• Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 21, 2004
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 7
Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 100
    This new phase takes the show from sometimes cartoonish to serious, punctuated with belly-laugh dialogue. This is thanks, in no small part, to Michael J. Fox, who is in six episodes this year.
  2. Rescue Me races out of the gate as confidently brilliant as ever before, wildly mixing emotions along the way.
  3. Reviewed by: Ken Aucker
    100
    This series is officially on fire now.
  4. 100
    For those who were disappointed in the show's uneven fourth season, the best news is that, at least in the nine episodes previewed, Rescue Me is more consistent, more focused and more fun, with better stories for all of its characters.
  5. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    100
    One of TV's bleakest shows is also one of TV's best comedies. What a marvel.
  6. What is implied elsewhere is confronted aggressively in the terrifically restive FX drama Rescue Me.
  7. Reviewed by: Stuart Levine
    80
    Gavin has evolved, and the writers are making sure he's more multidimensional than ever thought possible. It's a winning move.
  8. 80
    The FX drama returns for its fifth season tonight at 10, after a 19-month absence, and it returns to its former glory after an unfortunate fourth-season slump.
  9. Reviewed by: Daniel Carlson
    80
    After more than a year away, Rescue Me is still a compelling drama, full of strong writing and skillful acting, but it's the show's mix of redemption and ruin that genuinely sets it apart from the pack.
  10. Rescue Me does everything "Lost" does. It balances character, drama, comedy and suspense while relentlessly pushing a dozen story lines forward.
  11. In recent months, star Denis Leary and his co-creator/producer Peter Tolan have repeatedly promised a different show, one less bleak and heavy-footed than Season 4, and on this they most certainly deliver.
  12. While I stopped being a fan some time ago, I can say that at least one of the things that I've always liked about the post-9/11 firefighter dramedy is more in evidence in the three Season 5 episodes I've watched.
  13. By reattaching his misery to 9/11, and by reminding us that everyone around him still shares in the miseries of that day, Rescue Me has lit a new fire under both the man and his show.
  14. A few things in the first episodes of season five, which kicks off Tuesday night, feel a little disjointed. Denis Leary remains a magnetic lead as New York firefighter Tommy Gavin, and the show still has inspired moments.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 10
    Not every show is a winner, but the acting, humor, pathos, and action (like watching Backdraft often) draw me to every show. The ensemble is just incredible with various (current and past) stars appearing in many shows. Full Review »
  2. [Anonymous]
    9
    Love it:) Never fails to engage and entertain with sharp, witty dialogue and complex characters.
  3. KennyH
    10
    This season is absolutely amazing so far. I agree with whoever compared it to the Sopranos, it's just great to watch. The only show that can have me laughing hysterically one moment and on the verge of tears the next. Michael J. Fox's character is awesome so far too. Full Review »