I'm a red blooded American from Missouri and the strangest thing happened to me when I saw the film Shaun of the Dead. I went down the rabbit hole of British TV and movies and came out a better person. Life is doom and gloom in on the telly *as the Brits say* in America 24/7 on a loop and it is exhausting. These kind of shows you can just turn on and have a good time. It doesn't shy away from serious issues, but it takes them on differently than American TV and that is why British TV for the win. If you like British TV you'll like this. If you don't wtf are you watching it for?
237 Reviews
Back to a simpler time...
fluffy256026 December 2021
People have said this show is not very good but perhaps they are looking at it the wrong way.
It's a bit of a throwback of a show to simpler times but that doesn't mean it's any less engaging. It's easy to watch, you don't have to know a lot, the writing great with some excellent and funny banter between cast members and the cast is excellent.
The best thing is that in just a few short episodes, you get involved in the character's lives, even if they are relatively superficial glimpses of people with complex issues. They are minor criminals but in this show, they still warm your heart to some degree. It just works.
Christopher Walken adds a really great dimension to the whole thing. Excellent casting and it was great they were able to get him on board.
I wondered when he was going to start dancing. He was originally a dancer so his movies and parts always includes one or more scenes where that happens. I was not disappointed.
There has to be second series. If there isn't, I'd be surprised.
If Walken doesn't turn up again, be interesting to see David Soul back on the small screen doing a turn.
It's a bit of a throwback of a show to simpler times but that doesn't mean it's any less engaging. It's easy to watch, you don't have to know a lot, the writing great with some excellent and funny banter between cast members and the cast is excellent.
The best thing is that in just a few short episodes, you get involved in the character's lives, even if they are relatively superficial glimpses of people with complex issues. They are minor criminals but in this show, they still warm your heart to some degree. It just works.
Christopher Walken adds a really great dimension to the whole thing. Excellent casting and it was great they were able to get him on board.
I wondered when he was going to start dancing. He was originally a dancer so his movies and parts always includes one or more scenes where that happens. I was not disappointed.
There has to be second series. If there isn't, I'd be surprised.
If Walken doesn't turn up again, be interesting to see David Soul back on the small screen doing a turn.
Very cool and well done.
Rogermex7 April 2022
This was such a pleasure. Of course, I'd watch anything with Christopher Walken in it, and he's typically fun here too. Amazingly fine acting by all involved. You find yourself caring for each of the characters, even if some seemed "weirdos." Good combination of clever humor and serious social issues, as well as personal drama. Seriously, I can't think of anything wrong with it. Have a ball!
Better than expected
nkishudak23 December 2021
Brillliant
kris-gray3 December 2021
Some reviewers here think a comedy drama is supposed to have funny lines ever 30 seconds. Thankfully it didn't I could have done without a canned laughter track. It's the situations that are comedic not so much the lines.
The casting is brilliant. Especially Christopher Walken who is one of the best bits in it. Perhaps in the hope of selling it to the Yanks, not sure they will get the humor. I didn't recognise Eleanor Tomlinson at first and. Jessica Gunning from Law and Order UK was brilliant as the frustrated wannabe police officer.
Loved it, I understand series 2 is already in the can. I wonder if it will just carry on from where this one ends or is there a new set of 'bad guys'.
Whatever, I am looking forward to it.
The casting is brilliant. Especially Christopher Walken who is one of the best bits in it. Perhaps in the hope of selling it to the Yanks, not sure they will get the humor. I didn't recognise Eleanor Tomlinson at first and. Jessica Gunning from Law and Order UK was brilliant as the frustrated wannabe police officer.
Loved it, I understand series 2 is already in the can. I wonder if it will just carry on from where this one ends or is there a new set of 'bad guys'.
Whatever, I am looking forward to it.
Walken and a Kool Gang
kerrielmarsh8 December 2021
Who doesn't love a group of misfits that are not really badies but a little bit naughty.
I like the Breakfast Club but for adults feel and wow, Christopher Walken rocks up. I was sold!
The Outlaws is a programme about a group of people who have been sent to take part in community service for their wrong doings. You have a typical set of different characters from varied backgrounds. We see each story unfold under the over arching message that if friends stick together, they can get through anything. No matter our differences as people.
That's always a nice thing to be reminded of isn't it?
Especially at this time in the world.
Merchants skills for making an all round great production really shine here. A great mix of comedy and thriller with the writing and performances managing to not get too cringe, when at times it could have. Though also not airing on the side of fluffy either.
Funny yet a little gritty to keep you hooked. This is a really good show and look forward to series two.
