User reviews

I wasn't expecting too much from Proof as there are many new shows each season that start out good and fall apart fairly quickly. I have to say that this series just seems to be getting better and better and I find myself looking forward to each new episode. So far it doesn't seem to be getting wrapped up in supernatural ridiculousness, just the search for truth and for me, it keeps the show more real. As long as the writers don't veer off into the Twilight Zone, I think this show could be around for the long haul. Also, there are some outstanding performances, particularly by Jennifer Beals, Matthew Modine, and Edi Gathegi.

O.k. I tried to wrote this review in Spanish but the system does not let me. So I will try to write it in English, so forget me if I make grammar mistakes. Although the pilot was projected on t.v just yesterday in my country, on TNT Series, I want to say... I am dying to wathc the next episode, even if the plot is not to different, and the psychology of the characters are to similar at the common people whose had to loose someone they loved experience. I am curious about the view from the creators and the guionist, they want to make us believe, or they have more evidence or proof to show us. I want to watch more episodes because the theme about life after life is just interesting and wonderful. After that, the plot, actors and escenography were convincing for me. Thanks everyone!

I don't know what happens when we die. I am intrigued by it, given my own experiences and after having seen the series Beyond and Back..., where real people told their stories, which were breathtaking. It really wasn't about NDEs because all the people in it had been pronounced dead and flatlined. It was an amazing show.

Proof takes a slightly different stance. A wealthy man, Ivan Turing (Matthew Modine), who has terminal cancer, wants to know what happens when we die, and asks a brilliant doctor, Carolyn Tyler (Jennifer Beals), to investigate the phenomenon. Tyler herself had an NDE when her son died, but has pushed it away and doesn't talk about it. Tyler asks a young doctor, Zed (Edi Gathegi) to join her, and she works with him and with members of Turing's staff.

Carolyn remains skeptical and attempts to handle things in a scientific manner, which is good, and because of that, the show doesn't go into la-la land. I wouldn't mind it, but I'm sure some would.

I have always liked the beautiful, intelligent Jennifer Beals, but she was misguided initially. Her character was unlikeable and annoying. An actress playing this kind of role can choose parts of a script where she can show some vulnerability or warmth -- and it was up to the director to guide her in that, which he obviously didn't do.

It sort of reminded me of Vivien Leigh begging that a line remain in the Gone with the Wind script where Scarlet says she wanted to be kind like her mother etc. -- because she felt without that line, Scarlet was an impossibly awful character. The character of Dr Tyler was in the same boat but with no paddle.

I noticed a change in her personality around the fourth episode and realized the director was different. The change was enough to make her a nicer character.

The story veers out of the hospital covering Carolyn's home life - she has a teenage daughter and is separated from her husband. Also, Zed has his own problems -- he's expected back in his home country, and a marriage has been arranged for him. It isn't what he wants.

The subject of NDEs is a fascinating one but in order for it to play to the masses, it has to be presented in a clinical way, and the episodes have been solid. I hope it continues with Beals' adjustment in character.

As I began watching the first episode all I kept saying was wow this is slow but I stuck with it. I've watched it week after week and I'm beginning to really like the show. I read most of the reviews and the reviews giving a low rating all seem to surround 2 main characters the brilliant surgeon Dr. Tyler (Beals) a skeptic, a bitch & she's rude to the people around her & then the millionaire Ivan who is dying & is willing to give a certain amount of money to the hospital (NOT to Dr. Tyler) but he will only make this donation if Dr. Tyler is willing to do a little side project which is finding PROOF if there is life after death.. of course Dr. Tyler says no, her being very skeptical even though she has had her own experience (which she hasn't told anyone) & the fact that her son died in a car crash, her marriage has failed & she has a 15yr old daughter who acts like a typical 15yr old girl (any women & young women know exactly what I mean) but something happens in the 1st episode that changes her mind, she asks her intern from Africa Dr. Zed to assist her on this project as well as Janel who is some kind of asst. to Ivan (I think). All of them having there own opinion on if there is life after death, thankfully she has these 2 beside her since she is VERY SKEPTICAL and the 2 of them give her a open mind. She won't admit it but I believe that Zed, Janel & these people's stories are opening her eye's & she is beginning to not be so skeptical but won't show it so she keeps up the bitchy bossy skeptical self for appearance. I am hoping that this series gets picked up for a 2nd season. This series has a lot of people questioning will they find any type of proof that there is life after death?? I'm not sure if I like it & watch it every week because I believe that there is some type of life after death. I've never had an experience I'm just open minded to the fact that there could be some type of after life.

