This was a very entertaining TV show, and was produced well. You can't help but put yourself in the place of the main character (Gary)...like how would you stop the catastrophe that Gary is trying to "fix". The other thing that's great about the show is how much of a nice guy the main character is. The only thing that bothered me about the show is how much hard work Gary went through in his daily run. He had this massive responsibility of saving people's lives, but he never took steps to optimize how he handled doing that. If I had tomorrow's newspaper today, I would set up and orchestrate a small taskforce of dedicated (and very well paid) workers that went out on different "errands" everyday to ensure that everyone was saved. Saving lives with a future newspaper is really too much responsibility to rely on one man to do. The taskforce could be well funded by using money raised from lottery wins or sportsbetting, etc. No one would need to know how the information was gathered (they could just pretend that a clairvoyant was supplying the info or something like that). There has been episodes where Gary was not able to save someone. In fact, I remember one episode where Gary felt guilty because he didn't save someone in time, and some mystical character had to show up and tell Gary that he should "count the living" and not to count the dead (i.e. he saved much more people than the ones he couldn't save). It's too bad the show never evolved to a stage where Gary took the "taskforce" route (like maybe Gary injures himself and is stuck in a wheelchair for 6 months, but the paper still comes)...that would have been a good twist.
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dreammakers23 May 2006
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shelbythuylinh1 December 2021Kyle Chandler as mild mannered unemployed stockbroker and divorced Gary Hobson getting the paper of tomorrow today and sitting things straight in 24 hours.
He does not know how or why only to deliver it by an orange cat as he learns the guy who had the paper died and that now he has it. He is in having two friends to help him.
Chuck played by the hilarious Fisher Stevens who wants him to have a get rick quick scams and the blind African-American female friend, forget her name sorry but she wants him to do the right thing and Gary's voice of reason.
Really a great show and way ahead of it's time. -
symphonyjade9 February 2021This show is still entertaining after all these years. The hero is a good guy with a heart of gold and an "aw shucks" charm. The
The ONE criticism I have of the show is that Gary never got smarter after years of receiving the paper. He never learned to be craftier in framing his efforts to impart urgencies or even had any established excuse for how he knows things when pressed. The stuttering explanations got tedious and him letting EVERYONE talk over him in critical moments become frustrating, especially when binge-watching.
Kyle Chandler is great in the lead. I can't picture anyone else playing the role so endearingly. -
Davo-CC8 April 2000There's something wonderfully unpretentious about this show; I'm not sure what it is exactly, it's one of those intangible things which makes a show memorable and leaves a smile on your face when you realise that in the past hour you've been really entertained.
With a combination of good acting, good writing and strong production it seems that it manages to convey its intentions without preaching, without being `in your face' and without screaming out loud. I always think of it as an `unpretentious little show' and find myself going to great lengths to see it; our dreadful local stations see fit to put it on at 3am on a Sunday morning (God only knows why when vastly inferior shows crowd more reasonable times, I wish we had a station like CBS here in Australia that puts these shows on at reasonable times as happens in the US).
The premise of the show (a man who receives tomorrow's newspaper today and has to do what he can to set things right that appear in the paper) is very easy to get into. This alone makes the show that much more accessible, I think that anyone who takes the time will be more than justly rewarded. I am very glad to see that the show is still running on CBS and I sincerely hope that it is with us for a long time to come. It's been going since 1996 and they don't seem to be running out of ideas which is always a good sign
All in all one of my top ten in the last decade or so, so good to see a show which doesn't rely on pretentiousness and glitter but on its own values and sheer quality of its writing, production and acting. Not only a must see but a must-return-to as well! -
ClarkGriswald112 December 2006This show was perfect for everyone. Exceptional entertainment. This show had it all; action, comedy, suspense. Although it seemed to be a bit directed toward teens, adults and children would have no problem getting caught up in the story. Engaging and addicting, I had to watch it every week. It doesn't require you to catch every episode, like many recent action adventure television shows(Alias and Lost).
