I am 4 episodes in to Downward Dog, and I must admit that this show is growing on me quite nicely. Martin's narration/monologues throughout the show are actually pretty insightful and beautiful in their introspection. What may seem gimmicky to some (a show told through the voice of the dog) is actually a glimpse into the mind of those insecure parts of ourselves that are always thinking, analyzing, comparing ourselves to others, etc. The theme that I take away from this show is learning to love yourself as you are, to find beauty in the person that you're made to be, and how to grow into your own skin. I'm definitely not a wordsmith, so I may not be able to as eloquently describe this show as I'm feeling (at this point) that it deserves to be described. There are definitely some laughable moments. The narrative of this show has been speaking to that nerdy, awkward side of myself that is always trying to figure out how I fit into this world. So it may not be for everyone. It's not a show that's action packed or has constant stimuli. But to me, I am finding this show soft-spoken, beautiful, and delightful, and I'm looking forward to hearing more of Martin's thoughts as well as to see how Nan's life develops as she is learning many of the same lessons for herself.
127 Reviews
Like I'm not liking all the likes!
knoll_laura19 May 2017
I am so glad that I am not the only one driven nuts by the word Like. I had a hard time following the show because I was so distracted by that. I want to give the show the benefit of a doubt though cause I think it could be pretty good if the dialogue was adjusted to remove all the likes.
Oh the Irony...
cwaltw26 May 2017
This show is very clever and absolutely hilarious. If you own a dog or two and have ever wondered what they do all day or what they think about, this show is very successful in its unique humor and perspective. Now I know we've all seen the "talking animal" cliché time and time again, but it really works here because of the character development (and voice acting for the animals) for both Martin and Nan. It is a heart-warming and hilarious show that had my girlfriend and I in stitches, and even tearing up at the end of the very first episode!
I'd like to address quickly those of you who rated the show so poorly due to the amount of times the dog says "like", yes that's correct... unbelievably hilarious to me. Apparently, the display of a talking dog's insight through human speech as the medium, there are those who believe it objectively ruins the entire show because Martin (the dog) doesn't adhere to proper diction... it's called irony people! This is done to make Martin sound like someone with "first-world" problems instead of a gentleman scholar to relate more to everyday "issues" that are really instead just mild inconveniences we all experience. Many of the reviewers (Ron Shepard cough cough...) can barely even spell or proofread to put together any sort of intelligent rhetoric to back up any of these criticisms that aren't just subjectively irrelevant to the plot of the show, but also somehow ruins the characters' performances and development.
Rating a show/movie 1/10 stars (RS cough cough...) immediately discredits any and all criticism something receives, as doing so is very weak way to phone in the fact that you obviously cannot review something in a logical way, so you slap a bad number up to think it suffices a review that actually takes time or structure to make.
Did your TV explode when you watched it? Was the show vulgar and insensitive to your personal credence? Did the show contend with "Manos Hands of Fate" (regarded worst movie) for worst production ever? No. No. And no. If anyone reviews this show as a 1/10 (Ron cough cough) legitimately thinking it's that bad, you seriously need to watch more shows and TV. It's not being a critic, it's called being lazy and hyperbolic. You may as well not post anything because your review isn't credible in the slightest and it can actually hurt the show casting it in a negative light before people even watch it for themselves. It may come off as argumentative towards some "reviewers" but this is something I'm passionate about in this day and age when snap-judgments can literally kill ideas before anyone can even explain why they claim to hate something. If you are one of these people, do yourself and everyone else a favor by really thinking about your review, and then change it to reflect accurately why it's really that bad or just delete it entirely. It's a disservice to the show and creators and very few movies or TV will ever get that low of a score, especially not for purely finding one word Martin says "annoying."
For everyone else, check this show out. Do yourself a favor and watch the first episode and if you are a dog owner, you will most likely get a good kick out of the "pseudo-candid" The Office-like documentary style it adopts (no pun intended!)