Awesome writing, well performed and a new fav actress in Jess Gunning.
I like the Breakfast Club but for adults feel and wow, Christopher Walken rocks up. I was sold!
The Outlaws is a programme about a group of people who have been sent to take part in community service for their wrong doings. You have a typical set of different characters from varied backgrounds. We see each story unfold under the over arching message that if friends stick together, they can get through anything. No matter our differences as people.
That's always a nice thing to be reminded of isn't it?
Especially at this time in the world.
Merchants skills for making an all round great production really shine here. A great mix of comedy and thriller with the writing and performances managing to not get too cringe, when at times it could have. Though also not airing on the side of fluffy either.
Funny yet a little gritty to keep you hooked. This is a really good show and look forward to series two.
Awesome writing, well performed and a new fav actress in Jess Gunning.
Brilliant dramedy
argylx11 November 2021
Having read some other reviews complaining they didn't get as many laughs as they were expecting, I'd like to clarify; The Outlaws is not a sitcom. It is a dramedy or comedy-drama. I think people have seen Merchant's name, thought of The Office and Extras and thus misunderstood the idea behind this series.
Some of the humour is around social disparity, inequality and issues of race and class. That these topics are both explored in the dramatic theme and at times joked about does not make the show "woke" or "PC" as some reviews are suggesting....that's just some people's reaction to anything mentioning these issues in any context and one of the characters is based on the white, middle-class, rage-baited tabloid reader stereotype (though goes on to become more multi-faceted and sympathetic as the story and characters develop), so that's where those reviews are coming from.
The Outlaws delivers a masterful blend of tension, action, emotion and Merchant's signature style of comedy, which tends to be a mix of self-deprecation, irony and social observation. Each of the characters has something to like, something to sympathise, something to dislike and something to laugh about.
As with any series, I'd say always give it at least two episodes before you make your mind up - the pilot is always going to be the weakest link because it has to set everything up which follows.
This one is well worth the patience to pursue.
Some of the humour is around social disparity, inequality and issues of race and class. That these topics are both explored in the dramatic theme and at times joked about does not make the show "woke" or "PC" as some reviews are suggesting....that's just some people's reaction to anything mentioning these issues in any context and one of the characters is based on the white, middle-class, rage-baited tabloid reader stereotype (though goes on to become more multi-faceted and sympathetic as the story and characters develop), so that's where those reviews are coming from.
The Outlaws delivers a masterful blend of tension, action, emotion and Merchant's signature style of comedy, which tends to be a mix of self-deprecation, irony and social observation. Each of the characters has something to like, something to sympathise, something to dislike and something to laugh about.
As with any series, I'd say always give it at least two episodes before you make your mind up - the pilot is always going to be the weakest link because it has to set everything up which follows.
This one is well worth the patience to pursue.
Fresh British "comedy" ... enjoyable
CrazyArty24 December 2021
A novel comedy from Stephen Merchant in which a group of seven very different strangers complete community service together in Bristol.
It's not a pure comedy, it's a mix of comedy and drama. However, it has a good plot with some excellent characters. Christopher Walken is brilliant, Stephen Merchant is very funny, and the rest of the cast do a good job.
I just watched Season 2.
The story continues where it left off but this is not as good as Season 1. It lacks the novelty of the first season.
I was bored in parts although it gets better as it goes. Episodes can trundle along with rare moments of excitement. It's not really a comedy, it's a drama with some funny (rarely laugh out loud) moments.
A mixed cast, varying in quality but Merchant and Walken still stand out. Across both Seasons I'd give it a 7* but I wouldn't want to watch it again. It's not that great.
It's not a pure comedy, it's a mix of comedy and drama. However, it has a good plot with some excellent characters. Christopher Walken is brilliant, Stephen Merchant is very funny, and the rest of the cast do a good job.
I just watched Season 2.
The story continues where it left off but this is not as good as Season 1. It lacks the novelty of the first season.
I was bored in parts although it gets better as it goes. Episodes can trundle along with rare moments of excitement. It's not really a comedy, it's a drama with some funny (rarely laugh out loud) moments.
A mixed cast, varying in quality but Merchant and Walken still stand out. Across both Seasons I'd give it a 7* but I wouldn't want to watch it again. It's not that great.
Withdrawal Symptoms
smartinezmd5 April 2022
I know that a series is really good when I feel sad that the last episode has ended. The characters have endeared themselves into my home and my heart. A very well done Brit comedy/drama/suspense with great writing and acting. Fun premise as well.
