User reviews

Thoroughly enjoyed the show ,very different to the "all Hollywood and little substance." typical cop shows

Love the dynamic between each of the characters and how they all balance each other out, you want to get to know the characters story and lives. It has the perfect balance of their lives and actually fighting crime.

The fact that its an angle of compassion, patience and understanding, rather than "shoot first ask later " is really refreshing. Not copy paste drama but a human element to it.

Hope there is a season 2 would really like to see where they take the story and what else they come up.

I dont know if it's only me but I find Avi a little creepy. I know it's supposed to be intensity but his facial expressions and mannerisms freak me out a little. He is a handsome man but something just feels odd. I'm just finishing the fourth episode. Maybe I will get used to it in time but it is a little off putting.

The other actors are doing a good job. I like the banter between him and his partner and the other male detective is good for comic relief

It's a nice change from the usual police drama but I dont love it.........yet. Time will tell if his creep factor decreases or it I give up watching all together.

Season 1 of The Calling, left me hoping for a season 2. While it could be described as an old-school police procedural, the unique characters on the police force and their interactions made this a thoroughly modern drama. The ethnic mix of the main characters was both striking and a reminder of how far TV has come in showing the diversity of real life: A spiritually inclined, orthodox Jewish detective, partnered with a private school educated black female, supervised by a crusty but wise black female Captain, created an interesting ethnic stew that enriched the show.

The acting was first-rate from the entire cast. Even the child actors had solid roles, and were not gratuitous or cloying as is sometimes the case.

If I had a complaint about the series, it was that it ran roughshod over rules of evidence. Police burst into peoples' homes without warrants and poked around, and there was nary a defense lawyer to be seen. The next season could tighten that up a bit. But overall, it was a highly engaging series; I hope we see more of it.

I am enjoying this show much better than most police procedural detective shows. I see a few bad reviews here and the complaining of overacting or reducing religion to a cliché. But compared to "law and order" or some of the other mainstream shows, this holds my interest much more.

The woman who plays the partner of Avi does seem a little one-dimensional sometimes. They don't develop her character very much in the first four episodes other than making her and the other cop comedy relief characters to Avi's straight man.

And unfortunately the captain of their division is forced to say the same lines over and over every episode. I don't blame the actress who plays the captain, but why do cop shows always have to have the lieutenant or captain yell at the detectives constantly that they're doing a terrible job whole time they are actually solving a crime effectively.

Even with flaws I am entertained.

If you like corny network TV police procedurals like Law and Order (which is referenced at least 6 or 7 times), then this is for you. Unlikeable characters, two different plots in the series which are both unrealistic and silly, and a cast of characters perfect for a CBS miniseries. If you love good dramas on Netflix, Prime, HBO, Showtime, Paramount Plus, avoid this one at all costs. If you are bored out of your mind and want your intelligence insulted, this is perfect for you! It's unbelievable how 'lazy' tv has become across the board, which is probably why we are all spending way too much on subscription services.

Finally!!! A crime drama with a twist! I binge watched this series with my family over the weekend. From the start I was captivated by Detective Avraham's character. I wanted to know more about how his mind worked, where his darkness and light came from, his background. He is such a complexly written and performed presence. Avraham's partner's quick wit and energy are great complements to his deep thinking and flashbacks. They are a great pair.

Whatever happened to Avraham's father must have been terrible. I like the flashbacks and how they're presented mystically. The child who plays Young Avraham is adorable and well-cast.

The Calling's story is gripping, and the acting is phenomenal. I'm desperately waiting for news on Season 2!

