Dirty John (2018–2020) User Reviews (409)

Very entertaining, but extremely alarming depiction of real events.

[wlwise1 · 8/10 · 2 January 2019]

First, anyone giving this miniseries a low rating and calling Connie Britton's character "dumb" or "stupid" has obviously never been in or been close to anyone in an emotionally/physically/psychologically abusive relationship. If they had, they would understand that, unfortunately, situations like this do happen, and much more frequently than would be expected. They also would understand how difficult it can be to extract yourself from abusive relationships, even if the abused realizes how bad the relationship/situation is. While I read the published story, I have not heard the podcast, which is supposed to be fantastic. The tv show is pretty faithful to the published story, although some of the characters (primarily her two daughters) are a little exaggerated for tv purposes. While I, like most viewers, feel frustrated with Connie Britton's character due to her repeated poor choices, I easily can see that she is a very sweet, giving, compassionate person who is naive and too trusting of others due to the way she was raised and her own honesty - she simply can't fathom that anyone could be so malicious and dishonest because it isn't in her character makeup. If you've been "around" in the real world at all, you'll quickly realize that most people highly suspicious of others tend to disbelieve so easily due to their own tendency towards dishonesty and deception, as well as low self esteem.

After saying all of that, we (my husband and I) find this show very entertaining and extremely well done. Both Eric Bana and Connie Britton are excellent in their portrayals of their characters, and I would figuratively "kill" to have Connie's character decorate our house - she has exceptional (decorating) taste!

Sleeping with the enemy

[edwin-wks · 8/10 · 16 August 2020]

It is puzzling why they chose to name Season 2 after Betty Broderick instead of her narcissistic late ex-husband. Being unaware of their story before this enactment, I was under the initial impression that she would be the John Meehan of this season.

With the rise of narcissism in the world (one only has to look to the United States and their leader), it is time that more people learnt how to recognize a narcissist and avoid their toxicity. Using Dan Broderick as an example, here is a quick summary:

#1. Love bombing. Flooding Betty with affection and overtures during the initial courtship. And no doubt doing the same later with Linda.

#2. Validation seeking and vanity. Image-obsessed and insisting on three bespoke coats in med school when Betty was barely making ends meet.

#3. Entitlement. Expecting Betty to help put him through law school while single-handedly raising four children.

#4. Vindictiveness and lack of empathy. Not considering Betty's feelings nor his children's, which ultimately would be his downfall.

#5. Exploitativeness. Using Betty to ensure his success and, when that objective is achieved, seducing a young and naive Linda to stroke his ego.

#6. Gaslighting. Denying his accountability and questioning Betty's sanity.

Not all narcissists are of the grandiose nature. Dan's narcissism was covert, reserved only for those closest to him, in particular Betty. Had he and Linda lived, there is no question that he would have behaved as despicably towards Linda as he did with Betty. A leopard never changes its spots, especially a narcissistic one.

Season 1 offered a glimpse into sociopathy, courtesy of John Meehan. Season 2 told the tale of an arrogant narcissist meeting his untimely demise by pushing his first wife too far. There are still Machiavellianism and psychopathy to cover in the following seasons.

The betty Broderick case so sad

[evans-j34 · 6/10 · 16 August 2020]

For reviewer below peter5555 whater oh do shut up about gold digger women in case you didnt notice betty Broderick was the 1 who worked full time paid the Bill's and supported her husband while he was going all whilst being pregnant and raising kids and then when his education paid off and he got rich he dropped her for a younger model and used his legal knowledge and all legal friends in the system to rob this woman if everything including the kids she"d raised all by herself turning them against her so easily coz she had nothing!!! How the hell he didnt lose everything in court for being the adulterer is beyond me california law is messed up, he shouldve been penalized for the affair the kids shouldve stayed with her and the house and then she wouldve been able to get herself therapy for the loss off her marriage that she invested all her youthful years on

Nasal Daughters

[melissaevans1972 · 6/10 · 15 December 2019]

Started watching this and I watched all the episodes in pain. The actresses that played the daughter were the most annoying, nasal and horrible actresses. They reminded me of the ugly step sisters in the cartoon Cinderella. Who ever thought they were good should have their head examined. Connie Britton ached like she was drunk or high. The only one that could act was Eric Bana.

