67 reviews
Wow, a reflection of my OWN life almost to a tee (scary)
I just wrapped up the series finale. Sad to see this show end. I myself had a divorce finalize in 2016 (around when the show started) and the parallels are eerie (even dated a Jackie..lol). Whoever wrote this came from MY school...Married young, spent more then half our lives married and now 40 something divorcees with teenagers trying to wiggle out a new solo life we are CLUELESS about. Its not an all out comedy, but at least kept it light hearted (rather then the very dark 'The Affair' on Showtime), and the ending ALSO reflected my current standing with my ex-wife (no spoilers, but if you wrapped up the series, you'll see). not everything is wine & roses, but it doesn't have to be overly complicated and depressing either. There IS life after Divorce (the life event AND the show). Thanks HBO, showrunners, Sarah,Thomas & the rest of the cast & crew for a memorable 3 years! I got this now! ;)
- jorgito2001
- Aug 8, 2019
- Permalink
Very funny!
I think perhaps this show is marmite. I am in the 'love it' camp, although I have to admit it's like slowing down to watch an accident and feeling relieved that's not you! SJP is predictable in her delivery of the stylish, smart yet ditsy cheating mother; she won't shake off her role in SATT that easily. Her on screen husband, (Thomas Haden Church) absolutely steals the screen with his honest, believable delivery as the deeply hurt and very bitter Robert. He is very entertaining and amusing. This show gets better as it goes on, and I couldn't wait for the next episode! I think anybody who has been through a separation or divorce will find something in this show to relate to. For me, it's the reminder that you can indeed fall in love with someone only to realise some years later that you can't stand to be near them! Maybe we can make ourselves feel a little better by gawping at their car crash lives; their pain, disappointment, failures, and their subsequent reckless stupid behaviour!
- mandyj-96838
- Nov 20, 2016
- Permalink
Good, adult comedy/drama
- Nolafilmmaker
- Oct 8, 2016
- Permalink
One of the most unlikable characters, this season...
True to life
- mmayhew1-685-192614
- Oct 29, 2016
- Permalink
Not too bad not too good
It kept me focused in the second season, kinda lost it in the third. It definitely shows some realities in couple's insides but you get to the point where you expect more from the show. But I liked it though :)
Enjoyable and funny
My wife and I enjoyed this. Don't know why people dislike it so much. Perhaps they are taking it too seriously.
- carmine-397-798868
- Mar 31, 2018
- Permalink
Interesting but progressing too slow
Or too fast by adding so many guests. Almost 2 months since last episode. Guess still 2 left for season 2 which might be released till cancel/renew is released?
I love this show
I come from a divorced family, went through a divorce and have an extended family. This show touches on very different subjects that most people don't want to talk about and it's funny!! You think that it is a serious show and most people are saying 'depressing' but you have to see the light at the end of the tunnel, just as in life. I didn't watch any of Sex in the City so I have nothing to compare it to with SJP, but from what I'm seeing is she is a terrific actress and get's down to real life situations. You have to follow the show and see the humorous character her husband (ex-husband) plays.. I really hope that they have another season of this show. Maybe it is an adult show and you have to have an understanding of certain subject areas in life but yea, give the show a chance, it really is a fun show.
A so far interesting and sometimes funny look at divorce
HBO's Divorce is a story about one particular couple, not all couples. This is representative of your divorce. Every circumstance is different. Sarah Jessica brings her eloquent, expressive and warmly whimsical acting style to the role of flawed but relatable Frances who feels trapped and repressed in her marriage to Robert, played by Thomas Haden Church. The pair seem oddly mismatched from the beginning, with Roberts brutish ways, crude humour and arrogant demeanor in complete contrast with Frances' refined ways.
Robert can frankly be quite a pri*k at times but you can see it's coming from a place of pain. He still loves his wife even though he knows it isn't working. A touching scene was when he placed his hand on her shoulder after breaking the news to the kids. He stepped up to the traditional "It's all going to be OK" patriarchal role of the father, even though it's clear Frances is the pants wearer and bread winner in this relationship.
I found myself sucked into this strange yet relatable world. Who hasn't felt the habits of your significant other once you thought cute at the beginning of a relationship, drive you crazy by the end of it?
