--- title: "Heroes: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/heroes/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/heroes" critics_score: 75 critics_reviews: 8 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Heroes (2006): what the critics said Critics' score 75 from 8 reviews: 7 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics respond warmly to Heroes, with praise concentrated on its first season rather than its full run. The reviews favour its character-led approach to superpowers, inventive plotting and ability to make a sprawling serial accessible. The cast and writing receive repeated approval, while the gradual connections between characters give the central threat momentum. Several critics value the balance between intrigue and answers; optimism and fresh ideas also help distinguish the series. Reservations concern both the time it takes to gather pace and what happens after that opening season. Variety supplies the sole mixed assessment, finding style and promise in the premiere but questioning its broad appeal as storylines converge slowly and some characters prove less engaging. The retrospective reviews are positive about the first season but agree that later instalments cannot sustain it. The spread therefore reflects different viewing points as well as different levels of enthusiasm. ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 4 March 2007. The critic finds the series better than Lost, with a graspable premise about young people developing superpowers and a clear plot to save the world. They single out its inventive writing, acting, shooting and wide-eyed optimism for praise. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/mar/04/media.television) ## Empire — Angie Errigo Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 1 December 2007. The critic finds the first season mystifying yet rewarding, with a story arc that develops well by answering enough questions to keep viewers engaged. It builds from calm introductions of powered characters to an intense climax around a shared nuclear threat. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/heroes-season-1-review/) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 21 September 2006. The critic credits NBC with an ambitious serialized sci-fi premise with cult potential but questions its broad appeal. The premiere has style, intrigue and a serious tone without silliness, though storylines converge slowly and some characters lag. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2006/film/awards/heroes-4-1200513174/) ## Digital Spy — Neil Wilkes Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 13 October 2006. The series is an excellent serialized drama with a great plot, cast, and writing that stands out from similar shows like The 4400. It is highly accessible and shows strong early ratings potential as a breakout hit. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a37341/heroes/) ## Den of Geek — Natasha Ross Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 9 November 2007. After initially losing interest, the reviewer grew to love the show through a binge-watch of season 1, praising its twists, character development, and standout darker episode 'Five Years Gone' while highlighting Hiro as a favorite. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/heroes-us-season-1-boxset-review/) ## /Film — Ryan Leston Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 23 May 2022. The first season is a near-perfect television achievement with fresh ideas, interesting characters, and rich storytelling that captured a massive cultural moment. Later seasons failed to replicate the formula despite some strengths. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/872291/heroes-is-better-than-you-remember/) ## Paste — Lacy Baugher Milas Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 27 May 2022. The first season was truly great television that changed the landscape for superhero stories on TV with its character-driven approach and memorable twists. The series deserves credit for its early impact despite its later fall from grace. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/heroes/heroes-season-1-streaming-legacy-genre-tv) ## Collider — Jack Coleman Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 May 2023. The first season was exceptional and ahead of its time with strong serialized storytelling and momentum on network TV. The show declined sharply afterward due to decisions to extend beyond its original one-season concept. [Read the review](https://collider.com/heroes-tv-show/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/heroes.md