Limitless (2015–2016) User Reviews

Great premise; lazy execution - analysis why it was cancelled

[johnnymonsarrat · 8/10 · 14 February 2020]

I love this show because of the premise and the idea that we could all improve our lives by just making smarter choices. It's also fun with a likable protagonist.

Even though I would have loved to see a season two, I can understand why this show was cancelled.

-- The protagonist, Brian is laid back. I get it. He's showing that he's a regular guy the audience can identify with. But ultimately, it undercuts tension for him to be a party dude in a thriller. A show that played this well was Psych.

-- The show is laden with soap opera dramas that linger too much on emotion and don't ultimately change the big story. Whenever the father shows up, for example.

-- Although the show has a high-level story arc, it is fragmented. Without a strong sense of purpose, and momentum, the high-level story can't be gripping. I got the sense that there wasn't a well-mapped-out big idea driving the backstory and mystery, but rather guesswork by the writers.

-- Beyond the high-level story, the procedural nature of the show underserves its premise (an intelligence pill), and the smart cop thing has been done before. It's Sherlock Holmes all over again. It's so repetitive that the show has to keep coming up with unusual crimes and unusual crime-solving methods. But a TV show shouldn't be about the mechanics; it should be about the people. The premise naturally leads to more of a thriller / horror / drama like Breaking Bad or The Man in the High Castle.

-- Plot holes take us out of the show. I get it, a cop show isn't supposed to be realistic. But there are some sloppy twists and turns, choices that don't make sense for the characters or their organizations.

-- The show seemed caught between celebrating the intelligence drug and showcasing the horrors of addiction. You can't do both. It learned more towards the celebrating. I read online that the superpowers coming through a pill-based drug was a major factor in the show not being renewed. It's too close to the implication, "taking cocaine is okay if it makes you productive".

-- Finally, and most fatally, one of the show's heroes is under the thumb of (omitted), and gives in too much, seeming not to be bothered when crimes are committed. A protagonist with moral failures becomes less likable, less easy to root for. There should have been a giant struggle there instead of camaraderie, like in Daredevil and Luke Cage fighting the organized crime trying to blackmail them.

A lot of TV shows have a bumpy first season, for example Star Trek the Next Generation or Veep. I would love to have seen if they could have turned this into a miracle show. And I still love the premise. But I think structurally, there was too much wrong with this. So I can see why they cancelled it.

Great entertainment! I loved the movie and really enjoyed the pilot.

[roguecritic42 · 10/10 · 27 September 2015]

I don't get all these bad reviews. Anyways, I loved it. Jake McDorman I liked seeing on screen again, I remember watching him in Greek, a show I loved to watch. Jennifer Carpenter brings back all the fond memories I had of watching Dexter. Bradley Cooper, the Academy Award winning actor who stared in the original Limitless movie, come on! what more could you ask for in an acting cast?

Now to the show: If your like me and loved shows like Elementary, the Sherlock reboot, The Mentalist, Forever, etc, etc, then I think you'll like this TV show.

I can't get enough of shows like that. I've seen people criticize that type of genre, and because of that I don't think they should be commenting on this show at all. The "gimmick" of limitless has great potential. I look forward to seeing where they take it. This is not just a show about someone with genius observational skills like Elementary or Mentalist, it goes a step further. If you saw the movie you know what kind of effect NZT can have on a person, and it allows writers to take great creative liberties. I hope they really explore the limits of someone on NZT. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of this season. I'm voting the first episode a 10 out of 10, because I couldn't have possibly enjoyed a pilot episode any more than I enjoyed this one. It felt like a genuine movie and I look forward to seeing the rest of this season.

Remarkable, exciting and funny.

[auxjohn · 10/10 · 4 November 2015]

Limitless is a show based on a movie of the same name. They both live in the same universe in which a pill called NZT-48 unlocks the full potential of a subjects mind. This show manages to make interesting characters and plots, without losing the main idea of the show. The best part about this show, has to be the protagonist, Bryan Finch, played by Jake McDorman. The protagonist has a way of looking at things and portraying them to the audience that gives us some comedy relief that the movie didn't really have. That's also one of the strongest parts of the series, the comedy. I didn't really think this series was going to make me laugh or smile at how the character looks at things. And to make the series even better, they made an episode that was a total homage to Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

This is a truly remarkable series that will, if it continues this way, become a fan favorite over the years. Must watch for anyone who likes crime TV shows and comedy, this show blends them perfectly, making it one of the best TV shows on air right now.

