The best show on TV. It fills a very needed gap in the standard line up. I have watched each episode at least 6 times. Without ths show I would stop my HBO service.

I am hooked! It seems to me that the people who will not like this show are the ones who are not able to put the very small details together to form the story. You have to work to find the answers for the questions they raise, but that's what gets me hooked to a show. The writing is a 10. The character development is a 10. The environments are a 10. Just a great show once you get to the core of the story.… Expand

I love this existentialist crock pot. Convoluted plotlines, unnatural dialogue, the lot. The surfing ethos pervades this show, at points it builds to the sublime. Oh, and Johnny Appleseed (theme music) is a fantastic match for the show.

A fascinating show. I dare anyone to watch John's speech in the Motel Court Yard (Episode 6) and not be hooked. For those who are dismissive, check out the insightful fan discussion of the show at: http://www.thesnugharbormotel.com/index.php There are many fansites, but this one has the best and most active fan base interaction, all of which nly makes the viewing experience so much more addictive. Give JFC it's due...it is only hated because it has to fill the Sopranos' shoes and then after a crappy finale. That's a tough chore...give it a chance because the show is fabulous.… Expand

It's interesting to read these comments. People either hate it or love it. Personally, I grew up in a beach town in Southern California so it rings a bell. I love this show. The plot and characters are captivating and raw. It's addictive.

Simply the best show ive seen on HBO for a long while. You will only fully appreciate the show if you follow the series. The entire series sucks you into a world with vivid characters and a very powerful religious tie in. I am still trying to figure out johns statements and how they relate to the basic story involving the coming together of the cast. I do look forward to the second season! If you dont like to think this show isnt for you.… Expand

any show that can evoke so much emotion during a 1-hour time slot is genius. People who dont like it are afraid to stretch thier brains imaginations.

This show does exactly what it's supposed to do, leave me guessing and wanting more!

Best show I've ever seen. love the story and characters and especially the mystery. I t doesn't treat the viewer like a moron having to explain what is happening. Probably ahead of it's time but hopefully it will stick around.

Thought Provoking, classic milch elevated diction dialogue that makes me laugh or knit my brow. Yes infuriatingly confusing, but that's a nice change from who is going to get whacked this week.

I find the show very entertaining and thought provoking. I look forward to it every week. Great job.

The more I watch the more I like it. I have a DVR so I have watched most episodes several times. I think if you like LOST you should be here too, but I notice that I'm the only one in my household who likes it.

I was the biggest Sopranos fan and was very upset it was over, until I started watching JFC. This is the most creative, deep, but also very entertaining show I have ever watched on TV. Great job!

Great show. I only wish the critics were a bit more hip. Good shows like this don't seem to last very long in this country...most folks don't enjoy using their brians, especially while being entertained. I'll keep my fingers crossed for JFC.

Are you people crazy this is the most innovative program ever. Who cares if we understand it . It leaves it open to everyone imagination. I will cancel my HBO if you cancel john. We are hooke please give iot one more season before you give up on it. Please Please Please.

love the show, know lots of others complain about the pace, but i actually like the meandering. the character interaction is fun, and the slow paced early revelations with the quicker revelations towards the end (though understandably tough for some to stomach) was worth the investment of my time.

revelatory and exeptional, and, of course, now cancelled.

the show is awesome,PERIOD. We need a little out of the norm in relief of the daily grind.

Aasuming the story sucks, this gets a 7 out of the gate for it's originality and courage.

I loved it and so did all my friends. It draws you to think which is uncomfortable for people who like things in a nice neat box.

Absolutely brilliant. This show will go over many heads. Many will say, "Huh?" But it is a metaphysical wonderland - full of interesting ideas. But the best is the box of chocolate characters. Strong. Quirky. Developing. Almost like Noah brought together his animials - and instead of an Arc - ended up at a motel parking lot. I am so looking forward to this show every week! Rock on dudes!

Best show ever on HBO! For those who prefer to think instead of being spoon fed, this show is fantastic!. Amazing! July 23, 2007

JFC is unlike anything else on HBO, much less on network television. The characters are rich and the writing is mesmerizing. My appreciation with the work of Milch and company grows deeper each week. If you're looking for something formulaic with a linear plot line and stock characters, a la the much heralded 24, then look elsewhere. But if you're willing to spend the time and attention this show demands, and you're willing to let the show wash over you with each repeated viewing yielding more depth of enjoyment, you will not be disappointed. If you're looking for a show about surfing, go watch Endless Summer. This is something else entirely. If you get lost, check out the posts on HBO.com. Much insight there. In summary, I love this show for how it makes me feel, and I'm hard pressed to tell you exactally why. Watch it. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!… Expand

Intellectually challenging and quite a refreshing change from Pavlovic shows such as "Grey's Anatomy"

best show on tv. if you are stupid, you won't like it.

