I admit I went into this with rather low expectations given the general lack of buzz around this show and the way that Keifer's last couple of shows (Designated Survivor, Touch) started off strong and then went completely off the rails after a few episodes. With a tight 8 episode run, though, Rabbit Hole, in its first (maybe only?) season, managed to keep up the intrigue and be thoroughly entertaining throughout. Were there some implausibilities along the way? Of course. But nothing that led to a major eye roll or that would cause me not to recommend this show. If you're looking for a fun, fast paced thriller, then you should definitely check this show out.
139 Reviews
Don't Watch
Chief_Huish22 December 2023
This is a solid Sutherland suspense. Is it 24, no, but it is very very good. So why did I title this "Don't Watch"? Because after getting involved in an on-going series, I find out that it wont be on-going. Paramount+ has cancelled the series. Why bother watching it because obviously the resolution at the end, isn't the resolution. You get left hanging with no hope of finding out what happened. I absolutely hate when a network does this to viewers. If I had known this would be another one of those cancelled shows where you never get to see what happened, like Manifest, I wouldn't have taken the time of a 8 shows series.
Probability issues, BUT...
mestberg15 April 2023
There are some inconsistencies and improbabilities, and it can be confusing at times, BUT it's entertaining just the same. The story itself is loosely reminiscent of Three Days of the Condor where are wondering if things are the way you think they are. The acting is great, and I've yet to see Kiefer Sutherland in anything I didn't enjoy. It's got a great cast with good chemistry, and some good dry humor to go along with the excitement. However, I still couldn't help but miss Kiefer's father, in one of the roles. I have to believe he was either busy, or wasn't interested in doing another series.
If you can allow some of that confusion to bounce off of you, I highly recommend it.
If you can allow some of that confusion to bounce off of you, I highly recommend it.
Clever and complicated to the end
GabrielSymes8 August 2023
This is a very well crafted, complicated and sophisticated story. There are many bumps and turns, and a lot of the time you are left wondering what is going on. All is explained, in a somewhat non-linear way. There are many flashbacks that do not immediately make sense, but do if you pay attention and give the story time to evolve. Everything gets wrapped nicely by the end. But getting there takes a bit of effort.
Strong cast. My only gripe being that Kiefer Sutherland whispers his lines a little too much and unnecessarily so. But what starts out as a strangely grouped of characters moves nicely to a point where there is chemistry. It works well.
This is not a show where you can watch the first couple of episodes and decide. You need to invest and see it through to the end. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Strong cast. My only gripe being that Kiefer Sutherland whispers his lines a little too much and unnecessarily so. But what starts out as a strangely grouped of characters moves nicely to a point where there is chemistry. It works well.
This is not a show where you can watch the first couple of episodes and decide. You need to invest and see it through to the end. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Don't Take Your Eyes Of The Screen
DocEphraimBates27 March 2023
I'm okay with some shows releasing one episode on a weekly basis, but this show is not one of them. After watching the first two episodes, I wanted the whole sha-bang.
Right here, right now!
The acting is great, the writing is excellent, the pace is fantastic, and the story is amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off of my tv. I mean, I couldn't because if I did, I would have missed too many things.
My only fear with this show is that it may write itself into a corner. A lot of times shows with this many moving parts, such as Manifest or Lost, seem really cool at the beginning, but end up going nowhere.
I have high hopes for this show. For one, it doesn't deal with the paranormal. For two, this show doesn't take itself too seriously, as evidenced by the way the writers let the other characters make fun of main character John Weir and his extreme paranoia. Well, John, I've got good news and bad news for you. The good news: You're not paranoid. The bad news: Everybody really IS out to get you.
Right here, right now!
The acting is great, the writing is excellent, the pace is fantastic, and the story is amazing. I couldn't take my eyes off of my tv. I mean, I couldn't because if I did, I would have missed too many things.
My only fear with this show is that it may write itself into a corner. A lot of times shows with this many moving parts, such as Manifest or Lost, seem really cool at the beginning, but end up going nowhere.
I have high hopes for this show. For one, it doesn't deal with the paranormal. For two, this show doesn't take itself too seriously, as evidenced by the way the writers let the other characters make fun of main character John Weir and his extreme paranoia. Well, John, I've got good news and bad news for you. The good news: You're not paranoid. The bad news: Everybody really IS out to get you.