I think it has struck a good balance between dark humour and melancholic reflection on modern relationships. I don't think it's quite there yet as sometimes it does feel a little forced. But like Netflix's Grace and Frankie which struggled with tone its first season due to the sensitive themes, Divorce too needs to find it's stride. I'll be sticking around to see what it turns into, as Divorce can't last forever.
Robert can frankly be quite a pri*k at times but you can see it's coming from a place of pain. He still loves his wife even though he knows it isn't working. A touching scene was when he placed his hand on her shoulder after breaking the news to the kids. He stepped up to the traditional "It's all going to be OK" patriarchal role of the father, even though it's clear Frances is the pants wearer and bread winner in this relationship.
I found myself sucked into this strange yet relatable world. Who hasn't felt the habits of your significant other once you thought cute at the beginning of a relationship, drive you crazy by the end of it?
I think it has struck a good balance between dark humour and melancholic reflection on modern relationships. I don't think it's quite there yet as sometimes it does feel a little forced. But like Netflix's Grace and Frankie which struggled with tone its first season due to the sensitive themes, Divorce too needs to find it's stride. I'll be sticking around to see what it turns into, as Divorce can't last forever.
Carrie Bradshaw does Divorce
This HBO series should've been called "Carrie Bradshaw Gets Divorced" because that's the EXACT character that Sarah Jessica Parker is playing (and the only character she knows how to play). Here you will see SJP's latest Carrie Bradshaw variation doing all of the classic Carrie Bradshaw moves: the pointing finger, the wild hand gestures, the absolute identical voice inflection and phrasing, the same goofy clothes, the same raccoon eye makeup, the same hair, the same black bra/white shirt combo and - of COURSE - the same constant running in high heels.
And if that didn't convince you, half of the actors in this series were also in Sex & The City. I'm sure this is an SJP production and I can imagine how she pitched this series: "Imagine if Carrie actually did marry Aiden and had 2 kids and moved to the country and then got divorced."
I gave this 2 stars because 1) Thomas Haden Church is great; and 2) the soundtrack is awesome.
And if that didn't convince you, half of the actors in this series were also in Sex & The City. I'm sure this is an SJP production and I can imagine how she pitched this series: "Imagine if Carrie actually did marry Aiden and had 2 kids and moved to the country and then got divorced."
I gave this 2 stars because 1) Thomas Haden Church is great; and 2) the soundtrack is awesome.
Honest and very funny - Give it a chance
I love SJP. I saw her in a Facebook Live interview talking about this show and her interest in long-term relationships, divorce, adultery, etc. and why couples stay together or fall apart. And how some thrive afterwards and some completely self-destruct. SJP, in real life, is so lovely, intelligent and fascinating, so I am willing to give this show a chance. I subscribed to HBO because of this show.
The show is funnier than I expected. Love the musical selections, Poco's Crazy Love of Mine was unexpected and beautifully timed. It is not a predictable story yet - I do not know what direction these characters are headed in. As someone that has gone through a divorce myself and continued to live with my ex-husband for three years after the divorce, I can relate to Frances in some ways. The hardest, hardest part is your relationship with your children especially if you feel guilty about the divorce and wanting to save your own life.
The show is funnier than I expected. Love the musical selections, Poco's Crazy Love of Mine was unexpected and beautifully timed. It is not a predictable story yet - I do not know what direction these characters are headed in. As someone that has gone through a divorce myself and continued to live with my ex-husband for three years after the divorce, I can relate to Frances in some ways. The hardest, hardest part is your relationship with your children especially if you feel guilty about the divorce and wanting to save your own life.
- cservice-72342
- Oct 23, 2016
- Permalink
No expectations. It turned out to be a very enjoyable TV show.
- evey-56916
- Jan 3, 2021
- Permalink
Shallow, lackluster and boring. HBO signature is not enough reason to keep on watching.
I can think of many interesting ways of narrating the crisis of values, substance and purpose in married life, while exposing vulnerabilities and self-questioning, and underscoring the elusive quest for happiness.
This show is definitely not one of them.
