The Purge (2018–2019) User Reviews (294)

People are missing the point. Backstories are the engine that drives a series.

[tkaine3 · 8/10 · 12 November 2019]

8/10 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠 = Heavy Praise

Season 1 for The Purge TV series isn't that different from the movie itself. There are characters who have a small storyline that occurs throughout the nite during the purge which they extended through 10 episodes. Season 2 however is a much deeper and expanded out look answering the question we've all been quietly asking ourselves since the first movie was released in 2013, How does the city go about life the other 364 days of the year. What is revealed is a riveting portrayal of rules we knew nothing about. From the start we even meet the amazing voice actor behind the infamous woman who conducts the announcements. Yes I understand most people watch The Purge because of the violence and gore, I myself am a big fan of disturbing movies. I've seen the most sick and disgusting movies ever filmed throughout the world so I'm not squeamish but the scene featuring the murder of the strawberry dairy farmer is nothing to balk at for a TV series. It may only last about 30 seconds but the scene is very graphic and horrifying due to it's realistic appearance and overly harsh tone.

People by now should understand and have a good grasp of the many terrifying ways someone can be killed or hunted down during those 12 hours murder becomes legal. But fans should be anxious to learn more and commend the writers, showrunners and directors for keeping the story relevant and entertaining as it continues to grow and evolve. Kudos too those behind it.

Season 2 better than season 1

[Nightmarelogic · 7/10 · 4 December 2019]

Although I really enjoyed season 1 it really didn't say a thing new about The Purge that anyone who hasn't watched the movies didn't already know. Season 2 however takes place in the 364 days between one Purge and the next and involves the NFFA which adds a whole new level to the show. Like season one it involves a select group of people but it also has short opening stories that show how normalized violence has become.

That being said all the really low reviews for season 1 are hilariously wrong. Was the season perfect? No. It had its problems but it is nowhere near a one star. At absolute worst I would give it five stars. But the people don't really get the concept of the star system, They either 10 star a show or 1 Star it. Season 1 had some tonal problems and a couple problematic characters and didn't really say anything new.

Season 2 is where the show truly shines........

Season 2 should've been Season One.

[liamjaco-19941 · 8/10 · 2 December 2019]

There has never been a better improvement to a tv series than The Purge. It has a lot of glaring high points in its first 7 episodes that I really appreciate as a fan myself.

The stories told have a place within the universe of the Purge and aren't just considered fillers, every episode delivers a proper extension on the characters and their development. The cinematography and scale has also been upgraded with a darker less dry feel than its predecessor, the season feels like a dark horror season that has a place in the Purge universe and not just a gimmick like it's first season.

Each opening scene tells a story even for a few minutes they play out, they add essence to what the Purge has done to that dystopian world. None of the movies have done this. The show deserves to recognised for what's finally became. Definitely would be a bingeworthy series.

Better than expected

[Valentijn78 · 7/10 · 11 September 2018]

The script and acting are good enough so far that they don't get in the way of the plot or visuals. We were expecting the entire first episode to be an extended tease of the mayhem to come, so were pleasantly surprised that it actually involved some action, though most of the episode was indeed setting up (interesting and diverse) back-stories.

It was also nice to see the plot dipping its toes into the social ramifications beyond the Purge franchise's usual standby of "people gonna die" or even "rich people gonna kill off the poor people." So it seems to be showing a lot more nuance and maturity than the two Purge movies I've seen so far.

I still think there's a good chance of this series becoming derivative and even tedious, but so far it looks good. I'm also somewhat dubious about making an entire series about a 12 hour event - I wasn't a huge fan of the 24 format. Though perhaps the season won't end when the purge does? For now I'm looking forward to watching the next episodes, finding out what happens to the main characters, and seeing how the social aspects develop.

WTF

[mefmet · 9 September 2018]

I'm only writing beacuse I saw these few very negative comments. I don't get it. It's just the plot episode and you "foresee" how bad it will be? And the characters, settings, background etc. they all were quite well established, too! Some people are being negative for the sole sake of negativity.

Season 1 meh - Season 2 pretty good

[kennethbrdk · 7/10 · 6 January 2020]

After watching season 1 I wasn't sure I would see season 2. But I'm glad I did. It's so much better than season 1. I agree with the people saying that you should skip season 1. Season 1 4/10, Season 2 7/10.

