Will 'Kings' Stick Around?

By Korbi Ghosh

March 16, 2009 9:02 AM

NBC's "Kings"? Anyone? Yes? No?

There was a lot of good television on last night, and in the midst of it, NBC premiered the two-hour pilot of its new Ian McShane drama "Kings," which most of you probably didn't catch. The ratings were less than impressive. But I suspect that those who did tune in were intrigued, because the show is pretty solid.

A modern-day retelling of the Bible's story of David, "Kings" not only has a strong concept but great casting, and I like the fact that it looks pretty too (though the subject matter touches on topics like war, jealousy and betrayal, it's all done with a vividly bright backdrop). But maybe that's just me?

Weigh in with your own opinion in the poll and comments section below...

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| Comments (19)

19 Comments

Had a better than average look to it - in other words didnt look like it was shot on the cheap in Vancouver.
But the script came off like something churned out by someone who read the cliffs notes instead of the source material - and there was that left leaning spin that just make it ring hollow. McShane imho was miscast but the rest of the cast was pretty darned good - but i dont know if theyre good enough for me to stick it out.

Jean | March 16, 2009 9:58 AM

I liked it a lot, can't say I "loved" it. I tuned in only to see what it was like at the beginning & I ended up watching the whole show! I hadn't anticipated liking it, but I obviously did. I will tune in again, definitely.

Sanchez | March 16, 2009 10:00 AM

I loved it. Reminded me of some of the better TV on HBO and FX. Loved the performances and the look. Well paced. If TV audiences can be patient I think they will find a welcome alternative to all the reality crap out there.

ricky chips | March 16, 2009 10:26 AM

I missed it. Is it set to rerun soon? ( I dont want to watch it online)

Alice | March 16, 2009 10:42 AM

wow, I did not like it at all. The writing was terrible and it was slow, unsubtle and lacked edge. I'm hoping it was just because so many plot lines had to be laid out and in the next few weeks it will get better. We have no idea who the subjects of this King are and what their lives are like and how CrossGen could possibly do any damage by pulling their money out because we don't know how the economy works etc. etc.
I'm a sucker for McShane... the only reason to watch it is hoping for some great moments from him.

L. S. | March 16, 2009 11:04 AM

I loved it last night, I can't stop thinking about it this morning. Fantastic writing and acting; who can say with a straight face that they don't heart Ian McShane? No one, that's who. It's a shame the ratings were so terrible, this show deserves to be seen.

Wrenn | March 16, 2009 11:16 AM

I put my vote in for "LOVED IT." I am hoping that the religious right hates and requests boycotts so people will hear about the show. NBC didn't do a good job of marketing this show - this could have been Event TV instead it is "what? a show called KINGS?" - Also if they'd say the first "book" or something will be told in 13 episodes and let people know there will be a major wrapup of storylines then maybe that would help? Most people feel burned right now by serialized shows being canceled. If the show does good, they could come back with "Book 2" or something.

kellek | March 16, 2009 11:25 AM

The commercials I saw made it look like some sci-fi time travel movie, so I didn't bother to watch. Were they afraid that telling people that it was an updated version of a biblical story would cause a low viewer turnout? Well, it got one anyway, so what was the point?

Fakeem | March 16, 2009 11:58 AM

I think they are supposed to rerun the first episode on Sa****ay?

Valerie | March 16, 2009 12:33 PM