I couldn't get enough of this show the first two seasons. There were likeable as well as unlikable characters. In season 3 the only characters who dominate the storyline are the unlikeables. Spending time with Keith or Bridget Kiely is not fun or enjoyable. Gone are the two Hennessy sons as well as Claire and instead we're stuck with their mother Patricia. I could give more examples but for me I like to spend my time with people I like. Season 3 doesn't provide that for me. It's kind of a miserable experience watching it. Lowering my rating from a nine to a seven because I did like the first two seasons a lot.
49 Reviews
Crimes big and small
NHLiptak3 March 2016
Why do I watch Red Rock? Why do I look forward to the next episode? Well, this show is crisply paced and it's fairly well acted. Ultimately, I have to like (at least one of) the characters, and I have to root for someone. Here, Red Rock is solid. From Garda Cleere to Det. Tyrell to Supt. McKay, Red Rock features regular folks -- they all have issues, just like I do -- whom I'd want as neighbors here in New England, folks I'd be honored to sit down and share a pint with in Ireland.
Of course, there's evil in Red Rock, and the police, plus some of the other townspeople, do battle in back alleys and hallways, on street corners and mobile phones, sometimes with criminals and sometimes with each other.
It's the details -- looks of anguish or triumph, phrases packed with anger or angst, with big, broad troubles like murder and pedophilia sharing the canvas -- that make this drama pop. For a soap opera, it surely seems real to me, so I care.
Well done. There's room for growth to be sure, but I want to see more. (nearly 8 out of 10)
Of course, there's evil in Red Rock, and the police, plus some of the other townspeople, do battle in back alleys and hallways, on street corners and mobile phones, sometimes with criminals and sometimes with each other.
It's the details -- looks of anguish or triumph, phrases packed with anger or angst, with big, broad troubles like murder and pedophilia sharing the canvas -- that make this drama pop. For a soap opera, it surely seems real to me, so I care.
Well done. There's room for growth to be sure, but I want to see more. (nearly 8 out of 10)
soap with hope
ikanboy16 April 2016
At 25 minutes or less an episode it breezes along. 2 feuding families and a Garda station with varying degrees of competence and corruption. As a soap it knows how to suck you into love/hating the characters quickly, and by episode 20 you really want the bad guy to get his, and by episode 30 he may be close to doing so. Will they drag it out some more? To keep us on our toes we have the good guys continually showing their clay heels, strong characters with holes, and a truly white trash family vying with one not much better, merely richer. Can cops be really as dumb as Westlife and Paudge? Will Sharon get justice or will she tell them all to shove it?
Very entertaining.
Very entertaining.
Great show for binge watching
kathymckinney3 August 2017
I *hate* soap operas. I hate daytime drama. I wouldn't be caught dead watching an American soap opera and had I known Red Rock was a daytime drama, I would never, ever have even downloaded the first episode.
Let me say, I'm truly grateful I didn't know, because this is a great show. It's a lot more NCIS than it is Days of Our Lives.
I've given up watching anything American other than sci-fi shows, and have been scraping the depths of my Amazon Prime account for great international shows. Red Rock is definitely, wonderfully binge-able watching. The characters are flawed and real. The relationships are complex, and nobody is television "perfect." No blonde bombshells with vapid, overworked makeup, here. The cast seems to have been chosen because they have their own faces, and because they can...gasp...actually act. Villains you love to hate, lovers you love to love..Shakespearean tragedies...Red Rock has them all.
Episodes are like chips, you can't eat just one. Only 25 minutes long, I'll watch one episode and find myself, hours later, on episode 25. It's not deep or intellectual, but Red Rock will keep you entertained for hours and hours. I highly recommend it.
Let me say, I'm truly grateful I didn't know, because this is a great show. It's a lot more NCIS than it is Days of Our Lives.
I've given up watching anything American other than sci-fi shows, and have been scraping the depths of my Amazon Prime account for great international shows. Red Rock is definitely, wonderfully binge-able watching. The characters are flawed and real. The relationships are complex, and nobody is television "perfect." No blonde bombshells with vapid, overworked makeup, here. The cast seems to have been chosen because they have their own faces, and because they can...gasp...actually act. Villains you love to hate, lovers you love to love..Shakespearean tragedies...Red Rock has them all.
Episodes are like chips, you can't eat just one. Only 25 minutes long, I'll watch one episode and find myself, hours later, on episode 25. It's not deep or intellectual, but Red Rock will keep you entertained for hours and hours. I highly recommend it.
Love it or Hate it, either way you'll be stuck to it!
davidobrien199524 January 2015
Before I started watching Red Rock I had seen a headline using a quote from an actor in the series saying they couldn't wait to be "knocking Fair City off their perch" with this new show. I taught this was mad as Fair City bad and all as it is, is still the main Irish soap opera around. After watching the first 6 episodes of Red Rock, I am sure it will knock Fair City "off their perch".
As the show opens with the death of a young man from a local feuding family we are drawn into every detail going around about the death as if we were members of An Garda Síochána. The show has so far shown how close the community is and has indicated at what the future holds with locals in corruption, law breaking Gardaí, the re-igniting of feuding local families the 'Kielys' and 'Hennessy's', behind closed doors relationships and the hopes and dreams of some members of the Gardaí being crushed.