Second Season is a big hit

[iGlad · 9/10 · 7 December 2019]

Season one was a good intro but the writers have been on top form with season 2 thoroughly enjoyable more characters with plenty of sub plots. I really have enjoyed it.

I'm sure it will get better.

[ferrisbeuller20 · 7/10 · 5 September 2018]

I just watched the first premiere episode and I must say I do like it quite a bit. I'm still giving this a chance despite some naysayers that think it's milking a product. It can stand on its own despite the last lousy movie and it is our answer to a good zombie movie. Its mindless killing of people and doesn't matter who or what you are, you have that chance to die, like any good zombie show. Just watch it for what it is and don't overanalyze it!

Gripping

[BlueSkies765 · 10/10 · 6 December 2019]

Season 2 is insane. It's just as good as the movies if not better. What makes it different from the movie is that we don't only see what happens on Purge night but also what happens during the days leading up to it. It masterfully shows how the Purge shapes society. And this is how this show stands out. It's quite brutal though so only people who can stomach horror movies will probably like this.

I like the show there hasn't been a dull moment in the series as all the storylines are interesting. I can't wait until the next episode.

Forget Season 1

[bm-mcmahon38 · 7/10 · 15 February 2020]

Don't bother watching season 1, it's awful. Season 2, however, is a better story and a better interpretation of the concept.

Really wanted to like it...

[francesmhill · 4/10 · 15 October 2018]

But I just couldn't. Like others on here I tried to give it a good go, got through a few eps, but there's just not enough imagination behind it for them to get through whole series' of the stuff.

I couldn't get behind the characters at all, kept forgetting who was meant to be whom and why they were doing what they were doing. Not great writing at all, which surprised me actually. I thought this would be a great op for some interesting political ideas, but no, it's just a very base structure sewn together with the loosest of plots.

Shame. What's next?

Season 1 is garbage... But season 2 so far is so good

[foldagerg · 9/10 · 30 October 2019]

The first season of the purge series is pure garbage, but the second season is so far 1000x better. The script seems original and the actors are really good. Im looking forward for the next episodes.

Updated - Watched all episodes of season 2... Its prob one of the best series ive ever seen. The last episode is kinda bland and unoriginal, but overall an awesome season.

Purging

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 28 November 2020]

The Purge movies became quite the cultural thing. I'm fairly certain that even people who never watched the movies are familiar with the premise. And I have to admit, that premise seems ripe to be exploited in a TV show. And yet while there is so much time to explore characters and backstories ... the first season feels quite flat.

Still while you get something more on their background, it does not feel enough to warrant certain things. First season almost entirely plays out during the Purge Night ... some flashbacks yes, but overall probably at least 90% are the night itself. And that is something that season 2 does way better. You start with the end of a purge night and then see the consequences of that ... that carry on for a year ... but even here you have flashbacks! So the season 2 is way more rewarding, dealing with a lot of issues and generally speaking the better season of the two. Not just because an apparently well know cameo in the last episode of the show! And as it looks the last episode overall. Another movie is supposed to come out (or should have been released if it wasn't for the Covid thing, you might have heard about that), but it seems we are nearing the end ... let's see how he movie is going to wrap things up. The show could have done with another season (imho)

Gave it plenty of time.....

[SwimminWithBowleggedWomen · 3/10 · 3 October 2018]

But just couldn't continue. I watched the first 4 episodes, hoping against hope that it would get better. It didn't. It was halfway through the 5th episode where I finally shut it off and cancelled the remaining recordings. The "protagonists" (I use that term loosely, as there really isn't a single likable character) make some of the dumbest, over-the-top decisions imaginable, the acting is terrible, writing is sloppy, and the plot is basically multiple different stories that try to make us care about the characters, but fails at every chance.

I gave it plenty of chances to show me different, and it kept letting me down. Too bad, too. It's a concept that, if done correctly, would have made for a good limited-run series.

Season 2 much better than Season 1

[Sprinklethealoha · 6/10 · 15 December 2019]

I couldn't get into Season 1 AT ALL as I didn't enjoy the characters or the perspective of the actors. I would not have bothered watching Season 2, but I really liked Ethan Hawke in the OG Purge and was so hoping it would improve. It must be a different director because the actors are way better, filming is way better, and the plot is much more interesting.