Suspenseful plot, B-grade characters
heath-jeffrey8 July 2023
I love this type of show in general, with hidden agendas, intrigue, and one-upmanship between master manipulators. Every episode either ends with a shock reveal or a cliffhanger, and it just begs you to keep watching.
The two main characters are very well acted, except in a few awkward places where the dialogue doesn't quite work (like some that is trying to force a relationship between them too early on). Some of the characters much less so. Although, aside from one that is very badly acted (the accountant/supposed comedy relief), it very much could be because the dialogue is frequent either too contrived or too out of character.
That weak dialogue and acting stop it from being a really amazing show, but still doesn't stop it from being a decent one that's well worth a watch.
The two main characters are very well acted, except in a few awkward places where the dialogue doesn't quite work (like some that is trying to force a relationship between them too early on). Some of the characters much less so. Although, aside from one that is very badly acted (the accountant/supposed comedy relief), it very much could be because the dialogue is frequent either too contrived or too out of character.
That weak dialogue and acting stop it from being a really amazing show, but still doesn't stop it from being a decent one that's well worth a watch.
Please tell me there is a season 2
orchidami26 March 2023
Thank god something with a twist not the same old boring plot.
Serious and then at the same time a little quirky. The cast is great so far and good chemistry. The other reviewer was right has a little 24 vibe but in a good way. I am hooked can't wait for the next episode. And why wasn't there more advertising for this show? It has a great plot, good actors, good directing so where was the advertising budget?
Kiefer Sutherland is really such a great actor thoroughly enjoying him in this role so glad he is back in a series. He is very believable in this role older now and you can believe the wisdom and the paranoia.
Serious and then at the same time a little quirky. The cast is great so far and good chemistry. The other reviewer was right has a little 24 vibe but in a good way. I am hooked can't wait for the next episode. And why wasn't there more advertising for this show? It has a great plot, good actors, good directing so where was the advertising budget?
Kiefer Sutherland is really such a great actor thoroughly enjoying him in this role so glad he is back in a series. He is very believable in this role older now and you can believe the wisdom and the paranoia.
Massive use of flashbacks
user-77-6608979 April 2023
The story is almost easily convoluted because of so many flashback scenes through the whole thing... They even used a montage at one point. When the action happens it's excellent but the flashbacks really slow down the show. Kiefer does a decent job of pretending to be different ages and the cast is generally pretty good. His interplay with his female costar brings a little bit of light-heartedness to an otherwise confusing situation.
I'm not sure why they thought that three episodes was adequate people are saying that's all the series has online, I'm thinking that they just haven't released all the episodes yet which is kind of weird for an online series. I'll keep watching but man work on the flashback thing.
I'm not sure why they thought that three episodes was adequate people are saying that's all the series has online, I'm thinking that they just haven't released all the episodes yet which is kind of weird for an online series. I'll keep watching but man work on the flashback thing.
Outstanding--even if I'm not sure I know what's going on
yooniverse27 March 2023
The first two episodes were outstanding. It's a tense, suspenseful thriller that starts like a typical story of a team pulling off a slick con job, but then takes a left turn towards a set of events that I'm not entirely sure I'm following yet. Even the flashbacks aren't what they seem. This could easily have been a confusing jumble of a start, but the storytelling stays tight and gripping. True to its title, you are taken down a path where there is reality, but it's difficult to know what that is when it's conflated with Weir's paranoia, and the introduction of new confounding reveals that changes things when things seem to become predictable.
The acting has been superb so far--not a single cast member--lead, supporting, or extra--seems out of place or forced. I hope that this continues to be the case. The potential complexity of the story risks resorting to a deus ex machina plots devices or resolution, but hopefully, the writing can hold up to the high standard set at the start.
The acting has been superb so far--not a single cast member--lead, supporting, or extra--seems out of place or forced. I hope that this continues to be the case. The potential complexity of the story risks resorting to a deus ex machina plots devices or resolution, but hopefully, the writing can hold up to the high standard set at the start.
