Shots Fired (2017) User Reviews (22)

No idea why critics were so harsh!

[LiquidPoetry1921 · 7/10 · 22 March 2017]

Every single critics' review I read before watching the series premiere of 'Shots Fired' made it sound like I was about to view an awful mini-series. And I'm SO glad I didn't pass on seeing it due to their harsh critiques, or I would have missed out on a really thought provoking TV show!

Although this is yet another entry in a recent series of programs regarding race relations, I found 'Shots Fired' to be more compelling than a similar show, 'American Crime'. In an intriguing reversal of current events, the show opens with black cop Joshua Beck (Tristan Mack Wilds) shooting a white kid during a traffic stop, claiming that he was trying to grab his gun. People immediately start accusing Beck of racial profiling, believing he only pulled the teen over because he was in a black neighborhood...so he must be buying drugs.

Sensing a community uproar, the Governor (Helen Hunt) calls in the Department of Justice to handle the investigation. This brings Preston Terry (Stephan James) ~ who is fresh out of law school, and his seasoned investigator Ashe Akino (Sanaa Latham) to town.

This 10 part mini-series looks to cover police corruption, racial discrimination, political aspirations of current office holders, and the problems of systemic racism. I found the first episode to be very compelling, seeing different angles of a police shooting ~ from an almost all white police department, to an almost all black community.

But one thing is for sure ~ I'm certainly glad I didn't listen to the critics first on this one!

Remarkably surprised

[caveb-99096 · 8/10 · 8 December 2020]

I was remarkably surprised at how good the writing and execution of the plot worked. At this time in our society, it brings to our attention the matters still going on.

This should've come back

[degenerativepersonality · 7/10 · 17 August 2020]

First of all: Stephan. James. Is. A. Snack.

I appreciate what this show tried to do... looking at racially charged police killings from the other side of the divide, i.e. a black cop shoots a white kid. I liked that because dialogue is valuable, and not too many people are willing to venture in this direction in the thick of BLM. The conspiracy theories were deeply woven and I felt like they should have taken more than a season to unravel. The cast was powerful and perfect. While I'm upset that this was cancelled, I kinda see how it would've been hard to have a second season. I found the first season so nicely complete. I would've watched it still anyway. And finally, in case you didn't catch it before.

STEPHAN. JAMES.

Great Acting, Great story-line, Hope it lasts

[mts-78680 · 10/10 · 24 April 2017]

I don't usually review TV Shows (just movies) but wanted to see what the masses think. Disappointingly, I see most viewers just want to be entertained and disapprove being awakened to reality.

This show has a combination of entertainment and exposure to possibly real problems in America! I say possibly because I can't confirm all these situations occur in small-town America but living in large metropolitan, I can say thee type incidents happen and sadly it's hard to stop.

I encourage viewers to try this Show without judging and you will find that the plot is great and the actors do a great job of getting into the characters! Definitely something I wish could last but fear it will be phased out as it touches on sensitive subjects for America...

We knew the question was being asked...

[cynicaldriver-1 · 7/10 · 27 March 2017]

What question? What would happen if a black officer shot an unarmed white man? Now, just to be clear, I say man on purpose... The "victim" is an adult. A college "kid." Would a black cop go to jail for shooting him?

Enter the slick prosecutor who is only chosen for his color, and the line crossing investigator who has plenty of her own skeletons. Their job is to find out what really happened and attempt to prevent community outrage. I would like to give you my thoughts on how I think this will go, but I don't like giving spoilers. Instead I will say that I am slightly intrigued but the previews made me expect more.

The overall acting is OK, but nobody really wows you, and the subplots feel very much like an afterthought. The recipe here is glaring: Sprinkle in some relationship problems here, some "shadow of my brother" baggage there, mix with hot-topic of the day, and garnish with big name cameo... Profit. Right? We'll see.

7/10 because it is a valid question and I do sense potential, but if things don't get better the final score can easily land below 5. I think TV is supposed to get preachy at times, and it is supposed to push boundaries, but it works best when the people watching are also entertained. I hope they didn't get so caught up in their message that the mystery ends up being unsatisfying.

Interesting twist to the story

[vikeshfacebook · 10/10 · 23 March 2017]

I thought the first episode was captivating from the start. The story started with a bang and kept my attention till the end of the episode. I'm definitely intrigued to watch the next episode. The Characters definitely gave me personality - Sanaa Lathan gives a lot of sass, which absolutely loved! You know she's going to play the bad cop in the show. Stephan James oozed with personality and every word that came out of his mouth, I believed. So I'm going to hang on to my seat and wait for a few more episodes.

