Homeland was such a smart and interesting show. It started following the story of Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) who returns home a hero following eight years in captivity. Bipolar CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) thinks he has turned and wants to commit a terrorist act on American soil. Every season follows Carrie as she tries to prevent terrorists from carrying out their plots. I loved the entire series but have to admit that the last few seasons of Homeland have gone down a little in quality. They're still pretty good as long as you don't compare them to the first few seasons. I really can't recommend this show enough.
635 Reviews
Great, especially the earlier seasons!
Supermanfan-1314 July 2022
The last few seasons of Homeland were not quite as good as the earlier ones and but I still gave it an 8/10 because the first 4 or 5 seasons were so good and was one of the best shows on TV during those seasons! The ending was also great and we all know how hard it is to end a good show with a good ending! I really do miss this show!
Series Finale Rocks!
vernreo27 April 2020
Season 8 is so good!!
polosarma16 March 2020
Season 8 is just amazing!! A deserving end to the series which has captured our hearts for the last 10 years. I thought after season 5 homeland had become like one of those Emmy winning series which are forgotten after 4-5 season and no one cares about watching it. But I have been a dedicated fan and stuck till the end and I'm so glad I didn't stop watching it.
This post is for all those viewers who thought Carrie has lost her touch... No she hasn't!! Please finish this series for her sake. This last season reminds me of the tension and stress that I felt while watching season 1&2
Best Ending ever
RealRosoy12 May 2020
Today I watched the last Episode of Homeland. All I can say is just thank you to the whole Cast for one of the best TV Shows I've ever watched. I'm so sad it's over now but it's a good feeling sadness because the ending of that was just PERFECT!
Homeland
stoplisteningtothestatic4 January 2021
Claire danes gives in my opinion one of the best performances in entertainment history. Carrie mathison is probably the most polarizing protagonist I have seen yet. I find it amusing how fans can hate her so much but continue watching when the show is so much about carrie.. especially in later seasons when she really becomes the focus. Personally I love carrie.. i find claire danes intensity really impressive and I actually am anxious watching her. Carrie's crying does not bother me. I actually think it makes complete sense. Part of bipolar disorder is having those strong emotions and to some that may seem exaggerated but I think it fits her character being a bipolar CIA spy .. thats gotta be one of the most stressful jobs to exist. Of course thats not the case for everyone but it makes sense for carrie. Homeland is a very tense show and I can understand it's not for everyone. Horror is my favorite genre but I find this show about terrorism scarier than most any horror. It is probably the most depressing show I've seen.. honestly it could have used some occasional comedic relief. I really don't know anything about the CIA and this is the first show/movie in the spy genre I've watched so I really can't speak on how realistic this series is but i'm guessing it isn't always and they probably exaggerate some stuff for entertainment. I'm middle eastern and I appreciate that this show doesn't seem to take sides to show not everything is so black and white. The american side and CIA are shown to be corrupt as well. Danes portrayal of bipolar disorder is shocking and sometimes seems too real to be acting. I probably would not have watched this show with out her and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Peter Quinn, Rupert Friend
Evolved_One31 May 2021
Amazing actor and probably one of the coolest characters I've seen in a long time in any series.
Rupert Friend is equipped with the weirdest and coolest charisma and he fits the role extremely well. I wish I'll soon witness him in similar roles in movies or series, where ever, please. Otherwise I'll just have to watch couple of seasons again.
I wish he would have stayed in this series till the end. No spoilers here, you can see it clearly from IMDb that he is not acting in every episode. This is something the people writing this series could have written some other way.
Yeah, the series is ok otherwise as well, but without him it's like food without salt or pepper, both.
Rupert Friend is equipped with the weirdest and coolest charisma and he fits the role extremely well. I wish I'll soon witness him in similar roles in movies or series, where ever, please. Otherwise I'll just have to watch couple of seasons again.
I wish he would have stayed in this series till the end. No spoilers here, you can see it clearly from IMDb that he is not acting in every episode. This is something the people writing this series could have written some other way.
Yeah, the series is ok otherwise as well, but without him it's like food without salt or pepper, both.