Off to a good start
rich-mac1 April 2023
The first two episodes have been pretty intriguing. It's always a bit of fun when the protagonist is completely outplayed, out of their depth, floundering to make sense of what's happening.
I guess the question remains as to how Sutherland gets back into the game - he's a glutton for punishment though, so it might take a few more episodes before he starts to turn the tide.
So far Rabbit Hole has proved to be a high octane white knuckle ride - a few stretches of credibility and a little too much smugness, but I suspect that things will settle down over the next couple of episodes as they pile on the challenges for Sutherland to overcome.
A good entertaining ride and nothing to be taken to seriously.
I guess the question remains as to how Sutherland gets back into the game - he's a glutton for punishment though, so it might take a few more episodes before he starts to turn the tide.
So far Rabbit Hole has proved to be a high octane white knuckle ride - a few stretches of credibility and a little too much smugness, but I suspect that things will settle down over the next couple of episodes as they pile on the challenges for Sutherland to overcome.
A good entertaining ride and nothing to be taken to seriously.
Gets better by each episode
Plazeebo27 March 2023
This show begins with the worst beginning of any show. A flash forward. Everybody hates those, I know, but sit through it.
It begins as an episode of The Flight Attendand, so if you haven't turned off the telly after the flash forward, you probably will now. Don't. Sit through it.
Then, as you notice that Weir is a pawn in a complex game of chess, you remember that pawn in German is Bauer.
Then, as you notice this pawn is setting a complex trap, you remember the word for fish trap. Weir.
The bauer becomes the weir. The hunted becomes the hunter.
Now you are in the right mindset for this show which is the most well written mystery since the early episodes of Lost.
Love it.
It begins as an episode of The Flight Attendand, so if you haven't turned off the telly after the flash forward, you probably will now. Don't. Sit through it.
Then, as you notice that Weir is a pawn in a complex game of chess, you remember that pawn in German is Bauer.
Then, as you notice this pawn is setting a complex trap, you remember the word for fish trap. Weir.
The bauer becomes the weir. The hunted becomes the hunter.
Now you are in the right mindset for this show which is the most well written mystery since the early episodes of Lost.
Love it.
Starts off strong, dwindles immediately.
patricktowson16 April 2023
Rabbit/Hole started off great, the pilot clued me into a classic political thriller a la Tom Clancy. It started strong, however, as the series progressed, it became increasingly evident that the show was poorly executed and ultimately uninteresting. I like Kiefer Sutherland and Charles Dance, but frankly neither are at their best here.
The characters were poorly developed, and the acting was lackluster, making it hard for me to emotionally invest in the story. Furthermore, the show was plagued with hamfisted contemporary politicking that only served to remind me that the writer's room was full of people with nothing but distaste for the very people that would like this kind of show. The writers seemed more interested in surreptitiously promoting a political agenda and using as many contemporary buzzwords as possible than delivering a captivating and exciting story.
Rabbit Hole had an excellent premise, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The show was poorly executed, uninteresting, and preachy. Viewers who were hoping for an exciting espionage thriller will undoubtedly be disappointed with the series. While the show had its moments, it ultimately fell short of the mark, and I cannot recommend it to fans of the genre. At the time of this review I have seen the first 5 episodes, and I will not be finishing the series. If you want the kind of show that Rabbit/Hole appears at first glance to be, I recommend The Terminal List or The Night Agent.
The characters were poorly developed, and the acting was lackluster, making it hard for me to emotionally invest in the story. Furthermore, the show was plagued with hamfisted contemporary politicking that only served to remind me that the writer's room was full of people with nothing but distaste for the very people that would like this kind of show. The writers seemed more interested in surreptitiously promoting a political agenda and using as many contemporary buzzwords as possible than delivering a captivating and exciting story.
Rabbit Hole had an excellent premise, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The show was poorly executed, uninteresting, and preachy. Viewers who were hoping for an exciting espionage thriller will undoubtedly be disappointed with the series. While the show had its moments, it ultimately fell short of the mark, and I cannot recommend it to fans of the genre. At the time of this review I have seen the first 5 episodes, and I will not be finishing the series. If you want the kind of show that Rabbit/Hole appears at first glance to be, I recommend The Terminal List or The Night Agent.