It gets better

[daniel-dejong86 · 7/10 · 20 February 2021]

Season 1 was garbage. Season 2 is terrific. Honestly just skip season 1. The stories aren't connected thankfully.

I don't get the hate

[simonfineart · 9/10 · 22 October 2019]

As a fan of the movies, I found this series to be a fun ride. I binge watched it and found some surprising turns. Overall can't wait to watch season 2. The show would totally work with a new cast every season. If you like the movies, you'll like this.

Season 2 is better than 1

[mary-179-677383 · 6/10 · 16 January 2021]

Season 1 - full of action but the problem is the characters are not developed so you don't really feel bad when anyone is purged. Too many storyline's.

Season 2 - develops the story well and you have some sympathy towards certain characters. So it is more interesting as you have some investment, but even then they had 10 episodes I'd expect a bit more depth.

Overall, it's not something I'd watch again but good one off watch show.

If you are a fan of the movie series, you'll love this!

[brettdelaurelle · 8/10 · 5 September 2018]

The first purge was absolutely terrible but I have to say this one is pretty good. Although it is unclear where in the series this is taking place, it offers up new stories that we haven't seen in the series before. For example, the purge party that two of the characters go to is something that I don't remember seeing in any of the other films. The Purge has always been such a controversial series with all the violence but if you are a fan of the series, I'd check this show out!

Season Two is well crafted ...

[imranahmedsg · 7/10 · 17 September 2020]

Despite the frequent flashbacks and differing time lines season two is gripping. For a horror show like The Purge even the plot is worthwhile and the story develops well.

Embrace the fantasy of the purge and enjoy the break from reality. Watch season one only if you have copious amounts of free time.

Get the word out, trying to boost the ratings

[Tangobaboon22 · 5/10 · 28 March 2020]

I'm giving this a 10 for season 2 only, season 1 was a mess and ruined the ratings for this show no one was ready to give season 2 a chance but trust me it is brilliant better then the movies please give it a watch if you're a fan of the purge.

Ignore the bad commentary

[kuchikopie · 10/10 · 11 September 2019]

Great series. The negative reviewers probably couldnt tell the difference between a red traffic light and a stop sign and probably hated game of thrones too cause they couldnt follow "all the stories" Haha. Good writing doesn't always mean characters in story have to be genuinely connected. Great show, great actors. Definitely protagonists and likable characters, great action. Forget the haters they obviously like hallmark movies lol.

lets go purge

[jonerogers · 7/10 · 4 December 2018]

Ok i have watched all the films in the series and i did really like them a lot, most got between an 7 and 9 on my ratings this First season of the TV series gets a 7. Its along the same lines as the film but you could say cut the series down to maybe 6 episodes or 7 and cut some non essential scenes from it and it would be better.

The problem with the series is that the action scenes are very very far and few between and they were not really graphic at all. The series takes us on a trip through various individuals/couples and their personal stories that gets us to why what and how and then we follow them to the culmination at the end and its all wound up in a nice little package. the problem is that the keep showing back stories and it drags the story out where it doesn't need to be.

I hope that if there is a second series that they sort this out as it could be a truly fab series not just a good one.

Could be a good show.

[chadwicklund · 3/10 · 14 November 2018]

Way way way, to much back story, delusional storylines, and dramatic useless time filler! Who cares about the past history of the characters, and the drawn-out thoughts and discussions of them. If you skip about half of each episode it is a great show. I don't think I could have watched it on prime time TV I would have been bored out of my mind. Thankfully I watched it recording so I could skip the boring parts. Would have been a much better show without the pregnant couple and that whole LONG, BORING DRAWN OUT STORY.

Satisfied the expectations

[elettrozero · 7/10 · 9 November 2018]

Perfectly in line with the spirit, the mood and the atmospheres of the films, the series, gives more suspance. Good people, bad people, good turned bad and bad turned good, the philosophical questions are always behind the corner but the action is still present. I found episode after episode, each one entertaining and never predictable and myself glued to the screen wanting for more. Can't wait for the next season to come.