Amazing
justincjonesjcj12 May 2020
What an amazing end to a great series and talented cast! I am in shock and saddened to see the series end with Season 8 but it was enjoyable and very well executed from Season1 episode 1 until Season 8 episode 12. Wonderfully done! I loved it! A++++++
One of the best series ever
obispo20003 April 2023
I started watching Series 01 only in 2023, although I new that it was a very good one. And really it is. I finished the first series in 3 days, and so on with the following ones. Of course it's a fiction, but it's very intense, very exciting and gripping, you can't leave it on. Claire Danes performance is more than fantastic, she is a superb actor, she should have more roles in other movies.
The other fantastic actor is Rupert Friend / Peter Quinn. They should make a prequel or other series with him: Quinn. A Bond/Wick kind of person, lethal like a cobra, invincible like the Terminator, and having a charisma and charme like James Bond. It would have succes, in my opinion.
Homeland is a complex series that it shouldn't be missed by those who like current affairs and exciting action films.
The other fantastic actor is Rupert Friend / Peter Quinn. They should make a prequel or other series with him: Quinn. A Bond/Wick kind of person, lethal like a cobra, invincible like the Terminator, and having a charisma and charme like James Bond. It would have succes, in my opinion.
Homeland is a complex series that it shouldn't be missed by those who like current affairs and exciting action films.
I'm gonna miss Homeland
lukicanaa28 April 2020
Just watched the last episode of the series, which was a perfect ending to an amazing show! So current and realistic... There are no good guys and bad guys, just different, selfish agendas.
Thanks to everyone involved in the creation od such an excellent series!!
Claire Danes is such an underrated actress
SeriousMoviesOnly18 June 2022
This show is brilliant and gets better with each season. I'm now on season 4, it is even better than the previous seasons. Claire's acting is so top notch that you cant help but forgive the creators for the unnecessary teenage drama on the first two seasons.
Claire Danes doesnt receive the credit she deserves.
Claire Danes doesnt receive the credit she deserves.
Excellent!
deloudelouvain17 February 2015
It goes beyond my comprehension that people hate this show. They must all be American brainwashed patriots. Seriously get over it, it's just a show and it's a good one. I absolutely love this show, the actors are all very believable in their roles, the storyline is exceptional, full of twists that keeps you on the edge of your seat during the whole show. At the end of every episode I already want to watch the next one as soon as possible. Everything that you think happens in real life when you think about CIA, espionage, terrorists and so on passes the register. Conspiracies, paranoia, double-crossing, betrayal, false promises etc. Clair Danes puts down a brilliant performance playing an unstable CIA analyst. To me the whole series is full of action and suspense. One of the best series!
Intriguing Drama with an immensely talented cast.
aks559212 October 2011
If you wanted to see a gripping thriller with incredible characters, you have come to the perfect place. 'Homeland' is the new Showtime Drama that entertains you throughout and never lets you go, thus succeeding in slipping in some really unexpected twists in the plot. With writers who've previously written for '24', the show does look inspired when it comes to keeping the audience in the dark.
The show is blessed with a small but amazing cast whose performance is worth every penny. Claire Danes plays an intense CIA analyst who believes that recently recovered P.O.W. (Damian Lewis) is plotting to attack America. Her character is unstable and makes it hard for the audience to believe her which adds to the beauty of the script. Damian Lewis, on the other hand, plays the 'guy in uniform' with ease as he did splendidly in 'Band of Brothers'. The show hasn't revealed much about Damian's character and I have a feeling they wouldn't do that any time soon, since it keeps the suspense going.
The pilot was top-notch and certainly the best that premiered this fall. If the show continues to be intriguing and maintains the high quality of the pilot, it can surely be a genius.
10 stars at least for now.
The show is blessed with a small but amazing cast whose performance is worth every penny. Claire Danes plays an intense CIA analyst who believes that recently recovered P.O.W. (Damian Lewis) is plotting to attack America. Her character is unstable and makes it hard for the audience to believe her which adds to the beauty of the script. Damian Lewis, on the other hand, plays the 'guy in uniform' with ease as he did splendidly in 'Band of Brothers'. The show hasn't revealed much about Damian's character and I have a feeling they wouldn't do that any time soon, since it keeps the suspense going.
The pilot was top-notch and certainly the best that premiered this fall. If the show continues to be intriguing and maintains the high quality of the pilot, it can surely be a genius.
10 stars at least for now.
Too much drama
gdaskalou-3251620 December 2017
The series started so nice and until the 5th season was pretty good. You had thrill and action and drama ... but season 6 ... omg no!!!
