to air reruns, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this series among viewers.
Hand of God
2015 marked the significant expansion of Amazon Prime Video into original programming as they launched an impressive lineup of seven original series. However, two of these series didn’t return for a second season, while two more were discontinued after their second seasons – and among those was “Hand of God.” This gripping show revolves around a judge (Ron Perlman) who, following a personal tragedy, experiences a mental breakdown and begins to believe that God is guiding him to become a vigilante. He then joins a religious cult that supports his violent new crusade.
From a passionate fan’s perspective: Despite Metacritic giving the first season of “Hand of God” a 44 rating, I found myself deeply connected to this dark and gritty show. Critics labeled it as too unpleasant, too bleak, and even self-satisfied for its edgy violence. However, in stark contrast, the user score paints a completely different picture with a 7.2 or “generally favorable” rating, mirroring the 85% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. It seems that viewers, unlike critics, appreciated the show’s themes and characters more than they were turned off by its raw, unflinching portrayal of violence. Sadly, “Hand of God” only lasted for two seasons, but had it been on a streaming platform with a less trigger-happy cancel button, it might have had the chance to truly shine.
Knight Rider
Essentially, “Knight Rider” is a typical ’80s show, filled with cheesiness, and it’s understandable why critics pointed this out. David Hasselhoff, known for his comforting, award-free television that appeals to the masses, plays detective Michael Knight. His car, KITT (voiced by William Daniels), is a self-aware, computer-controlled vehicle brimming with gadgets more advanced than the Batmobile. The idea might seem absurd, leading to equally absurd storylines, and it didn’t win over critics.
It’s clear that “Knight Rider,” a show known for its memorable theme song and cool factor in the mid-1980s, has had an impressive run lasting four seasons and continuing with multiple TV movies, spin-offs, a 2008 reboot, video games, novels, and countless pop culture references. Despite not receiving critical acclaim, the widespread fanbase and long-lasting impact of “Knight Rider” are evident and continue to grow over the 40+ years since its debut.
The Crowded Room
Regarding Tom Holland’s body of work, which includes blockbuster films from the modern era, he personally favors “The Crowded Room” over all other projects. He takes great pride in his portrayal of Danny Sullivan on the series, a character inspired by Billy Milligan who was infamous as The Campus Rapist for crimes committed in the 1970s. In “The Crowded Room,” we find Danny incarcerated, looking back at his past and understanding how it molded him into the complicated individual he is today.
Despite praise for the acting performances of Holland and his co-stars – Amanda Seyfried, Emmy Rossum, and Sasha Lane – the overall series “The Crowded Room” received mixed reviews from critics. Critics find the story repetitive, leading to an exhausting and frustrating viewing experience, as indicated by a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have shown great appreciation for the show, with over 1000 audience ratings on the site resulting in a 92% Popcornmeter score – a significant difference of almost 60 points between critical and audience opinions. Many viewers are surprised by the low critic score, often describing the series as “amazing” or a “masterpiece” in their positive reviews.
ALF
The premise appears tailor-made to resonate with viewers while leaving critics unimpressed – an alien puppet finds itself stranded in suburbia and takes up residence with an ordinary family, who struggle to hide it while simultaneously growing fond of the playful extraterrestrial. It’s worth noting that “ALF” didn’t receive critical acclaim when it first aired in 1986, but the audience quickly developed affection for the adorable alien and its escapades with the Tanner family. It seems that if you were running a family sitcom in the ’80s, you had to give them the surname Tanner!
Over just four seasons on NBC from 1986 to 1990, “ALF” became a household name through frequent TV reruns. Interestingly, the show wasn’t cancelled due to poor ratings or waning popularity, but rather because of production-related tensions. During its initial run, audiences adored “ALF,” as evidenced by two animated spin-offs and a 1996 made-for-TV movie. In case there was any doubt about the character’s enduring appeal over the past 35 years, it seems that Ryan Reynolds is planning to revive ALF once more – yes, this isn’t a joke!
Disjointed
As a devoted fan, I knew it was just a question of when Chuck Lorre would enchant us with his creativity on the streaming platform. And he did so spectacularly in 2017 with the Netflix series “Disjointed,” marking Kathy Bates’ return to TV comedy since the end of “Harry’s Law” in 2012. In this show, Bates stars as Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, a woman who manages an L.A. marijuana dispensary alongside her son, Travis (Aaron Moten). At first glance, it seems like a typical workplace comedy with a humorous spin on pot culture. However, “Disjointed” boldly confronts weighty issues such as prejudice, mental health, and the therapeutic effects of cannabis in managing symptoms of chronic illnesses.
As a dedicated viewer, I must confess that I was one of the many who adored the quirky comedy “Disjointed.” Despite some critics panning it, they did acknowledge the exceptional performances, particularly Betsy Sodaro’s, which truly stood out. However, this show managed to find and captivate a loyal fanbase so devoted that they started numerous petitions on Netflix to bring back the series. Unfortunately, after just two seasons, it got cancelled – making “Disjointed” the only one among Chuck Lorre’s six shows created in the 2010s to not last for at least three seasons, even surpassing his later show “The Kominsky Method” in this regard.