An original plot and script that broke free from the lot of modern stereotypical TV series. Recently, Television has run dry with shock factor. All that's on any more is "reality TV", raunchy comedy, cheesy soap operas, sex, educational TV, advertisements, sex, and advertisements. It's hard to find a good time in front of the screen anymore.
This show was awesome while it lasted. I truly hope it comes out on DVD. If it doesn't I'll give up faith in Television all together. -
General_G19 September 2005This is the best drama ever. I have seen these new ones that come out like Orange County and North Shore and others and there just not entertaining or touching or anything. Early Edition has all that. It was a fantastic show. Kyle Chandler was perfect for the role. I liked the way the show started out. He was just kicked out of his home by his wife and he hates his job and one day a cat with tomorrows newspaper comes to his hotel room door and thats how the whole show started. I like his two friends, Marissa and Chuck, as well. I just wish Fisher Stevens didn't leave half way through the series. He was the funny guy. The situations Gary had were always pretty cool too. Sometimes you just felt sorry for him, but at the end when he saves someone's life he feel good and they feel good and you feel good that those characters feel good. This show goes first place as my favorite drama and Touched by an Angel as second. This show should have a reunion special. Come back Gary, come back.
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ironhorse_iv19 June 2013This is one of my favorite shows in 1990's. Aired on CBS from 1996 to 2000, the show follows the adventures of Gary Hobson (Kyle Chandler) who mysteriously receives a newspaper before it is actually published and with this knowledge tries to prevent terrible future events in Chicago, IL. Sometimes he would need the help of his pals such as stockbroker Charles Fishman (Fisher Stevens) and blind girl Marissa Clark (Shanésia Davis-Williams). Charles Fishman is the glue that held the show together in my opinion. He was funny, and somewhat had depth in his character arch. He like helping people, but he also would like to make profit out of knowing events out of the newspaper. While Gary Hobson was the Boy Scout superhero of the group, Marisa acts like Gary's self-appointed conscience in the show. The characters were likable, and all too human at times, making them even more likable. The show was more likable with the Chicago atmosphere. Each episodes was pretty different from the rest, as some episodes tend to follow the same repeated patterns. One week it was humorous and the next heartbreaking. In my opinion, from all the four seasons, there are a few episodes that do stated out. The first one is the Season 1, Episode 2, "The Choice", where Gary faces a difficult decision of choosing between stopping a fatal plane crash or saving the life of a young girl. It was such an emotional episode that deals with Sofia Choice dilemmas. Any dilemma where choosing one cherished person or thing over the other will result in the death or destruction of the other makes great watching. Season 1, Episode 3, "Baby" is also a pretty good episode, rather than being emotional and intense. This movie shows the funny side of the show, with the newspaper telling Chuck that we will delivered twins on the L and him trying to avoid any pregnant women throughout the whole day. It made me laugh. Other episodes that were interesting were when Gary travel back into time like Season 2, Episode 21 "Hot Time in the Old Town" & Season 4, Episode "Everybody Goes to Rick's" where Gary witness events such as 1871's The Great Chicago Fire and 1929's St. Valentine Massacre. A great deal of guest stars came into the show such as Coolio, Robert Ebert, George Takei, and probably the best one of all, Louis Gossett, Jr. who gave an amazing performance in Season 2, Episode 2, "The Medal" playing a Vietnam Vet with Posttraumatic stress disorder. I didn't like the cross-overs episodes like the one with the cast of 'Chicago Hope' or 'Martial Law'. I thought those were really dumb. Some of the Season 3 and Season 4 episodes got really childish and extremely repetitive. Still, writers Vik Rubenfeld and Pat Page did a great job on the show, not only in bringing new modern day fantasy concept to television, but also making it entertaining. I don't believe that the creators based the show, on the 1944 feature film 'It Happened Tomorrow' a film that centered upon a newspaper reporter who received a newspaper a day in advance. I think it just happens that two people in two different eras had the same idea. It was a bit funny, how the show came to be. The creators pitch the show to Tristar by having mock newspaper created just for the meeting, and didn't tell any of the producers about it. When the producers read it, they found out that they were reading tomorrow newspapers. Thus, that is how the show was created based on the accounts of the writers. In the end of season two Chuck (Fisher Stevens) leaves the show as a regular character, leading to some major changes in season three. He left to do some movie roles in New York City. While Fisher Stevens did the voice opinion during the opening and closing of each episode. The device of his voice-over narration was shifted to at first Gary and then Marissa in season three. Soon the theme song was changed. The addition of Kristy Swanson was add to Season 3, to add a love interest to Gary Hobson. She does her role alright, but it's not a ground breaking performance. Despite that, the show still had strong ratings and loyal fan base but, CBS pull the plug in Season 4. At less, Early Edition was able to wrap the show up with the final episode unlike other shows, explaining the backstory of the newspaper and why Gary gets it. Plus, it made room, just in case if anybody willing to reboot, a story explaining why Gary give up the newspaper to somebody else. The show was canceled to make room for reality shows that CBS is coming out. With canceling Early Edition, Survivor (2000) became the hit show that year. While Season 1 & 2 might be easier to find, sadly as of this writing. Season 3 and 4 hasn't been release to DVD sells. Since Sony Pictures Home Entertainment owns the international DVD rights to the show, people in other country might not see any releases for a long time. I like how the show is titled in some of these countries. In Canada, it's known as Dinsdale's Folly and in Hungary, it's known as the chosen - The American prophet, In Germany, it's known as Alone Against The Future and wow, these titles are way off. Still, the show can be seen in reruns such channels like TV Guide Network as of this writing. It's appropriate for nearly everybody. Plus, it had a cute cat. So get out there and find the Early Edition. It's would watching.
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jayc-lawrence5 July 2008I just started watching this after 10 years gone by. I had originally only seen a single episode of Early Edition.
The idea is not exactly an original idea but I believe the writing and production quality of each episode is great. The episodes continue to some canon; so you find later episodes referring to previous episodes, rather than independently written episodes.
You'll spot a lot of 'to be famous' faces in there and I do wonder what ever happened to Chuck and Gary as they were great actors.
As with many TV series of the 90s this is an honest and heartwarming series with much stimulation of your own thoughts and experiences, leading you to realise that hindsight is often just as powerful as foresight.
10/10 as this is one of the best series I have seen in a long time, even in 2008. -
pgxiii20 May 2017Given the limited nature of Iranian TV -strict sex restriction, very limited allowance of gore and/or disturbing themes, and strong censorship of anything...well, they don't like-, Early Edition, renamed "Against Future" was one of the few shows that was kept intact, dubbed, and aired completely. A cloud of nostalgia hovers over it, as I was 8 when it aired, but even at that age I was slightly disappointed with how Gary always saved the day. That being said, it was a thrilling show, and I loved every bit of it. Family friendly fun without being too much of anything, not too much philosophizing, not too much action, not too much boredom. Watched a few episodes again yesterday to scratch the nostalgia itch. Recommended for families.
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alexpeychev27 January 2021Why "Early Edition" never got much attention I'll never know, because it was brilliant. I mean that without exaggeration; if ever a show deserved to be called brilliant, this is it. The concept alone was genius, because it was an attention-grabbing idea that didn't need much explanation... a guy gets a peek into the future each day through the local newspaper, and it's up to him to set things right. The writing was amazing, alternating between comedy and suspense. Some episodes were hilarious, and others were downright scary.
The thing I most admired about the show, I think, was the way it never ran out of ideas. A concept as simple as this one could get stale fast, and to tell the truth the show probably would have gone downhill if it had run longer, but during its four years it was always coming up with new twists and variations on the central idea. What if Gary had to save someone he didn't want to save? What if Gary had jury duty and couldn't leave his hotel to save people? What if Gary's paper was accidentally destroyed? What if Gary's not the only one who gets tomorrow's paper? Each episode had a cool new story that always made it fun to watch. -
...bring a tear to my eye. Why? It has everything you could want from a program! Acting, production, plots, intrigue, writing : ALL GOOD. All satisfying without a cringe in sight. Those who participate in this all too short series must be thanked for showing us that the public can be taught a few lessons without hammering our heads into the ground.