I'd like to address quickly those of you who rated the show so poorly due to the amount of times the dog says "like", yes that's correct... unbelievably hilarious to me. Apparently, the display of a talking dog's insight through human speech as the medium, there are those who believe it objectively ruins the entire show because Martin (the dog) doesn't adhere to proper diction... it's called irony people! This is done to make Martin sound like someone with "first-world" problems instead of a gentleman scholar to relate more to everyday "issues" that are really instead just mild inconveniences we all experience. Many of the reviewers (Ron Shepard cough cough...) can barely even spell or proofread to put together any sort of intelligent rhetoric to back up any of these criticisms that aren't just subjectively irrelevant to the plot of the show, but also somehow ruins the characters' performances and development.
Rating a show/movie 1/10 stars (RS cough cough...) immediately discredits any and all criticism something receives, as doing so is very weak way to phone in the fact that you obviously cannot review something in a logical way, so you slap a bad number up to think it suffices a review that actually takes time or structure to make.
Did your TV explode when you watched it? Was the show vulgar and insensitive to your personal credence? Did the show contend with "Manos Hands of Fate" (regarded worst movie) for worst production ever? No. No. And no. If anyone reviews this show as a 1/10 (Ron cough cough) legitimately thinking it's that bad, you seriously need to watch more shows and TV. It's not being a critic, it's called being lazy and hyperbolic. You may as well not post anything because your review isn't credible in the slightest and it can actually hurt the show casting it in a negative light before people even watch it for themselves. It may come off as argumentative towards some "reviewers" but this is something I'm passionate about in this day and age when snap-judgments can literally kill ideas before anyone can even explain why they claim to hate something. If you are one of these people, do yourself and everyone else a favor by really thinking about your review, and then change it to reflect accurately why it's really that bad or just delete it entirely. It's a disservice to the show and creators and very few movies or TV will ever get that low of a score, especially not for purely finding one word Martin says "annoying."
For everyone else, check this show out. Do yourself a favor and watch the first episode and if you are a dog owner, you will most likely get a good kick out of the "pseudo-candid" The Office-like documentary style it adopts (no pun intended!)
Love Love Love everything about this show
pamjoypeanut6 June 2017
Like Reviewer "aeasmmikey", I also don't understand all the negative reviews. I started reading the reviews expecting to see people, like me, really enjoying this terrific new show, and was surprised at all the negativity. This is my very first IMDb review and I'm doing it solely because I absolutely love this show and want it to have more positive reviews. This little gem actually makes me smile and I even sometimes laugh out loud. I saw Ned the Dog, along with the actress who plays the lead, on Good Morning America recently and loved the fact that "Ned" is a rescue that the people involved with this show found and thought he had wonderful eyes. He does have very expressive eyes and the person who voices for him is absolutely perfect! I can almost imagine that "Martin" is really speaking, I kid you not! I look forward to this show now every week and really hope that it catches on. It really is a sweet little show with a lot of very good lessons everyone can learn from, canine and human.
Love it
suepage-5942320 June 2017
Just have to say, I could not agree more with aeasmmikey more!.....this is my new favorite show......of course I adore Martin, but love the whole cast. I loved it from the very first episode, a poignant sitcom, if it's considered to be a sitcom......always something to think about, and I LOVE that there is NO laugh track.......the reason I can't stand most sitcoms. The writers here are obviously VERY familiar with dogs and dog behavior.....and are fairly tuned in to humans as well. Don't understand negative reviews at all.....there's a gazillion crappy sitcoms out there to watch.....let us have at least one or two that have more going on than the standard dross.......
Watch a great show
aeasmmikey19 May 2017
I am at a loss to understand the other reviews on this site.
I feel my taste is pretty main stream. I really strive to see others points of view when it comes to TV shows, movies, restaurants, etc .
But for the life of me, I do not get the negativity.
I was literally blown away by this show, and cannot wait for more. But if these reviews are any indication, this show is not hitting with mainstream TV watchers.
