46 reviews
You'll have a blast watching this underrated show!
Graceland was such an underrated show that I had a blast watching. Graceland is the name of a beachfront house that was seized by the FBI and had become an undercover house for different departments of law enforcement (FBI, DEA, US Customs). It follows young FBI agent Mike Warren (Aaron Tveit) as he's put into Graceland and thrown into the fire of an undercover assignment. One of the other reasons he's there is to spy on his mentor Paul Briggs (Daniel Sunjata) to see if he's gone dirty. I really enjoyed all three seasons of this show and still mad to this day that it ended. The cast (Tveit, Sunjata, Serinda Swan, Manny Montana, Brandon Jay McLaren, Vanessa Ferlito) all do an excellent job. Give this show a try, I promise you'll have fun watching it!
So much better than I was expecting!
Graceland is so much better than I was expecting! This show isn't talked about nearly as much as it should be. If you're looking for a fun show that will keep you entertained from the first episode to the last then give this a try. It had me hooked right away. What makes it even more interesting is that it's based off real events. The entire cast does such a great job that you really come to care for each of their characters and what happens to them. It ended a season too early but I'm just glad that we got three great seasons for a show that wasn't promoted the way it should've been while it was on. It's good enough where I can see myself watching it again in the future.
- Supermanfan-13
- Dec 6, 2022
- Permalink
Intriguing law enforcement/spy genre piece lives on good casting and locales
Despite the title (the show is only in the most tangential sense Elvis related, thank goodness), we felt we had to watch at least the pilot because of the presence of admirable Broadway actors Aaron Tveit (NEXT TO NORMAL & CATCH ME IF YOU CAN), Daniel Sunjata (TAKE ME OUT) and Courtney Vance (SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION).
Vance, as the head of the FBI at Tveit's character's graduation, may not prove an ongoing character (inexplicably for a personality of his calibre, IMDb doesn't even mention him in the Pilot Episode at present!), but he SHOULD be as he serves as a solid grounding for a location and character heavy tale of young cross-agency enforcement agents living and working out of a luxurious beach front headquarters seized from an Elvis-fanatic drug lord (hence the name for the house and series) before the series ever begins.
The true leads in the story about drug enforcement and possibly the investigation of the enforcers are Tveit as the young hotshot just out of training academy with top scores and unlimited potential and Sunjata as the experienced but still charismatically young agent (one of the few with Academy scores exceeding Tveit's own) who is to field train Tveit. The hour and 15 minute pilot was languorously paced but ultimately got in its share of moments of excitement among the hot locations (was the opening shot really intended to evoke the opening shot of THE USUAL SUSPECTS?) and potentially enjoyable cross currents of character relationships in the unusually large ensemble.
The USA Network has made a name for itself with quirky character "mysteries" which entertain on many levels and, despite an unfortunate European-style preference for ultra-short "seasons," allowing the well ensembles time to develop followings. Given that time, with slightly tighter story telling, GRACELAND should be another in a popular line-up of lightly challenging USA entertainment. It has something for everyone between beach skin, vicarious luxury, post collegiate kidding, an underlying frisson of mistrust and dark underpinnings and the promise of developing character interplay among the large cast (who will turn out to be bad guys beyond stealing from the communal refrigerator? Who will mate with whom?).
In some ways GRACELAND looks like it wants to be a cross between the BIG BROTHER HOUSE and TRAFFIC. If they can get the mix to gel, and they seem to be off to a good start despite one or two moments which strain credibility - but which may actually be parts of the story supposedly "based on fact," they could have something very special. At the very least it's worth a second look.
Vance, as the head of the FBI at Tveit's character's graduation, may not prove an ongoing character (inexplicably for a personality of his calibre, IMDb doesn't even mention him in the Pilot Episode at present!), but he SHOULD be as he serves as a solid grounding for a location and character heavy tale of young cross-agency enforcement agents living and working out of a luxurious beach front headquarters seized from an Elvis-fanatic drug lord (hence the name for the house and series) before the series ever begins.
The true leads in the story about drug enforcement and possibly the investigation of the enforcers are Tveit as the young hotshot just out of training academy with top scores and unlimited potential and Sunjata as the experienced but still charismatically young agent (one of the few with Academy scores exceeding Tveit's own) who is to field train Tveit. The hour and 15 minute pilot was languorously paced but ultimately got in its share of moments of excitement among the hot locations (was the opening shot really intended to evoke the opening shot of THE USUAL SUSPECTS?) and potentially enjoyable cross currents of character relationships in the unusually large ensemble.
