Treme: Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 11, 2010
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3
User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 90 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 90
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 90
  3. Negative: 10 out of 90

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  1. DavidN.
    Apr 21, 2010
    10
    Treme gets New Orleans right. Simon's wise and novelistic approach is perfectly suited to this most blessed and cursed city. Instinct, deep research and beaucoup talent bode well for the show's future.
  2. jeremyp
    Jul 27, 2011
    9
    I loved "The Wire" and Simon has delivered superior TV again. He must have loved Dickens as a kid because no-one else on TV does character development, or sinuous story lines better. I'm not sure just why he's so good at examining the "Black" culture in all it's rich complexities, it comes across as authentic, helped by rich dialog, and fantastic actors. Khandi Alexander blows me away! What a powerful performer. I read it was a slow mover but I was hooked early, having learned from "The Wire" that the delight comes in watching diverse characters develop. The music throws in an essential flavor that suffuses the show with energy.… Expand
  3. RickO.
    Apr 20, 2010
    10
    Finally, an artwork that captures the incredible musical, mystical quality of this great city.
  4. denizozut
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    I love this show. It talks about real people, real music and real life. It teaches about New Orleans. It shows the mingle of art and life in New Orleans. Well done.
  5. AlwynJK
    Apr 14, 2010
    10
    Excellent show, highly recommended!!
  6. AaronS
    Apr 15, 2010
    10
    David Simon and Co. have another potential winner on their hands with 'Treme'. On the basis of the pilot this series has a LOT of potential. And like 'The Wire's' Baltimore, 'Treme's' NOLA will prove to be as fascinating a 'character' in its own right. Perhaps an even greater one. I look forward to spending time with this show.
  7. AlexanderL.
    Apr 18, 2010
    10
    Viewing only the first episode so far, I can say that I am more excited about this show than any other right now. I have a feeling this could be just as good as 'The Wire" if not better.
  8. CM61
    Sep 18, 2010
    10
    One of the best shows on TV. The characters and storylines are perfect and the music is exceptional. Khandi Alexander deserved an Emmy for her portrayal of LaDonna, and the rest of the cast is terrific. Absolutely cannot wait for Season 2, I miss hearing that great jazz already.
  9. jimmyfresno
    May 18, 2012
    10
    Mark Perigard of the Boston Herald accuses the pacing of Treme as being "lazy." I believe Mr. Perigard has missed out on the most beautiful aspect of Treme: the pacing is the city itself. What do citizens do, waiting for a miracle to restore their lives back to normal, drinking, playing music, sharing intimate slow moments in the passing of time in a city that is itself an anachronism. Treme is nearly a perfect analog for life. The forgotten, overlooked joy and dispair as they interplay in the most disastrous of circumstances: "we're all going crazy, and having a good time." The acting is on mark to a line, casting tremendous. Did Mr. Perigard know that modern New Orleans Jazz fame has its roots in high school marching bands, now blowing through mouthpieces of instruments their schools can't afford to buy. The helping of skilled lawyers and musicians to pull their people up from the muck, literally and figuratively, through their generosity, foul mouthed honesty, and real humanity, calling a spade a spade. Boston is not New Orleans. Simon's approach to taking us there is that of allowing us to sit, to dwell, to marvel in what could be mistaken for mundane, but is in reality, sublime.… Expand
  10. thewirah78
    Jun 26, 2012
    9
    David Simon creates the best tv shows. The Wire and Generation Kill were awesome. Treme does not disappoint. It is very true to New-Orleans. It's a form of real tv if real tv was real and was about interesting people. Khandi Alexander is amazing. Steve Zahn is awesome. Things are quite crazy in New-Orleans but you see why people love it.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    63
    As a series, Treme is a tough slog. I was by turns confused, bored and sad.
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  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    58
    Unlike "The Wire," the pacing is lazy. Many of the moments seem authentic, but to paraphrase director Alfred Hitchcock: A good show is life minus the boring parts.
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  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    75
    By the third episode of the three that HBO sent, the show had begun to find a rhythm, and the sometimes sprawling narrative (which will unfold over 10 episodes in the show's first season) had begun to gel in a promising way.
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