• Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 24, 2006
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6
Metascore
51 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Negative: 7 out of 27
  1. "Brothers & Sisters" establishes itself as little more than a family gathering you should have no interest in attending. Their dialogue sounds real, but not much of it sounds interesting.
  2. Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    30
    The show seems as if it desperately yearns to be a worthy companion to "Housewives" but lacks the requisite bite, despite political references meant to feel edgy that prove mostly banal.
  3. "Brothers & Sisters" may find a way to streamline its storytelling and allow viewers to more easily sort out the huge cast of characters (there are at least 10 series regulars), or it may remain an unwieldy mess. Time will tell.
  4. 10
    Not a single note in the premiere of "Brothers & Sisters" rings true.
  5. Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    60
    On the glossy surface, it’s an earnestly predictable but impeccably produced soap opera. [13 Sep 2006]
  6. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    50
    The good news is that "Brothers & Sisters" isn't even remotely a disaster. The bad news is that it isn't even remotely a success either.
  7. 75
    TV desperately needs a straightforward drama that explores family dynamics without some imposed gimmick, and Brothers & Sisters could just be the show to fill that bill.
  8. 75
    Once "Brothers & Sisters" gets started, it works, and it works well.
  9. 70
    Meeting the Walker clan and getting a glimpse at their personal lives... is like being led to a table of tantalizing appetizers. Even as you take a sample of these introductory delights, you’re wondering whether the main course will live up to your expectations.
  10. 38
    The show wants to mix in big themes (politics, money) with a family soap opera, but it just feels bloated and vague. [25 Sep 2006, p.43]
  11. The promise of grown up storytelling is alluring. This is a series to watch to see if it grows.
  12. Based on the first episode... we're talking predictable prime-time soap.
  13. Ms. Flockhart... is not convincing as a woman of conviction. And that is too bad, because “Brothers and Sisters” has wit and grace.
  14. Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    30
    It's the sort of talky tedious drama that is far less intelligent than it clearly thinks it is.
  15. 20
    If you're looking for the deep emotional truths that the creators of ABC's would-be heart-tugger imagine they're after, well, pro wrestling might be a good choice.
  16. "Brothers & Sisters"... has all the traditional themes of unhappy marriage, unmet parental expectations, unexpected financial chicanery and (possibly) unfaithfulness. It deals with them convincingly, though not with any great depth or insight.
  17. 50
    What should be a juicy family soap opera -- the family in question owns a food company -- comes off as a blah banquet.
  18. 38
    A clutter of clunky dialogue that sucks the life out of [Flockhart] and other usually skilled actors.
  19. 75
    With fun, familiar faces like Field, Flockhart and Griffiths on board, attending a family reunion with the Walkers every Sunday could be a lively, entertaining way to end the weekend.
  20. There are precious few signs of trouble or uncertainty in the polished, instantaneously seductive finished product on display in its first episode.
  21. 80
    A network series potentially good enough to be on HBO.
  22. The pilot was reshot, and it shows--the timing lurches and scenes grind into each other. [22 Sep 2006, p.90]
  23. Despite cast changes, rewrites, and producer musical chairs, this brainy soap checks in with promise.
  24. The pilot has a "Steel Magnolias" feel to it: Too many stars, too many faces, too many names, a cornucopia of character business.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 164 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 97
  2. Negative: 16 out of 97
  1. RacheliG.
    10
    An amazing drama, from the kind we don't have any more on TV. A great acting from all the cast and well scripted show. I cant wait for the next episode, especially now that Justin and Rebbecca are together. Full Review »
  2. TerryK
    3
    JUMP THE SHARK ALERT!! I am a big fan of the show, but this was the best they could do after how many months?!? I know it is drama, but great drama adheres believably close to gritty reality (i.e., The Sopranos) For example, in an economic climate like this, most of America WISHES they had the Walker family's problems. Almost all plot lines in this episode used action vehicles that did not ring true. For example, someone with the gravitas attributed to them as Nora Walker (Sally Field) is willing to risk the ruin of the family business, so that they don't hurt the gay lawyer brother's feelings or chance for partner at a top LA law firm. Wow!!! Kevin Walker is making a fortune (by Main Street America standards) as a senior associate (you can see what a partner makes by looking at that beach house) and everyone has a hissy fit and blames Tommy Walker who is trying to save the family business company (when it was HE who saved the business when Saul and Sarah who took out the $20 M loan they couldn't repay). Also, what happened to Kitty Walker-McAllister's conservative bent? Shouldn't she have defended (or at least appreciated) Tommy's predicament- being pro business, etc. This show is dangerously close to "Jumping the Shark;" the plot lines make views have disdain for their plight instead of sympathy ; this episode indicates a series perceptively drifting away from being a drama ALMOST worthy of HBO to a 2008 version of Dynasty.........sad. Fire the writers, or threaten their jobs; in this economy, THAT should get their creative juices flowing. ;-) Full Review »
  3. GL
    10
    Love the show!! Rob Lowe should stay on permanently!! Chemistry between him and Calista is amazing!