Good relaxing fun
efd-104675 April 2022
Walken is our National Treasure
dmmedical2 April 2022
Now the UK gets to enjoy him also.
I have always loved Stephen Merchant.
Funny show with a bungled criminal escapade, led by Walken, of course, His one liners (not only in this role) never fail to crack me up, especially, when you nearly miss them, and go back to catch them again.
I never miss anything by Merchant or Gervais, and have not been disappointed!
I have always loved Stephen Merchant.
Funny show with a bungled criminal escapade, led by Walken, of course, His one liners (not only in this role) never fail to crack me up, especially, when you nearly miss them, and go back to catch them again.
I never miss anything by Merchant or Gervais, and have not been disappointed!
Funny and Entertaining
yourebooked9 January 2023
I just finished watching the end of season 2 last night and I can only hope they continue with this show.
The entire cast is brilliant and has wonderful chemistry.
I enjoy the combination of drama and comedy. The stories are interesting and I did feel like I was on the edge of my seat with several scenes, but the comic relief was unexpected and worked perfectly. They also managed (in only six episodes per season at that) to flesh out the characters and their relationships with one another.
Christopher Walken was wonderful here. I enjoyed Stephen Merchant's character as well and was surprised to find out that he actually created the show.
Wrapping this up, I enjoyed The Outlaws immensely. Witty, entertaining and just fun to watch. I hope they'll be more seasons to come.
The entire cast is brilliant and has wonderful chemistry.
I enjoy the combination of drama and comedy. The stories are interesting and I did feel like I was on the edge of my seat with several scenes, but the comic relief was unexpected and worked perfectly. They also managed (in only six episodes per season at that) to flesh out the characters and their relationships with one another.
Christopher Walken was wonderful here. I enjoyed Stephen Merchant's character as well and was surprised to find out that he actually created the show.
Wrapping this up, I enjoyed The Outlaws immensely. Witty, entertaining and just fun to watch. I hope they'll be more seasons to come.
The last ep s2
MoistMovies14 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Almost kills the series for me. It's like it was written by someone who never watched the first season. Tho first Is superior to s2 imo
Stealing a car..... the badly executed character shift was absurd by the final ep with Oxford. Is she on the spectrum? She can't seem to talk about real feelings when its important, but this is hardly considered by season 2. No issue if she was, would've made the end of s2 make sense emotionally for the audience.
We are just supposed to accept what she did on the train or why walkens great character doesn't show he's developed regarding family over 2 seasons. He's told to bail so he just does? Rent a house on the same street to be near your family, at his age she's treating him like scarface..... We were supposed to get behind his fight to be back in his family's life. He just bails and no growth?.... OK. Some writers should've been fired.
If you love Christopher walken, check out the significantly more enjoyable "Severance". Best new show in a decade. It's 2022 as of this review. Forgt this and go watch Severance. You'll thank me later after its s1 finale will blow your mind.
Stealing a car..... the badly executed character shift was absurd by the final ep with Oxford. Is she on the spectrum? She can't seem to talk about real feelings when its important, but this is hardly considered by season 2. No issue if she was, would've made the end of s2 make sense emotionally for the audience.
We are just supposed to accept what she did on the train or why walkens great character doesn't show he's developed regarding family over 2 seasons. He's told to bail so he just does? Rent a house on the same street to be near your family, at his age she's treating him like scarface..... We were supposed to get behind his fight to be back in his family's life. He just bails and no growth?.... OK. Some writers should've been fired.
If you love Christopher walken, check out the significantly more enjoyable "Severance". Best new show in a decade. It's 2022 as of this review. Forgt this and go watch Severance. You'll thank me later after its s1 finale will blow your mind.
Ruined by woke
duron60012 April 2022
Simply not funny. The writers seem to have had a moral agenda to push, rather than a desire for telling a good story.
It would be a nice feature if IMDB put a "woke agenda" warning label on anything made after 2010.
Et tu, Merchant.
It would be a nice feature if IMDB put a "woke agenda" warning label on anything made after 2010.
Et tu, Merchant.
Decent well executed with laughs series
dwhyde-911161 December 2021
The 1st ep might be a bit on the slow side while setting up what's in store with the following eps.
Steven unselfishly doesn't make himself the hero or even the main character. He dips in and out adding comic relief and giving all the actors a decent back story. He doesn't even give himself the best comedic scenes as there is plenty other light relief from some of the other actors from a fairly complex and dark story line and keeps you guessing till the end.
The adding of the absolute icon of Christopher Walken is class.
A defo binge worthy series.
If you don't like this then you need to take a look in the mirror and question your life choices.