I personally find Sarah Jessica Parker an unconvincing actress no matter how many times I watch her on the screen. So I gather there is something in the way she acts which creates an annoying distance between her characters and me. The only reason why I gave this show a try was the HBO patronage, generally a synonym for quality productions.
But, regrettably, it was not enough.
The script does not offer anything new, surprising or true about divorce. The conflicting situations, sketched and staged in a lame, unfluid mise-en-scene, do not ring a true note about the actual suffering, anguish and failure which generally surrounds a separation between people who have once loved and committed each other for life. The characters are stupid, yes, but also anticlimactic, which frankly discourages the desire to keep on watching.
I also found the script quite dumb, lacking in creativity and originality. If I have to listen to women doing inventory about the disenchantment of marriage, I'd rather stay with Meg Ryan and Carrie Fisher, whom at least had wit and charisma.
In short, a futile, non transcendental exercise which didn't convince me about staying with it.
This show is definitely not one of them.
I personally find Sarah Jessica Parker an unconvincing actress no matter how many times I watch her on the screen. So I gather there is something in the way she acts which creates an annoying distance between her characters and me. The only reason why I gave this show a try was the HBO patronage, generally a synonym for quality productions.
But, regrettably, it was not enough.
The script does not offer anything new, surprising or true about divorce. The conflicting situations, sketched and staged in a lame, unfluid mise-en-scene, do not ring a true note about the actual suffering, anguish and failure which generally surrounds a separation between people who have once loved and committed each other for life. The characters are stupid, yes, but also anticlimactic, which frankly discourages the desire to keep on watching.
I also found the script quite dumb, lacking in creativity and originality. If I have to listen to women doing inventory about the disenchantment of marriage, I'd rather stay with Meg Ryan and Carrie Fisher, whom at least had wit and charisma.
In short, a futile, non transcendental exercise which didn't convince me about staying with it.
- maria-ricci-1983
- Oct 16, 2016
- Permalink
It's no Sex and the City, But Definitely Worth A Look!
This show is NOT boring! The half hour just zipped by. I thought the show was interesting....VERY interesting, although a tiny bit...depressing and a bit unnecessarily vulgar and mean-spirited in spots. Finally....a show for the over 40 crowd....how unusual! If you are expecting a "Sex and the City" type atmosphere you will be disappointed. This show is not straight comedy...and it is definitely NOT upbeat! Parker's character is more jaded than Carrie was. She's also a bit less charming and full of life. However, she is more complex and perhaps "real" which makes the show very watchable.
Her husband, played by that guy from "Sideways," is also very believable in his role. Excellent acting! The other supporting characters are interesting as well (great character development already, and I have only seen the first episode)! This show has a somewhat disturbing "realism" not unlike GIRLS - another HBO series for the younger set. I would DEFINITELY keep watching "Divorce" except for the fact I saw it while receiving a free HBO preview. I'm really sorry I won't get to find out what happens next!
Her husband, played by that guy from "Sideways," is also very believable in his role. Excellent acting! The other supporting characters are interesting as well (great character development already, and I have only seen the first episode)! This show has a somewhat disturbing "realism" not unlike GIRLS - another HBO series for the younger set. I would DEFINITELY keep watching "Divorce" except for the fact I saw it while receiving a free HBO preview. I'm really sorry I won't get to find out what happens next!
Really@
For the most part I do not see a lot reviews that really like any movies that come out. Just long winded reviews complaining about everything about a certain movie just to show they can write a movie review, hoping to become a movie critic. Realistic and straight forward criticism of a movie would be nice. I have seen so many reviews that look more like columns in a newspaper or a short novel. By the way the movie was not bad at all. I likes Sarah Jessicia Parjer in a role that was different then I have seen her in before. I do like Molly Shannon and it is always great to see Thomas Hayden Church. I myself have never been Divorced and hope not to be! But I am told by those who have that this is somewhat like it is with a grain of salt......
It's really a cute idea
I would have rated it a lot higher if they would have cut the language out. At least half of it out. You don't talk that way around your kids or I don't think normal people talk that bad. But I like the husband I think he's a good actor that Jessica Parker only acts in one way the same way every time. So makes me wonder if she's acting or that's the only thing she knows how to do. It has good actors in it and I think like I say the story is a good idea. That I like the wit in it and the writing is decent. I haven't read any of the other reviews so I don't know what other people think of it but like I said the writing the actors they're all worth an eight but with the language I have to bring it down a couple of notches.
it's getting better and better...