I love this show. I like the fact that they have not given up what is going on. every monday me and my 3 grown kids watch together, even my 4 year old grandson loves the surfing scenes. I love everything about the show, because i am not sure what going on my mind is thinking up all sorts of ideas. Please give me back John, and the whole rest of the gang. Please Please give another season.

absolutely wonderful show Im going to put this page as a myspace bulletin so everyone i know can vote for it as a 10

10++++ I LOVE thisshow! Quirky, strange, mesmerizing, with the richest cast of characters, wonderful subplots--and the big question. I couldn't wait until the next show, then the next season. I watched each episode on On Demand at least twice to pick up all the subtleties. Now I just found out HBO cancelled it. HBO, PLEASE reconsider! Please put John fro Cincinnati back on the air.

grows on you as you watch each new episode

This is my favorite new show of the season, perhaps of the year. It doesn't even occur to me that there is supposed bad acting or that some of the shows stars are surfers and not actors at all. Each person brings something special, and you begin to realize that this is a story about a rather large, extremely dysfunctional family. "John" brings comic relief to the show, but also offers the perfect amount of hope to the situations this family faces. Bottom line is, I'm captivated! That's all there is to say.… Expand

It's about time for a "television" (it's not tv, it's HBO), to come up with something that makes us pay attention and use our noggins. Leave it to Milch to come up with a cast of indelible characters, poke fun at us and make us ponder something other than ourselves (which is just about all the character Mitch does!). Looking forward to more; every detail matters here, so pay attention.… Expand

Thanks again HBO for giving us another quality show! very few networks..with he exception of Showtime, HBO and FX give us television that makes you think. The show has lots of different angles and characters to be developed.. I love the show and how Milch and his team can tear apart and rebuild characters like few others...Keep up the Great work!

I really hope this show continues. Despite the degenerate society portrayied there were some signs of the basic goddness of humanity shining forth. More please!

It is a very fun, interesting show. Nothing exactly happened in the first show, but it's already more original than half of what's out there.

Wonderful. Way to go Milch. Look forward to many more.

Confounding but intriguing plotline. But most important, after one episode, I think I can grow to love these characters.

A lot of my high review comes from the large amount of faith I have in David Milch from his work on Deadwood. The dialog is just as fantastic as Deadwood, and the characters are compelling. The faith only plays a role in that it allows me to believe the series is going to go somewhere, and have some kind of message. Of course, so far I've only seen episode one, but I found it highly entertaining (watched it twice in fact), if a bit hard to follow at times. But it seems hard to follow only because of a certain depth and complexity, not because it lacks a plot or cohesion.… Expand

I love the series so far. Totally weird. Really dig the music too. Especially tha rare Muse track, the blues and Kava Kava 'Tic' when Shauni waits in the tent

I can not remember a show where the characters were more unlikeable and annoying than they are in this confusing mess of a show called "John From Cincinnati." After a frustrating three episodes, I am severely tempted to abandon the strain sitting through what amounts to a lot of hard to swallow wierdness and yelling. As I believe the story line has potential; however, I shall give it one more opportunity to charm and entice rather than fill me with distaste and bafflement.… Expand

This show is a failure. It lacks the honesty of the characters of Deadwood or the captivating mystery with in the story line of Carnival. I'm losing patents with the very slow story line development. This show won't make it. The character of John might be the second coming but, this show isn't.

This show is a mess... I like strange shows, but this is just horrible. The acting is crap, the script is crap... What was HBO thinking?

I love this program. It's original and full of strange characters. I can't wait for Sundays so I can see a new episode.

I love it! I ordered HBO just for this show.

Seeing HBO cancelled the best show on tv my comment is futile how dare they cancel John from cincinnati..read the reviews and not surprised the Boston Globe & the Christian Science Monator didn't GET John..they have no imagination in any of their writings.

i thought this show was so incredible and it was one of the few shows out there where you just waited for the next episode.its an awesome show, bring it back!

A Milch mix with Nunn nuts, is a total waste of time. The Deadwood type talk is simply out of place; just so ostentatious I'm pleased that it was dropped from HBO.

i watched the first episode right after the sopranos, and i just came up with a big "meh." i think the fact that surfing's not nearly as cool as the mafia, grizzled fightin' cowboys in the old west, or a neurotic man running around LA getting into arguments with people will be the death knell of this show.

Not just bad (the kid who plays Sean must be one of the worst actors I've seen), but incredibly boring. I tried so hard to get through the entire premiere episode but had to give up halfway through.

There is something that is so precious about this show that makes one smile, but it draws the line at being too sappy. Long live the new HBO series!!