Unique Show, Full of Joy

[lemonice · 9/10 · 19 December 2015]

I'm not understanding the hate this show is getting. I get that the show probably didn't go where a lot of people thought it would, being a sort of continuation of the 2011 movie "Limitless" but honestly, the way people seem to think it should of gone is boring in my opinion. Every show out there seems to be full of heavy content and really dark, and this show, while still having some heavy themes, is like watching the show equivalent of a rainbow. And I love that! It's light, it's funny, it's well-cast (despite what people say about the lead, who, IMO, is the best part of the show) and it doesn't need to go in a darker, more intricate direction. I mean, also consider that as I write this, the season is only half done, and there's plenty time for more political intrigue or whatever people seem to think this show is lacking. But in my opinion it's a good show as it is now: it's refreshing. It's similar to a cop show, but it is unique because it's not about a cop, it's about a guy effectively functioning as a human Guinea pig for cops. It's a different perspective. It's about how his job, and the drug, affect his life.

It's not a Netflix show or an HBO show so don't go in expecting something like House of Cards... it's great for what it is, and that is a sometimes cheesy network show. I love this show and it's my favorite on TV right now, it makes me happy, and it's nice to watch after a long day. I don't know why people were expecting some sort of break out crime drama rated MA because if you recall the film that this show gets its premise from was mediocre at best. There's nothing wrong with this show that can't be summed up by saying that it's not your cup of tea. If you like happy, funny shows, with realistic and dimensional characters and quick-witted scripts, then you'll like this show.

Fine example of how TV show can evolve from average to excellent

[steefan-92 · 10/10 · 17 December 2015]

As title says, this show was off to your average TV show, with plain plot, an average cast and you know, all other things that we had seen by now. To plot was center around NZT drug and one propagandist, while efficiently ignored other characters, their side of story.

It was washed down crime TV show with main character who is on NZT and only real plot was around NZT for good half of show, with little side tracks, that consisted of solving crime cases and throw backs to Brain story. That was for first half of first round of this season, however from episode 7, show evolved considerably.

They learned that if they are going to pull, second season or at least get full season rundown (which happened and i am so glad they pulled out), they need to grow bigger, risk more, start thinking outside of box. Oh, boy they did all of that and last episode of first round - episode 11 is result of all that.

I didn't go into any specifics , I wrote this review in general perspective, because until the season ends, there can't really be any objective based review, it's simply too early for any final thoughts . That said I really urge anyone to give it a shot because it deserves it (being #2 most watched show on CBS should speak for it self).

Edit 1: With a show one episode away from season ending and having watched part one of finale, I have to say, hands down to a team, you had done incredibly job.

TV show had become everything I hoped for, when they order full seasons, I laughed, felt sad, confused and etc. They explored multiple characters, their agenda, motives, feelings, experimented with risky directions and so on.

However, ultimate thing that really shines is how every peace of story, every peace of puzzle has fallen into place and I don't have words to express how much I recommend this show, so stop reading,go ahead and watch.

Really Hope They Continue This..

[lopez731 · 9/10 · 29 October 2015]

I showed up pretty late.. I didn't even know there was a TV series until I was curious one night and looked up "Real Life NZT" I didn't find anything.. but I found out CBS has a t.v series for the actual movie.

Man.. I gave it a shot, and its actually a really good series (in my opinion) I've never written a review for a movie or for a TV show or anything before. after watching the whole first season in two nights, i had to find a forum or blog or SOMETHING that I could use to write about this TV show.

its awesome! i love it. its cheesy and corny at times but it actually makes me laugh. legitimate chuckles! great show, i would be very disappointed to see that they won't make a second season. At least a second season.. come on pleaseeee

sincerely, jacob

Started With Promise In Episode One & Immediately Jumped The Shark

[AudioFileZ · 5/10 · 20 November 2015]

This show HAD the luxury of a good premise. It has an OK cast. What is doesn't have is imaginative writers taking the premise in the best direction. Really, by episode 2 It's just another cop show with a a character who aids the cops due to that character's "gift". Yep, a original premise that was pretty fresh and original ground up into the same old cop show stew. It's a crime of the week with an arc story hinting at something involving Bradley Cooper's character and the NZT side-effect neutralizer stuff. The real crime is wasting a really good premise - this show will be found guilty in the court of indifference in short order.. I guess I'm actually a bit upset because this show could be a solid 8 or 9 and I genuinely think its getting worse with each episode and even a 5 might be too generous. I didn't want a show about unlimited brain potential to be a much less interesting redux of Person of Interest, Medium, Bones, et.al. . Disappointed is an understatement. Jennifer Carpenter is slumming by the way. If these are the TV roles she's wasting her talent on the major networks. I think she needs to go for edgier Pay TV series or, maybe, big-screen movies? Watching her here it would be hard to imagine the same person playing the character of Debra Morgan in Dexter. She helped Michael Hall make it into the instantly cult classic series it was destined to be. She's beyond boring here.