Light of the end of tunnel might sound awfully familiar, especially for a premise to build an entire show on. Thankfully, rich aesthetic design and strong personalities ensure that Proof is more than another paranormal debacle. It definitely looks nice, as the sequences showcase many bright colorful locations, some of which are strikingly futuristic. Characters and methods have ambiance of medical show, although it keeps the focus with the right personal touch.

Dr. Tyler (Jennifer Beals) is a strong headed surgeon who has had a near-death experience. She is asked by eccentric millionaire Ivan Turing (Matthew Modine) to investigate what is beyond death. This set-up is made for human drama, especially on the doctor's part as her family is far from perfect, while delivering different cases or medical issues. The main concern is it might fall into typical medical drama, even with the peculiar theme.

It even has Edi Gathegi who has had experience playing in House and the stubborn leading character is highly skeptical. The structure might feel understandably stereotypical, though the show is sufficiently presentable. It doesn't display hospital environment with narrow style, in fact most of the scenes have amazing view, almost optimistic in nature. The eccentric mansion and most indoor shots are lightly refreshing, several continuous shots in this setting look fitting on futuristic show and they give whimsically modern atmosphere.

Leading roles are presentable with Jennifer Beals, she doesn't appear friendly at first, probably a good decision to not fall into cheesy drama. She's combative and it makes the show more digestible without stepping into spiritual territory. Edi Gathegi as the young intern and Matthew Modine as the bizarre millionaire are both good cast for their characters. The diversity of thoughts and behaviors works well for the delicate plot.

Proof has a classic concept which may be problematic, but it should find light on the end as long as it offers humble human drama in lavish vistas.

This is one of the few shows on television at the moment I literally can't wait to tune in for each week and watch the clock not wanting it to end. The premise/plot of the show is captivating and established in a realistic setting in world similar enough to our own to allow any fictional elements to be believable. The characters are like-able even though the lead comes off as hard and somewhat non personable. Her overly skeptic nature and beliefs only add to the suspense in situations in which even her full attention is focused and events that she ultimately questions. This is really well done in my opinion so far and completely different than anything else on TV. It's not a procedural and instead is serialized with episodes that have a clear beginning, middle and end that build up the story line. Hope this one makes it for season 2, although the concepts are a bit more complex/controversial for most Americans to contemplate while enjoying a television show so I wont hold my breathe.

I agree with blanche-2's review for the most part. I am a physician/surgeon licensed in California for more than 20 years so I have a slightly different 'take' on this show than some reviewers. First of all, if I were sitting at the table when the direction of the show was discussed, I would have a different opinion on several things. However, I would eventually vote in favor of everything the series has done from a 'general public' viewpoint. Where I would differ, and I would readily accept, the direction of the show, are some things that I know from training and working in many medical centers in several different states. First of all, in California, a physician who pushed anyone would be in deep do do and it simply would not happen. I am sure that somewhere there is a physician who has lost their 'cool' in an operating room, but I have no idea where that happened, certainly not in my experience of 10's of thousands of operations. Beals needs to calm down a little bit. Female physicians do not need to prove they are as 'good' as male doctors. Those days ended some time ago, although I know there are still some 'old school' doctors who hold certain positions in certain hospitals that can make it more difficult for female physicians. Good riddance for those old jerks. My personal physician is a female, not because I think she is any better than any other physician, but because I like having a 'female perspective' on health issues. Not better, maybe, but different and I can assure you the more, different opinions you have at the table, the better the outcome will be. Now a major concern of mine that I would be resistant to change: the issue of the scientist's sister overruling how the data that was collected at the time of his death was handled. I always respect the wishes of the family, of course, however, when the patient has given his/(her?) SPECIFIC/KNOWN wishes (while 100% competent) for whatever is to happen after death, I believe that should be honored to the TOTAL exclusion of any family member's opinions/demands. This scientist obviously gave years of his(her?) life to a belief in a certain field of study. His (her?) data absolutely should not be deleted by anyone (a court or person) and should be used EXACTLY the way that scientist would have wanted.