Pretty Impressed So Far...

[MovieHoliks · 7/10 · 28 March 2017]

I caught the pilot for what I believe is a ten-episode mini-series "event" show on Fox, and pretty impressed so far. This takes the reverse of the epidemic of young black men being gunned down by white police officers, and has instead a young white male gunned down by a black officer in a small town -- and the whole media circus following the court case. A fav of mine, Sanaa Lathan, plays one of the main characters -- an investigator on the search for the truth, and I was trying to recall where I had seen Stephan James, so went to his Wikipedia page, and apparently he had starred as track star, Jesse Owens in the recent biopic, "Race". Like I said -- good show so far; will be very interesting to see how this turns out. Helen Hunt, Will Patton and Richard Dreyfuss also star.

Shots Fired is Great TV

[jtungsten16 · 10/10 · 14 April 2017]

Shots Fired is great TV and deserves to be watched, this show strikes a few nerves and really gets to the heart of the matter. The acting is top notch and the rotating directors is very interesting because you can see each of their directing styles. Shots Fired is also a nice looking show and the cinematography is spot on. I do not see why there are negative reviews about this show, I don't really see what's not to be liked about it It's entertaining and really holds your attention from the first frame. Please give this show a chance I don't think you will be disappointed.

ripped from the headlines

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 19 May 2017]

Deputy Joshua Beck is one of the few black officers in a small North Carolina town. He stops a young white man driving in the black neighborhood. The traffic stop turns into a fatal police shooting. Governor Patricia Eamons requests a DOJ investigation. They send black prosecutor Preston Terry, only one year out of law school. DOJ investigator Ashe Akino is dealing with anger issues and a custody fight for her daughter. Alicia Carr is the mother of the victim. Shameeka Campbell is the mother of a dead black teen in an unsolved shooting. Sheriff Platt and Lieutenant Breeland are hiding a controversial police program. Janae James is an activist pastor railing for social justice. Arlen Cox is a developer planning to build a prison.

Fox claims this mid-season replacement to be a limited series. There are ten episodes and no second season. It is definitely ripped from the headlines and plays plenty with the race card. It plays it a little too hard for my taste. It even turns the hose on black protesters. It would serve the show better by avoiding some of these hot button tropes. The acting is solid. The story has some compelling elements. Pushing those buttons so many times only detracts from a well-written crime thriller.

Cheap try to grab racist turbulence

[xoqpaj · 1/10 · 24 March 2017]

This is a "lifetime movie" trying to take on an incredibly important issue. Not really smart! Very light on intelligent police work and super heavy on possible relationships! If you like soap operas or lifetime movies, you might like. If not, RUN away as fast as you can!!!!

Goosebumps

[phongnguyen-81289 · 10/10 · 23 March 2017]

I'm Asian male that grew up in a working class neighborhood and episode 1 gave me goosebumps because it aligns so much with our reality. You probably thinking how can I say that when I'm an Asian male. Truth is, many of our struggles are similar to blacks in America. You may not know, but there is an Asian gang culture in every major cities in America due to the same reasons that make it hard for blacks to succeed in America. Any law enforcement officers in major cities can confirm this.

Many of the critics will tell you it's a race baiting/anti-police show because they are out of touch with reality and blindly support anybody with a badge while living in their echochamber. Also, they don't understand the difference between anti- police vs. anti-corruption.

From reflection of reality to soap opera

[Cb-wonder · 4/10 · 28 May 2017]

Started out on a high, but fizzled out at the end. The last couple of episodes were a stretch. I hate when they incorporate hard to believe story lines into shows that are made to reflect reality....c'mon, cop killing cop, detective going out of her way to jeopardize a case (which she actually did). It went from a reflection of reality to a soap opera.

Awesome

[heatherbz · 8/10 · 1 June 2017]

This felt, for me, a real life depiction of what is happening around the world everyday. Crime is a very real part of our communities everywhere, and it is true...we can't help but see color. I loved the characters, well played! I don't know how to carry the story through into a second season, but I am hoping this is not the last I see of this cast. Thank you!