And also for the love of god ... please can we stop seeing Claire Danes crying in every single episode almost ????
Full Series Review
estathena218 June 2022
Homeland watches like a novel - its episodes following a preface, chapters, conclusion, epilogue format that is at times predictable but also satisfying, gifting the viewer a breadcrumb trail into the following season.
The characters are strong, the acting stellar, the intrigue is a subtle seduction leaving the viewer hungry for more, eager to see what happens next.
The cinematography - the use of natural light, shadow, and dark adds to the overall Jean le Carré feel of each season's main story episodes.
A must-watch binge for any & all who have hulu.
The characters are strong, the acting stellar, the intrigue is a subtle seduction leaving the viewer hungry for more, eager to see what happens next.
The cinematography - the use of natural light, shadow, and dark adds to the overall Jean le Carré feel of each season's main story episodes.
A must-watch binge for any & all who have hulu.
Not al lot of plays in the the acting playbook
kingstong-7959624 September 2018
Expect a lot of sighing, groaning, huffing and puffing. That's all they have to show exasperation and frustration. It's an entertaining show, but if someone gave me a dollar every time Carrie decides to break CIA protocol and wing it, I'd be rich. Also: All the lingering Carrie scenes where she is struggling With her demons take their toll on me. Solution: fast forward.
Powerful, sophisticated drama
kkay311 December 2011
Who said American television couldn't produce an edgy, compelling drama that captivates an audience? Homeland is spell-binding, packed with enough twists and turns to keep even a seasoned mystery writer wondering. Superb acting and a script that manages to avoid the usual clichés. Kudos to the writers! I found myself debating the civil liberties vs. national security issues that are so artfully posed each week.Claire Danes, Damien Lewis and Mandy Patinkin inhabit their characters.The producers also refrained from populating the cast with impossibly beautiful people who are unlikely candidates for clandestine operatives. The performances are nuanced and exquisitely wrought.They raise serious questions about the sacrifices both personal and physical that are required in the world of espionage, and the political consequences of using "heroes" for cynical ends. This show and its ensemble cast are MUSTS for Emmy recognition.
Thought Provoking Television
JoeC3458 August 2013
If you want to watch some inane shoot em up show about terrorism where America can do no wrong and always kills the enemy, there are plenty of those available. However if you want a more in depth look at the causalities of terrorist attacks and the people that devote their lives to preventing them, then Homeland is a show for you.
One thing that has bothered me for years in shows like 24 is the stereotypical views that they promote about the non-traditional Americans such as Muslims. Every single Islamic member that is shown in shows like 24 ends up having some ties to terrorism and is inherently evil. It doesn't stop there though, any deviation of what is thought to be the ideal American lifestyle leads to trouble in such single minded simplistic shows, but I digress.
This is a review about Homeland which is a surprisingly good entertainment. It starts with Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes in an astonishing performance) learning that an American POW has been turned and is now working for a terrorist organization. Later when an American POW, Gunnery Sergeant Nicolas Brody (Damian Lewis), is rescued she starts to think that he may have been the one she was warned about.
WIthout any proof or any real probable cause, she opens an investigation and begins tracking his movements to see if anything raises suspicions. Another bothersome thing about many other shows is the way the lead characters of those shows someone has the audacity and ability to flout both federal and state laws without any repercussions. Homeland does not let any of it's characters get off so easy. If any character is in the wrong in any way they are appropriately chastised for it. In addition to Claire Danes and Damian Lewis awards worthy performances, Mandy Patinkin's performance as upper level CIA officer and Carrie Mathison's mentor is phenomenal.
Not wanting to give away to much of this amazing plot I will end this review here. However I will say that even though the first few episodes of season one are a little slow, it is to be expected since automatically leading into the action is a good way to turn an astute brilliantly crafted show into another asinine action filled debacle.
One thing that has bothered me for years in shows like 24 is the stereotypical views that they promote about the non-traditional Americans such as Muslims. Every single Islamic member that is shown in shows like 24 ends up having some ties to terrorism and is inherently evil. It doesn't stop there though, any deviation of what is thought to be the ideal American lifestyle leads to trouble in such single minded simplistic shows, but I digress.
