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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed shows.
Viva Blackpool
EMAILPRINTSERIES: BBC America, Monday 10:00p (60 minutes)
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 14 votes
Read user comments
Rate this show >
Show Info
Genre(s): Comedy, Drama, Musical, Mystery & Thriller
Created By: Peter Bowker
First Air Date: October 24, 2005
Summary
Starring David Morrissey, Sarah Parish, David Tennant, Thomas Morrison, Georgia Taylor, and Kevin Doyle
Apparently, the Brits didn't learn the lesson of "Cop Rock," as this six-episode BBC murder mystery series features characters that randomly burst into song. (At least they choose their songs wisely, taking on classics by the likes of Queen, The Smiths and Nancy Sinatra.)
Episode Guide & More Info: More about this show at TV.com
Also On The Web: Official Show Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
San Jose Mercury NewsCharlie McCollum
An exhilarating, gleefully entertaining, truly original six-episode series
Read Full Review >San Francisco ChronicleTim Goodman
Underneath the Smiths and Nancy Sinatra and Elvis Costello, Bowker is telling a ripping good yarn.
Read Full Review >Entertainment WeeklyAlynda Wheat
Blackpool is high-concept, to be sure, but worth a little patience. [28 Oct 2005, p.77]
TV GuideMatt Roush
An intoxicating six-part hybrid of mystery, love triangle and surreal musical.
Chicago TribuneSid Smith
The actors turn in performances that deftly sweep from broad caricature to sublime subtlety, but it's the musical romps that carry the day.
Read Full Review >Seattle Post-IntelligencerMelanie McFarland
"Viva Blackpool" doesn't take itself too seriously, and the music doesn't overwhelm the story.
Read Full Review >New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley
Ironically, though, the rest of "Viva Blackpool" - the majority without music - is the part that truly sings.
Read Full Review >The New York TimesNed Martel
All in all, the show's many risks offer a few rewards, even if a viewer will need to settle in, hope for the best and summon the patience of a pensioner at a slot machine.
Read Full Review >VarietyBrian Lowry
The problem is that there are only a couple of songs per episode and it's hard not to get antsy waiting for the next, since who killed the kid and the prolonged mating dance between Carlisle and Natalie don't pack much power in terms of suspense.
Read Full Review >Kansas City StarAaron Barnhart
Sharp writing and sharper set design make up for “Blackpool’s” musical numbers, which are all over the map.
Read Full Review >Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert
It's not entirely successful, but it's an engaging experiment that ought to herald a new era in shower-singing.
Read Full Review >Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen
Sometimes the energetic song-and-dance routines work well, other times you're apt to want to fast-forward.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this show is 9.8 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
R H gave it a10:
Just downloaded and watched this series.........David Tennant's performances here and in Doctor Who prove that he is a God. I wish we had more stuff like Blackpool stateside.
Jane B gave it a10:
Excellent. Very British.
Mary M gave it a10:
I don't generally watch television and especially not soaps or dramas, but, WOW, this show blows me away and I was actually looking forward to Monday nites!!!! Please show me more! I can't wait!
Marion B gave it a10:
Brilliant concept acted with brio.
Alan S gave it a10:
This is absolutely brilliant; I'm interested in philosophy and on that level, this is also rewarding - the intensity of the acting is unsurpassed; the use of musical genres for emotional content is amazing. One ends up caring about the characters; it's a shame the series isn't literally continuous.
Jason S gave it a10:
Only saw last episode, but it was too good. It is a kind of of musical melodrama which bends your ideas of reality out of shape, replacing one concept of reality for a more macabre ,less serious one. Some of the best one liners are delivered on it, ie. "You're a loser waiting for his life to start". The script is brilliant, and so is the delivery. It is daring comedy which does come off.
Jill G gave it an8:
Initially, wasn't impressed. Thought it was hokey. However, once you get into the story and the deep character portrayals, it grows on you. The music is fantastic. David Morrisey and David Tennant are particularly talented (and as a female - may I say not too bad to look at). I look forward to it each week.