Awesome show much needed!! Cant wait to see more👏👏

[ttjonessj · 10/10 · 24 March 2017]

This show is awesome. It's about life in America its truth. "Some" people can't except who they really are and don't want to believe there are cops who shoot because of color.The world still has racism and "Some" can expect who they are and "Some" can't not because there frauds and dishonest. I pray this shows continues to warm hearts and open minds to those who want change and believe in change. I see the comments and the most disgusting ones are the ones who probably sit home and say n-word or say that's what they get. Which is so unfair most of the comments seem like hatred or don't believe in change. But I do so I will continue to watch this show and pray for those of weak minds and hatred hearts. ONE LOVE ONE LIFE ONE CREATOR 🙏 ✊✊✌

Great Show

[kinayates-63547 · 9/10 · 25 May 2017]

This show is for everyone and many need to see it. The actors were all solid and the two story lines were used great in what the show is trying to tell and show. I hope they do another limited edition of the series, with the same two charters Sanaa Lathan and Stephan James. I' am glad FOX presented it. Some people may not like the reality this show touches on but it is something warranted by it.

Terrible, racially provoking, attempt at spurring the anti LE community

[stephenmgarlick · 1/10 · 28 March 2017]

This show is terrible. First...why attempt to provoke the anti Law enforcement community even more? This is an attempt at spurring the "race war" and undermining LE even further. Totally fictional and made up reality of what really happens. I can't believe Fox has stooped this low. So disappointed. Also, terrible acting and terribly written. Shame on you Fox.

Too much Sex

[IAMEnergy · 26 April 2017]

I think this should be a half hour show not an one long show. They need to stick with the facts of the show. I do not care who is sleeping with whom and for them to put that much sex into the first episode kind of waters down the story line. I also found it very offensive the two lead characters who are black would sleep with whomever without the first degree of a relationship. The story is about the crime not the escapades of the two lead characters. If they focused on the crime and left out all the other b.s. it would be a much better story. Tristin Wilds does a great job playing his character even though I am not real sure why he would be the only black cop in what is suppose to be a racist police department. Helen Hunt, I am not sure as really do not know whether she is a good character or bad character as some of the writing is a bit confusing, but we know Richard Dreyfuss plays a bad character in cahoots with Helen Hunt. The opening sequence with the police line tape in the form of the flag is unique. I also find the filming location interesting - North Carolina. All in all okay show, but wish they got rid of all the sex and extra martial affairs who cares, stick to the story at hand.

good t.v.

[sharrein-786-330009 · 9/10 · 30 March 2017]

whats to say. great cast. strong characters. i like it. guidelines says 5 lines. so Helen hunt. Richard Dreyfus, Sana lathan, stephan james. need i say more. Aisha Hines, those are just a few names in first episode. hope fx gives this time to find its audience. i love good police drama. Sana lathan one strong woman. will love watching her each week. and good looking.

Unbearable, Poorly Written, Agenda Driven Trash - SPOILERS

[jeffkresse-814-345969 · 1/10 · 23 March 2017]

From the moment the "shots" were fired you know this is poorly written and directed. Shots fired; viewer does not see the shooting, only hears the shooting. Shot by only black cop on what turns out to be an all white sheriff's department that rapidly is exposed to be corrupt rednecks. Black DOJ attorney dude and black female investigator arrive in town, each find themselves sleeping with someone the first day on site ...like the Grey's Anatomy of justice. Fake faker fake female black pastor with strange hair style similar to prophets of Baal espouses social justice theology bad enough to even embarrass Al Sharpton ... enough already! After all the ads about this being a provocative and powerful mini series its just another poorly done piece of agenda driven trash.

Great Show

[rickycarter-889-656783 · 10/10 · 5 November 2018]

This was timely and very accurate . Enjoy this show. Please return for another season

Mediocre show with an outstanding actor

[mtyducs · 4/10 · 4 April 2021]

After seeing how great Stephan James was in 21 Bridges, had to watch something else he was in and found this show. Show is decent and he is definitely a great actor. Cops/Racism is a serious problem but the show dwells on it way too much leaving not much of a story.

Update: After 10 episodes, I can safely say the show sucks. Unnecessary random sex scenes, tangent dramas about child custody battle, and feels like show is just going in circles. I will say that I normally did not care for Helen Hunt but she is good in this show. Her and the two main leads are the only real positives about this show.

Slanted documenaries

[dskaff · 1/10 · 17 September 2021]

Kid shot a lot of times, ok. Made it sound like he was good kid that just made a few mistakes. HE WAS A LIFE LONG CRIMINAL! Of course Chicago is so well run that we are supposed to believe anything...NOT!