Brilliant

[justshutupandwatchit · 8/10 · 20 July 2019]

How this didn't get renewed for a second season is baffling. There wasn't one episode I didn't like. The main character, Brian, is just great, as are the rest of the actors. It has just the right amount off comedy mixed with some pretty dark stuff too, plus really cool visual effects thrown in. Some shows seem to plod along, episode to episode, without much else really going on, but this isn't one of those shows. lots of really clever stuff and 'how the hell is he going to get out of this one' type scenarios, without it being over the top. I've watched it twice and I'm STILL annoyed it ended!

One of the better season premieres of the fall season

[kendahlj-55 · 8/10 · 28 September 2015]

I have not seen the movie Limitless, but was aware of the premise. I wasn't really interested in the pilot for the new TV series, but I happened to catch it by luck. I was glad I did.

The show follows a man who hasn't done much with his life. In a temp job, he runs into an old band mate, who sees in him potential and gives him a super pill that unlocks the deepest recesses of his brain (makes him really, really smart). The plot follows him as he is chased by the FBI who want him for murder, while he tries to clear his name.

There's really nothing new to the show that we haven't seen in other shows in the crime procedural genre, but it works. The acting is good. The pacing is good. The possibilities are there for some twists. It sets up a good overarching mystery. Overall, if you like TV dramas like Mentalist and Chuck then you'll like this show.

As an aside, I thought it was WAY better than Minority Report, and that was one I really looked forward to when it was announced. Of the pilots I've seen, Lucifer was better. Player was okay for some silly action fun. Quantico has a better mystery. But Limitless is in the top three.

I want season 2!

[tamaragebhart · 9/10 · 5 April 2020]

In my opinion this show proves that serious topics can be approached from a funny angle. The main character, Brian, is a kind hearted highly moral person who also happens to ve extremely goofy; so when it comes to solving cases with the FBI he can be hilarious as well as effective. I loved the show and I'm sad that it didn't get a second season.

The premise has promise

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 23 September 2015]

I remember the movie was a bit irritating. But a series is different. It's potentially interesting to see a high functioning brain as a super power. The premise does have quite a lot of stories that can spring from this idea for future episodes.

Jake McDorman is pleasant enough to watch as an everyday Joe stumbling upon unique gifts. Jennifer Carpenter has an interesting face though she is highly improbable as a romantic interest. Bradley Cooper does add a bit of gravitas to the show being all A list now.

The pilot at least has some well done on location NYC filming. So production values look quite high.

Worth giving it a chance to develop and see how it goes.

Love it!

[cloggy010 · 10/10 · 14 November 2015]

Great series! McDorman makes it very funny and pleasant to watch. Rest of the casting is very well done too. It is not deep but wasn't be meant to be like that.

There's really nothing new that we haven't seen in other shows, but it works. The acting is good. The pacing is good. The possibilities are there for some twists.

Overall the cinematography, characters, and plot were well executed for a pilot episode, and the story itself can be interesting provided they don't fall too hard into the cliché and tropes inherent in this type of story, then this show has a promising future.

Good Show... Not Bad, but not Great

[nlytnd_1 · 7/10 · 7 January 2021]

I'm pretty selective about what shows I get into. For the most part I've watched the top tier of television shows over the last 20 years (25-30 shows). Witch I'll list below... Limitless falls right around the 7 range, which is my worth watching bar and I'm glad I watched it. It does fall into a super detective cliche' show. It kind of falls into the realm of a Sherlock, Fringe, etc, etc, type of show.

List of watched shows with my rating Breaking Bad (10), Dexter (10), Game of Thrones (10), Sopranos (10), Succession (10), Mr. Robot (10), Sherlock (10), Spartacus Blood and Sand (10), The Americans (9.5), Fringe (9), Rectify (9), Better Call Saul (8.5) True Detective (9, 1st Season), Six Feet Under (8.5), Mind Hunter (8.5), Black Mirror (8), Cobra Kai (8), Lost (7.5), The Shield (7), Firefly (7), Hannibal (7), West World (7, perfectly/beautifully done, it has to be one of the most difficult shows to write for. Although a fun premise at first, it's a brutal one to maintain), Fargo (7, 1st and 2nd season) Atlanta (7, light 22 minute episode show, which I'm not a big fan of the 22 minute show format in general), Barry (6.5), House of Cards (6),The Walking Dead (6.5), Stranger Things (6 - many people like this, to me the acting and everything is off and the pilot is embarrassingly bad), The Wire (5, I guess I saw it too late. I don't hate on it, it's well done). Mad Men (3, I only got through one season and I did not like it at all. It felt like 1 long running joke that tries to carry the entire weight of the show. I lot of people like it. It's one of the only shows that I started that I disliked so much that I have no desire to ever watch it again).

