Californication

The average user rating for this TV Show is 8.6 out of 10 (based on 147 Votes).

gee golly gave it a2:
Wow a story about a writer that who is self destructive and uses women...yeah really creative.

Avery c gave it an8:
I do enjoy all the sex and drugs; however, this show is best when dealing with romantic longing, relationships, and parenting. the emotion that passes between Hank and Karen during the first season is genuine, sweet, and electric. Furthermore, some of my favorite one-liners from the past several years of television are from Season One of this show. The writing is often very good, the acting is very good, the casting (esp. for the secondary and tertiary cast) deserves an award. The show only casts good looking, charismatic actors, and is smart enough to rely on the charisma of its main cast. This is Duchovny's show. Period. If you like him, as I do, you'll really, really enjoy 'Californication'. The show is intelligent for a few reasons, not the least of which is Duchovny's intelligence.

Torje W. gave it a9:
Though hidden as TV serie based on normal life, it contains elements of the unnatural. Don't take it the wrong way, it has nothing to with sci-fi, just hilarious settings and plot developments that just hard to belive. In my opinion then that's not a bad thing, I don't watch TV to see how other people live their lives. I want to be entertained with humour, nakedness and depressing scenes. And that's exactly what you are getting when you watch "Californication". This is truly one of the best series I've seen in years. Some people might find the nakedness excessive, but how do you have sex with clothes on? Sure they could have left those parts out, but why would they do that? It's about life and sex is a big part of life, just ask your parents how you came to be.

carrie s gave it a10:
I never thought i'd have any interest in this - love david duchovny but have No Need for the sex, drugs... but i thought i should just see what they did... and ended up watching the entire disc of episodes back to back to back on repeat for 2 days until the 2nd disc arrived in the mail 2 days later from netflix - there is so much to recommend this show - but the father-daughter relationship is probably my favorite part - given that a modern parent-child relationship is normally portrayed so stupidly in any tv show or film - i hope they can take the sex and drugs and swearing out and sell it to TBS - and i hope we can get a show like this sometime that is PG-13.

nikola r. gave it a9:
It's different then anything else out there on tv. Duchovny surprised everybody, he holds it all together.

Farhan JC gave it a10:
David Dochovony and Tom Kapinos, delivers and writes respectively, best ever "on your face" dialogues. Greatest show on earth right now at this moment.

Andrew gave it a10:
I wasn't really sure whether I'd like it most of the time and I started skipping the agent parts of the story, but Hank's arc is very fresh and far better than outside reviews of the show would have led me to believe. Caveats: it takes a little while to get going though and I'm not sure the second season will be any good.

Jon D gave it an8:
At the beginning of this series I was really worried how the crew was going to keep this going beyond a season... because I ended up liking the pilot--- but I couldn't figure out a way to end the story without being predictable. And predictable it is... predictable but enjoyable. If Duchovny doesn't act like that in true life (it's believable) it's pretty good acting. It's the perfect role for him.

Jack H. gave it a10:
This show is, if not anything else, pretty enjoyable. Please do not read further if you have a 'thing' against spoilers. As I am not a professional writer, 'thing' works quite well to describe several feelings. For what I wanted to express >> Having watched the first season of Californication just recently, I was pretty awed by the way the character has been developed. He has a laid-back approach, true, but nearing the middle to end of the season, shows that not only is he still in love with his long-term girlfriend, but is also attempting to insinuate himself back into her life. As the protagonist has been shown to have a decent outlook towards morality, excluding the unfortunate mishap involving his love's fiance's daughter, he is pretty limited in how he tries to get 'Karen' back. That however, does not stop him trying. Although the explicit scenes may come across as excessive to some, it is the underlying satire and raunchiness that intrigue the audience. Few shows manage to get the right reactions from their viewers. Californication can thankfully be counted amongst them. However, the entire show is not just about 'Hank' attempting to bring his life under a finer control. The rest of the cast plays a significant role too. Subplots of intricate details have been developed, one of the most involving being the sexual frustration expressed by 'Marcy', wife of Hank's agent 'Charlie'. The season finale was pretty exciting. Rarely have stranger things occured on a wedding set, be it in reality, or theater. I await with hushed breath for the second season. This series has impressed me beyond all bounds.

Chad D. gave it a10:
This show is great! Hank always has something witty and funny to say. The acting is good, the characters are believable and they make you like/hate them. I'm glad this is coming back for a second season!

Otho S. gave it an8:
I find it interesting that the most negative reviews of Californication come from L.A. and New York critics, while the Chicago critics love it. When a program makes the commercial stage and film capitals of the country fidgety with its portrayal of writers, that's a sure sign that said portrayal is dead on. In Chicago, we take our theatre seriously, and anyone who decides not to whore himself by selling out to Broadway or Hollywood no doubt delights in Duchovny's skewering of the shallow solipsism of the coasts.

Matteo P. gave it an8:
Something new even if uncompleted.

Justin R. gave it a10:
It might be said that this is the greatest casting for any tv show in history. The writing is phenomenal, and everyone is so balanced. People all act realistically irrationally sometimes, and hank is just quick and witty enough to be believably. Duchovny's acting is top notch, and you will find yourself relating to many aspects of this show. Easily a 10 out of 10.

Niels gave it a10:
This is, by far, one of the best tv series of all time !

Snog B. gave it a10:
Didn't know Hollywood produced dark humour. They did this and did it brilliantly! Seen the first season and I'm hoping they can keep Hank in the gutter for another 12 episodes cause that's when he's at his best.

Ivan S gave it a10:
Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. I was raving about it so much, my wife felt compelled to watch a couple episodes - it's now her favourite show.

Sean J. gave it a5:
It was funny at first, but it got old and outrageous fast. Hank wins in the end, but it was a contrived cliche. Straight out of "The Graduate". Mia and Dani trying to pose as latter day neo-feminists when they just manipulative witches using sex as a weapon - it made me want to puke. And its constant baby boomer ego stroking, I wanted to hit the screen. The only thing rewarding was David Duchovny's performance - he held up an often flagging screenplay.

Thomas C. gave it a9:
Just watched the entire season in three sittings over the course of 24 hours, and upon the conclusion of episode 12, I found myself clapping. Clapping!! Go figure... never done that before, but this show deserved it. I laugh more at Weeds, enjoy Weeds more, but this is good.... an updated, modern soap that is so very cool. What more to say?

Clint T. gave it a9:
Indescribably brilliant. Apparently all the sex put some people off but I reckon it adds rather than detracts from the shows blackly comic satire on modern Hollywood. Best show of 2007.

Robert S. gave it a10:
One of the best show I´ve watched in years. The dialogue is awesome. The acting is superb. David Duchovny is perfect, as always. Ah the musics are marvelous! I love seeing Hank Moody, Karen and Becca together.

gracco k gave it a10:
Californication and Duchovny rule! The best show ever!

Artem G gave it a10:
Brilliant!

John B gave it a10:
One of the funniest, sentimental, runchy shows I ever enjoyed. How can anyone try to comare it with 2-D Sex and the City? Apart from all the brilliant main characters Pamela Adlon (Marcy) and Dani California really made it for me. And I feel sure the two Medeleines have brilliant futures as well. Thank You! I can't wait for the next series being filmed in April.

Andrew P. gave it a10:
Best show on tv in years. Funny, honest, witty, and irreverent.

Debbie G. gave it a10:
Clever, amusing, and oddly principled.

John C. gave it a10:
Amazing show. If u don't like it, fine. But I do and others do 2. Keep up the good work.

Jeff K. gave it a10:
One of the funniest shows I have seen in a very long time, great plot, and David Duchovny is hilarious.

Ken G gave it a4:
This show very much wants to have it both ways. It wants to be edgy, and I think it flatters itself that it is edgy, but it also wants to be as family value correct as it can be, while it's being edgy. Thus you have this awkward combination of edginess, cliche, and predictability. I like Duchovny's character, but too often it feels like show is just plugging in cliches, and ultimately, it will steer into the proper family cliche (to top of the edginess) almost every time.

jeanne h. gave it a10:
best show after weeds on showtime or hbo luv it

s fegan gave it a6:
this series started off great but the plot has gone lame. More sex in the first episode than all the rest put together. The series goes sentimental pretty quick and not funny anymore - bit like sex and the city went near the end. The sex becomes gratiously weird like the stuff you find on the net. did they change writers half way thru? great shame.

vicky s. gave it a10:
Brilliant. Dialoge natural full of Ca wit. Characters drawn from reality making them identifiable to the audience and hysterical. I dated him, she was a crazy roommate, I worked with her, or married him. Unbelievable writing!!! Finally something I can't predict.