The USA Network has made a name for itself with quirky character "mysteries" which entertain on many levels and, despite an unfortunate European-style preference for ultra-short "seasons," allowing the well ensembles time to develop followings. Given that time, with slightly tighter story telling, GRACELAND should be another in a popular line-up of lightly challenging USA entertainment. It has something for everyone between beach skin, vicarious luxury, post collegiate kidding, an underlying frisson of mistrust and dark underpinnings and the promise of developing character interplay among the large cast (who will turn out to be bad guys beyond stealing from the communal refrigerator? Who will mate with whom?).
In some ways GRACELAND looks like it wants to be a cross between the BIG BROTHER HOUSE and TRAFFIC. If they can get the mix to gel, and they seem to be off to a good start despite one or two moments which strain credibility - but which may actually be parts of the story supposedly "based on fact," they could have something very special. At the very least it's worth a second look.
- eschetic-2
- Jun 6, 2013
- Permalink
Series never should have been canceled!
Something this layered and suspenseful that is based on actual events doesn't come along often and when it does it should be given more than 3 seasons to establish a fan base. Yes some of it is incredulous but there would have to be some of that to offset the reality and gore of violence that is based on reality. Add to that a fine cast of actors and you get a winning combination. Such a shame it was canceled to make room for something fluffy. It's hard to understand why this wasn't renewed, especially given the cliffhanger at the end of Season 3, along with unfinished story lines that would have been exciting to explore. Why is it that once you're hooked on the drama and the characters a network decides to cancel? I don't understand why networks don't query their audiences before making these decisions! There's a reason Idol and other talent shows allow audiences (customers) to vote!!!
- suewilson-46728
- Nov 22, 2015
- Permalink
I enjoy this show very much
I'm not sure what show the poor reviews were watching, but it couldn't have been Graceland.
This show is entertaining and well paced. The acting of the two leads is spot on and the supporting cast, especially Manny Montana, are excellent. There's chemistry and great banter along with a darkness that most USA shows don't have.
Also, if you didn't like the first episode, give the second a shot, the show improves greatly between the pilot and 2nd and goes upwards from there.
Give this show a chance, you will not regret it.
This show is entertaining and well paced. The acting of the two leads is spot on and the supporting cast, especially Manny Montana, are excellent. There's chemistry and great banter along with a darkness that most USA shows don't have.
Also, if you didn't like the first episode, give the second a shot, the show improves greatly between the pilot and 2nd and goes upwards from there.
Give this show a chance, you will not regret it.
- jerrywieder
- Jul 1, 2013
- Permalink
Grace in lies
I've read somewhere about this TV show and I just couldn't wait to see the pilot episode. All I can say after watching this episode could've been said in these three words: intriguing, exciting and unpretentious! But, I'm not going to stop only with that. This is a story about seemingly ordinary people and their work: FBI agents who enforce the law by arresting the people who break the law, as they've been taught in school. Hence, this job is much more complicated by the criminal mind learned to hide, to connect with all parts of society, only to avoid justice. Because of that, the ordinary people of the law have to work undercover, to look like criminals, to talk like them, to lie and do everything to arrest them. All that lying and erasing themselves could be very dangerous and who knows where could lead. I can't wait another episode, to see all the good and the bad in these characters that will come up!
- margosanci
- Jun 5, 2013
- Permalink
Great Crime Thriller Show
I just got through watching the pilot of Graceland, and wow, AWESOME show. The acting was really good, and there were parts during the very first episode that had me on the edge of my seat. I love the whole undercover thing, and this show hits the nail on the head. I give the show 9/10 stars. Looking forward to next weeks episode. This definitely ranks right up there with shows like suits, the mentalist, etc. I also like how straight narrow the main actor is, compared to how loose and free everyone else it. Really good contrast. All in all, bad ass show.
PS. I see that it is sitting at a 6.5/10 rating, honestly, I don't know why it isn't at least an 8/10.
PS. I see that it is sitting at a 6.5/10 rating, honestly, I don't know why it isn't at least an 8/10.
- nccashfree
- Jun 6, 2013
- Permalink
Horrible "ending"
The series must have been meant to go at least a season more because it had a horrible ending. So unsatisfying. Just left me dangling.
- barbdelorme
- Jun 18, 2019
- Permalink
Completely Unexpected and very much appreciated
I was unsure about this show but I give the pilot a solid 10/10 and I have a feeling the rest of the show will live up to that.
This show is fun, inviting. . .there is intrigue, mystery, fun, danger, excitement, trust and distrust, honesty and dishonesty. . .it's a fun filled ride. Twenty minutes into the pilot and I felt like I knew the characters, like they have been around for a while and this was a show in it's 3rd season.