What am I seeing that no one else is? Things that others found irritating and unwatchable are the exact things I loved --the dog's manner of speaking, their relationship, etc. People are saying that the pilot was not funny; I don't think it was meant to be. I found it touching and sweet and a little sad -- but imminently watchable.
Loved it, but if these reviews are any indication, it doesn't stand a chance.
Addition, two weeks later.
I was so puzzled by some of the reviews on here, mostly negative, that I took the time to actually vet some of these posters. I find it very odd, and highly suspicious, that some people created accounts just to bad mouth this show. Others have never posted before, and their first post in 10 years is a slam against this show.
I am just astonished that this amazing show (check out rotten tomatoes and other respected media-rating sites for their very positive reviews) has brought out the trolls on my once-beloved IMDb.
I feel my taste is pretty main stream. I really strive to see others points of view when it comes to TV shows, movies, restaurants, etc .
But for the life of me, I do not get the negativity.
I was literally blown away by this show, and cannot wait for more. But if these reviews are any indication, this show is not hitting with mainstream TV watchers.
What am I seeing that no one else is? Things that others found irritating and unwatchable are the exact things I loved --the dog's manner of speaking, their relationship, etc. People are saying that the pilot was not funny; I don't think it was meant to be. I found it touching and sweet and a little sad -- but imminently watchable.
Loved it, but if these reviews are any indication, it doesn't stand a chance.
Addition, two weeks later.
I was so puzzled by some of the reviews on here, mostly negative, that I took the time to actually vet some of these posters. I find it very odd, and highly suspicious, that some people created accounts just to bad mouth this show. Others have never posted before, and their first post in 10 years is a slam against this show.
I am just astonished that this amazing show (check out rotten tomatoes and other respected media-rating sites for their very positive reviews) has brought out the trolls on my once-beloved IMDb.
Downward Dog---THE ABSOLUTE BEST, EVER!!!
glaw-4164826 June 2017
I have watched all but the season finale episode of Downward Dog and I have to say, that I think it is BRILLIANT! The writing is so refreshingly innovative and the casting, sheer perfection--especially Allison Tolman & "Ned", the dog! Martin is so endearing and the voice- over work of Samm Hodges so realistic, that I almost honestly believe it really IS Martin talking! ABC has, without a doubt,given us a GENUINE WINNER with this one! I am so disappointed to see Season 1 come to a close, and CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR SEASON 2!!! YAY, ABC!!!
Great concept, poor execution
jackblades25 May 2017
I really wanted to like this as I thought the idea was great but about 1/2 way through the second episode I had enough. Say what you want but the people complaining about the use of "like" by the dog are exactly right! If they get rid of that and possibly have someone else voice the dog I would give it another chance because as I said it is a great concept.
Give it to the 4th episode before you judge
mrocco-17 June 2017
If you love dogs (or animals in general) then I'm sure you want to give this show a chance. And if you read reviews first I'm sure there is a chance you'll decide to skip it. I was turned onto to this show by my brother. I wasn't sure I 'got it' at first. Last night I watched Ep 4. I was by myself and literally laughed out loud. I'm now completely hooked.
Our hero is Martin, the companion of Nan. The show is narrated in the first person by our hero. Martin is a millennial dog, so yes he uses the term 'like' a lot. It fits him. He gets very philosophical about his very narrow life. He certainly thinks he knows more than he does. At times he has a very high opinion of himself, at other times he is a furry ball of insecurity.
If you can make it to Ep 4 I promise you too will LOL. There is a scene in they backyard playground of a super dog named Hunter. If you get to line "and then I was shocked" and haven't laughed, then you can be sure the show is not for you and my promise was empty.
Our hero is Martin, the companion of Nan. The show is narrated in the first person by our hero. Martin is a millennial dog, so yes he uses the term 'like' a lot. It fits him. He gets very philosophical about his very narrow life. He certainly thinks he knows more than he does. At times he has a very high opinion of himself, at other times he is a furry ball of insecurity.
If you can make it to Ep 4 I promise you too will LOL. There is a scene in they backyard playground of a super dog named Hunter. If you get to line "and then I was shocked" and haven't laughed, then you can be sure the show is not for you and my promise was empty.