I should add that I do not believe in a 'life after death' (at least not life as we know it). I think we are all made up of atoms and those atoms will not be destroyed (they may be converted to energy and back to atoms) and memories are all made of chemicals in the brain. I would like to see this explored. Maybe those chemicals can be analyzed and the composition can be turned to data and even converted back to chemicals (by a 3D printer?) and put into an android? There are several TV shows that are exploring this now (Extant?) and, who knows, they could drive future research?

Way too many AMC commercials for me. Only way to watch it is recorded so the always-present commercials don't ruin it(30 minutes of programming, 30 minutes of commercials, every 5 minutes!) A possible "afterlife" is the premise for the show so far, with a billionaire proposing billion of dollars to the surgeon if she can prove it exists as he is dying and "wants to know". Everything else that happens is subservient to that premise and as such, is mostly filler.

Beals is tops as a no-nonsense hospital surgeon, but it was obvious from the start that she will eventually change her mind about the possibility of an afterlife. You watch, it will happen. Everything that is going to happen in TV these days is telegraphed from miles away, so there is never any mystery about what will follow. Connect the dots. Easy.

Average TV drama, except for the powerful and dynamic presence of Beals. Without her, the show would not be worth it.

The pilot episode was an intense drama from a growing list of books,and movies expanding the knowledge of our afterlife. I was engaged into the quality acting, editing,and developing story many Christians have believed for two thousand years.(I also had the experience, during an operation,near death,of floating above the doctors looking down-remembering what was seen and discussed). Decades ago, Dr.Elizabeth Kubler-Ross interviewed many for her compelling books on death and dying. Maybe now television drama wont feel this subject is so taboo. Jennifer Beals is very convincing in this tough role as Dr Tyler, non believer. This new program poses dozens of questions, that many at this time, want answered. While some may not enjoy, or believe the subject of this drama; I sincerely hope TNT can continue this quality program beyond the listed 10 episodes,to build an audience it deserves.

I would have rated Proof higher score if not the lead actress didn't get on my nerves. I am wondering why Jennifer Beals was casted in such roll she lacks femininity, sensitivity to the subject and noway you can be convinced she is a heart surgeon. I find the idea of the show is very interesting and deserve a full TV show to cover the material. Its trendy as well with the release of major movies and best selling books covering the Near Death Experience. Expensive production set designs, excellent outdoor photography and very good supporting actors, wish they gave them more screen time, we really don't need to see this angry women in every seen shouting at somebody.

I read through a couple of the prior reviews and a couple stood out for me: "Where is this going?" and "Another angry female in charge." I can't help but feel like this is a one-trick-pony, but I really hope it gets it's shizz together to improve. Why? Because I applaud anyone who tries to look deep into the meaning of life, and what is consciousness and what happens when we die, I think there is a place in this world now for TV that goes above and beyond the usual formula, but it seems that so far in the first 2 episodes, the writers are floundering. I heartily agree with the comment 'another angry female in charge', it is funny how writers think that to portray a 'Strong Female Character' that they have to make her all yelly and dour, why not have a poised, easy-going woman in charge? Why not have a funny woman in charge? What is it about writing for TV these days that everything has to adhere to the usual US0fA TV stereotypes? I have known women in authority who are playful and kind, so it is a thing! Anywho, the opening scene of the second episode was a good idea but so badly and sickly-sweetly written it had me gagging and wishing they would all hurry up and make their transition to the other side! (Sorry Jennifer!) Having said all of that, I love Jennifer Beals, I love Matthew Modine, and I am keen on them making something of the subject material, so here's hoping I can one day change my star rating...

Can't believe JB is still so beautiful and has become such a fine actress ... she is superb in this part. I'm agnostic, so I'm open-minded to this "afterlife" stuff. I find the story quite interesting, maybe because I've experienced the "looking down at yourself" and the "light at the end of the tunnel" personally when very young. But I didn't appreciate the "ghost" business in one episode and hope they avoid such nonsense henceforth.