I am looking forward to seeing how the storyline unfolds. The pilot gave way to a lot of things to unfold throughout the first season and I see it unraveling very nicely. This is a great show to put after Burn Notice and will feel the void when it ends.
The cast is great, a lot of unknowns which make it even better. These are new actors in new characters, I love it and you will too if you like action and non-stop punches.
This show is fun, inviting. . .there is intrigue, mystery, fun, danger, excitement, trust and distrust, honesty and dishonesty. . .it's a fun filled ride. Twenty minutes into the pilot and I felt like I knew the characters, like they have been around for a while and this was a show in it's 3rd season.
I am looking forward to seeing how the storyline unfolds. The pilot gave way to a lot of things to unfold throughout the first season and I see it unraveling very nicely. This is a great show to put after Burn Notice and will feel the void when it ends.
The cast is great, a lot of unknowns which make it even better. These are new actors in new characters, I love it and you will too if you like action and non-stop punches.
- missmomosa
- Jun 5, 2013
- Permalink
Inside out and backwards
Where to start? Everyone lies to everyone else about everything, which is fine as long as they stay focused on their cases, but when their lies and romantic entanglements interfere with their ability to maintain plot structure, we're all screwed. I'm one of those people who enjoys marathoning where TV shows are concerned. I stay focused for a few days or week and it's over. I move from scene to scene without commercial interruption and see if everything holds together. In Graceland, it's a study in human entropy. Everything is in a state of complete and utter chaos with little resolution without massive bloodshed, both physically and metaphorically. The price the audience pays for restitution is far too steep for the time one spends pushing through it. The series was a great concept, and I am completely convinced that had it not gotten so incredibly off track with the sub-plotting tied to, you guessed it: lies! it would have had a long run. The premise of inter-agency people working under one roof is way out there cool, but not at the expense of melodrama on a grand mal scale. I wish i could rewrite the entire damn thing from the moment it got off track and see what would have happened to all those viewers who decided to look elsewhere.
- insideout098
- Jun 7, 2016
- Permalink
Don't judge it by the first episode
I have thoroughly enjoyed the show up till this point in the series. It began similar to other series in which, like the negative reviews have said, has all the clichés we've seen before, delivering an idea we've seen before. After the first couple of episodes I would have given it about a 5 compared to other USA shows like Psych and Suits which are strong 8 or 9s. But after these few episodes, the series begins to flip the clichés on their head. Without spoiling anything, the roles perceived at the beginning of the show are switched up with many of the characters holding a secret over their heads. The one secret that has began to shift the story line really has changed the structure of the show using dramatic irony to really give the show an interesting and dramatic twist. The twist and turns as well as the cliffhangers at the end of the episodes really hooked me and even if you don't appreciate the acting( which I still think is good enough) you should at least be able to appreciate the unpredictably towards the end of the series. In summary, I feel like the negative reviews are slightly justified but don't judge this series on the first episode as it really just sets the scene rather than beginning to further the story line of the show.
Great season 1
- lance-76655
- Jan 16, 2016
- Permalink
Great Show
WHY DID IT HAVE TO END LIKE THIS
I have watched this show 3 times all together AND I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT ENDED LIKE THAT. SUCH A CLIFFHANGER. I loved this show from the day it debuted on Tv and I have never been this sad about a tv serie. ITS BEEN 5 years since it ended and I still can't suck it up.😢😢😭😣
- efrosinysidery
- May 23, 2021
- Permalink
Good show!! Not what I expected.
Bravo!
I've seen a lot of TV shows,and this is by far my favorite. I fell in love with the pilot episode when I saw it before the official June 6th premiere. I went to the advanced screening in Chicago, and people who hadn't seen it loved it. What I love about Graceland is that there's some comic relief to lighten up the dark situations. And I gotta say that I LOVE the entire cast. In my opinion, this is the best cast I've seen on TV. You get so drawn into each character and their stories. So is this show worth watching? You better believe it! Each episode keeps getting better and better, and I have faith that this season will be a great one. If you love suspense, thriller, and humor, you'll love Graceland. So far, I've been on the edge of my seat watching each episode. So don't miss out on a fantastic show! Here's to hoping for more seasons!
- cacal-katrina
- Jun 29, 2013
- Permalink
The "USA" network finally got it RIGHT !!