Steven unselfishly doesn't make himself the hero or even the main character. He dips in and out adding comic relief and giving all the actors a decent back story. He doesn't even give himself the best comedic scenes as there is plenty other light relief from some of the other actors from a fairly complex and dark story line and keeps you guessing till the end.
The adding of the absolute icon of Christopher Walken is class.
A defo binge worthy series.
If you don't like this then you need to take a look in the mirror and question your life choices.
Light but bright Satire
Almost_Soldout1 November 2021
Unexpectedly a great show! Perfect cast, well developed characters and a nice plot with quite a few funny twists happening. Actually the storylines aren't the most important here, it's about people and how their such a different lives crossing with each other.
That's one of few shows I am really waiting for a new episodes to be released each week. Naive, lil bit childish and optimistic, feels we have been missing this for a while.
That's one of few shows I am really waiting for a new episodes to be released each week. Naive, lil bit childish and optimistic, feels we have been missing this for a while.
Uplifting, funny and entertaining
gethinnadin12 November 2021
As a Bristolian I love it!
robcallawayvfr26 October 2021
I hate my accent and generally I don't enjoy hearing it on the TV or Radio. This could be that it is either put on by a non local actor, over exaggerated or automatically makes you think of Aardman's Creature Comforts.
However, I love this program as most of the accents are pretty true and not over exaggerated.
The mix of humor, sentiment and action is great and IMO will give the series longevity.
The acting is very good especially from all the main characters. It is almost surreal seeing Hollywood A lister Christopher Walken as a passenger on a bus going through a Bristol housing estate rather than in the back of a chauffer driven gangsters limo in LA.
The views around Bristol are great to see, the camerawork is cinematic.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of this series and hopefully several more series to follow (series 2 is being filmed now).
However, I love this program as most of the accents are pretty true and not over exaggerated.
The mix of humor, sentiment and action is great and IMO will give the series longevity.
The acting is very good especially from all the main characters. It is almost surreal seeing Hollywood A lister Christopher Walken as a passenger on a bus going through a Bristol housing estate rather than in the back of a chauffer driven gangsters limo in LA.
The views around Bristol are great to see, the camerawork is cinematic.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of this series and hopefully several more series to follow (series 2 is being filmed now).
Just Wow!
ShaunCheese12319 August 2022
Season 1 was good entertainment and great character development. The show chose amazing actors and everyone had great chemistry. I was worried for season 2 (as most shows drop off after the first season), but holy...it was way better than season 1. The writers did an amazing job and every character in the show had a purpose that progressed the plot and not many shows are able to pull that off with that many characters.
Good elements - Cringe Dialogue
samturnip126 October 2021
I love Stephen merchant and this show is very watchable, it ticks a lot of boxes, but it has flaws. The main thing that stands out to me is the dialogue, especially that of political dialogue. It's so on the nose and heavy, it's so forced between the characters when they talk about left wing vs right wing politics. This is especially bad when you have the 'gang' in their blacked out car talking about it. If this was an outright comedy it wouldn't be as bad but it's supposed to have a sense of realism, therefor the dialogue between the younger characters should feel more natural. It's very clear Stephen Merchant is writing what he thinks young people sound like/speak about. Apart from this the visual direction is great and the overall storyline is enjoyable.
Sharp, Entertaining & Amusing
loisjclark9 November 2021
Very enjoyable, easy-to-watch comedy.
Typical Stephen Merchant, witty and pleasant but at the same time quite deep with some serious thought-provoking stuff in the melting pot.
Excellent cast, and interesting, moreish characters. All very different - which is kind of the point.
Sucks you in, you want to follow everyone's story.
No weak links here. Looking forward to watching the rest.
Typical Stephen Merchant, witty and pleasant but at the same time quite deep with some serious thought-provoking stuff in the melting pot.
Excellent cast, and interesting, moreish characters. All very different - which is kind of the point.
Sucks you in, you want to follow everyone's story.
No weak links here. Looking forward to watching the rest.
Started off well but then...
chet1911 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The first few episodes were great, as it had a wonderful mix of quirky comedic characters and they started mixing in a crime drama. It was well done and we were hooked. Can you beat Stephen Merchant and Christopher Walken as eccentric lovable losers?
But then it started getting annoying, which turned to not credible, which turned to looking at our watch to see how much time is left.
The main problem was the Rani and Ben characters. I know Ben wasn't a 100% willing and active gang member, but still, look at the stuff he was doing. Working for the gangsters, stealing money from a different gangster (while he was stealing a phone), sticking a gun in John's face and threatening the whole Outlaw crew, etc etc. Ben was NOT a quirky misdemeanor criminal like Merchant and Lady Gabby. He was a felon.