Amanda peet shook me to the gut

[speared_boy · 10/10 · 19 August 2020]

What a talented actress, I am spell binded and flanked with grief by her powerful performance. All hail Amanda peet

Chilling story of an American Psycho

[AdrienneGrayceMusic · 7/10 · 16 January 2019]

Very good story. I am just learning about the Dirty John story, and I recently watched the new true story that was aired on oxygen network. The story of a womanizing psycho who gets away with swindling not only vulnerable women, but also scammed other people, such as senior citizens and other gullible people. He was never put in prison or jail long enough and it shows how messed up the justice system is. As for this series, I do like it, but some of the casting is questionable. I like Connie Britton as Debra, but I think they could have found a better looking actor to play John Meehan, than Eric Bana. He did ok in playing him, but he just didn't fit his profile. They also made the daughters to seem like more annoying brats than they really were. Those 2 on screen were almost unbearable to watch. The story had to be told though, and Im glad it was. I'm looking forward to finding out how they will manage to squeeze in a season 2.

Great Season 2!

[mari_lopes15 · 10/10 · 10 July 2020]

I had rated this series a 7 during the first season. It was certainly interesting but everyone was so hard to relate to and empathize with that I had a hard time with it at times. Season 2 has changed my rating from a 7 to a 10 though.

The costume and aesthetic of the eras are so good. The story takes you from the 60s to the 90s and you really feel like you're actually in those decades.

The characters have so many layers and the actors are so good. I have a love/hate relationship with every single main character which proves how well developed they are.

I was familiar with both stories and I immediately thought the Broderick story would be a great pick for this series. So I had a feeling it would better than the first season, but this is better than I even thought it'd be. I can't wait to find out what season will be about.

The daughters are the worst

[cfeight-21784 · 7/10 · 10 December 2018]

I was a huge fan of the Podcast so naturally I wanted to check out the show. So far, I'm slightly disappointed. They made the daughters seem completely dumb and ditzy, but they did not seem that way in the Podcast at all. I hope they don't continue on that way.

Dirty John. Betty

[arianapapa · 10/10 · 20 August 2020]

Such a well filmed series loved it, Amanda was amazing in that role she nailed it, she deserves an Oscar.!!!!

Good

[alyssafflovex · 7/10 · 14 January 2019]

To avoid ruining yhings for myself i dont want to research thr real story until season 1 is finished but holy hell was the real woman THAT stupid?! So many cringeworthy decisions made but the show is entertaining and keeps viewers interested.

Happened to me

[WVfilmfem · 10/10 · 3 January 2020]

Something very similar. I'm educated, was working as a teacher, coming out of a 20 year unhappy marriage, very vulnerable. I don't like to use that as an excuse...(the courts called me "victim"). These kinds of men are very skilled at seducing women. Ultimately, when I tried to extricate myself, after months of stalking (I had removed him from my $$), he broke into my house and tried to shoot me with a gun he had stolen. The only reason I'm still alive is the gun jammed. I appreciated this series, and the podcast. People should not blame the victim of such psychopaths. They exist for the soul purpose of seducing and using their targets/victims.

Made Betty Broderick sympathetic

[rdmd316 · 6/10 · 16 July 2020]

Or tried to. Dan Broderick was wrong to have an affair and may very well have tried to hide assets from his wife. He more than likely did, the 80's were the decade of excess. All of that was terrible. But I have some experience with narcissists. The damage they leave in their wake is life altering. The disregard she had for her children was evident throughout. I will admit that I watched the Meredith Baxter movies before and that is closer to my experience with narcissists. In inability to control her behavior, in spite of any and all consequences that resulted from that behavior, it is textbook. I want to be sympathetic to her, because Dan's behavior was wrong. I just can't be sympathetic, she brought so much on herself. I don't think she was able to react any better because of her personality disorder but that really doesn't change my response to her and this season about her. The acting was good, and the intent was good but I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would.