I've watched this show from the pilot episode and it keeps getting better and better.The cast is pretty much all new actors besides "briggs"(rescue me), so they are not worried about the same crap as an A-list TV actor would ,they want to make the show GREAT and it shows in their performance each episode.The dialog is "real",its how people their age talk and act.Theonly thing i would change about this show is to make more darker.The show is by far my favorite summer show and i keep hearing people talk about it so i know its NOT GOING ANYWHERE anytime soon..SO if you haven't watched this show yet give it a shot its worth the 42mins on a thursday nite,,reporting live from the "HOOD" its ya boy Matt giving u the scoop on whats actually good to watch (nelson ratings r crap)
- mattod-753-730498
- Jul 30, 2013
- Permalink
This
Is decent. I had nothing to watch and I think I tried it before but this time I got thru a season. I don't know why the main protagonists are always unbearably unlikable!?! The Mike guy is awful I can't stand him. I like Manny Montna in many things but in this he is't the tough guy, more insecure guy. It's an interesting watch and usually I watch UK shows if they're crime based. I liked Daniel Sinjata in Rescue me and he's good here just not as funny but everyone is so reckless and inept. Supposedly it's based off a true story and I'm thinking in what universe do different branches working together much less living in the same house?!? Most of the characters are ( slow horses) lol, not even that more like CI's turned and all living in one house . They are reckless and get so many people killed and are morons but somehow it's watchable...
- Headturner11
- Aug 8, 2023
- Permalink
Wish this would continue
Great show! Don't know how I missed it when it was on USA but sad now that I've finished the series. Terrific acting, suspenseful plots, definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.
- kathystrickland
- Feb 4, 2020
- Permalink
I really liked the first season but that's it
The first season was great with interesting characters, beach theme, plot twists and intriguing storytelling that kept you wondering what's coming next. In the second season the show changes completely and it simply turns from a show of Undercover Agents into an "FBI Themed Soap Opera". The cases they work on and all the FBI action takes the back seat while complicated love lives of characters become the main story.
I don't know why they had to ruin a perfectly good show after a great first season but they did and this led to show being canceled in as little as 3 seasons. They should have stuck with what worked and not try to change it into something completely different.
In the third season, our FBI agents act really really stupid and do extremely moronic things. There is no way undercover FBI agents with special training will act as stupidly as they did in this show. In every episode 2-3 of them come within inch of getting exposed and killed because of something stupid they did and only survive by pure luck. They might as well walk around wearing huge banners on them saying "this is an undercover FBI agent" and be less exposing than they were.
I don't know why they had to ruin a perfectly good show after a great first season but they did and this led to show being canceled in as little as 3 seasons. They should have stuck with what worked and not try to change it into something completely different.
In the third season, our FBI agents act really really stupid and do extremely moronic things. There is no way undercover FBI agents with special training will act as stupidly as they did in this show. In every episode 2-3 of them come within inch of getting exposed and killed because of something stupid they did and only survive by pure luck. They might as well walk around wearing huge banners on them saying "this is an undercover FBI agent" and be less exposing than they were.
- interestingstuff
- Jun 25, 2022
- Permalink
Definitely Improved
I think the show has definitely improved from the first few episodes. I thought that the first 2 or so episodes were very weak and the characters were boring and had no layers but I stuck around because I thought it might get better and I'm glad I did. The characters have much more depth now and the show has gotten less hokey. Although I do think it all may seem a bit unrealistic (not the fact that they all live together but what's been happening) its entertaining and always keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I feel like they try to cram to much into each episode though. But overall it's enjoyable and the acting and the show itself have gotten much better.
Jangles All the Way
6 government agents living under one roof, what could go wrong? Turns out... a lot.
Despite a phenomenal first season, Graceland never reaches a satisfying conclusion.
FBI Agent Mike Warren is sent undercover amongst other feds to investigate the polarizing Agent Paul Briggs. The dichotomy between these two characters, coupled with a captivating story and strong supporting cast, creates a tantalizing first season with a thrilling finale.
However, while seasons two and three provide moments of greatness, Graceland begins to lose focus and lose the plot. And, due to its cancellation after the third season, a much needed redemption arc for the residents of "Graceland" was never told, leaving one to wonder if the series could have possibly reached a fitting ending to match the enthralling beginning.
Much like the series' namesake, Graceland unfortunately ends on the toilet. So, fill up on Guadalajara Dogs and Pizza Boxes before the Dog Catches Car. 6/10.
Despite a phenomenal first season, Graceland never reaches a satisfying conclusion.
FBI Agent Mike Warren is sent undercover amongst other feds to investigate the polarizing Agent Paul Briggs. The dichotomy between these two characters, coupled with a captivating story and strong supporting cast, creates a tantalizing first season with a thrilling finale.