This is a review about Homeland which is a surprisingly good entertainment. It starts with Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes in an astonishing performance) learning that an American POW has been turned and is now working for a terrorist organization. Later when an American POW, Gunnery Sergeant Nicolas Brody (Damian Lewis), is rescued she starts to think that he may have been the one she was warned about.
WIthout any proof or any real probable cause, she opens an investigation and begins tracking his movements to see if anything raises suspicions. Another bothersome thing about many other shows is the way the lead characters of those shows someone has the audacity and ability to flout both federal and state laws without any repercussions. Homeland does not let any of it's characters get off so easy. If any character is in the wrong in any way they are appropriately chastised for it. In addition to Claire Danes and Damian Lewis awards worthy performances, Mandy Patinkin's performance as upper level CIA officer and Carrie Mathison's mentor is phenomenal.
Not wanting to give away to much of this amazing plot I will end this review here. However I will say that even though the first few episodes of season one are a little slow, it is to be expected since automatically leading into the action is a good way to turn an astute brilliantly crafted show into another asinine action filled debacle.
Flawless TV
GaiaOnlyKnows26 December 2011
This series is truly great television. On every single level it works and the judgemental aspect of my brain can only give up finding something to criticise. First of all the show deals with the subject of terrorism in a very mature way, there is no ideology behind the script and every perspective is treated fairly. The characters have a real depth rarely seen on screen which is backed up by a lot of very solid acting. Indeed, the conflicting elements to the central characters which makes the show so great would unlikely be pulled off without actors of the calibre of Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin and Morena Baccarin (also particular kudos to the daughter played by Morgan Saylor - one to watch out for in the future). Not only do you watch these characters go through some truly weird and strained circumstances, you really feel it too. The story also has a depth and complexity to it that has only been seen in shows such as The Wire, Lost, The Sopranos and Generation Kill. There are no plot holes that distract from the often quite tense narrative and despite what you think of the overall subject I would be surprised if this show didn't totally suck you in. This is a very real, well thought out and well executed show. Two big thumbs up to everyone involved. For everybody else - go watch it.
Great Show.
gihankaduwelausa10 May 2020
I'm a die hard fan of Homeland and I have watched since 2011. Season 1 to 5 was outstanding, but I feel 6 and 7 was lost the touch that we hope. However season 08, everything was right back on the track. I like to say this is one of the great ending of the TV series I have ever seen.
Great Show!!
wizards-804626 February 2020
First 5 seasons are simply excellent
cameronmcclure30 June 2022
As the title suggests, the first 5 seasons are excellent. It does kind of tail off a bit in season 5 but still very worthy. The theme of season 6 is woeful compared to the settings and events of the others. This show contains thee best single episode of any TV series I've ever watched in season 2, the most intense and satisfying climax's to any story.
Carrie was a character I really adored for a long time watching through a lot of the series for many reasons but I'll keep this some what review short and sweet. However, from season 6 onwards I started to honestly hate her hahaha, I believe it was down to bad writing or at least what the character was doing just always seemed like the wrong decisions to make. In the end, the last episode of season 8 kind of brought back the lost love I had for her and kind of redeemed her for me with her final actions. A very mixed bag from season 6 onwards, but this show is seriously worth watching for the first 5 and more or less fulfilling if you manage to finish it.
Saul is the man. No more needed to say, he really made the show.
Carrie was a character I really adored for a long time watching through a lot of the series for many reasons but I'll keep this some what review short and sweet. However, from season 6 onwards I started to honestly hate her hahaha, I believe it was down to bad writing or at least what the character was doing just always seemed like the wrong decisions to make. In the end, the last episode of season 8 kind of brought back the lost love I had for her and kind of redeemed her for me with her final actions. A very mixed bag from season 6 onwards, but this show is seriously worth watching for the first 5 and more or less fulfilling if you manage to finish it.
Saul is the man. No more needed to say, he really made the show.
Brilliant
Arik_P2 January 2012
This is a masterpiece of TV thriller/action/drama . Sharp, sophisticated, clear and crisp. Excellent performance of the entire cast.It's realistic tense, action packed 12 hours of just well made TV.!The storyline is crafted in such a brilliant way that from the first episode ,one can not wait to see how the drama concludes. I said realistic , as the cast so brilliantly fit in to their characters. Mandy Patinkin's performance is outstanding as the voice of sanity throughout the events.Claire Danes is having a double role as the CIA agent and as being Bipolar . Finally Damian Lewis:The creators could not have found anyone better to play Nicholas Brody.
