Dead of Summer

:

Season 1
  • Network: Freeform
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 28, 2016
Metascore
39

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 5 out of 11
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Critic Reviews

  1. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Jun 17, 2016
    58
    Dead of Summer starts out feeling like an homage to ’80s slasher films with a dash of “Beverly Hills 90210” here and a sprinkling of “Heathers” there. And that could be a lot of fun, but it’s a hard tone to authentically sustain, and soon enough the pilot episode becomes more like a library book in the young-adults section that never gets checked out anymore.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Jun 28, 2016
    50
    This is not a show that is particularly original; every twist is a cliché, and every character is playing to type. But with so many well-worn at play, Dead of Summer makes for a schlocky hour that never quite gets boring.
  3. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Jun 28, 2016
    50
    Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis and Ian B. Goldberg ("Once Upon a Time") created Dead of Summer, and they have paid more attention to the moody atmosphere and opportunities for scares than to the characters--at least, the living ones.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Alex McCown
    Jun 28, 2016
    50
    Dead Of Summer is a mess, but it’s the kind of mess that allows for a degree of back-handed enjoyment at the absurdity of it all.
  6. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Jun 27, 2016
    50
    While this new series makes some dubious choices with its characters and setting (Why did it need to be set in 1989?), the premiere of Dead of Summer provided much of what I look for in a summer show--an enjoyable distraction.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 49
  3. Negative: 17 out of 49
  1. SheilaDundee
    Jun 29, 2016
    0
    For older people, or people who've been told a lot of stories, this show is terrible. It's a mishmash of everything you've ever seen beforeFor older people, or people who've been told a lot of stories, this show is terrible. It's a mishmash of everything you've ever seen before blended together for no good reason to no good end with random 80s references. Characters screaming at everything doesn't make something scary, and the acting is wooden at best, even the usually very good Elizabeth Mitchell. If you're really bored, and very lonely, or you're 14, this is for you.… Full Review »
  2. C3realkillah
    Jun 28, 2016
    9
    Don't listen to bad reviews this is a breath of fresh air and pays homage to the 80s summer camp horror movies in a beautiful way. AfterDon't listen to bad reviews this is a breath of fresh air and pays homage to the 80s summer camp horror movies in a beautiful way. After watching two episodes in hooked and want to find what happens next. The characters aren't just stereotypes and I actually like and hate some of them. The mystery is very interesting and it's very well paced, something bad definitely happened here and it makes you think and wonder what happened or will happened. It in fact reminded me ALOT of the ps4 title until dawn it has a similar feel and look and I loved that game. It's not perfect but it's a damn good watch imo and deserves a shot if you like horror mystery slasher films or love 80s style horror and it's oh so great tropes. I love it and I'm excited to see more! I found another great series to continue!! 9/10… Full Review »
  3. priscilla016
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    To me, this show has very refined actors and the creep factor is up to 8, not a full 10 allowing for viewers with a softer spine to stomachTo me, this show has very refined actors and the creep factor is up to 8, not a full 10 allowing for viewers with a softer spine to stomach it. It's a gem surrounded by the sea of coal we see in the so called Freeform tv shows such as Shadowhunters and Guilt.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »