Splash (2013) User Reviews

This is ultimate proof networks are desperate for new show ideas

[jediforce10 · 1/10 · 31 March 2013]

In all my years of watching TV, I don't think I've come across anything more utterly pointless and boring than Splash. As a person who does swim and knows about diving, I feel that this show is really a desperate act by ABC to come up with a new show. It's literally a show that makes you wonder how a show like this could ever have any appeal whatsoever to the audience, even to swimmers and divers.

The show centers around a group of celebrities chosen to compete against other celebrities in a diving competition. Yes, you've read that right, a diving competition. How desperate were these creators in coming up with a competition? I mean they really couldn't do some obstacle course or a game show or something? A diving competition sounds as appealing as filing your taxes, even with celebrities in it. And just so they could try to liven the show up, we are shown the back story of these celebrities(Which can be more easily done by looking these celebrities up on a Google search than watching this) and how they trained along with some guy named Tom Daley before they do their dive. And when the celebrity is going to dive, you don't feel any tension at all whatsoever since there really is none to begin with. Really, are we supposed to feel suspense or tension from seeing somebody about to dive? I feel more like I'm ready to fall asleep from the sheer amount of boredom in this show. Why should a TV show focus on something that feels more fit for a home movie than being a national show? And for that matter, was this really the best they could come up with for this show? Honestly, are we getting so desperate for ideas now that we're resorting to this kind of junk? I hate to think what they'll come up with next.

Now I will say this: I KNOW diving does require training and isn't simple. Admittedly I have done some diving before and know how hard it can be, so I can cut the celebrities slack since they too are learning. I understand that it requires form and pulling it off just right, or else you end up getting seriously hurt.

What ultimately bothers me about this show is that the entire idea about a group of celebrities diving is a really bad show premise. They could've come up with something else other than a diving competition. Yes the idea IS original in some way, but it's ultimately a complete bore that's not worth a look at all, even if you love one of those celebrities to death. Let me ask you this. Would you watch a TV show to see a group of celebrities see who can change a tire on a car the fastest? I don't think so. In fact, if this was the best they could come up with this show, then they shouldn't have bothered to make it at all in the first place. I highly doubt anyone was demanding a show like this and was a desperate act by ABC to find a new show to put in its lineup.

Overall, Splash is as fun as having your head smashed against a brick wall repeatedly. It has virtually no appeal whatsoever to anyone at all and its premise is not interesting in the least bit. What's the point of this show anyway? Why is it even here in the first place? I guess I'll never know, but I certainly hope this show is axed ASAP. Even if you love the celebrities you see or are a swimming activist, I don't recommend this show at all. If I could say one positive though, this show is perfect for those with insomnia. I guarantee you'll fall asleep within a minute of watching this show. I firmly stand by my statement and think that this show is just a sad attempt by ABC, no matter who attacks me. If you want to learn how to dive or something, I suggest taking a class or something and steering as far away from this show as possible.

Celebrities do show their human sides

[mtchbxrol · 10/10 · 10 April 2013]

This show proves to the world that famous people do have a human side and not just a dollar sign tagged to their name.

It takes skill and determination to learn how to do a flip off of a diving board. I have landed on my face all the time. And yes it really frickity fracking hurt. So by these famous people putting on a show like this really does mean something.

The guy that posted that this so is boring and stupid well wait a minute here fella. These people aren't doing it because they want to win a gold medal. They are doing it to show the world that they are more than just a name with a dollar sign. Why don't you get off your butt and try to do what they have done? Oh sure anybody can do that! REALLY CAN YOU? Sure this show might not get the best ratings but it surely is not boring or stupid.

Inspiring celebrities, if somewhat flawed production

[miss-liner · 8/10 · 14 June 2013]

I'm not sure why that first review is even allowed on here - they admit they never watched the show, which should a prerequisite for having an opinion on something. I do understand where they were coming from; when I first saw the commercial, I thought network TV had hit an all- time low, and would soon have D-list celebrities fighting each other to the death (previously only attempted with claymation). But out of morbid curiosity I found myself watching the first episode, and I was hooked.

Celebrity reality TV, and reality TV in general, is one of the fakest, most UNreal things out there. They gin up false drama to get into the pages of US Weekly in a (usually) embarrassing attempt to revitalize their careers. But there was very little interpersonal drama in this show, in fact the celebrities were all very positive in their support for each other. There was also no faking the diving, which is difficult and dangerous, and a lot of plain old hard work in training every week. They suffered bruises, cuts, concussions, fractures, and plenty of stinging belly flops, but in the end I didn't feel it was just to pump ratings through appealing to our least worthy fascination with other's suffering. It was to better themselves, learn something new and difficult, and try to get some publicity the old-fashioned way (by putting their butts on the line). I personally found it very inspiring.

