--- title: "Transparent: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/transparent/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/transparent" critics_score: 84 critics_reviews: 7 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." --- # Transparent (2014): what the critics said Critics' score 84 from 7 reviews: 7 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews are uniformly warm. Most critics single out Jeffrey Tambor’s performance as Maura as the main reason to watch, finding it insightful, nuanced and credible rather than a stunt. Praise also gathers around Jill Soloway’s writing and direction: sharp dialogue, a bittersweet tone, and a Pfefferman family that feels fully lived in, with the sibling rivalries drawing nearly as much notice as the central transition. Several place it alongside the better cable dramas. The spread is narrow and there is no real dissent. What reservations there are come in small: The AV Club notes some conventional elements and a slow pace in the early episodes, and Paste finds the writing occasionally heavy-handed or over-poetic. The Times, the least enthusiastic, enjoys the comedy but thinks the series remains moralistic about its characters’ sex lives. Nobody argues against the performances or the tone. ## The Hollywood Reporter — Tim Goodman Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 18 September 2014. The critic calls it a beautiful, funny and touching account of a family coming to grips with change, an ambitious and accomplished series on the level of top HBO shows. It singles out Jeffrey Tambor's career-defining performance as the central character navigating transition with insight and wit. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/transparent-tv-review-733983/) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 26 September 2014. Transparent is a real joy that perfectly balances its characters' personal transitions and uncertainties with poetic, authentic dialogue and a gentle, flowy tone. The critic singles out the show's focus on the Pfefferman family's intimate, ongoing emotional lives and Soloway's direction for creating a fully inhabited world. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2014/09/tv-review-transparent-is-damn-near-perfect.html) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 18 September 2014. The critic hails the series as a breakthrough for Amazon's original programming, praising its beguiling bittersweet tone and strong writing and performances that handle family dynamics with insight. It singles out the ensemble cast as worth watching over the full season. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-amazons-transparent-1201307061/) ## The AV Club — Eric Thurm Rating B+. 29 September 2014. The pilot establishes a believable, sardonic Jewish LA family with strong sibling dynamics and emotional realism, anchored by Jeffrey Tambor's nuanced performance as Maura. The critic praises the show's confident character work and direction while noting some conventional elements and the slow pace of early episodes. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/transparent-pilot-the-letting-go-1798181440) ## The Telegraph — Gerard O'Donovan Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 12 January 2015. The first episode is sharp as a whip and totally contemporary, a sharply observed indie-style dark comedy. Creator Jill Soloway realises the comic concept with verve and aplomb; the dialogue is sharp, characters well drawn and complex, and Jeffrey Tambor is the best thing in it as the unlikely yet credible transgender figure. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11118847/Transparent-Amazon-Instant-Video-review-place-your-2015-Emmy-bets-here.html) ## The Times — Andrew Billen Rating ★★★★☆. 27 September 2014. This very funny Jewish family comedy-drama weaves an arthouse feel from sibling rivalry, sexual secrets and spare ribs. The big reveal of Mort’s change is wonderfully handled with pathos and dignity, and the series fascinates with its characters’ sex lives while remaining moralistic. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/tv-review-transparent-our-girl-5ktxj56970l) ## Paste — Shannon M. Houston Rating 9.0/10. 27 September 2014. The critic calls the series unique and groundbreaking for its authentic characters and strong performances, especially Jeffrey Tambor's, which form the true foundation beyond the trans storyline. A minor complaint notes occasional heavy-handed or overly poetic writing moments. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/transparent/transparent-pilot) --- © 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/transparent.md