Helstrom
Over the last decade, there has been an overwhelming number of comic book TV shows released that it’s challenging to keep up with them all, let alone discover some of the lesser-known ones. One such series is “Helstrom,” which debuted on Hulu in 2020 and was based on two Marvel characters sharing the surname (though the original comics are spelled as “Hellstrom”). Unfortunately, it didn’t garner much attention due to being buried among numerous other comic book properties and the significant distraction posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s no wonder that neither Hulu nor Marvel Studios were keen on promoting a show centered around the vigilante offspring of a serial killer meting out brutal, violent justice during such a grim period in history.
In a glowing endorsement for the series, Sadie Gennis from TV Guide highly commended “Helstrom” for its intriguing mythology and ethically complex characters. She strongly urged viewers to watch the show, stating, “I can’t recommend ‘Helstrom’ enough.” However, this was an unusual sentiment among most critics who praised the series’ special effects, but found little else to commend. Nevertheless, those who discovered “Helstrom” appeared to enjoy it immensely, with Rotten Tomatoes audience reviews labeling it a hidden treasure and expressing dismay over its cancellation after just one season. Many viewers even declared it as the best Marvel show currently available.
Rosewood
Over the past half century, police procedurals have been a constant staple on television screens, and it feels like they’re always in vogue. It’s rare to find a period of TV history without at least one police procedural gracing our airwaves, if not more than one or two. From the ’90s forward, this genre has grown so popular that some shows have even given birth to multiple spin-offs that continue to thrive. It’s easy to overlook a show like “Rosewood,” which aired on Fox from 2015 to 2017.
Perhaps you were aware of the poor reception “Rosewood” received, with a dismal 9% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the lowest-rated shows in this category. It’s understandable if you dismissed it given your busy schedule filled with shows like “Law & Order,” “NCIS,” “CSI,” “Castle,” “Cold Case,” and “Blue Blood,” among others. However, dismissing “Rosewood” would have been a mistake as it offers unique elements that distinguish it from the rest.
Morris Chestnut plays Dr. Rosewood, a pathology expert who runs his own private autopsy lab. This lab often uncovers details that the Miami Police Department missed, making it a valuable asset in solving cases. Unlike many characters of this genre, Dr. Rosewood is an unusually optimistic and cheerful person, which adds a refreshing twist to the usual medical/investigative genius archetype. This lighter, more relaxed approach to both the genre and television dramas of that era was appreciated by its fans.
Full House
Critics often find sitcoms unforgiving, except for a select few like “Cheers,” “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “The Office,” and so on. If your show lacks a unique selling point or is merely about a family going through everyday family life, it may not win over critics. Despite this, shows like “Full House” remain popular, adored by the generation that grew up with it and still captivated by its reruns, even after it ended in 1995 following eight seasons.
The show doesn’t stand out exceptionally uniquely; its only distinctive feature could be considered a gimmick – the Tanner family is expanded to include extended relatives and close friends who live with them. However, the cast chemistry was remarkable, ranging from the Olsen twins when the series began (who were still infants) to Bob Saget’s portrayal of the patriarch. This chemistry made the show incredibly comforting for real families. Critics, on the other hand, had mixed feelings; the LA Times described it as a “strong case for birth control” in their initial review.
It appears that retroactive reviews aren’t all that favorable. As Josh Krupp of Uproxx put it back in 2016, the show was likened to “a bowl of plain rice, spaghetti with no butter or sauce, and eggs served on crackers” due to its lack of flavor. The 2016 reboot “Fuller House” followed a similar pattern, receiving harsh criticism from critics but maintaining such strong support among audiences that Netflix granted it five seasons.
Battlestar Galactica (original series)
2004’s reboot of “Battlestar Galactica” was widely praised by both critics and viewers. However, it’s important to mention the original 1978 series that came before it. This series followed a band of survivors from different planets living on an interstellar spacecraft as they evaded robotic adversaries known as Cylons. Despite its ratings only allowing for one season in its time, it eventually gained cult status. Additionally, it served as a pioneer, often recognized as the first television show to introduce the concept of a ‘space western.’ This subgenre later flourished and gave rise to productions like “Cowboy Bebop” (anime), “Borderlands” (video game series), and another cult favorite, “Firefly.
Critics tend to view “Battlestar Galactica” differently. It currently holds a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many of these reviews being written during or shortly after the show’s reboot. Finding original reviews from its debut in 1978 can be challenging, but The Hollywood Reporter shared their 1978 review again in 2014, labeling it as “a Star Wars imitator that falls short in all aspects, such as writing, pacing, character development, and most notably, creativity.
Friends From College
Without needing to see a single scene from “Friends from College”, the captivating cast is sure to reel you in. The lineup boasts big names like Keegan-Michael Key, Cobie Smulders, Billy Eichner, Nat Faxon, Fred Savage, Greg Germann, and Sarah Chalke. Additionally, notable guest stars such as Seth Rogen, Kate McKinnon, and Chris Elliot join the roster. The story follows a group of college friends, including the title characters, who strive to keep their close-knit social circle intact as they navigate adulthood, complicated by life events and romantic tangles. Other characters are peripheral to the main group.