His sister didn't listen to him and joined the gang as well. She shot a guy (yeah, probably self defense, but Spider was pretty far away!) and treated Rena like crap after Rena tried to help her. Not cool.
And so an Oxford honor student decides to steal her loving parents' van and go help him with his felony? 100% not believable. Would not happen. But it gets worse. Slowly but surely, the other outlaws decide to help him as well.
The law-and-order woman in charge of the community service suddenly switches sides. She now takes the felon's side as well, and she lies to the police about everything.
Christian meanwhile, along with 2 of his thug companions, are about to leave the warehouse, but then he backs down from a fight against the outlaws? I think he would have ripped right through Myrna and anyone who stood in his way. Just absolutely not plausible for a gangster to back down from some senior citizens and a few petite women.
But then it started getting annoying, which turned to not credible, which turned to looking at our watch to see how much time is left.
The main problem was the Rani and Ben characters. I know Ben wasn't a 100% willing and active gang member, but still, look at the stuff he was doing. Working for the gangsters, stealing money from a different gangster (while he was stealing a phone), sticking a gun in John's face and threatening the whole Outlaw crew, etc etc. Ben was NOT a quirky misdemeanor criminal like Merchant and Lady Gabby. He was a felon.
His sister didn't listen to him and joined the gang as well. She shot a guy (yeah, probably self defense, but Spider was pretty far away!) and treated Rena like crap after Rena tried to help her. Not cool.
And so an Oxford honor student decides to steal her loving parents' van and go help him with his felony? 100% not believable. Would not happen. But it gets worse. Slowly but surely, the other outlaws decide to help him as well.
The law-and-order woman in charge of the community service suddenly switches sides. She now takes the felon's side as well, and she lies to the police about everything.
Christian meanwhile, along with 2 of his thug companions, are about to leave the warehouse, but then he backs down from a fight against the outlaws? I think he would have ripped right through Myrna and anyone who stood in his way. Just absolutely not plausible for a gangster to back down from some senior citizens and a few petite women.
Christopher Walken, it's only Christopher Walken!
RobCattani26 October 2021
Absolutely brilliant in the first two episodes ,acting and story is bang on ,all characters are likeable , especially the shop lifting Rani ,superbly played by Rhianne Barreto ,a mix of hilarious comedy and nail biting drama ,Merchant as ever has delivered , and it has Christopher effing Walken in it ,one of the greatest actors in history ....
Genius.
Two episodes in
MpX2326 October 2021
Two episodes in, this is engaging enough to make me stick with the series, but coming from Merchant, I expected more laughs. Don't go in expecting the laughs-a-minute ratio to be as high as much of his past work. It's a crime/thriller first and foremost before a comedy. One of the biggest issues with this, that some other reviewers have pointed out, is the left wing vs right wing BS between a couple of the characters, or how it's framed in the 1st episode, the right winged 'blowhard' and left winged militant... I mean, this is the same 'militant' who actually pulls someone up for saying coloured person instead of person of colour. Insufferable! Coming from Merchant, who on his amazing XFM radio shows and podcasts with Gervais and Karl, was as un-PC as it got at times, it is surprising. Some of the characters are cliched on the surface, like the Indian young female with helicopter parents and the 'person of colour' being entangled in gang life, but they are varied and each have their own story. And then, there is Christopher Walken who is great in anything.
More BBC3 than BBC1 - OK, but should have been funnier.
JRB-NorthernSoul26 October 2021
Marketed as a comedy which is pretty unusual for a 60m serial. In reality it fell somewhere between drama and comedy without ticking either box convincingly. For me the world and characters didn't ring true enough for a drama and there was no real jeopardy in the dramatic story.
On the comic side there were a lot of so-so gags, but no real comic connections between the characters, many of whom were one-dimensional, Eleanor Tomlinson's Instagrammer, Darren Boyd's right wing businessman etc. Direction was flat and the pace of it too slow. Christopher Walken was wasted and needed to be much more upfront.
Might have worked better as a six episode half hour comedy with a sharper script. Well-intentioned but a bit disappointing.
On the comic side there were a lot of so-so gags, but no real comic connections between the characters, many of whom were one-dimensional, Eleanor Tomlinson's Instagrammer, Darren Boyd's right wing businessman etc. Direction was flat and the pace of it too slow. Christopher Walken was wasted and needed to be much more upfront.
Might have worked better as a six episode half hour comedy with a sharper script. Well-intentioned but a bit disappointing.
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