• Network: The CW
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 25, 2007
  • Season #: 1 , 2
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 100
    It's a lot of fun. It's funny. And stars Bret Harrison and Tyler Labine have better chemistry than most duos on TV.
  2. The writing and acting are hit out of the ballpark on this one, and that's not a vibe you pick up out of nowhere.
  3. Wise steals this, show, and his costars aren't easy prey. What's more, the dynamic is quite clever. [28 Sep 2007, p.94]
  4. Besides being the funniest pilot, it has the best cast.
  5. Reaper is remarkably well-paced and hilariously well-written.
  6. The CW's Reaper and NBC's "Chuck," the two shows featuring the aforementioned Sam and, um, Chuck, are an unusual pairing in that they're not only both good--with ABC's "Pushing Daisies," they're the best new shows of the season.
  7. 88
    Wise has been given a great chance to shine, and he makes the most of it, stealing scenes with such aplomb it may almost be a sin. Still, the show has to be carried by Harrison and Labine, and they seem up to the task.
  8. 80
    Wise's acting is the most awesome asset.
  9. 80
    Kevin Smith directs the pilot episode with his typically expert comic timing. But he also handles the dark action bits nicely. Because even though Reaper is generous with its humor, it's not entirely wink-wink.
  10. 80
    With its young, often winning cast and its sparky, humorous dialogue, Reaper pays homage to the memorable shows created by Joss Whedon.
  11. Tyler Labine makes a most excellent wacky bearded sidekick, and Rick Gonzalez and Valarie Rae Miller round out the Scooby Gang. Auteur of slackerdom Kevin Smith ("Clerks") directed the pilot, which maintains a nice fairy tale tone even as it stresses the banality of the infernal.
  12. 80
    Reaper is a hilariously fractured commentary on Gen Y.
  13. Reaper is not at all grim; it's actually quite rewarding.
  14. Reaper is right up there with the best new shows of the season, better, actually, than NBC's "Chuck" because it dares to be more radical.
  15. Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    80
    In pulling these tried-and-true elements together, Smith and series creators Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters also garnish Reaper with several deft little touches--like pegging the Dept. of Motor Vehicles as a hiding-in-plain-sight portal to Hell, or the appropriate strains of Blue Oyster Cult's 'Don't Fear the Reaper.'
  16. 80
    Reaper works on its own cleverly devilish level and proves one of the happier, snappier surprises of the season.
  17. 80
    All the details have color, and so do the characters, right down to Sam's guilt-ridden parents, with whom he still lives. And there are fleeting hints of drama in the scenario that will surely gain momentum and weight.
  18. Reaper is a fun show to watch but not to think about. The concept is imaginative, and the characters are enjoyable. The pilot is a hugely entertaining hour of TV.
  19. Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    80
    It's all sharp and snappy.
  20. Geek TV is really the stories of people who've had greatness, not geekiness, thrust upon them, mostly in the form of unrequested superpowers. It should probably disturb me, but somehow doesn't, that the best of these, the CW's Reaper.
  21. Wise is one lucky devil. And so are viewers who appreciate lighthearted, supernatural dramas.
  22. If I sound too enthusiastic about a series that ends up, in the pilot, being a bit too obsessed with special effects, I apologize. The Devil made me do it. Or at least Ray Wise did
  23. 75
    Of course, it's a ridiculous, far-fetched sce nario, but it works be cause the producers of Reaper never take their subject too seriously.
  24. 75
    With its sharp writing, wonderful cast and wacko spirit, Reaper is one helluva good time.
  25. Reviewed by: Michael Abernethy
    70
    The series is essentially light-hearted: Sam is a sweet-natured superhero with a dust-buster. He may be working for the source of all evil, but one can't help but cheer him on.
  26. Reviewed by: Randy Cordova
    70
    There are lots of laughs and thrills here, and just the occasional misstep: Someone, anyone, please get sidekick Tyler Labine to tone down the obnoxious Jack Black impression.
  27. Reaper is strictly for fans of movies like Superbad.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 61
  2. Negative: 4 out of 61
  1. This show has no business being ranked in the 80s, nor should it have a 9.0. There are many more deserving shows that are no where near this rating. Where the hell is Seinfeld? Where are any of the Chris Lilley mockumentaries? Can't even begin on the omissions in the movie section; Beatlejuice anyone?! This is scripted tween garbage. I used to think Metacritic was a real source for finding quality productions. Full Review »
  2. Honestly one of my favorite shows of all time. This show was seriously entertaining and funny. Reminds me a lot of the Ghostbusters. And Ray Wise was pure awesome as the devil. Wish it was never cancelled. Would love to see the show picked back up. Lots of fun could be had with this license and a decent base of writers. Full Review »
  3. SeanD
    10
    One of the best shows on TV. DON'T CANCEL IT !!