How Could a Show About a Talking Dog Be So Dry?
Pumpkin_Man31 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
(This review will, like, be written in the dog's POV)
So, like, I'm a dog lover and, like, I'm trying to, like, get into this show, but, like, I don't think it's, like, living up to its potential. Like, the show itself with the humans is like, kinda dull and the dog, Martin is like, talking to the audience in, like, this dry monotone talk and, like, he says the word "like" like every 5 seconds, and, like, it gets kinda annoying, and you can, like, turn it into a drinking game. Nan, the girl who adopted Martin the dog has, like, this repetitive on again/off again relationship with her boyfriend and it's like, get on with the story already. Like, none of the characters are interesting, and Martin is, like, cute but he sounds so depressed, like Eeyore. Like, I don't think this show will last but, like, I'll try to, like, stay with it. Like, if you're a doglover, you might not like DOWNWARD DOG!!!
So, like, I'm a dog lover and, like, I'm trying to, like, get into this show, but, like, I don't think it's, like, living up to its potential. Like, the show itself with the humans is like, kinda dull and the dog, Martin is like, talking to the audience in, like, this dry monotone talk and, like, he says the word "like" like every 5 seconds, and, like, it gets kinda annoying, and you can, like, turn it into a drinking game. Nan, the girl who adopted Martin the dog has, like, this repetitive on again/off again relationship with her boyfriend and it's like, get on with the story already. Like, none of the characters are interesting, and Martin is, like, cute but he sounds so depressed, like Eeyore. Like, I don't think this show will last but, like, I'll try to, like, stay with it. Like, if you're a doglover, you might not like DOWNWARD DOG!!!
Could be a really good show....but I will never watch it again
kdodx23 May 2017
This could be a really good show but I nor my wife will ever watch it again simply because IT IS ANNOYING as can be. One of the main characters and THE DOG....every other word is "Like".....not only very distracting but downright annoying. They both talk and that is when the problems start as you would swear you are in California with a bunch of hippies because it is "like this is a good show and like our dog is really cute, like he likes to eat and like for real he is a good dog.........." the only thing I can say about this show after watching it is............"Like"..Really too bad.
More heart than the standard "sitcom."
mylesbrandi29 May 2017
I love this show, although I just don't think it's found its home on network TV as being advertised as a "sitcom." It's not your average network sitcom. I don't want to slap my knees at it. I don't want to listen for canned laughter so I know my cue. The show is definitely more of a "dramedy" than a sitcom. Maybe viewing it with that mindset will help people to lighten up on their brutal reviews of it on here. The word "like" is said quite often (as other reviewers have pointed out) but in modern day speech you'd be hard pressed not to hear it on a regular basis. The language actually does mirror that of normal (and yes, sometimes grating) conversations. Despite that, I found it to be a sweet and emotional show dealing with the pains and joys of everyday life.--Just trying to get through things and to be happy and loved. I really do love it but fear it won't be accepted because of its marketing and time slot. I really, really think people should give it a chance. It packs a punch within its 30 minute allotment--to the point where some longer network shows could really take some pointers! I've never been a fan of shows with talking animals but Downward Dog is deeper than just the cheap laugh of an animated animal's mouth. Kudos to those who created it from the beginning and kudos to all those involved in it throughout. It's truly refreshing to have something so new and unique in a sea of standard issue "entertainment."
dog lovers will love this dog
SnoopyStyle24 June 2017
Nan (Allison Tolman) has her dog Martin, her work at Clark + Bow Outfitters in Pittsburg, and her on-again-off-again boyfriend Jason. Martin talks to the audience while trying to understand the confusing world and his relationship with Nan. Kevin is her annoying boss, and Jenn is her work friend.
I love Tolman since Fargo. She has a sweet persona. The dog's voice is good and they CGI the mouth for him to talk. The show does need to add something more to the concept. The cat as a villain could be expanded. Nan doesn't seem to have any family and only a few friends. The show needs one or two more main characters. It could be an animal character. There is a good foundation here to a sweet, fun show. It's canceled before it has a chance.