However, while seasons two and three provide moments of greatness, Graceland begins to lose focus and lose the plot. And, due to its cancellation after the third season, a much needed redemption arc for the residents of "Graceland" was never told, leaving one to wonder if the series could have possibly reached a fitting ending to match the enthralling beginning.
Much like the series' namesake, Graceland unfortunately ends on the toilet. So, fill up on Guadalajara Dogs and Pizza Boxes before the Dog Catches Car. 6/10.
- timdasilva
- Jan 18, 2024
- Permalink
Not right for me... or anyone interested in quality writing
I'm really a fan of great writing, plot and character development, screenplay, acting and cinematography.
This show has: * hot actors * a nice scenery with MTV fading shots of surf / sand ala Jersey Shore * awful cliché of what "work" means when it comes to a profession
The writing is just bad. It's up there with Entourage minus the interesting characters (Gold etc). There are sharp, disjointed elements to the screenplay and writing that boil down to an attempt to put multi- leveled writing in place - such as the social+professional aspects to their lifestyle. The actors are trying to move from catchphrase "surfs up!" terms being used to describe their profession with overly fast- talking nonsense about the case which is really trying to add some substance to the vacuous nature of the show.
This is horribly juxtaposed. The attempt to heighten the drama with such bad plot would be fine if the writing were consistent, but it's just not. The only thing constant is the fleeting dashes between thinly executed emotion on behalf of the 2d character's actors and the idea that apparent professionals in the FBI are all "street" playas hanging and surfing while talking slang and sharing good times.
It's stupefying to watch and how this got a production budget is beyond me. It may pass for entertainment in the US teen market but this doesn't have the ability to cross the ocean and appeal to a wider audience.
Don't waste your time.
This show has: * hot actors * a nice scenery with MTV fading shots of surf / sand ala Jersey Shore * awful cliché of what "work" means when it comes to a profession
The writing is just bad. It's up there with Entourage minus the interesting characters (Gold etc). There are sharp, disjointed elements to the screenplay and writing that boil down to an attempt to put multi- leveled writing in place - such as the social+professional aspects to their lifestyle. The actors are trying to move from catchphrase "surfs up!" terms being used to describe their profession with overly fast- talking nonsense about the case which is really trying to add some substance to the vacuous nature of the show.
This is horribly juxtaposed. The attempt to heighten the drama with such bad plot would be fine if the writing were consistent, but it's just not. The only thing constant is the fleeting dashes between thinly executed emotion on behalf of the 2d character's actors and the idea that apparent professionals in the FBI are all "street" playas hanging and surfing while talking slang and sharing good times.
It's stupefying to watch and how this got a production budget is beyond me. It may pass for entertainment in the US teen market but this doesn't have the ability to cross the ocean and appeal to a wider audience.
Don't waste your time.
- anthonyfoxdavies
- Sep 21, 2013
- Permalink
Love this series so much hated when I heard it was canceled
Graceland is by far one of the best series that I have seen to date. I got to say at first I about turned it off but I gave it a chance. Boy I am glad I did, as the story progressed you almost get close to the characters. The last season left such a cliff hanger that I was so hoping for another season. After months and months of waiting finally heard the bad news no renew. I was so surprised as was most people.
Still years later and I am still from time to time restarting the show up. If you want a great story to watch for late night shows or just some great content to binge watch this is your show!!!!
Still years later and I am still from time to time restarting the show up. If you want a great story to watch for late night shows or just some great content to binge watch this is your show!!!!
- johnnyreevesbass
- Jul 20, 2018
- Permalink
Awesome Non-typical Cop Show!
Out of the rote, predictable boredom known as Hollywood television (Hollywood ANYTHING, actually) comes a drama worth watching.
The writing is excellent. Add an exceptional, wholly believable acting ensemble- each character sculpted with depth and intrigue- and set the locale in one of the coolest cities on the west coast- Venice Beach- and you get a lot of magic for your viewing minutes.
I love a unique,unexpected show that makes a gigantic splash in the constantly changing sea of TV mediocrity. This big wave of drama, thrill, and heart is uber-worthy of a ride. Let's hope it ebbs and flows at least a few more seasons.
The writing is excellent. Add an exceptional, wholly believable acting ensemble- each character sculpted with depth and intrigue- and set the locale in one of the coolest cities on the west coast- Venice Beach- and you get a lot of magic for your viewing minutes.
I love a unique,unexpected show that makes a gigantic splash in the constantly changing sea of TV mediocrity. This big wave of drama, thrill, and heart is uber-worthy of a ride. Let's hope it ebbs and flows at least a few more seasons.