I love this show, the first season was pretty interesting but the second is awesome.. great story, very realistic, excellent actors (OMG Molly Shannon, sooo funny !!) Really don't understand all bad rewievs, I wish there were more than 10 episodes , but just keep going, I'm looking forwad
Love it! Very funny and well written.
After watching 2 episodes I can say this one is a keeper. It gets really funny in episode 2. A middle aged couple with 2 teenage kids going through a divorce is the subject of this HBO comedy - and it is more a comedy than drama.
Sarah Jessica Parker has waited for sometime to do another series and it's a quality one with good laugh out loud original humor and good acting and dialog. She acts similarly to SATC but it's fine. She and only she can succeed in making you like a character who is did the bad thing - here cheated on her husband. She looks a bit slim and well dressed for the burbs but that's okay. Thomas Haden Church is perfect for the role as cuckolded husband. Love his deadpan delivery of the lines which seem tailor made for him. BFFs played by Molly Shannon and Talia Balsam are good too. It's not SATC for the middle aged crowd those who are looking for that won't find it here. But if the characters are likable and funny it's got the formula for success. What I like is it's more sophisticated in wit and not hectic and contrived like many of the other comedies.
Sarah Jessica Parker has waited for sometime to do another series and it's a quality one with good laugh out loud original humor and good acting and dialog. She acts similarly to SATC but it's fine. She and only she can succeed in making you like a character who is did the bad thing - here cheated on her husband. She looks a bit slim and well dressed for the burbs but that's okay. Thomas Haden Church is perfect for the role as cuckolded husband. Love his deadpan delivery of the lines which seem tailor made for him. BFFs played by Molly Shannon and Talia Balsam are good too. It's not SATC for the middle aged crowd those who are looking for that won't find it here. But if the characters are likable and funny it's got the formula for success. What I like is it's more sophisticated in wit and not hectic and contrived like many of the other comedies.
- phd_travel
- Oct 16, 2016
- Permalink
Bad
Just wasted a few hours couldnt get thru first season.
A tough subject handled well (SPOILERS)
- karensue-32006
- Dec 22, 2016
- Permalink
Tedious and annoying narcissists
I made it through 4 or 5 episodes until I realized I was not enjoying watching two self-absorbed people fight and argue with each other, and anyone who comes their way that doesn't do what they want. It's not entertaining, it's watching two obnoxious people "itch" and complain. Perhaps it improved, but it was too late for me to care if it did.
Realistic Divorce
- MooniePinkslip
- Oct 11, 2016
- Permalink
Exceptional Core Cast, Good Writing, Excellent Supporting Actors
I needed to sit through the first couple of episodes to get into this show, but now I am a loyal watcher. The cast in this show is exceptional. Thomas Haden Church and Sarah Jessica have surprisingly good chemistry. Tracy Letts and Molly Shannon the same. Talia Balsam and Dean Winters are perfectly cast, and are funny as hell. Since this show is filmed in and around NYC, there is a deep and talented pool of theater talent to support the show, notably J. Smith-Cameron (who is a national treasure). All the actors in this show are allowed to actually ACT, and make bold choices, rather than do the typical mumble-speak "behavior" you see in a lot of television shows these days. Very much looking forward to season 2.
- randall-mcneal
- Mar 18, 2017
- Permalink
This show is depressing and not in a good way.
ALL of these characters are horrible. They're all superficial dumbos and I think that's supposed to be funny in a sad and dark humor kind of way, but it's not!!! I don't buy that these relationships are real because you might as well just kill yourself if they were. The kids don't even seem to like their Mom(SJP) and Dad and I don't blame them. I've watched multiple episodes hoping it'd get better, to my shame, but my only hope now is that HBO does not green light another season of this disgusting show. I don't blame the acting, maybe the casting a little, but mainly the writing. This show will make you feel like like trash deep down inside.
- meweathersby
- Nov 10, 2016
- Permalink