... have only just come across-started-watching Peacock's The Calling... after three episodes main thoughts center around, how in the world can there possibly be five-more-episodes-remaining, it seems like it took forever getting through just these three... going to give it a '7' for now, with the expectation that it will continue-coming together more once E4-8 are done, and maybe achieve a higher rating

... one written review mentions overall rating would be higher if it were on Prime or Netflix... surely there would be more than 3K-ratings, but 'much-higher'.. we'll just have to wait-see what the remaining episodes bring... acting-script-production-values all pretty-solid... look forward to finish-watching rest of season-1

... 2nd half of season a-full-180, like a completely different show... when the 2nd half episodes have changed majority of story's characters-plot, you must adapt readily, but that requires the new & different characters-plot measure up with those of the 1st half episodes... here they don't initial-viewing, script-plot never was good in this 2nd half of the season, continually just-going-thru-motions-mediocre.. hoping to raise rating, instead had to drop it down... should there be a 2nd season, it's gotta be more like 1st half of S1... maybe watching it again would make it better, but right now don't really want to... possibly will watch the four of them again before S2 airs... if S2 airs.

So, i am half way through and just want to say this is one of the best murder mystery law and order csi criminal minds mentalist type shows to hit the mainstream in a LONG time. It is EXCELLENT. Every character every cop every story the intrigue the suspense. If this had come on Netflix instead of Peacock the world would go mad for it. Also as a UK viewer this is RIGHT UP OUR STREET. Its gritty, grown up, funny, broody. Honestly they better renew this bad boy for a few more seasons and also promote it better. The lead detective also reminds me of a young ben affleck but personality of the younger brooder new batman. Go watch it you will not be disappointed!

It's a well made show in almost every aspect with good suspension, storyline with flashbacks to fill in the as the story develops. The focus on suspension and plots twist might be overdone from time to time as it creates a vacuum instead of an eerie feeling.

But christ it was ruined by someone who is supposed to be in touch with everything, but behaved more like an idi*t, without actual selling that story in any other way then what's briefly claimed but poorly presented. There's just a time when 'mysterious' don't sell it any more, it has to be some human side to it.

Still, it will absolutely do on a rainy Sunday.

I am totally hyped to find series finally making an effort (i.e. Under the Banner of Heaven) to treat religion as something else than either backwater culture or social pathology. I think the cop-thriller format is also very promising to explore the personal and introspective aspects of religion, which, compared to its collective or social aspect, rarely make it to the screen. Finally, I think Judaism is a rich and powerful tradition, at once familiar and strange ('uncanny') in our (post)Christian West, one deserving of more limelight than it usually gets (9 times out of 10, when Judaism shows up on screen, it's for a liberal Bar Mitzvah in an East Coast comedy). All this to say that I'm probably the right audience for this kind of show.

I am sorry to report, however, that the series has failed to meet my expectations. The heavy-handed writing (especially the characterisation), and the over-acting, give the whole thing a near-cartoonish tone despite its grimdark theme. Even the sound veer repeatedly on 90s kitsch, with reverbed duduk playing whenever the lead is 'intuiting'. In short, I was hoping for 'True Detective, but with Paul Auster instead of Pizzolatto', and what I got is 'Ghost Dog, but with Levinas instead of Laozu'.

Both leads are contrived. Wilbush is too otherworldly to be anything more than a deus ex machina (pardon the pun). Canfield is too starstruck to be more than a foil. The secondary characters are often formulaic (males are typically anguished and insecure, females tend to be distraught and helpless). Those who are interesting (i.e. Malzone) don't get enough screen-time. And the whole thing moves far too slowly, with not enough visual story-telling and too much time wasted on unnecessary dialogues.

Part of the problem with the writing appear to be the decision to focus on 'instinct' and 'intuition'. This is probably the team's attempt to connect Avraham's 'spirituality' and his investigative work. The idea that religion is 'irrational' or 'instinctive' is an atheist's idea of religion, and that's what this sometimes feel like: a 'magical Jew' dreamed up by WASPs, having 'visions', rather than a serious or heartfelt reflection on how Judaism fits in secular life. This is an unthreatening understanding of religion (protestantly reduced to 'feeling'), and a rather clichéd depiction of police investigation (psychometric flashbacks have grown a bit stale since the days of Samantha Waters).