Kyle Chandler, Shanesia Davis and Fisher Stevens formed an unshakeably tight ensemble throughout the series. Kyle's unique characterization of Gary Hobson was always honest, warm - without being syrupy, quirky and fun to watch. His double-takes always brought a smile to my face! And he did the writers good in every respect.
Also, I enjoyed so much the characterizations of Ron Dean as Det. Crumb and William Devane and Tess Harper as Gary's parents. Not to forget Billie Worley as Patrick Quinn and Kristy Swanson and Myles Jeffrey as Erica and Henry Paget.
If you haven't caught this program and are looking for a special hour of television, go no further than EARLY EDITION ♥ -
asfhgwt-127 October 2020Instead of trying to change the world, the protag was busy with individuals, trivialities and a "mysterious" pussycat.
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Dino-235 January 2001The German title of Early Edition is "Alone Against The Future" which would imply a science fiction show. I was disappointed when I found out that it wasn't - for about 30 seconds. Then it caught me and never released me again. Every single episode is brilliant, Kyle Chandler portrays Gary beautifully and very believably, the plots are smart, humourous and thrilling. It is fascinating (and often funny) to see how creative Gary is in solving his daily "Save Chickago" tasks. After watching I always have learned a principle, I feel entertained, my faith in the good im man is strengthened and I am eager to watch the next episode. Parents, this is the show You can have Your children watch instead of all this Pokemon crap.
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tombewick16 December 2009Some reviewers mentioned this show had an indefinable 'something" that made it great. I would offer this show had heart. Meaning great characters with human interaction and emotion that is so lacking in most shows on the air now. That same quality is seen in old movies and shows from the past like Emergency, Adam-12, or St. Elsewhere. The idea of Gary getting the newspaper and changing the past, although interesting, only gives a platform for the great character development and human drama that revolved around Gary helping the citizens of Chicago and forming great friendships and relationships. I would recommended anyone to get this series on DVD, and I hope writers will bring back this type of character development in the future. I really miss shows like this.
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The__Watcher25 January 2001A very solid tv programme about a guy named Gary Hobson who gets tomorrow's newspaper today. I liked watching it every week , but now it doesn't come on anymore which is very disappointing and sad. I liked many episodes especially "Run Gary, Run" and "Time". It was a great tv show and I wish they made way more episodes. Probably the best thing that came on tv.
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joebondo20 July 2019They don't make too many shows these days that you can sit down with your entire family and not have to hold your breath that some debauchery might appear.
I just discovered this show on starttv. Being born in Chicago, the show probably means a little more to Chicagoans than the rest because the series is so close to home and showcases just about all the places I've been to. With that said, I'm surprised I never knew about this show until recently (I was married in 1996 and was consumed with my then wife but am now happily divorced).
I highly recommend this show for all ages. It's s great feel good show that everyone will enjoy. I know it's rare these days for families to sit down and watch tv together (if at all). This is the perfect show to do just so. -
hicster-2907615 March 2021It's hard to believe its been 20 years since this program aired. back then, this was 1 of a hand full of programs I just had to see. thankfully I was able keep a copy, so I can see it again, usually around Christmas I will watch them.
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Hollywood_Yoda9 October 2018Early Edition is one of those once in a lifetime tv shows that comes together so well, with a great cast and even better writing. The premise of receiving tomorrow's newspaper is pretty amazing. Just think what you could change. What would you change?
Every episode has great stories, and there are even a few flashback stories that reveal background on the newspaper and who receives it. Kyle Chandler was perfect in the role of Gary, his narration was a great voice for the show.