Terrible acting

[iowalund · 1/10 · 11 December 2019]

I know this story so I was willing to watch the Netflix version. It started out OK, but went downhill fast. Connie Britton was just horrid. She hardly ever raised her voice above a monotone whisper. How many mothers of teen girls do you know like that? Her affect was way off-like when she was smiling at John's sister in the hospital after they pulled the plug. "I want you to meet my daughter (who killed your brother, by the way)" . They made her and her daughters seem like bimbos. They weren't. I've been in a psychologically abusive situation so I understand why Debra was the way she was. But they didn't have to make her seem so utterly stupid. Britton didn't help matters with her portrayal. Maybe I should blame the writers instead.

Rated season one with 7 but had to change it

[ximesoto · 7/10 · 22 August 2020]

I loved season 2 - really broke my heart this story. Everyone's acting was great, specially Amanda Peet. Even though Betty actions can't be justify, you get to understand her, anD feel sympathy for her. Horrible case, very sad

Season 1 - Meh. Season 2 - AMAZING. Amanda Peet deserves a golden globe.

[coloveslp · 10/10 · 7 June 2021]

WOW!!! I just finished watching season 2 and I am speechless. I had no idea the brilliance of Amanda Peet. I remember her in Saving Silverman, in which she was hilarious, but her character had no depth nor was she meant to. Her portrayal of Betty Broderick was stunning. I normally do not watch mini series or very many TV shows as I feel they're tedious and drawn out, but this 9 episode journey through the beginning and aftermath of the Broderick marriage was perfectly done. Not an episode, scene, or line is wasted. Even the cinematography was so well done it makes you feel completely submerged into the wonderful misogynistic world of the 1980's. Not to mention hair, makeup, costume was immaculate and brought the story alive. I still feel emotional after watching it yesterday. Casting was perfect. It would be an absolute crime if this series does not receive an Emmy or Golden Globe.

Season 2

[staciarose20 · 7/10 · 15 July 2020]

I really enjoyed season 2, but I think they glossed over some things-like Betty had a boyfriend in real life and got $16,000 a month in alimony. Why would a woman who had everything going for her (moving forward) then go on to kill her ex and his new wife? Narcissistic rage. Not abuse. To this day she wants revenge against two dead people who had the nerve to move on. While I liked this show, it painted Betty as a victim who's been gaslighted and toyed with, and that just wasn't the case.

No One Us Innocent

[annette-pulliam · 10/10 · 3 June 2021]

Betty, Dan, Linda and the legal system are all culpable in this situation. Betty had her issues and what she did was wrong. But Dan was having an adulterous affair. Linda was in a relationship with a married man. Dan knew Betty was unstable. He chose to deal with her simply as an adversary. As if she was a stranger in a court case. Not a person he had been with for 16 years and the mother of his children. Everything Dan did and the court allowed him to do only escalated the situation. I only knew the name Amanda Peet before this. She deserves an Emmy for this role. I am a fan of Meredith Baxter's portrayal. But Amanda's got under my skin and made me emotional. A tragedy for everyone involved. Betty was up front and out of control with her behavior. But Dan probably was just as bad. He only did it in a different way. Betty did not have the right to take their lives. But no one was innocent in this situation. Season 2 is just as good as season 1. Looking forward to season 3.

Thought I would hate it.

[FIoret · 6/10 · 6 January 2019]

The podcast was a helluva ride, so when I heard they were making a mini serious I rolled my eyes. Obviously much like when a movie is adapted from a book, it'll never live up to your first experience.

Firstly off, Eric Bana --- what time capsule they get him out of. But after a few episodes you calm down and remember he's a good actor. Meanwhile Connie Britton has a made a deal with our Dark Lord because the woman just doesnt age. If you're an OG Designing Women fan, you're already love Jean Smart.