The snippets of Jewish life (i.e. Sukkot or Shemura) are interesting additions, though so far they feel a little 'tacked on'. It seems this might however change in the next season. References to Judaic traditions are similarly decorative and a bit run-of-the-mill (Susannah & the elders, Cain & Abel, Jesus was a Rabbi, etc.) Avraham's Orthodoxy is mentioned but not really explored: Such common Biblical references make Avraham's Orthodoxy appear familiar and unchallenging, rather than give support to his unworldliness. Midrashic references or Hasidic tales might have been more interesting material to build on.

On the whole, I would watch a second season, because this is a subject dear to my heart, but I cannot say it is great television: unless you are interested in the resurgence of religion in popular culture, you probably won't be missing anything.

This is not your run of the mill police procedural. It was very different and I enjoyed everything about it. The writing, the acting and the production were all very well done. Based on novels by D. A. Mishani, the plots are well-developed and the characters are unique. Each story has twists and turns that you don't see coming at you.

I, for one, hope they keep these characters going with new stories and cases to solve. There are four books in the series, so there is more material to develop.

If you're weary of the angst-riddled detectives you usually see, give Avi a chance.

Don't listen to nay sayers. Give this a chance.

Excellent writing and casting of the main lead cop. The show starts of really well and gets you completely hooked. The way the scenes are shot and how the characters beautifully complement the excellent writing for the first case is truly remarkable.

But just then the first case ends and we move on to the next case.... Here's the biggest problem why this show slowly starts to nose dive - for some reason the makers start giving more meat to the female cop who starts to emulate the powerful performance of the male cop in the first case. This messes up the balance of the show and it doesn't help that the casting for the female lead is also very weak.

What was looking like a new age Sherlock turns out to lose it's fizz because the makers got confused..

I couldn't get through two episodes. The acting is miserable. The lead character and his "gift" just seemed gimicky and silly. The fun thing about police procedurals is the cases - the police solve a case that keeps the viewer guessing. The police are background for the most part. This is not your typical procedural. The main character and his "gift" are the focus of the show. I was excited when I saw Barry Levinson was a producer but for me, this is a complete miss. I'm surprised at the high ratings but I guess there is something out there for everyone and that's a good thing. I'm just stuck on the lead character's silly mysical gift of connecting with victims- too much drama and not enough good realistic police work and that just ruins it for me.

Refreshing, inspired, quirky, engaging, new kind of cop show. The cinematography of the city is great(how could you not be pulled in immediately upon seeing the Brooklyn Bridge in all its glory). The characters are fascinating, the acting ever intense and amazingly real. The dialogue is reminiscent of a David Mamet screenplay. The stories are dark and completely compelling. I preferred the first case to the second, but both are excellent.

I see that as of now, The Calling has not been renewed. I, for one would be extremely disappointed not to meet these characters again and watch their relationships to themselves and each other evolve.

NYPD Detective Avraham Avraham (Jeff Wilbusch) relies on his deep understanding of his Jewish faith for his work. New investigator Janine Harris (Juliana Canfield) asks Captain Kathleen Davies (Karen Robinson) to be assigned his partner. Detective Earl Malzone (Michael Mosley) works out of the same precinct.

This is basically a police procedural from creator David E. Kelley with each case taking place over several episodes. The Jewish faith is an interesting ingredient in the mix. Wilbusch's minimal energy and the awkward relationships make for some halting story flow. At the very least, this is a bit different than the standard network police procedural. It's derivative and yet different. They gave it eight episodes and called it a day.

How come this show has average ratings? It was very well developed, got an interesting character, & good paced, as well as entertaining storylines. I am very fond of the character, Detective Avraham played by Jeff Willbusch ., what a great character potrayal ! He could have wins awards for his performance. The cast are all pretty good & solid. It makes the shows different & felt real. There's a great dialogue & some intense scenes that makes you wanting for more. If you enjoyed watching intense crime procedural drama etc,. Mindhunters ,True Detective, The Killing , then this one is very well recommended. I hope this show would be continue for more seasons to come ! Just so I can watch the handsome leads some more.