A good idea poorly realised
bertrandma16 April 2023
I'm a sucker for the 'reverse conspiracy' narrative: the one where it is not (or not only) the heroes who get caught in a complex and far-reaching plot, but where they themselves manipulate, plan and fake things. I like it because, like a whodunnit, it invites us to measure our wits to those of the characters and the author. This is precisely what Rabbit Hole sets out to provide: but while this 'reverse' aspect is used for a few decent twists, it is mared by the lazy (but today, unfortunately, customary) flash-back based narration, which 'dumbs down' both the writing and the watching. In addition the writing itself is frankly mediocre, full of idiotic decisions, blatant infodumps and melodramatic dialogues.
John Weir is not a memorable character but he is competently acted and written. The real problem is his gallery of insufferable side-kicks: the genial abducted accountant doubling as a scoobydoo-grade comedy routine; The accidentally tangled-in girl-next-door (a girly trope to broaden the target audience of big-bucks action-thriller like The Old Man and The Night Agent); and Ben Wilson, whose inane scheming serves no purpose whatsoever, other than delaying resolution and building cheap tension; The inevitable sympathetic/hostile cop with her inevitable sulky teenage;
It's unfortunate that the script indulge in such basic clichés and lacks the discipline to stick with its plot, because there are some good ideas in there too.
John Weir is not a memorable character but he is competently acted and written. The real problem is his gallery of insufferable side-kicks: the genial abducted accountant doubling as a scoobydoo-grade comedy routine; The accidentally tangled-in girl-next-door (a girly trope to broaden the target audience of big-bucks action-thriller like The Old Man and The Night Agent); and Ben Wilson, whose inane scheming serves no purpose whatsoever, other than delaying resolution and building cheap tension; The inevitable sympathetic/hostile cop with her inevitable sulky teenage;
It's unfortunate that the script indulge in such basic clichés and lacks the discipline to stick with its plot, because there are some good ideas in there too.
If the rest of the series is as great as the first two episodes...
oshesa127 March 2023
... that should prove to be a blockbuster for paramount. It seems that Netflix and HBO do all their advertising for their originals, and Paramont doesn't do any. I was just about to cancel my subscription when "rabbit hole" popped up. As soon as I saw that it was starring Kiefer Sutherland, I knew I had to check it out. I was immediately engrossed in the story, the characters, and the quick action of this one. Kiefer does a great job as does Meta Golding, and the rest of the cast. Already there have been more plot twists and turns than anyone could've seen coming. If the rest of season one stands up to the first two episodes, season two will be a foregone conclusion and I won't be canceling my subscription anytime soon.
This is not 24... It's even cooler!!!
chrismdicus26 March 2023
I didn't even know this show was coming. I don't remember seeing a lot of promotion for it, but it's kinda cool that there wasn't. This really though could be 24: The Retirement Years. This would be after Jack Bauer got back from Russia and has built his life back up and started his own company... seriously that could be this. I'm so happy to see Kruger back in action , but the man is getting up there in years and has to do a lot of running, I'm just glad he looks in shape. If you think you have grasped an idea on what is going on in this show, you are wrong. If you enjoy espionage, action, cat and mouse games, explosions, and great casts then you will love this show... so dope! I dig it.
Weak writer quality
jmartinsmusic20 November 2023
Kiefer saves this series, without him this would be 3 stars. The series has its moments, and many things work well, however many dialogues are so weak you start wondering who made this stuff. Sadly modern writers just basically try to be smart and be as offensive as possible and curse as much as possible, without having any real talent for writing, like present in series like for example 24, also with Kiefer, but of a completely different calibre. This was really disappointing, although like mentioned, there are a few minutes and things indeed making this worth watching, in the end. A young villain character is also doing a great performance actually. But sadly he too suffers from poor writing quality by those who wrote this stuff.
BOOM! Kiefer is Back and How!
sevenof9fl26 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I only saw a very few ads for this show, but the fact that Kiefer Sutherland has returned to TV land made this a must-watch show, and it doesn't dissapoint! As other viewers have stated, it's 24 but not 24, and if the rest of the episodes are as good as the first 2, getting a 2nd season shouldn't be an issue.