I like the acting and the characters in this (except for the dad).... I like Jennifer Carpenter.... I'm a huge fan of the Dexter series. The storyline involving Brian's father is ridonculous and horrendously corny. Partial spoilers below in my Brian's dad rant, which luckily only surfaces every other episode or so. His dad is supposed to be endearing, but to me he's a gargantuan jerk, but I digress. Throughout the course of the show there's this lingering melodrama about Brain having to lie to his father, which is like a bacterial infection that keeps coming back. All Brian has to say is, I'm working with the FBI and what I'm doing is classified and close out this corny/nonsensical storyline.

Why was this limited

[iceman_what · 10/10 · 19 May 2020]

This is such an Enjoyable series with a fantastic cast, how it didn't get past one season is beyond me, a real shame. Glad I watched it but will always be wishing for more

Wonderful

[jujureynolds · 10/10 · 11 December 2015]

I LOVE This show. It is the freshest thing on the air along with "Spotless", which is another category entirely.

What are so many of these reviewers not seeing?

The scripts are funny, clever, beautifully implemented. The characters are truly realized. It's fun and current, light and bright.

I had my doubts as to how a series would be constructed based on the movie, which I also very much enjoyed. But I could not see how the show would stretch for episodic TV. Bringing joyful Brian in lifts the darker material. The dialogue is quick and spot on. It's apparent a great deal of effort has gone into this production, and I am grateful for it.

I have relished every single episode.

Started great; free fall at episode 3

[mmoneta · 1/10 · 20 October 2015]

The first two episodes were great. Starting at episode 3, pretty much everything changed. The plot became simplified. The characters became stupid. Even the effect of the drug changed pretty dramatically. Brian Finch went from the smartest man on the planet on the drug to not even the smartest man in the room.

I don't know what happened. I had watched the first two episodes and told everyone on my social media that the show was great. Then episode 3. Hey maybe just an 'off' episode. Nope, worse at the 4th episode. Episode 5 was my last. It went from a great sci-fi show to a bad cop procedural faster than any show I've ever watched.

I'm sure that behind the scenes someone thought the changes were a good idea. Whoever that was, stop listening to them. They are idiots. They're the folks that cancel Firefly and make other horrible decisions. There are few enough shows worth watching - less every season. We don't need good shows turned into boring garbage for some lowest common denominator goal.

Deserved better

[gerby2323 · 8/10 · 13 June 2021]

Movie w Bradley was great, show had potential. There are far worse shows being green lit and renewed. Wish this would've lasted.

More idiot than savant!

[michelvega · 2/10 · 30 September 2015]

I liked the show at first but after the third episode I'm out. The main character is way too exuberant and attracts far too much attention to himself. He has an obnoxious desire to shine all the time which really makes him an ass. Such a disappointment. Could they improve the pill to make him more believable? Even Cinderella had enough sense to get out of Prince Charming's castle before midnight. Doesn't he realize that when midnight comes, he'll be is old self again? Imagine what a good actor, someone like Patrick McGoohan in his younger years, could have done with that role. There must be an actor out there who could have done better. The writing could be better as well but you can go so far within the concept of the show. I didn't see the movie so I can't use it as a comparison. That said, the TV show should stand on it's own and clearly fails. Jennifer Carpenter is wasted. Then again they're all wasted.

Underwhelming

[theoriginalantiblonde · 4/10 · 30 November 2015]

I want to like this, I really like the concept (never saw the movie of the same name that other people here keep referring to), but the main character himself keeps putting me off. He's surrounded by a lot of talent but it is not enough to keep my interest when so much of the show depends on him. I don't know if it's the director or the actor, but it's not working as far as I'm concerned. I find the character annoying, a boring dufous and quite lacking in the subtle charm needed to pull off the balance this character needs. Wrong actor to to make this work, not sure why he was chosen. If they were looking to make another magical man-child vs the world "Chuck" type of ensemble, they failed. Next.

Knowing that Minority Report got cancelled mid- season while this continues makes it even more irritating. It was a far more interesting premise and far better put together than this is.