I was looking for a "new series" to watch. I bought an app to watch the World Cup and after it was done I noticed that they had a few series in there too. I read the description for this series and I decided to give it a try. I end up liking it very much, I don't know much about the Jewish community but I find it very interesting, and you mix that with a detective work and you will get a pretty good show, entertaining, intriguing, and keep you wanting to see the next episodes. Unfortunately is only one season but I really hope they come up with more of them for us to enjoy. If you looking for something new to watch I will totally recommend it.

I especially love the cast of characters and Michael Mosley is my favorite. Crime shows in New York can either be good or bad. There is no goofy unauthentic humor and each of the cast is flawed in some way. Next favorites would be Jeff Wilbusch and Karen Robinson. It is an excellent crime show with lots of twists to keep you wondering what is going on. David Kelley never fails us and I hope this show continues on with many more seasons. It is realistic with an interesting dynamic of how Jeff or Avi operates his investigation. This is definitely a binge watch series. My only complaint is there is not more of it!

Why do the series writers think it is necessary to write a smart aleck unlikeable female character. Janine Harris is so abrasive and unlikeable she takes away from the story line. This is not a strong woman she is a cliche. She is supposed to be learning from her partnership with Avi but she belittles him, his religion, and his skills. She has little respect for her colleagues and her barbs are cheap shots. In old stage terms she is a "ham" trying to steal every scene with her not so witty lines. If the writers can tone down her nastiness and add some intelligence to her character the show may service another season.

You're in good hands if you go with David E Kelly. He's created some really entertaining TV series and The Calling ranks among his best. It's got a great ensamble cast, with Michael Mosley, Chris Sullivan, Steven Pasquele and Noel Fisher worth a special mention. The writing is very different, with two separate cases covered in the 8-part first season.

The first case, the more gripping one, is about a missing boy. The second, more complex case, has two sub-parts, one about a bomb threat to a school and the other about a missing woman.

The cinematography is rather interesting, mostly using dim colours to create a sinister atmosphere. The stories are gripping, albeit sordid, and characters are all very interesting.

I stayed up late a few nights because I simply couldn't stop watching this series.

I´ve waited to watch the whole season 1 (eight episodes) before leaving this review in case it improved to match the good ratings but it does not. In fact, it starts better off and then goes down hill increasingly fast. The last episode was the worst as it got more religious. It looks like there might be a season two but I won´t watch it, that´s for sure. I wish I had watched something else. The actors aren´t good, the script isn´t good. It was fun to see one of the actors from This is Us and another from Entourage but the TV show just isn´t any good. It´s divided in 2 separate cases and the second is worst than the first.

I'm putting this in the same category of shows with Dr House, Columbo, Dexter, Sherlock, Lie to me.

And that is because of Avraham Avraham. The main character is interesting, odd, smart and different in the best way. We all love a dark, misterious character. But he's real and fun to discover.

The story is so big and complicated. At the same time i found the show easy to watch and grabbing. The cases are not obvious and that is always a plus in every police show.

I saw this first seson in one day. I couldn't get enough. Here's hoping for seson 2. And 3, and 8 and 12.

So yeah... i recommend the show.

It is a refreshing, quirky, engaging, new kind of crimeshow.

A crime drama with a twist!

From the start I was captivated and charmed by Detective Avraham's character. Avraham's partner's quick wit and energy are great complements to his deep thinking and flashbacks. They are a great pair.

This show is differente in a very good and captivating way. The Calling's story is gripping, and the acting is phenomenal. I don't understand those who give this series a bad rating.

I really like this series a lot and you should know that I'm picky.

I'm desperately waiting for news on Season 2! They have to continue with a season 2 after the cliffhanger they ended the 1st season with.

It is supposed the detective has some special abilities or something like that. Those abilities dont show of in the series, and when something arose by the sort they are just average reasoning that whoever person could achieve. The characters are flat and unidimensional, and the story is a kind of whodunit by the numbers. The jewish spiritual background, that it is supposed be an important part of the profile of the detective, is flat and not well explained, in fact adding to the confusion of this "drama"l. I cant understand the 10 in 10 reviews, the series lack any special charm like Broadchurch or The Missing. I really wanted to like this show, but it is an one time look and easyly forget about.