Fast paced, complex plot without confusion, and the best acting yet from Mr. Sutherland makes this a must-see. Inventive, creative series, spiced with splashes of sophisticated humor.
I don't often Bingewatch an entire season of a show in one sitting, but had the episodes all been posted, I would have sat through all of them at one time. Twists and turns galore! Don't miss this one!
Fast paced, complex plot without confusion, and the best acting yet from Mr. Sutherland makes this a must-see. Inventive, creative series, spiced with splashes of sophisticated humor.
I don't often Bingewatch an entire season of a show in one sitting, but had the episodes all been posted, I would have sat through all of them at one time. Twists and turns galore! Don't miss this one!
Very fun to watch but requires a bit of suspension of disbelief
srima-2767613 April 2023
For many movies the audience needs to be in the mood for it. For example watching John Wick, you don't want to write a review "2 stars because none of this would be real", sometimes you just have to take yes for an answer and be entertained. Normally this would be a 7 because of some plot and contrivance issues but Charles Dance makes it an 8 for me. You see the writers did pay attention to small details and they tell a story bit by bit in a way to keep you interested. I'm 4 episodes in but leaving a review because I think this show deserves more attention. The characters are not stupid (except for Hailey in the beginning which comes off as a simpleton femcel but improves and the actress playing her does a great job adding layers to her)
There are at times when the plot becomes too elaborate and esoteric but it's still very entertaining.
There are at times when the plot becomes too elaborate and esoteric but it's still very entertaining.
Going Down the Rabbit Hole
techwhiplash12 May 2023
The series was unique and offered a significant amount of mystery that kept me interested. The cliffhangers never failed to leave me excited for the next episode. I liked the leading character in other productions I have seen, and he definitely didn't disappoint. It is enjoyable to see conspiracy theories shown in a fictional sense, while including important elements that people see and here about today. The best part about that particular detail is how it didn't directly apply, which will prevent future viewers from feeling a sense of distaste for the political drama. Being as people sometimes find themselves irritated with political drama in the real world, keeping present day issues separate from the series' fictional narrative maintained a proper state of originality.
I found myself going down a rabbit hole with the characters in each episode, which holds true to not only the name of the series but the title of each episode. It is an entertaining viewing experience that left me hungry for more.
I found myself going down a rabbit hole with the characters in each episode, which holds true to not only the name of the series but the title of each episode. It is an entertaining viewing experience that left me hungry for more.
Absolutely riveting
sue-0266027 March 2023
Two episodes in and I'm hooked. One plot twist after another, as soon as you think you know what's going on... you don't. This is the kind of intricate plotting one expects from a big-budget motion picture instead of the small screen.
The premise is not unfamiliar: a 'corporate consultant' (a fixer) takes on a job that goes south and he gets set up to take the fall. But even that is not what it seems. In the first few minutes of the first episode, we learn that he might not have a firm grip on reality. Nevertheless, we very quickly find ourselves sucked into his world - even though it may be delusional.
Sutherland is good - as always - and the rest of the cast is competent, even engaging. The background music is better than most, adding to the tension at all the right places. The pacing is masterful - just the right amount of suspense.
I have a feeling this is going to be a big hit.
The premise is not unfamiliar: a 'corporate consultant' (a fixer) takes on a job that goes south and he gets set up to take the fall. But even that is not what it seems. In the first few minutes of the first episode, we learn that he might not have a firm grip on reality. Nevertheless, we very quickly find ourselves sucked into his world - even though it may be delusional.
Sutherland is good - as always - and the rest of the cast is competent, even engaging. The background music is better than most, adding to the tension at all the right places. The pacing is masterful - just the right amount of suspense.
I have a feeling this is going to be a big hit.
Lots of back and forth - And Edward Homm!!
thejdrage27 May 2023
I am a Kiefer Sutherland fan so stuck with it - but Edward Homm stole the show for me.
Very stylistically done, too much for me. I got through it by keeping my eye on Homm. He is the jewel on this series! Quiet and in the background until he isn't. Everyone is questionable, who's doing what to whom. And then there's Homm. He keeps me level and with the program - literally.
The others are fine. Interesting in their slots.
There is the required love story. Always has to be "one of those", doesn't there?