"Limitless" is a pleasant FBI crime solver

[atlasmb · 8/10 · 2 October 2015]

Brian Finch (Jake McDorman) is a man in his twenties who has no direction in life. As a child, he was incorrigible. As a teen, he was in a local rock band. As an adult, he is aimless, though he tells everyone he is working on a music project. His family feels disappointment, but Brian is just a guy who floats through life.

He runs into a former bandmate, Eli, now a successful banker. Eli turns up dead and it sets Brian on a dangerous path that leads him to a mysterious drug called NZT-48. It's something of a miracle drug that unlocks human potential by optimizing the brain's abilities. Unfortunately, it also leads to death for users.

The FBI is very interested in NZT. When they learn Brian is "immune" to the drug's side effects, they become interested in him.

"Limitless" follows Brian's relationship with the FBI and it may remind you of other shows that feature individuals with unique mental abilities who advise law enforcement ("Elementary", "Monk", etc.). The thing that makes this show work is Brian's likability. Despite his failures, he is a likable guy. He also has a personality that keeps things light. And his voice can convey intelligence, especially in the voice overs.

His main contact with the FBI is Rebecca Harris (Jennifer Carpenter), who I hope will gain more character depth after the first two episodes.

Other actors in this solid cast include Blair Brown as Brian's mother (see her in "Continental Divide" for an offbeat romance also starring John Belushi) and Ron Rifkin as his father (interestingly, Rifkin also appeared in "Flowers for Algernon", a TV movie about a drug that releases the potential of the human brain. It's a wonderful book and there's a wonderful film version titled "Charly" from 1968). Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays Naz, the FBI boss who tries to rein in Brian's unpredictability.

Besides the weekly crimes to solve, there is a broader story arc about a U.S. senator (Bradley Cooper) with shadowy intentions, who involves himself in Brian's life.

Because of the lighthearted elements of this show, including humor, I will continue to watch, hoping the crime stories are as interesting as those in episodes one and two.

Update 10/16/15: I am increasing my grade for this show to an "8". After four episodes, the show has more depth. Besides the casework Brian does for the FBI, he also must accede to the demands of Senator Morra and his subordinates. In addition, he gets involved in freelance work, which may intersect with his FBI cases. His relationship with Rebecca is developing.

One of the most upsetting cancellations ever

[dschwarzmd · 10/10 · 5 December 2020]

Having been a savant for movie lines and missing my Mark as a reviewer, I am shocked at the amount of less than stellar reviews. This was one of the few series that kept us coming back to see more. Aside from Heroes, or Breaking Bad, Limitless was a complete shock to have been cancelled. Of course, it's tough to get a great series after a "once in a lifetime" movie, but Jake McDorman was amazing with wit and charisma, and incredible synergy with the talented Jennifer Carpenter. This was such a well written, well acted and directed show, with all strong supporting characters. This had all the potential for at least 2-3 more seasons. Obviously, more creative sub plots would need to be created along with NZT and the hyperacute mind, but a good writer could have taken this far. The 2 lead actors really made it happen. This is one of those shows I can binge every couple years in late fall when the days get short and dark. A great, feel good show.

My #1 Show of All-Time: Lovable Characters, Mind-Blowing Mysteries

[iamadumbminecraft · 10/10 · 11 April 2020]

Where to even start with this show. Brain Finch, the main lead, is so amazing. Compared to so many other series where the smart guy is reserved or pompous, Finch has a humongous heart. You feel for him in his dilemas with law and family. Every episode has layers on layers of lessons, and layers and layers on intrigue. There are few "bad" or even "meh" episodes in this series. It is insane that it only got one season. If you are looking for something new to watch, try the first two episodes and i garuntee you will love the whole show. I have watched it around 5 times now and i show it to every person i meet.

A witty and entertaining show

[tdorgan · 9/10 · 14 July 2020]

This is a fun show with a great concept of limitless neuro-ability thanks to a drug called NZT. Although dealing with crime, it takes a somewhat light-hearted approach, thanks to the likeable characters. The story arc heats up towards the latter episodes. It was cancelled after season one, which is a pity.

Ironically unintelligent

[madameminty · 4/10 · 10 October 2017]

Emulating hyper-intelligence was a challenge enough for the movie writers. It kinda worked out. Enough for it to work most of the time, at least.

The TV series failed at it miserably, excuses it poorly, and has only very symbolic ties to the movie. Apart from that, it's a very generic police procedural.

Very good

[maryiabarakova · 10/10 · 17 December 2018]

Very entertaining and interesting series. Intriguing storyline and a very good selection of actors.