As a devoted fan, I couldn’t help but feel that the laid-back setup of this series seemed tailor-made for a talented ensemble to revel in. And surprisingly, many viewers found themselves echoing my thoughts, left puzzled as to how critics could pan the show so harshly, giving it only a 26% on Rotten Tomatoes. Granted, the stakes weren’t sky-high, and nothing about the story or characters took us by surprise or made us question our predictions. However, it seems that streaming original series are often expected to be cutting-edge, big-budget productions that demand critical acclaim, and critics sometimes appear too quick to dismiss shows that don’t fit this mold. It’s intriguing to ponder if “Friends from College” might have received a warmer reception and been evaluated more leniently if it had aired as a network television sitcom instead.
Hemlock Grove
In the year 2012, Netflix’s streaming platform shifted from primarily hosting old movies and TV shows to offering exclusive original programming. This change was evident when they brought the Norwegian comedy series “Lilyhammer” exclusively to their service in the U.S. This move served as a prelude for more original content from Netflix, with 2013 marking the debut of such programming, including the horror series “Hemlock Grove.
Eli Roth served as executive producer for the Netflix series “Hemlock Grove.” This show featured Famke Janssen portraying Olivia Godfrey and Bill Skarsgård as her son, Roman. The Godfreys are Hemlock Grove’s wealthiest and most influential family, living in a town that harbors numerous long-hidden, sinister secrets. These secrets gradually surface in shocking and gruesome ways. Initially outperforming the viewership of “House of Cards” in its debut year on Netflix, the series lasted for three seasons. Critics were less than enthusiastic about Roth’s partnership with Netflix, often criticizing “Hemlock Grove” harshly in their reviews. In 2022, Netflix decided to part ways with one of its earliest original productions by removing “Hemlock Grove” from the service. Currently, it can be purchased through various PVOD platforms but has yet to find a new home on a streaming service.
George Lopez
In another instance, a sitcom titled “George Lopez,” also known as “The George Lopez Show,” garnered criticism from critics for being similar to other shows yet gained immense love from audiences during its original broadcast and through reruns later on. This series, running for six seasons on ABC in the 2000s, was applauded by critics for featuring a predominantly Latin cast, but they bemoaned that this progressive representation was not utilized to create something distinctive or exceptional within the sitcom format.
In summary, “George Lopez” received six seasons, indicating that viewers enjoyed the series about George juggling work, family, and his complex relationship with his recovering addict mother. Viewers don’t always require a sitcom to be innovative, but they do appreciate humor and affection. And in this case, “George Lopez” delivered on both counts. To provide additional evidence of its popularity, the show made history in 2007 by becoming Nick at Nite’s latest series in their lineup, excluding originals. Remarkably, it aired on Nick at Nite for an impressive 13 years, significantly longer than most shows on the network typically run.
Alien Nation
Back in the late ’80s and ’90s, I was hooked on “Alien Nation.” This franchise was unavoidable with ads for the 1988 movie, the 1989 TV show, or one of the five TV movies that aired between ’94 and ’97 rotating non-stop. It seemed like everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the Tenctonese aliens trying to lead a human life on Earth amidst prejudice from some close-minded humans. Over time, there have been whispers about reboots, but so far, they’ve only remained ideas floating around.
According to initial reviews, the “Alien Nation” franchise might not have expanded past its first film if critics had their way. The original movie scored 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the TV series did even worse at just 43%. Critics like William Thomas of Empire were particularly scathing, giving the show only one out of five stars and criticizing it for taking everything that was problematic about the film and stretching it across the poor production values of late ’80s television. At the time, Tom Shales of The Washington Post wrote that the idea had been mostly ruined by poor execution, while Howard Rosenberg of the LA Times claimed that “Alien Nation” was lacking in subtlety and that its aliens were not unique enough to be intriguing.
Saved by the Bell: The College Years
In 1989, it was challenging to find many critic reviews for “Saved by the Bell” since critics likely didn’t see the need to spend their time evaluating a series primarily aimed at teenagers, who weren’t typically reading magazine or newspaper TV show reviews back then. However, the children who grew up watching the Bayside High students, with Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) as their Ferris Bueller-like leader, cherished spending their Saturdays watching the gang embark on adventures during the show’s four seasons and subsequent daily reruns.
As someone who grew up watching “Saved by the Bell,” I recall the excitement when it shifted into a prime-time sitcom in 1993 with “Saved by the Bell: The College Years.” Critics, however, didn’t seem to share our enthusiasm, as they often gave the series low marks. In fact, this show tied with another for the lowest rating in this feature at 9%.
However, those of us who started watching “Saved by the Bell” in 1989 were entering our teenage years and eagerly anticipated a sitcom featuring Zack and his pals in college. For many of us, “The College Years” still holds a special place in our hearts. Unfortunately, despite our nostalgic feelings, teens alone don’t have the viewership numbers to make a prime-time show successful, and “The College Years” only lasted for one season.
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2025-02-12 15:32