This is the type of show that you have to watch more than once to appreciate. I can see how that might turn some people off. TV has traditionally been instant gratification, no thought needed fare. If you are looking for something a little more hearty to sink your teeth inyo this summer, give JFC a chance. At the very least, you won't regret watching Greyson Fletcher (Shaun) surf.

I can't quite explain why, but this damn show has captivated me somehow. I enjoyed The Sopranos, but if I missed an episode or two, it really didn't matter. But with JFC, I find myself waiting for the next show no sooner than the last one ended. It's got enough bizaare characters to fill an insane asylum, enough mystery to re-write Edgar Allan Poe, and an edge of mysticism to top it all off. After three episodes I'm getting vibes that John is some sort of new age profit, and that Saun Yost is probably something like the second coming of Christ. I'm expecting to see hordes of devotees following Saun all over the coast of California seeking miracles and Truth before it's all done, but we shall see. Is it Sunday yet?… Expand

This is a weird show but in a good way, there are a mix of drama, comedy,fiction.

Milch, it seems to me, is presenting a series about revelation - and,for this reason, "professional" critics cannot figure it out. He places this tale of revelation in the most secular of venues - the surfers and beachbums of SoCal. John, "of Cincinnati," like John the Baptist, is not the prophet himself but the presage of the prophet. The prophet is the youngest Yost surfer. After all, EVERYONE else in the cast is increasingly dedicating their lives to protecting the boy. They don't talk about protecting him, they just do it. They don't know why, but they can't resist. Revelation. Moreover, ALL of the Yost males and even some of the protectors (including the once-drug-dealer) are experiencing "paranormal" phenomena, and the physician is already mystified.… Expand

I LOVE this show. It's quirky, keeps me guessing as what'll happen next, has memorable lines, good editing to keep all the plots in line... overall a great show, if you just let it flow through your head. John is a fascinating character that doesn't dominate the story, yet keeps you entertained whenever he appears in the show. Really hope it's not canceled because some folks don't like the new flavor of this type of show. It is my new favorite show & can hardly wait for Sunday nights... even if it means Monday morning is next.… Expand

"Somthings I know, somthings I don't" "The end is near" For those who have not spent the time, this show is not to be missed. JM

The most interesting show out there right now: it's got me totally roped inand hanging on to see what develops next. It is a wonderfully imaginative series with enagaging albeit flawed characters, visible to viewers warts and all, and you get a sense that things are going to get better for everyone involved.

Most unique show I have seen in a long time. Characters seem really fresh and of course mysterious. You have never seen a show like this. I really hope the storyline develops and delivers. "I've got my eye on you"

Thank God for this show. It's so necessary, and overdue. For those who don't get it, you're better off sticking to Myth Busters. But then, to each their own. . .

No more Deadwood.....No more Rome.....For THIS load of crap?!! Somebody tell me that this is a just a very bad dream!

While this show keeps you tuned for the most part, its more like watching a train wreck. The character could have potential if they could complete a sentence without screaming at each other. I think Sissy is one of the worst characters with the "you moron" phrase in just about every sentence. Milch need to give the characters more depth so we can relate or sympathize or bond with at least one or more of them!!!… Expand

This show is amazing. It the best thing that HBO has done in a while.

I love querky. Is John an agel, devil, alien or an escaped experiement from a government lab. I don't know and really as long as they keep me feeling like I am exploring a new slightly out of reach parallel universe, I will watch. Want do you want Butchy? More JFC, of course.

Completely unwatchable.

"John from Cincinnati" is wonderful show. Ed O'Neill steals the show with a great performance as the lonely OCD Bill.

Most of the people giving this show les han a seven re probably people who hate think when watch TV. They probably think TV is to make you mindless. Though JFC is a fresh of breath air to me! There is finally a show that dosn't show the veiwer everything and make the characters no nothing. We are just as clueless if not more clueless than chacters. You wonder who and what this person John is what he wants and what else can you do besides making things popout his pockets and make people see visions of things. And if your one of those who love to think you probably ike to predict too. My guess is John is an Angel and the Yosts have a connection to god some how. Though I have my complaints the actors that portray Saun and Kye pay the role out. Though Suan racemay have a shyness problem or something. Kye has no excuse for bad acting.… Expand

The ONLY change I would make is to make the dialog clearer - easier to understand. The mumbling may be realistic acting but it doesn't help to understand what is going on in the episode. But even with this flaw, the story is provocitave and the multilayered characters are such a treat. Thanks HBO.

This show is easily one of the most intelligent and forward thinking programs. Those who dont appreciate it fail to think outside the box. John From Cincinnati takes it to the next level!

Just keeps getting better and I still don't understand it.

