The Knick: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 242 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	Your Score
8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 242 Ratings

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Season Details & Credits

Cinemax | Season Premiere Date: August 8, 2014

Starring: Michael Angarano, Grainger Hines, Eric Johnson

Summary: Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the drama set in 1900 in New York City follows the lives and works of the staff of Knickerbocker Hospital including new lead surgeon, Dr. John Thackery (Clive Owen); Dr. Everett Gallinger (Eric Johnson); Dr. Bertie Chickering Jr. (Michael Angarano); Dr. Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland); and Cornelia RobertsonDirected by Steven Soderbergh, the drama set in 1900 in New York City follows the lives and works of the staff of Knickerbocker Hospital including new lead surgeon, Dr. John Thackery (Clive Owen); Dr. Everett Gallinger (Eric Johnson); Dr. Bertie Chickering Jr. (Michael Angarano); Dr. Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland); and Cornelia Robertson (Juliet Rylance), the daughter of hospital benefactor, Captain August Robertson.… Expand

Creator: Jack Amiel and Michael Begler

Genre(s): Drama, Science

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E10. Crutchfield
Air Date: October 17, 2014
tbd
S1:E9. The Golden Lotus
Air Date: October 10, 2014
tbd
S1:E8. Working Late a Lot
Air Date: October 3, 2014

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Metascore

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Mixed:

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Critic Reviews

100

Verne Gay

Aug 8, 2014

Soderbergh has created a vibrant, dark and above all alluring Gotham. Owen's Thackery is its bracing human counterpart. Read full review

Melissa Maerz

Aug 4, 2014

The show was created by Jack Amiel and Michael Begler, but it's Soderbergh's vision, from the brilliant but unusual score (minimalist electronic music) to the wry camera angles (the series opens on Owen's shoes as he lounges in a brothel). For a period piece, it's strikingly contemporary--and quite gory, although the surgery scenes never feel gratuitous. Read full review

Mark A. Perigard

Aug 8, 2014

For fans of quality TV, The Knick will evoke memories of the South Boston-set “St. Elsewhere.” That show needed more than a season to work out its kinks. The Knick is already off to a robust start. Read full review

San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times

Chuck Barney

Aug 6, 2014

Under Soderbergh's direction, The Knick is a dark and gritty saga that captures a time of major changes--not only on the medical front, but in industrialization and race relations. Read full review

Tom Long

Aug 8, 2014

A period piece with serious punch, The Knick isn’t for the faint of heart. Read full review

Robert Lloyd

Aug 8, 2014

The series is at its most convincing, and most beautiful, at its most static. When the show bursts into action, or insists upon making its characters intense and extraordinary--some of them fictionally take credit for real-world medical advances and inventions--it grows, paradoxically, proportionally less interesting. Read full review

Hank Stuever

Aug 7, 2014

It’s as if someone looked up instructions for making a period cable TV drama and followed them to the letter--and wound up with something like a “Boardwalk Empire”-style story arc set in an old-timey “E.R.,” only with a much weaker pulse. Read full review

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User Score

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8.4

User Reviews

JamesIrish68

Dec 24, 2014

There isn't one weak actor in the Knick, Every character, likeable or no, is played to a T. The futuristic sound track is beautiful and put me in a different space and perception when I watched this series. The un sung heroes of set and costume design are perfect, and there is some beautifulThere isn't one weak actor in the Knick, Every character, likeable or no, is played to a T. The futuristic sound track is beautiful and put me in a different space and perception when I watched this series. The un sung heroes of set and costume design are perfect, and there is some beautiful outstanding cinematography. Its a serious even sad series but don't let it dissuade you from watching. The issues raised are well addressed and have a strong contemporary ring to them. Political opinions are not shoved down your throat. The brilliance of flawed humanity is portrayed perfectly. The fragility of life in 1900 and how lucky we are to be alive today stuck me constantly. A masterpiece, Art.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

alizpeptob

Oct 21, 2014

Like the drug it is centered around, this show is truly addicting. The Knick is a gritty series based in the early 20th century world of medicine. Just about every aspect of the show - character development, writing, directing, score- is executed very well. This is a series that isn't afraidLike the drug it is centered around, this show is truly addicting. The Knick is a gritty series based in the early 20th century world of medicine. Just about every aspect of the show - character development, writing, directing, score- is executed very well. This is a series that isn't afraid to get its hands dirty, focusing on numerous controversial topics including drug addiction, racism, abortion, prostitution, and mental illness. The best part is it covers all these subjects in an intriguing and realistic manner. Owen's performances should be enough to keep you hooked, but really he is helped tremendously by the performances around him. The Knick horrifies you from the start, beats you up along the way, and leaves you completely drained yet longing for more at the finale. In the end, you're left with the haunting realization that everyone, no matter their status, is a patient at the Knick.
I'm very pleased with the first season of this series and I will be waiting eagerly for the 2nd season to arrive.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

lulu55

Aug 28, 2014

"The Knick" is not only great drama with superb acting, writing and directing, but there is a gritty, realistic edge to it that as an OR nurse, it takes me back into the history of surgery and medicine -spot on! I look forward to the show unfolding its many layers, showing the reality of how"The Knick" is not only great drama with superb acting, writing and directing, but there is a gritty, realistic edge to it that as an OR nurse, it takes me back into the history of surgery and medicine -spot on! I look forward to the show unfolding its many layers, showing the reality of how medicine and surgery, specifically, have developed into the disciplines of today. There were few guides, little proven science and each step was taken with unsure feet not knowing where it would lead. Excellent- we can't wait for the next show!… Expand

7 of 7 users found this helpful70

Kacy00

Feb 6, 2015

The Knick is America's Downton Abbey, but better.

Strong characters meet strong actors with a fascinating time in history and little FCC restrictions equal one of the best shows on television and a must-see.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

unixuser101

Aug 14, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just seen episode 1 . Well all I can say I am glad i didn't live then. Very gritty 1900 New York hospital drama. Great acting. Sort of predictable genius but flawed main lead doctor running out of veins for his cough.. little habit. Ouch is all I can say... when you watch you will know what i mean lol. Operation scenes are good and look authentic.
Might be a nice little summer gem this one. Hope it continues in this vein. Looking forward to the next episode.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

sully22

Nov 5, 2014

Very much enjoying thus far, acting is very good, good plot and characters that would start to relate to and want to do well. I would recommend the watch!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

silverado

Dec 16, 2015

The racism and mysogyny in this series are useless. The dialogues are very soapy. No likeable characters. Too much blue philtering photography and awful handycam shaky images.

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

SEE ALL 27 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

78

Series Overview
Season 2

85
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: October 16, 2015
Season 1

75
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: August 8, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E10. Crutchfield
  Air Date: October 17, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E9. The Golden Lotus
  Air Date: October 10, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E8. Working Late a Lot
  Air Date: October 3, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E7. Get the Rope
  Air Date: September 26, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E6. Start Calling Me Dad
  Air Date: September 19, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E5. They Capture the Heat
  Air Date: September 12, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E4. Where's the Dignity?
  Air Date: September 5, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E3. The Busy Flea
  Air Date: August 22, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E2. Mr. Paris Shoes
  Air Date: August 15, 2014
- tbd
  S1:E1. Method and Madness
  Air Date: August 8, 2014