Coal: Season 1
  • Network: Spike TV
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 30, 2011
  • Season #: 1
Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    Mar 30, 2011
    91
    Producer Beers' team is the gold standard in male-aimed reality, and these guys have grit to burn.
  2. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Mar 30, 2011
    83
    Coal has the right stuff, putting viewers of a mind to hurt for these men--who hurt right back.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Mar 30, 2011
    80
    Beers and his crew are old hands at this, and they wring the drama out of Coal very quickly and compellingly. They get beyond the danger into the emotional territory, and that's where the gold is.
  4. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Mar 30, 2011
    70
    It's a fascinating glimpse into a culture that I suspect many Americans would prefer to remain ignorant about.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Mar 30, 2011
    60
    They're colorful, yes, but as such concepts pile upon each other, the effect is less ennobling that enervating.
  6. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Mar 30, 2011
    60
    None of this is really new. It's still presented here in a way that provides a visceral appreciation for what's involved in extracting fuel from mountains.

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. yoniw18
    8
    Coal is one of the rare shows like 30 Days or Penn and Teller B.S. that shine a light of perspective on areas that most of us are unaware we are even ignorant of. The show really makes you appreciate the pride, bravery and sacrifice of coal miners. I enjoyed the show for the lingo and the ingenious solutions to problems that crop up. For example: a 13 ton slab of rock falls on a piece of machinery- how do you get it off? My only criticism is that the show can be stressful- it is not a lighthearted show. Even if you only watch the first episode- it will be worth your investment of 40 minutes.… Full Review »
  2. 12345678
    10
    My grandpa was a coal miner back in the day in the hills of Kentucky.I really love the new show Coal,I really hope it does well,and people like it,look forward to watching each week!!… Full Review »