A H gave it a10:
Unbelievable script writing! Solid character building! This show is what everyone is thinking and wondering in their minds. The writers make you feel empathetic towards a depressed, self loathing, crass and obnoxious man who is going through a mid life crisis. Unfortunately this show is not for everyone as its hard to be open minded about hidden prejudices that we all have and he natural animal instinct of mankind.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
BEST New Show out! HANDS DOWN! Duchovny is perfection! A breath of fresh air!!!

Mark H. gave it a10:
Never been a huge fan of Duchovny. But I think he's found his muse. He instantly takes to the character like it's his second skin. The writing is far above today's standards. It's like a deep, sarcastic, honest indie movie with legs poised for marathon greatness. Might even be ahead of it's time, but the time we get to spend in that half hour, I truly relish!

Roger T. gave it a10:
Best new comedy/drama in years. Superb writing, casting, and chemistry of lead characters is irresistible.

Marlon W. gave it a10:
Great Tv series!

Christine b. gave it a10:
Great acting, directing.

Trish M. gave it a10:
Love it like it was my own gold fish!

Peter J. gave it a10:
Great dialog and good acting.

Natalie o gave it a5:
I simply cant identify with this show at all

Jim M. gave it a9:
I've never been a fan of Duchovny - until now. Plays the weary nihilist to the hilt, except in those moments when his character realizes that while sex is an occasionally fun diversion, love is what he's missing. If only he could get out of his own way. I agree with a previous reviewer that for the series to run longer it will need more characters. Hope they're added.

groundfisher gave it an8:
So far, Californication has been good. However, to have genuine longevity the show needs more characters because episodes are already beginning to resemble each other. Otherwise, the show has real potential. It will be interesting to see the direction the show will take after having established its major themes and the dilemmas of its characters. Incidently, I'm not at all aroused by the nudity in Californication, so I don't consider it pornographic. I'm pleased that the most pretentious reviewers of this show are those who are dismissing this show as pretentious.

eric s gave it a1:
Intellectually pretentious soft-core pornography. Witty dialogue is not enough to save this show from its lack of plot. Its very rare that I try a new show and if this is what's held up as an example of quality television I will stick with books and movies.

C. O. gave it an8:
Noticing how well the show depicts Venice Beach, the city where the show is set, I found it hard to believe that the two worst criticisms of the show came from major Los Angeles publications. And listen to some of these negative criticism of the show. It compares it with Sex and the City and soft core porn (which is essentially the same thing, right?). And by doing it so, it completely misses the point of the show. For young guys (which I presume is the target audience of the show) to see this low-life one hit wonder score women left and right is simply painful, even if it's good pain. The show brings out a mixed sense of voyeurism and excitement, all laced in some sinful envy for all the sexual conquests of the protagonist. Go ahead and deny it but Hank is everything everyone with morals and responsibility isn't. But wouldn't we all at some point during our week, even if for 25 minutes, love to misbehave like that?

James M. gave it a9:
I can't believe that Showtime has actually something on worth watching. Finally, Duchovny is back and better than ever. Californication is a hit.

Karreno C. gave it a10:
I gotta give it a solid 10. For one thing it touches various subjects that many would be afraid to even think about. The show illustrates a powerful portrayal of today's reality of the City of Angels. The writing is absolutely powerful, touching subjects of parenthood, sex, drugs, addictions, and the reality. I would definitely recommend this film to audience of every kind, (adults of course) because everyone can learn from this .

Steve G gave it a10:
In response to the woman who said it was "Sarcastic, raunchy and annoying" ... that's what makes is great. "L-O-f--king L" Duchovny shows he's one of the best actors alive with his diversification. To those who don't like it, you're in the very small minority. This show will be nominated for an Emmy and has a good chance at winning.

C.B. gave it a9:
Great, great writing. Duchovny is BACK!

Sally P. gave it a9:
Moments where you can't help but laugh out loud. This show is, no doubt, different than anything else on television. The way the Deadwood was during its (too) brief airing. I am interested to see more, and that's saying something. If you have a brain...if you have some form of intellect... if you like nonsensical, blatant, touching and occasionally smutty ("smutty" the way we normal people act out our own strange, personal "smut"), you will like this show. I was surprised at how much I did.

Geoff P. gave it a10:
Best new show on television today.

Carl H. gave it a9:
I like this show. To me, this show is on the upswing.