I find all the characters well-played and quite realistic, which seems to evince a lot of grimaces from other reviewers. And several reviewers seem offended by JB's character's strong personality, but she seems to me very believable as a seriously intelligent and experienced surgeon who has lost a young son AND her marriage and who has a daughter in her "terrible teens." I think perhaps these reviewers might be more pleased watching "Married with Children." Beals is spot on as a no-nonsense woman who was all but forced to succumb to the odd offer from the billionaire because the enormous gift would be put to such good use and to turn down such an offer would simply defy logic, and this woman is logical to the core.

I look forward to the next episode ... just no more ghosts, please!

I am intrigued, as are many, with the "afterlife" and experiences of people who've had NDE's (and other experiences) which have convinced them of it.

I was really put off by Jennifer Beals' character throughout most of the series. Really cold, curt, and just unlikable. There were moments of humanity, but then they didn't seem consistent with her overall personality. I would like to see her be able to convey a professional, competent attitude without being so cold and dismissive.

Hope the show continues and uses documented experiences in a well thought-out theory of what just might be awaiting us after death.

Did not like any of the characters, even the daughter was a selfish brat. Self- centered,egocentric tedious people. Rich guy could have done better things with his money, like funding research for what he was terminally ill with rather than life after death just so he could be reassured. Once he is gone, he will know and all the suffering for living children it could have alleviated will continue. I like supernatural themed entertainment, but this was too narcissistic and just plain boring. Finally went into the kitchen to do dishes, left it on simply to listen, but to sit and watch was tedious. The only half way likable person was the doctor from Africa, but the his getting beat up by the main doctor got old fast.

As a professional writer for half a century, I've become incredibly jaded with the pabulum advanced as new TV drama series over the years. Thus, it was with trepidation that I began viewing yet another new summer replacement show.

I'm now ecstatic. Proof is the best new TV show concept I've seen in years (decades?) and far outstrips some of the major network offerings such as Madam Secretary. It is, if it can sustain the momentum, perhaps the finest new drama on television since West Wing.

As a writer who suffers from brain numbness from the steady diet of TV mediocrity, I'm eagerly looking forward to future episodes of Proof.

I was looking forward to this show, where the basic unknowable answer concerning our existence would be questioned in an entertaining yet intelligent way. It can be done. It has been done. I believe, nay, require character development and back-story. Most persons experience loss and the sadness - even emotional devastation - it can bring. However, after a mourning period, especially when returning to work, a certain civility is expected from the mourner. We have been given enough information to have, at least, sympathy / empathy for the Beals character. But who wants to watch the primary be unabashedly rude every time she opens her mouth. Women can be bosses without such dismissive condescending harshness. It certainly promotes the negative stereotype of a surgeon, though!!

A filthy rich entrepreneur who is used to getting what he wants by waving his checkbook discovers that he has cancer and does not have much longer to live. So he wants to know what happens when he dies, whether there is a life after death. Being the visionary that he is he decides that the answer is somewhere and just hasn't been found yet. So he enlists, or rather coerces, the help of a brilliant female surgeon who is struggling with a near death experience and has recently suffered the loss of a child - but no clue about social interactions or philosophy or science in general - as his researcher in the capacity of voice of reason. Add to the mix a Senegalese intern who is wise and servile, a cliché teenage daughter and an estranged husband who, apart from one extramarital night out, seems to be incapable of doing anything wrong. Oh, and a best-selling author who might or might not be a huckster.

Sounds absurd yet? I haven't even started. The only reason I didn't switch this one off is because for some time I couldn't figure out who the intended audience is. I also wondered what they would throw in to make the details more interesting (answer: nothing).

To leave on a positive note: perfect for a nerdy drinking game.

EDIT: Episode 3-5

Basically everything I criticized in my - admittedly very scathing - review has gone. They must have fired the screenwriter and hired a decent one. People are suddenly people and behave like that. The dialogue has improved immensely. No more pseudo-philosophical claptrap, even Matthew Modine's character has something to say (albeit copied from Marvin Minsky but what the heck.)

All in all I've never seen such a piece of trash turned into a quite watchable show.