As for CBS, I wish they'd release the last two seasons on dvd, as it's been 9 years as of 2018 since season two was released. -
sogoodlooking9 February 2022The second episode, for example, is singularly disgusting for showing us a corrupt, violent political and economic system including police willing to murder the innocent for no reason other than convenience and playing that for 'humor.' Only an imbecile, a naif, or the desperate could enjoy this.
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buffyrulezz12 April 2000What's there to say about Early Edition besides the fact that it's the best series on this side of the world. It has everything, good actors, more then enough directors and the plot. The plot, a guy (Gary Hobson) get's tommorow's Chicago Sun-Times today, he knows what will happen in the future, a thing that one should be very careful with. His personal mission, to save the world, or atleast the ones he can save in his territory, the great city of Chicago. Every day, he goes out to save the world, sometimes with his blind friend, Melissa, sometimes with Chuck (Fisher Adams), a friend that wants to place bets with the aid of the paper. Shortly told, a plot to adore, a plot that has a lot of room for different subjects. On the background Chicago and a man who's saving the lifes of his fellow-Chicago citizens.
It's just a fantastic series, don't miss it. -
Likeafrisbee15 February 2021This serie is missed on the television. It was so popular and we all loves it. Thank you for making this.
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WickedYouth29 October 2018This is the series that was fun, clever, fast moving with great lighting and camera work ..
I wonder if the creators were consulted before the studios greenlighted the dreadful show 'God Friended Me' (which is a dreadful re-boot/ripoff of Early Edition)
I would love to see Early Edition to come back .. -
surgicalrn17 September 2022I loved this show & fell in love with Kyle Chandler or maybe the character he played, Gary Hobson. He was perfect for the role. I fell in love with him all over again as Coach Taylor in Friday Night Lights. Early Edition reminds me of how enjoyable & light hearted shows were. The character used his moral judgement in deciding how to react to future events, that only he knew about. Unfortunately, in 2020s TV, he wouldn't help, just post videos of incidents on social media because he'd be afraid of misgendering someone or being called a privileged cis white male or racist. Be fun to re-watch it.
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yngvae213 February 2007only disappointment was it was basically a religious type show with no mention of god but come on, the main focus was drinking at a bar in between god's errands>>?? you just don't have that in a religiousish movie.It takes away of the whole point. besides the whole bar focus, its an amazing show! awesome music might I add!true very sad it never caught on. Its hard to find playing on any station. I hope it comes out on DVD soon! I would have given it a 10 if there was no bar crap in it. anyone knows who did the music? they use mixo a lot to mimic the irish/Scottish sound. I would like to compose like that guy. email me if your a huge fan like me yngvae2@gmail.com paul
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SheDolphin24 May 2015How did I miss this show when CBS aired it the first time around? I think I must have been in school and/or raising kids.
I found it years later in syndication, after becoming a fan of Friday Night Lights, and have had to watch the episodes out of sequence. Still, what a wholesome, feel-good show. Wish we had more of this available, today.
Kyle Chandler's Gary Hobson is a modest, unassuming, reluctant hero who gets tomorrow's news today in the form of the Chicago Sun Times and is played to honest perfection. Co-stars Fisher Stevens and Shanesia Davis (both seasoned performers), as Gary's friends Chuck and Marissa, have excellent chemistry with Chandler. There's a push-pull of morality in the series: Marissa, who has a heart of gold, guides Gary to use the information in the paper as a gift and to do what's right, while Gary's old buddy Chuck is always wanting to use the information in the paper to get himself rich. Luckily for the viewers, Gary also tends to do the right thing, when not resenting his plight with the paper.
Under the backdrop of a 4 season mystery as to why Gary suddenly begins receiving the paper . . . Each episode (for the most part, as there are a couple of two-parter episodes in the series), is a stand-alone adventure where Gary is warned in the paper that something bad is about to happen in the Windy City, and he has less than 24 hours to change the outcome.
Early Edition can be dramatic or heart-warming, but it can also be light and campy, giving these actors a full palette upon which to draw in performing their craft. My only beef is: When will Seasons 3 and 4 be released on DVD (or the entire series online), so that I can finally watch this series that I love in sequence?