Mickels M. gave it a10:
The best current show right now--until Curb comes. But a nice, light funny show with a good sense of humor, which is good for a change and breaks up the monotony.

Don K. gave it a10:
Witty, but most of all, enjoyable, funny, and not too serious. Overall, a great show, and not a self-absorbed mess like the OC or John from Cincinnati.

Salim N. gave it a10:
Way better than season 3 of Weeds. Plus Hank's a cool character.

Joe T. gave it a9:
Surprisingly witty in it's humour. The squimish and your grandma won't get it though.

Joanne M. gave it a10:
I absolutely love this show! It's fun and exciting and it's got David Duchovny NAKED. What more need be said? The supporting actors are excellent and did I mention Duchovny was NAKED? Essential viewing!

Adam G gave it a1:
Utter crud. A pretentious cliche-driven, self absorbed mess of a show. The only thing going for it is she high boob count.

alar gave it a10:
Excellent blend of drama, comedy and raunch. David duchovny reveals a whole new side to his acting prowess. And it is GOOD!

Chris B. gave it a10:
I love this show. The cast, writing, directing - all fabulous. I can totally relate to Hank. Hope this show runs for a long freakin' time.

veronica g. gave it an8:
i give it an 8 just b/c im not going to give it a 10 yet, i have to watch the whole season, but so far from what ive watched i loved! i look foward to watching it every monday. it's just something fun and new to watch.

Tizzom C. gave it a10:
Instant classic!

Marlene S. gave it a10:
Californication is a wonderful new show. Duchovny is a riot. It's must see TV for me

Dee S. gave it a10:
Californication is smart, funny, brilliant and ballsy and David Duchovny proves he is equally adept at comedy as drama. Showtime has a terrific show, an adult comedy for adults, and I can't wait to see more.

Elizabeth P. gave it a1:
Sarcastic, raunchy and annoying.

Mary H gave it a10:
I haven't laughed so hard in ages; this to me is "true" Duchovny, much more like him than Fox Mulder ever was. Oh yeah, it's coarse and profane ... but sometimes adult TV is just fine.

susan g. gave it a10:
fabulous... hits all the emotional buttons, the acting is superb, really wacky!!!

Mosez gave it a10:
Hilarious, love the laid back style. Beats Weeds season 3 if you ask me. Go watch TNT if you you're offended by nudity (in case you forgot: you were born naked) or better yet: turn of the TV entirely and mow the lawn or something.

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
I noted with interest that the vast majority of negative comments are from LA critics....did something strike a sensitive nerve in the over enameled tooth?

Dean W gave it a2:
I turned the tv off.

R W. gave it a10:
This show is so funny it makes me forget David was a cross dresser in Twin Peaks! Oh and for my two cents, funnier than "weeds". Keep it coming!

ratt m. gave it a1:
depressing, sexist crap

cupcake gave it a2:
too unrealistic,

Mour L. gave it a10:
Brilliant opening Episode . Duchovny delivers , humor and inner drama with finesse of sarcasm. Finally ( along with WEEDS) ShowTime got something to match HBO. I have high hopes for Californication.

Patch A gave it a2:
i don't know if anyone watched the same show as i did, but this was a more disappointing pilot than John from Cincinnati, and that's saying something. Good dialogues? Are you kidding me??

ivette U. gave it a10:
I love this show since day one...It's real and tackles many life issues...i can relate in many ways...

Sue B. gave it a10:
David Duchovny is great! He's very funny and touching when he needs to be. I'll be watching this just because of him so I hope the rest of the series lives up to the pilot.

[Anonymous] gave it a3:
What a waste of time. I can't believe the Producers of Weeds (an amazing show) let this piece of crap show double up on its advertising campaign. Very dissapointing.

Jake J. gave it a10:
Terrific acting by Duchovny. However, this show is only meant for adults with a sexual sense of humor. If you are 60+, or under 18, this show is probably not for you. Middle aged, middle class men...eat your hearts out.

First L. gave it a10:
Brilliant first episode. Hope there are many more like this.

Maria S. gave it a10:
Good dialogues!

Emma G. gave it a10:
Great pilot, can't wait till next Monday!!!

Paul A. gave it a6:
Showtime marred a good script and a great cast with too much exploitation. The subject matter rides an intriguing line, but the show tries too hard. I will watch one more time, but the powers that be need to stop taking advantage of their talent and use it like adults.

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