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Burn Notice: Season 1
  • Network: USA
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 28, 2007
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6
Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Gloria Goodale
    83
    Brisk and witty, this is a good showcase for Donovan's super-tough-guy-with-a-heart-of-gold persona.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    80
    If "Burn Notice" can keep up the energy and the inventiveness of its pilot, it'll be a must-see summer series for me.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    80
    The dialogue is always to the point, yet it gives even the bit players enough room to create something memorable.
  4. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    80
    I'll take Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen in USA's delightful new action comedy Burn Notice.
  5. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    80
    These folks know how to hit a note, and hold it, which means "Burn Notice" doesn't wobble around wondering how serious/silly to be. Its pitch is perfect.
  6. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    75
    The show is slick and funny and a lotta fun.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Gillian Flynn
    75
    A standard detective story that's brightened by unusual characters and snazzy dialogue.
  8. Detroit Free Press
    Reviewed by: Mike Duffy
    75
    It makes a smart, charmingly irreverent first impression, thanks to its pleasantly warped, deadpan writing and performing.
  9. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    70
    It's got a low-hum basic-cable charm, fueled by personality, breezy cloak-and-dagger ingenuity and smart-ass dialogue rather than a flashy, budget-driven broadcast network complex.
  10. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    70
    Mr. Donovan is likeably lighthearted and cool as a smart-mouthed loner; his character is a watered-down version of the kind of wiseguy once played by Michael Keaton.
  11. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    70
    Looking for something new and different on TV? It's not Burn Notice. Looking for some summertime fun? It is Burn Notice.
  12. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    70
    This show has no illusions of being anything more than a solidly made and terrifically entertaining TV distraction, neat and crisp as citrus soda.
  13. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    70
    Graced with a sly voiceover and strong supporting characters, it's the kind of breezy romp that dovetails nicely with [USA's] most popular fare and which manages to look more effortless than it surely is.
  14. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    70
    A little heavy on exposition.... "Burn" is at its best when Westen is outwitting and outracing bad guys.
  15. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    63
    The goal is little more than light, disposable summer entertainment - and the show may even get there, if it can strip away some of its more annoying drags.
  16. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    60
    The show stumbles at maintaining a breezy tone and a professional sheen.
  17. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    60
    Lovably silly.
  18. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    60
    Entertaining, stylish, and, most of all, slight.
  19. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    60
    The series is not great television by any means, but it has a kind of breezy charm and sly wit that make it one of this summer's better new shows.
  20. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    50
    It wants to be a smart-aleck comedy/thriller hybrid in the spirit of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen, but the jokes are rarely clever enough and the thrills rarely exciting enough.
  21. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    40
    The pilot is neither thrilling nor funny enough to earn notice.
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User Reviews

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User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 146 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 72
  3. Negative: 3 out of 72
  1. Manymade1
    10
    In my opinion, the 2nd greatest USA original show behind Monk. People are complaining about, the characters, being perfect. But im sure most people would to when they spent more, than half of their life doing that proffesion.… Full Review »
  2. ladams117
    10
    This is a great show! It has never failed to disappoint, thought USA network rarely does. I'm still totally hooked after 5 seasons and can't wait for the 6th.… Full Review »
  3. asylumspadez
    6
    Doesnt have that much of a story to it, Just enough to explain why he is doing what he is doing and that is it. Good cast though and acting is fine. The episodes really lack variety though and it feels like hes just a modern day robin hood, Helping the good while breaking the law. A lot of potential though so lets hope they turn it around.… Full Review »
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