Brand X With Russell Brand: Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 28, 2012
  • Season #: 1 , 2
User Score
4.3 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 33
  3. Negative: 17 out of 33

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  1. MonopolyBag
    Jul 5, 2012
    0
    I watched this show, the first episode, and wow. I ended up fast forwarding through a few of his jokes. They are slow, not funny, and the whole show feels just, boring. Not what it is suppose to do and keep me entertained. I have nothing against Brand, he has been funny at times, but he just doesn't do stand up in a show setting very well.
  2. NoSugarTonight
    Jul 19, 2012
    3
    The thing with Russel Brand is he is very witty, intelligent for today's standards I suppose, and seems to work well with observational humor, and the show consists of him rambling about anything so there aren't any set jokes or formulaic opportunites. But he goes about it in such a pretentious & contrived way it's very hard to laugh at his jokes even if they are funny simply because he is very hard to genuinely like as a comedian. Similar to Jay Leno, this man is trying so hard to be loved, but his likability always seems like a gimmic no matter how sincere it comes off to be. The show is essentially a way for viewers to explore what's in Russel Brand's head, and frankly I'm not interested in exploring Russel Brand's views on the world, let alone Russel Brand himself. I watched 3 episodes and never laughed, I really tried, but I couldn't do it. This is the only substandard show on FX.… Expand
  3. iambradk
    Jul 4, 2012
    4
    Let me start by saying I was a HUGE fan of Ponderland (strongly recommend anyone check it out if you haven't seen it) and think Russell is a talented stand up comedian. However, the premiere of Brand X was very disappointing. I do think it has promise though. The way the premiere was structured didn't allow Russell enough room to go on observational tangents, which is where he shines. It was just boring.

    It will be interesting to see how the show progresses though.    … Expand
  4. Kbel
    Jul 13, 2012
    0
    I was expecting hilarity but Russel Brand's wit and intellegence are a surprising treat! There is nothing like this show in television, and personally I hope FX keeps it around.
  5. JillontheLake
    Mar 14, 2013
    3
    I wanted, really wanted to like this show. Even with subtitles, I had a hard time following him. It was uncomfortable at times especially when he uses the audience for his own amusement. He does have a great mind but needs to think at least a couple seconds before he speaks, (I know of whence I speak). The idea of riffing on current events is a great one but he goes off in so many directions, his narrative or point (if you can find one) is just not funny. FX-come on, rein him in or just not renew. I tried I really did.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
35 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 3 out of 7
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Sarah Rodman
    Jun 29, 2012
    50
    Some of it was compelling and some of it tedious.
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  2. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jun 29, 2012
    40
    The result is not all that funny but more interesting than what most stand-up TV programs deliver.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Andrew Wallenstein
    Jun 29, 2012
    40
    Brand X works when Brand doesn't force himself to play with the trappings of the show and he just sticks to the monologue.
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