Every time one of them went back up on a high platform after hurting themselves, they showed that just because you're a celebrity doesn't mean you're useless. Nicole Eggert especially was a role model for all women, regardless of age, fitness, weight, etc. I find myself with the overall feeling "if they can do that, I can do something else I thought was impossible". Anything that makes you feel that way is worthwhile in my opinion, and I think it's incredibly sad that someone would trash their intense efforts and bravery without even taking a look.

That being said, I had to deduct some points for style (lol). The production itself could have been set up to run more smoothly, feel more 'fair' in the scoring, and tell individual stories better through improved editing and interviewing. High points for the water-drop-wall of moving lights (I want one!), and the cheesily endearing theme songs written for each contestant ("Brandi Chastain, do it again / She used to play soccer / Now she's hittin' the water", love it), but adding a more entertaining, non-diver judge might have livened up those exchanges. And while they showed clips of what the celebrities do to train, they didn't really explain it coherently. I would have loved a more detailed explanation of what each dive involves and what the celebrity had to master to accomplish it. That way we would also have known what to look for as they dove, beyond the amount of 'splash'. As it was, I rarely even knew what the dive was SUPPOSED to look like before they did it. Also, the set, while groundbreaking (water- breaking?), was way too circus-like and over-the-top, and the costumes were usually more garish than a toddler's gown in a full-glitz beauty pageant.

All told, I think this show was worthy of much higher rating and better reviews than it seems to have garnered. It should have run over the summer season when there is little to watch, and diving seems a little less ridiculous of an occupation. I hope the celebrities who really poured their hearts into it know that their efforts were appreciated by those of us who did watch.

Splish - Splashingly Fantastical

[PartialMovieViewer · 10/10 · 26 March 2013]

'Live and Let Dive', what a really keen catch-phrase for a show about entertainers jumping into a swimming pool! This is truly groundbreaking-reality TV. I have always been envious of those who could not dive. Definitely some of the finest entertainment I have ever witnessed (and I have seen some good entertainment stuff in my lifetime – believe me.) To think all that is needed is a bunch of has-been actors, mix in with some out-of-work world-divers and bind it all with some chlorinated water, and "voila" what a brilliant concept. Or should that be BRILLIANT? The belly laughs (like belly flops) are non-stop. Who needs them thar bayou alligators, when we can watch this? And of course this is the consummate first step in creating a true milestone in television. I can easily see where this can become an even funnier and more popular comedy. Let's say the producers forget to put water in the pool and not let the contestants know about it – whoa - too far - I take that back. OK, let's say the crew accidentally slips piranhas or tiger sharks into the pool – oh come on – and the contestants had to escape (of course none of those dangerous fish would be real...or would they? Hmmmmmm - it would make people wonder, it would make me wonder. Honestly, I am getting a little giddy just thinking about my idea. Whether you run with my plan or not - this show is destined to be a winner, hands down. And to think of all the possibilities for spin-offs – it gives me swimmer's ear (ha ha ha – I am just too funny I make myself laugh at times.) Keep up the good work…I like the trend this show is setting.

LATE NOTE: Well I finally watched show and was I ever hypnotized. I was amazed to see that gravity actually works on - yes - celebrities. This is a must see. These people climb up a ladder, walk to the end of a platform and then go off the platform. What else do you need in a show? And the suspense...and the heart-wrenching tears...the useless testimonials...I am captivated and plan on catching fewer than one more episode.

I love this show!

[aquasky03 · 10/10 · 16 April 2013]

I don't think my review has spoilers but I clicked on it anyway because I want this posted. I don't think i gave away too many details about the show just the reality of it and why it's worth keeping and I point out "The Point" for those who have a hard time understanding, the point of this whole show.

I don't know why the wannabe know it all wrote what he wrote in the first bad review but listen here you mental giant NOT, you have no idea how hard that is to do for one, they are risking their lives, duh!!! These are not pros diving. I'd like to see your mouthy, degrading, butt do a dive from 3 stories up and not burst open like a tomato hitting concrete, especially being 400 pounds or 7ft 2in tall! You're ignorant as they come spouting off and you have no idea what you're talking about. This show is very challenging,suspenseful and presents on the edge of your seat entertainment. Also,it displays motivation and talent with people diving that range from their 20's to 65 years old!

This show is HIGHLY ORIGINAL and very different than most or the useless other cookie cutter crappy TV shows that are a waste of air time. This show is inspiring and shows you can do anything if you set your mind to it and adapt and overcome! This show is great and one of the best ABC has come up with since Dancing With The Stars. If ABC takes Splash off like they did the show Missing they will never ever come close to being the number one network like CBS because they don't know a great show when they have got one. It's not a wonder with senseless reviews left by people like the first one above by someone who's totally clueless! for those of you who think diving is easy and from the heights they dive, doing what they do, you go do it and you will see quickly. You'll do it one time, hit too hard and don't you think it doesn't hurt, then you'll be afraid to try it again. Get it?

SPLASH is a winner, so leave it on ABC, leave it alone and don't listen to the people who think they know everything about anything but don't have a clue and you keep coming up with cool, different, original shows like SPLASH. You need to leave it on and leave well enough alone!