The Neighbors: Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 26, 2012
  • Season #: 1
User Score
5.4 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 53
  3. Negative: 19 out of 53

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  1. EludiumQ36
    Sep 27, 2012
    9
    I really, really liked the premiere episode. Every scene was carefully crafted for either weird effect or comedy effect, the production values are very, very good for a sitcom. And we didn't have to wait for half the season to expire before seeing their alien form, we got a first-episode payoff there so that was nice. I'm not into series that name drops celebrities - The Mindy Project being the worst offender so far - but this series has some fun with it so it's not as onerous. I would like to see the whole season so I hope it's not one of the early cancels.… Expand
  2. simplyodd
    Jan 5, 2013
    10
    This is a one of those shows you really have to look past the premise and see how deep the show really is. It is in the same quality level as quirky shows like Third Rock From the Sun, Mork and Mindy, Modern Family and Raising Hope. These shows seem silly at first but once you get into them, the stories are deep with good moral and human interest messages. I found the jokes smart and wry, the characters well developed with meaningful stories. All wrapped in a quirky comedy. Would be great to see this show last as long as the other two I mentioned. Wish more people could appreciate the depth and comedy of these unusual out of the typical mold sitcoms. Was very pleasantly surprised by this one. Please give it a chance despite the closed minded folks who have reviewed this so negatively. It is not that often that I actually laugh out loud at a sitcom, but I find myself rewinding the show to actually get a second take on the many quotable lines and simple looks from the characters that generate laughs. If I remember correctly, this show does not use a laugh track which says even more for the quality of writing from the show that can generate laughs without this crutch. Thanks to ABC for putting up all the episodes on-line too. Was very thankful that I didn't miss out on this much under-rated production.… Collapse
  3. danielcarter
    Sep 26, 2012
    10
    Refreshingly different. Half way through I thought I hated it, which is why most people are probably giving negatives reviews because they stopped watching. It takes the tired "family sitcom" format and inserts aliens for a weird, yet delightful journey. Characters are interesting and sometimes outrageous - while many jokes aren't waiting around for you to get them, which is a treat when watching repeats. I am looking forward to getting my 2nd taste next week!… Expand
  4. Ossrop
    Oct 4, 2012
    10
    I loved the first episode. There were several big laughs and I was wanting to spend more with the characters by the end. Can't ask for much more from a sitcom. A little reminiscent of 3rd Rock From The Sun.
  5. PositivePennie
    Nov 7, 2012
    10
    My kids love this show, and while I admit it took a few episodes to grow on me. I now love the show and look forward to it. It took a few episodes for the show to work out some kinks but, I now sit and laugh, it is good. It is a nice break from the norm.
  6. ellyb
    Nov 14, 2012
    9
    I find this show laugh out loud funny. Not often that I find a TV sitcom that really makes me laugh. This show and Modern Family are two that I will make a point of watching.
  7. rdow
    Jan 3, 2013
    10
    Love this show. I don't think people are giving it a fair try. You really need to watch episodes like the Halloween episode to appreciate it. That one, with the little kid and the hand puppet had me howling.
  8. Jim6478
    Mar 21, 2013
    9
    This show has really grown on me. I find that the family interactions really hit close to home and bring a good and positive message. Not saying this is the Cosby show, but it is good family entertainment that kids and adults of all ages can relate to and watch together which is kind of rare these days.
  9. CowboyUp
    Mar 28, 2013
    10
    OK, this isn't necessarily an original concept. It's all been done before. On top of that, it's a pretty silly concept. But somehow, The Neighbors manages to rise (far) above all of that. They take these completely ludicrous characters, and make them real. They display complex emotions, and you actually find yourself caring about them. As the continuing storylines evolved, the characters (not to mention the actors) hit their stride. There have been 2 or 3 episodes where they seriously hit home-runs. The "Dream Weavers" episode was by far the funniest, and most touching episode of any sitcom of the season. Email ABC and tell them to renew!… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
41 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 11 out of 23
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 27, 2012
    0
    This season, ABC has Neighbors, one of the least funny things to air on television since the last Hitler documentary on History.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Sep 26, 2012
    60
    The pilot for ABC's extraterrestrial silly-fest feels half-baked, and parts of it just sort of lie there, but this shouldn't be a deal breaker.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Sep 26, 2012
    70
    The first two episodes of The Neighbors actually made me laugh more than once--and without the aid of mood-altering substances.
    Read full review
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