I love Tolman since Fargo. She has a sweet persona. The dog's voice is good and they CGI the mouth for him to talk. The show does need to add something more to the concept. The cat as a villain could be expanded. Nan doesn't seem to have any family and only a few friends. The show needs one or two more main characters. It could be an animal character. There is a good foundation here to a sweet, fun show. It's canceled before it has a chance.
Over use of "LIKE" made it so annoying we couldn't watch it!
jimmy-g-med18 May 2017
I get that the dog's voice is supposed to be that of a younger person but the over use of "LIKE" made it so annoying it was unwatchable. The story line was all over the place but still had funny moments. The cat character is what saved this show for us. Change the voice and cut back on the "like's" and it could be a good show.
Best show on television.
mkadamsnyc26 June 2017
Without a doubt, one of the greatest series to air on television, ever. I fell in love with the show in less than 10 minutes. It has heart, it has humor, it has hope. It captures the complexities of being human. It is cast perfectly(!). I love how the stories are told and appreciate every aspect of this show. Kudos to everyone involved. Words aren't adequate to appreciate Martin/Ned. He is a gift that my heart understands.
I love this show..so smart, humorous, and introspective into life through the eyes of a dog...just excellent!
billalexsail6 June 2017
I simply love this show. So warm, humorous and introspective all at the same time...how excellent is that! Wonderful actors, characters with a smart and witty script each week. Just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Thanks to all who finally came up with a show that's worth tuning into each week. Many thanks!
Very smart writing and laugh out loud funny!
dslynn1713 June 2017
After I got past the minor annoyance in the first episode of how many times Martin says the word or starts each sentence with the word 'like' and LISTENED to what he was saying, I started smiling and actually laughed out loud! I have done this throughout each episode so far this first season and the writer gives me insight on how I'd like to think dogs really DO think! Does that make sense in people language? :)
I am not a huge dog lover, but I love Martin and the fact that he is NOT all CGI and I could watch every show with just the 4 main characters....no other actors necessary to make me laugh!
I am not a huge dog lover, but I love Martin and the fact that he is NOT all CGI and I could watch every show with just the 4 main characters....no other actors necessary to make me laugh!
Charming
jocelynetufts29 January 2018
I am so sorry this show was canceled.It was funny, well written and all together charming.No violence, no cheap exhibitioism,just a cute story from the point of view of a cute-and wise- dog.
We need more sweet shows like this one.
Kind of Charming - Writing Needs Work
kemicon24 May 2017
Overall it reminded me a little bit of Wilfred but lacking the comedic chops of Jason Gann and Elijah Wood (I originally wrote Toby McGuire because they are the same person).
Downward Dog goes for a more emotional angle than Wilfred did. The scenes where the lead character breaks down and needs the dogs affection are when the show might be at it's best. One could accuse the show of pandering to the base audience but at the moment, the show needs all the help it can get.
The reason for the low score... The writers should, like, all be fired. If your show is going to use "like" every six words... then you can save a lot of money on your writing team. Just go the nearest high school and pull someone from detention.
The writing for the male lead (at the moment) is much better than the dog or the female lead. Mostly because he never says "like", the actor is also pretty charismatic. I found myself relating to him the most. The female lead has her moments but her dialog is by and large pretty garbage butt.
I do love the evil cat though!
In summation, Fix the terrible writing and this show has a shot.
Downward Dog goes for a more emotional angle than Wilfred did. The scenes where the lead character breaks down and needs the dogs affection are when the show might be at it's best. One could accuse the show of pandering to the base audience but at the moment, the show needs all the help it can get.
The reason for the low score... The writers should, like, all be fired. If your show is going to use "like" every six words... then you can save a lot of money on your writing team. Just go the nearest high school and pull someone from detention.
The writing for the male lead (at the moment) is much better than the dog or the female lead. Mostly because he never says "like", the actor is also pretty charismatic. I found myself relating to him the most. The female lead has her moments but her dialog is by and large pretty garbage butt.