Liberal agenda manages to corrupt otherwise good writing.
outpix9 April 2018
The first five seasons are worthwhile, some better than others, but 6 and 7 are preposterous and insulting to one's intelligence. Showtime has a great track record of trying to milk their programs dry and this is no exception. I think it's time to take this one out back and plant it in the dirt.
Marathoned over 2 days: my thoughts...
DaelinX20 December 2011
Okay, firstly, I gotta say, I watched the entire series believing that there would only be one season and the story would be finished by the finale episode. This is because I saw that IMDb listed the show's running period as (2011) only and not the usual (2011-), meaning its ongoing - when did they change that? That was kinda stupid of me, I guess. Anyway, I see that the show's been renewed for a second season, which is great, because this show is very good. Just a heads up, though, that my false belief kinda affected my view of the show while I was watching it, especially the last episode where I was expecting everything to wrap up.
Like I said, this show is good, very good. Its basically what AMC's Rubicon should have been like. Its very much in the same vein, with the themes of paranoia, conspiracy theories and dealing with the whole intelligence business. Only in Homeland, stuff actually happens, the plot moves along and it keeps you interested. Rubicon had a good premise but literally nothing happened on that show and that's why it got cancelled. Homeland has a bit "tinfoil hat" premise too, but the story and characters are so complex, you accept that in favor of just being entertained. Both Damien Lewis's and Claire Danes's respective characters are in danger of becoming cliché, but because they are so complex and so well acted, you find yourself drawn to these people. The all-important guessing of whether Brody is turned or not is not just a question of if, but also why or why not. And Carrie Mathison is not just some government suit with a patriotic zeal to root out the terrorist conspiracy - her obsession comes from somewhere darker, as well. Mandy Patinkin is pretty close to being a show-stealer too, with his laser-wit and deeply caring Saul.
The middle episodes are probably the highlight of the season. That's when most seems to be at stake for the main characters and before the big reveal on the whole 'turned' question. After that, the story kinda looses some of its momentum (still exciting, though) and the finale episode could be called anti-climactic by some, but I was still thrilled by the very last scene, which (when re-viewed with the facts straight) set up the second season nicely.
I'm really looking forward to what will happen in season two, for as I say, I thought this one was all there was right until the cut-to-black of the final scene, where I then checked the show's Wikipedia page. Now the ending definitely makes more sense. As for the story, the cat is pretty much out of the bag on the big question of turned/not turned and the future of our heroine is looking not so bright, so where the story will go next, I shall wait to see.
Easy 9/10 based on the acting of the main cast and the thrilling story.
Like I said, this show is good, very good. Its basically what AMC's Rubicon should have been like. Its very much in the same vein, with the themes of paranoia, conspiracy theories and dealing with the whole intelligence business. Only in Homeland, stuff actually happens, the plot moves along and it keeps you interested. Rubicon had a good premise but literally nothing happened on that show and that's why it got cancelled. Homeland has a bit "tinfoil hat" premise too, but the story and characters are so complex, you accept that in favor of just being entertained. Both Damien Lewis's and Claire Danes's respective characters are in danger of becoming cliché, but because they are so complex and so well acted, you find yourself drawn to these people. The all-important guessing of whether Brody is turned or not is not just a question of if, but also why or why not. And Carrie Mathison is not just some government suit with a patriotic zeal to root out the terrorist conspiracy - her obsession comes from somewhere darker, as well. Mandy Patinkin is pretty close to being a show-stealer too, with his laser-wit and deeply caring Saul.
The middle episodes are probably the highlight of the season. That's when most seems to be at stake for the main characters and before the big reveal on the whole 'turned' question. After that, the story kinda looses some of its momentum (still exciting, though) and the finale episode could be called anti-climactic by some, but I was still thrilled by the very last scene, which (when re-viewed with the facts straight) set up the second season nicely.
I'm really looking forward to what will happen in season two, for as I say, I thought this one was all there was right until the cut-to-black of the final scene, where I then checked the show's Wikipedia page. Now the ending definitely makes more sense. As for the story, the cat is pretty much out of the bag on the big question of turned/not turned and the future of our heroine is looking not so bright, so where the story will go next, I shall wait to see.
Easy 9/10 based on the acting of the main cast and the thrilling story.
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