I'm trying to hang in there...but "waiting for something to happen" is really starting to get old. The Deadwood speak is tiring and no longer interesting. I can't connect with anybody, because everything is too unrealistic. I was hoping for smoother zen-like transitions that explore life through surfing...Not so. They might as well wear period wigs and shoot in natural light...very grey, very very grey.… Expand

Worst show ever produced on HBO. HBO has given too much freedom to David Milch, who seems to think every word he touches turns to gold. I hope HBO quickly cancels this spectacle, or else they may lose too many viewers to afford it for a season two. David Milch is done in my book. He abandoned "Deadwood" for this BS. Wow, what an idiot!

This show is horrible. It makes no sense, characters are stiff, the script is junk. Don't bother watching unless you want it to put you to sleep!

Watching it is painful. It hurts my head. What the hell was the zombie green corpse that John brought out into the yard in that one episode? After that, the show lost it for me.

"John From Cincinnati" I think is the strangest, most funny show ever produced for American TV. I'm really not into surfing either. This show has some great characters from all walks of life.

Odd but very entertaining show...will definitely continue to watch.

Captivating and wonderful on every level...finally, something worth watching!

For what this show lacks in exposition, it duly compensates with intrigue. Very well casted except the character "Shawnie" (the kid looks great but his acting is anemic). I give the show a strong 8 rating despite the fact that for all of the show's plucky dialogue and charming array of characters, each episode lacks enough payoff to the vague plot to capture the casual view. My guess is that if the writers don't start to reel components of this story in really soon and offer a couple of major twists to maintain a buzz, this show will be deader than Deadwood before the fall season. Still, I must admit I'm firmly captivated and I must know what eventually happens to Butchie, Mitch, Sissy, Kai, Bill, Link and John!… Expand

As a surfer living in Imperial Beach, where series is filmed, it captures much of the culture here. Bunch of burned out folks that still respect the ocean and all it gives. No, I have not seen John yet, but I am watching for him our at the pier.

Brilliant quirky touching

Very enjoyable. Quirky, mystical, thought-provoking, Good writing. I look forward to future episodes.

Lots of mysterious fun. The cast is hilarious! I was a huge Deadwood fan, and love JFC as well--I don't know what other Deadwood fans are complaining about--it's a *different* show; get it?

Great show

How in the world can so many people give this show a 10? And half of you that rated it that high admit you don't have a clue as to what the damn thing is all about! Somehow I managed to force myself to watch this show until the very end out of a sense of devotion to HBO and David Milch, but, oh my god, what a waste of time! And that had to be one of the worst endings for a supposedly edgy show ever. It smacked of "Let's Get This Over With." The only thing it was missing was a group hug while they were all floating above the ground singing Kumbaya. Yes, there was some solid acting and direction, but the writing was straight out of a 5 day meth-bender. What, did they think we would be duped into buying the phony metaphysical subtext? More like metafarcical. And please don't try and tell that was the point or I will barf all over my keyboard. They didn't have a point. This wasn't just style over substance, it was gibberish over nonsense. I guess this is what successful writers and producers do once they have enough money to get coked out of their minds. And people gave it a 10? I give it a 0 in the name of sanity. If I could have given it a -10, I would have. The just punishment for HBO, should they chose to renew this series, would be to force them to watch it over and over again without their bongs and stash of coke.… Expand

It started off with such promise but never seems to get going. Too contrived after a while. Still, it's addicting.

Insane, witty, and vulgar. I have never loved a show more when I have no clue of what's happening.

As satisfying as a Chinese crossword puzzle wish I had time to learn the language of Milchanese.

this show wasn't smart or complex, it was an embarrassing testament to how dumb the tv audience has gotten. Milch's politics and screwy beliefs in faith healing and miracles served up like some Universal Truth. Throw in a few magic tricks and some will mistake confusion for complexity. Only psychotics would think a show about some upcoming genocide and apocalypse is "uplifting." Think about THAT.… Expand

Hbo is killing me with the canceling of my favotite shows. This show rocked. You never knew what was coming & I loved it for that reason. Who wants some cookie cutter script with all the answers given 2 you @ the end?

this show as awesome finally something to set the tivo to. smart tv

We got this instead of extending dead wood? Go f@#$ yourself.

wacky, offbeat, right up my alley so far!

very confusing - boring - and tuned out after 10 inutes.

An interesting premier. The show has definite potential. The character of John reminds me a bit of Peter Sellers' "Chancy" in the film "Being There". Or perhaps Woody Allen's "Zelig"...?

Pretty uneven plot. So far, the show doen't seem to know what it wants to be. However, it has potential.

Left DEADWOOD for this? Shameful.

I f@*#'n loved it!

I thought it was really funny. I wasn't expecting that.

Thie show was differant from anything I had ever seen before. Just how many times did they use the F word.? After watching the show I want to visit/or move to Imperial Beach.

HBO's new "edgy" drama is a wipe out. Don't go near it without lots of pain medication nearby.