This is a fun series. Nothing mind blowing or ground breaking. I think a next good project would be "Doctor Death". Oddly enough, Eric Bana would be a good casting choice for that lead as well.

Season one is a 6.5 - 7. Season 2 is the 9-10!

[Le_Nausea · 9/10 · 18 August 2020]

I never knew Amanda Peet actually has the chops for such a role! She was just brilliant - her character's physical and mental decline was just so realistic, I wondered at one point whether they used facial prosthetics or whether the lighting was just horrendous! I think I already knew Christian Slater had it in him tbh... I kinda wish that this story had been a dramatic recreation in its own right, and not tied to the first story of John Meehan (which I also really enjoyed btw - love Briton and Temple). However I understand the theme of gaslighting and/ emotional abuse is popular at the moment, while society comes to grips with all the various ways we might further dissect the patriarchy and it's continuing legacy? Personally, I see Betty as an undiagnosed mental health case... like at one point in the series her friend says "she really needs help" and her lawyer says (and I'm def paraphrasing here) "but she might never change, maybe now she just needs to grow old." I basically saw that scene as how America deals with mental health and particularly that within the justice system. Why bother to even try to rehabilitate when you can just lock them up and forget about em...

Oh yeah and the costumes are great too.

Confused by title, doesn't make sense

[rosefappani · 7/10 · 16 August 2020]

Ok, the "second" story in the dirty John serie is god, not finished to watch it yet but is good, the acting is good, the story is real, production good, I am only writing this because I think it is very stupid they called it Dirty John 2, I mean, there is not John here, John is not a Town, a place, a feeling, is like to say Saving private Ryan and "Saving private Ryan 2 Pearl Arbour", John story is gone finished, this is another crime love story, ok, they wanted to viewers to know that if you like Dirty John you like this, well, that's what they should have done, put it out there with the title and the reviews "THE BETTY BRODERICK STORY" If you loved Dirty John you'll love this" That's it

Loved it.

[mmartello-16285 · 10/10 · 20 January 2019]

Don't understand the negative reviews here at all. I binge watched this without knowing any backstory whatsoever of this real-life story, so it was unpredictable which kept me hooked. This was highly addicting with great acting and storytelling. Connie Britton was fantastic as Deb. Yes there was disagreement with her actions and I got annoyed with her multiple times, but at the same time felt bad due to Connie's strong portrayal of a broken and vulnerable woman looking for love.

The daughters were a fun addition to the show as well-anyone who says they're annoying doesn't understand this generation (or Southern California). Yes Veronica was spoiled and privileged, but also smart and badass. Same with Terra.

Great pacing, great setting, great story. Each episode was a rollercoaster.

Watch it, I loved it.

Cringe worthy

[asheeran-58187 · 14 February 2019]

Enough other people have wrote reviews that I agree with .I get that John was the bad guy but I truly despised the daughters in this ...I'd hook up with someone deranged and violent if it meant getting away from those two self important stalking non entities Avoid

Slow pace of the program's progress

[lisamazzone · 6/10 · 27 February 2019]

An entertaining but very slow story. Of the 8 episodes, 5 could be deleted. Was more suitable as a film. This story could easily be told in 1.5 hours.

1/10

[ocallaghan002 · 1/10 · 7 March 2019]

The youngest daughter just annoyed the hell out of me with your fake crying and annoying voice.

So much potential..

[nikolasnevalainen · 6/10 · 4 March 2019]

The story is good enough to make a 10/10 series. Yet it didn't. Acting was good enough but the characters were not. All of them were simply lacking in depth, even John. They simply didn't build up the plot in a captivating way (like they do in so many other similar series) that just leaves you itching for one more episode. With Dirty John you just kind of go from episode to episode waiting to see how it turns out in the end, in case you don't already know how the story goes. Even so, it was worth to watch and a solid 6/10 maybe even 7/10 (wich is where we ultimately land when people are rating it either as amazing or absolutely awful).