I really liked this. At the beginning I thought Jennifer Beals might be too young and pretty to play the lead but I was wrong. She is a strong actress and very convincing as both a skeptic and a real person. Her daughter is believable as a teenager (what a vulnerable time of life) who is having to live with tragedy, as well as a breaking home. Like any American of her age and social environment, she's a little spoiled and not coping well with her circumstances. The young Dr. from Kenya, is believable and entertaining. He balances humor with intelligence. The billionaire's character is portrayed correctly too, authoritative, manipulating and determined. The story holds together well, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

I think 3 episodes are enough to make up my mind. The idea behind the series is not bad... sure, we all want proof of afterlife. Sadly, the execution is (again) a series written "by numbers". Everything is stereo-typed to the satisfy the lowest common denominator. The characters are all non-likable and after 3 episodes, I am left totally numb and careless about the main character and her journey. I assume this will be a long-winding road with every episode including another poor actor exposes his after/past life experience and the tear jerking love that was missed, just to be ignored by the sad-excuse for what should be a top doctor with a brilliant scientific mind. Give me a break.... there are so many better things to watch out there. C (minus) for effort TNT

A perfect story with a perfect ending!

Scream if you want, complaint if you want, but this was perfect: a well rounded fiction with the perfect story line.

The ending? If this episode was it, it was just perfect!

An impossible quest with answers that no one would ever accept.

For me it was "CONTACT" all over again: people choose belief over fact; specially when fact is not and cannot be everyone's knowledge.

Plato? Oh yes, "The Allegory of the Cave".

I liked the entire thing even though I do not believe, for one trillionth of a second that is anything beyond death. Your last breath is the end of your existence here, there, or anywhere.

Even if there was something after death, there would be no way to carry on your life features into it. And, again, who can proof me wrong?

I wanted to see a smart, "out-of-the-box" type show like "Monday Mornings" but got something else. While I decided I might enjoy the premise and the cast, it has proved to be yet another "corporate" story where a boss wants an underling to do something and forgets shortly thereafter. A dying rich guy wants to give some money to an institution for research of a questionable subject. The boss asks a peer/subordinate if they might be interested because of what all might be at stake. Said peer/subordinate agrees, performs limited "research", blah, blah, blah and is subsequently yelled at in almost every episode for letting her problems/research interfere with her normal job. The story-line is really getting tired.

Bring back "Monday Mornings," combine parts of both casts, and roll on.

I'll be honest; I didn't have a lot of interest in this from the description. Still, I thought I'd check it out.

Beals is good but her character is silly. In the first scene as she swaggers into the operating room she seems less like a surgeon than like a combat pilot from some '40s movie. I mean, she does it quite well, but it comes across as really unlikely.

The premise is, of course, super silly. Rich dying guy pays random person to research life after death. As opposed to, say, hiring a large research firm. Or, as someone else suggested, donating money to work on a cure for what's killing him.

The show is silly, but seems to take itself pretty seriously, especially in the whole grieving family drama parts.

Beals was good in her oddly-written role, and the intern she yells at was also quite good, but around the halfway point, before I could even figure exactly how they were going to approach the topic, I got so bored I just gave up.

There's no afterlife; I need to make the most of this one by only watching good TV.

For those of us looking for something original on cable we have many challenges. Proof is produced by TNT and actress Kyra Sedgwick. I give actress Jennifer Beals high praise for always trying something new. Beals, at 51, is a gorgeous, intelligent, private woman who appears to enjoy projects which challenge her. I love everything she does and her portrayal of a top notch, arrogant, yet emotional Cardiothoracic Surgeon feels accurate to me. Proof confronts the issue of death and is set in a fictional medical environment in Seattle. Much of the cast are actors you probably won't recognize which is refreshing in and of itself. They all give compelling performances. Proof presents the audience with questions about the afterlife and it's up to the audience to decide what they want to believe. It's one of only a very select shows I take time to watch on cable.

I thought the series could go further about life after death, however the content is not more than visions, daily talks about NDE, and after-life possibilities in a hospital environment.

Why is lately that female series stars have to act like an angry bitch without significant redeeming qualities? Frankly, Jennifer Beals character is as shallow as Patricia Arquette's character in CSI: Cyber

I'm bored with both Proof and CSI Cyber largely due to the lead characters portrayal, and guess what I don't have to put up with either. So, I simply change the channel, and will continue to do so. I guess these angry in-charge females are the latest edition of Hollywood's version of a stroll down the PC sewer. One thing's for sure, and it is that I won't be watching. Last I believe this story line of "Proof" is worth pursuing, but perhaps with a different director.