I do love the evil cat though!
In summation, Fix the terrible writing and this show has a shot.
Adorable!
pagnegirl18 May 2017
I think this was so cute, reminds me a little of THIS IS US similar writing style. I will continue to watch, just so cute and with a great message. I love the actress they picked she can act and she isn't the normal boring stick thin 5'9 actress. She's a real person and very relatable. Can't wait for more episodes.
Dogs never fail....
matthijsalexander23 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I have seen the first two episodes and must say this isn't really good or bad. Its something that just is. In the Pilot the secret sauce to this show is exposed: No need for nudity, dogs don't fail. Ever.
The acting I found to be of low quality, not really convincing. The voice of the dog is somewhat pretentious and annoying. I feel they could have done more and better with that. The script is nothing to write about, the jokes I personally found to be mediocre. Chuckle-worthy at times at best.
The concept over-all is not bad, everybody adores puppies and dogs, for cat-people they made sure there is a little something too. How considerate.
In the end of the day it is a lovely brainless sitcom to watch together with the wife or girlfriend.
The acting I found to be of low quality, not really convincing. The voice of the dog is somewhat pretentious and annoying. I feel they could have done more and better with that. The script is nothing to write about, the jokes I personally found to be mediocre. Chuckle-worthy at times at best.
The concept over-all is not bad, everybody adores puppies and dogs, for cat-people they made sure there is a little something too. How considerate.
In the end of the day it is a lovely brainless sitcom to watch together with the wife or girlfriend.
Like, the script needs, like, a lot of, like, work. Not much to, like, like.
kenanderson78-506-97051514 June 2017
Like, this show is, like, so poorly, yunno, like really poorly written that, like, it's nearly, like, impossible, like to hear a single line without, like, the word "like" that it's, like, just too much. Like, find a writer, or a comedian, or just pull someone off the street and, like, let them voice the dog, cuz like, it's not, like, really going well. Like, not at all.
Unwatchable. And it's such a cute dog and a great premise. But the dialog is garbage. Flat and torpid. Sad.
Unwatchable. And it's such a cute dog and a great premise. But the dialog is garbage. Flat and torpid. Sad.
Bring back Downward Dog, please!
vobrien7428 June 2017
This show was adorable and I am so sad to hear that it was canceled. I hope someone else picks up the show and brings it back for more seasons! Martin is adorable. The main character is also adorable. The two together (plus Jason) are as real as you can get. We have to save this show and bring it back so we can see more of Nan, Martin and Jason!
Only 8 Episodes? It needs work or it won't continue
mike4812814 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I love Martin-the-dog but the rest of the show needs a major overhaul. Martin's owner, Nan, is just o.k. but she is average-looking and not all that cute. Her immature boyfriend Jason looks like Mr. Zig-Zag and still acts like he's in high school and smokes pot. She has a boring job in some sort of public relations or advertising and a typically-obnoxious boss like the one's I used to get. If this series continues, keep the dog and please get rid of everyone else except the cat. Anyway, it's only funny when the dog is on. "Eddie" on "Frasier" was funnier and he couldn't even talk. "The People's Choice" with Cleo (another talking dog) from the late 1950's was much better.
The word 'like' was said 57 times ~ no, like really...
LiquidPoetry192119 May 2017
57 times ~ like for real, the number of times Martin the dog said the word 'like' on the pilot episode. Like, it got so bad that I had to rewind the show and start counting the times the dog said the word 'like'. And sadly, that didn't even include the number of times all the other characters said the word 'like', too.
I really wanted to like this show, but it was hard paying attention to anything but the word 'like' after two minutes in. I'm just glad this show wasn't a 'like' drinking game, or I'd have alcohol poisoning...or something like that.
I really wanted to like this show, but it was hard paying attention to anything but the word 'like' after two minutes in. I'm just glad this show wasn't a 'like' drinking game, or I'd have alcohol poisoning...or something like that.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