This is a decent series. Not great. Too messy with back and forth for me, but kept on point thanks to Homm. Without him, I would have turned it off ages ago.
Very stylistically done, too much for me. I got through it by keeping my eye on Homm. He is the jewel on this series! Quiet and in the background until he isn't. Everyone is questionable, who's doing what to whom. And then there's Homm. He keeps me level and with the program - literally.
The others are fine. Interesting in their slots.
There is the required love story. Always has to be "one of those", doesn't there?
This is a decent series. Not great. Too messy with back and forth for me, but kept on point thanks to Homm. Without him, I would have turned it off ages ago.
Silly and obtuse
ronn21430 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a terrible show on so many levels. Level#1 Sutherland stars as the head of a security company that "Fixes" problems of rich clients. He and his co-workers do everything perfectly in order to get the job done. Everything falls into place, they never miss a trick. They do things that will never happen in real life. It's just too convienent.
Level#2 Sutherland is set up and is wanted for murder. His face is plastered every where, like on these outside giant videos in NYC. Yet, he decides to walk right into a police station pretending to be a cop, calls the cop working his case and looks through a window to see who answers the phone and tells the cop he's a witness and is in the front with evidence. The cop gets up from her chair and walks out of the room and he walks into the room, sits down at her desk and goes through her computer and files. Not one single cop in the room notices this wanted killer in their midst.
It's stupid stuff like that which tiurns me off. Just plain stupid. This is a terrible show, don't waste your time.
Level#2 Sutherland is set up and is wanted for murder. His face is plastered every where, like on these outside giant videos in NYC. Yet, he decides to walk right into a police station pretending to be a cop, calls the cop working his case and looks through a window to see who answers the phone and tells the cop he's a witness and is in the front with evidence. The cop gets up from her chair and walks out of the room and he walks into the room, sits down at her desk and goes through her computer and files. Not one single cop in the room notices this wanted killer in their midst.
It's stupid stuff like that which tiurns me off. Just plain stupid. This is a terrible show, don't waste your time.
This show is WILD
nicolemariew-7521527 March 2023
I started watching because of Keifer but the cast has been superb so far! So many twists and turns already, if this season keeps this pace I may need to have my heart checked lol. I love it because you can't look away, not only because you don't want to but because there's so much going on and can't miss a trick. Some parts of it are a reminder of how easy it is to manipulate reality to the point of being uncomfortable.
There's some parts where it seems obvious where storyline may be going but I hope to be pleasantly surprised as the weeks go on. I can't wait for next week to watch more of it, glad premiere was two episodes.
There's some parts where it seems obvious where storyline may be going but I hope to be pleasantly surprised as the weeks go on. I can't wait for next week to watch more of it, glad premiere was two episodes.
I Don't Regularly Give 10's
unclekdog26 July 2023
The only thing I need to say is Kiefer Sutherland is in THIS. That should be enough to sell this, but let me tell you that this show will keep you guessing throughout the series. I had to watch it twice because I kept missing things. The 2nd time through I paid close attention and WOW! This is a show, that if you like shows like 24, you will love this. I can not recommend it anymore than that. The writing was Grade A and the acting was very well scripted. If you watch this show, and when it is over if you are not stunned and satisfied with it, then check your heartbeat because you may not be alive.
An okay conspiracy thriller
minniehaha-3649613 May 2023
I would've given a higher rating if the whole thing hadn't been filmed either in the dark or with a blue filter. Even broad daylight is dark. Maybe the cast don't want us to see their wrinkles in high definition. It doesn't make it more moody guys, just more difficult to make anything out on the screen. Charles Dance is wooden, I'm not sure what he's going for, autistic? Evil? Psychopath? He's not pulling off any of it.
Not spoiling anything by saying the four main characters end up as a mismatched team. There's the usual humour, flashbacks to the chief character's unhealthy childhood and twists along the way. Entertaining, but not totally absorbing. If only I could clearly see what's going on. At least they don't mutter. ;)
Not spoiling anything by saying the four main characters end up as a mismatched team. There's the usual humour, flashbacks to the chief character's unhealthy childhood and twists along the way. Entertaining, but not totally absorbing. If only I could clearly see what's going on. At least they don't mutter. ;)
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