While the show is still in it's early days and TV3 has commissioned the continuing drama for the next two years with 160 episodes to come. I hope to be for a long-haul of excitement, with every episode already ending on the note of the typical soap cliffhanger.
As the show opens with the death of a young man from a local feuding family we are drawn into every detail going around about the death as if we were members of An Garda Síochána. The show has so far shown how close the community is and has indicated at what the future holds with locals in corruption, law breaking Gardaí, the re-igniting of feuding local families the 'Kielys' and 'Hennessy's', behind closed doors relationships and the hopes and dreams of some members of the Gardaí being crushed.
While the show is still in it's early days and TV3 has commissioned the continuing drama for the next two years with 160 episodes to come. I hope to be for a long-haul of excitement, with every episode already ending on the note of the typical soap cliffhanger.
Red Rock rocks the BBC daytime viewers
albatosh5 September 2016
I learnt of this TV series via an article in The Mail's TV planner. It promised to be punchy, and punchy is exactly what you get. For quite some time now daytime telly drama has proved to be weak, watered down and frankly boring. What a huge and pleasant surprise this Police Drama turned out to be. I was hooked from the very 1st episode. The 2 series aired on the BBC 1 channel have touched base with such subjects as murder, drugs, gangland warfare, paedophilia, inter family disputes, bribery, you name it, Red Rock has it. The show is a credit to Irish TV, I have never heard of the cast names before, but I'm well and truly hooked. The sad thing now, is that UK viewers have to wait until 2017 for series 3.....Roll on 2017 I say....
Need more episodes Amazon!!!!!!!
dwhallon3 March 2016
Love this show.
The cast is amazing. I couldn't stop watching it.
I had to unfortunately. Amazons AcornTV only has the first 44 episodes. Oh to be in Ireland. So I could watch the rest. Please. Please. Please. Amazon get the rest of this amazing show!
I can't wait to see the rest.
Only 44 of the 99 episodes are available on Amazon. I have not been able to find it anywhere else to stream. So much better than the cops shows here in the states. Definitely a must see. Hope it's not too long before the rest are available .
The cast is amazing. I couldn't stop watching it.
I had to unfortunately. Amazons AcornTV only has the first 44 episodes. Oh to be in Ireland. So I could watch the rest. Please. Please. Please. Amazon get the rest of this amazing show!
I can't wait to see the rest.
Only 44 of the 99 episodes are available on Amazon. I have not been able to find it anywhere else to stream. So much better than the cops shows here in the states. Definitely a must see. Hope it's not too long before the rest are available .
Fresh and endearing
tlwhitecdn3 June 2018
I just found this show on Amazon and it is so good. I binge and I am never disappointed. I recommend to all. No bad language etc. they deal with some real life issues. They families involved are super. I give a 10 because it's so refreshing.
Good acting; attractive style; too dumb
phelix-josie28 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Do the Gardai really do massive searches for adult daughters who storm off from their fathers? I mean 18 or 19 years old means "adult" in ROI doesn't it?
As for the cops who brought in the assholish CEO, could they seriously not more accurately explain the course of events that led them to bring the guy in? I'm not a big cop fan, but they were justified. And they didn't leave him alone for 36 minutes. For most of that time, the two arresting cops were standing outside the cell listening to the guy rage, waiting for him to calm down so they could let him go.
Then there's Garda Sharon who seems to have no game in the game. I kept thinking that surely she was at least recording him.
Chief McKay is nice, and Katie's dad is pretty funny. But there are really no characters I'm truly rooting for. They're either nasty, gormless or cowardly. The things that save it are Dublin and the accents.
As for the cops who brought in the assholish CEO, could they seriously not more accurately explain the course of events that led them to bring the guy in? I'm not a big cop fan, but they were justified. And they didn't leave him alone for 36 minutes. For most of that time, the two arresting cops were standing outside the cell listening to the guy rage, waiting for him to calm down so they could let him go.
Then there's Garda Sharon who seems to have no game in the game. I kept thinking that surely she was at least recording him.
Chief McKay is nice, and Katie's dad is pretty funny. But there are really no characters I'm truly rooting for. They're either nasty, gormless or cowardly. The things that save it are Dublin and the accents.
Terrific with an original treatment
beresfordjd26 May 2017
Red Rock is just a brilliant series. I usually get heartily sick of the predictability of these kind of programmes but Red Rock is different. I really believe in the characters and their predicaments. People who you believe are likable and pleasant, turn out to be real villains and people who present as harmless nincompoops take wrong turns and end up in desperate circumstances. The Garda behave like old friends who have worked together for years and treat each other accordingly. All the actors are first rate and because I am unaware that I have seen them before, they come across as real. I find it compulsive viewing and find myself even watching repeats of the first series on the run up to the second series and getting just as engrossed.
Good News: Bad News
jdocop-3551328 August 2019
The good news is that this series does feature good acting, and lotsa cliff hangers, just as any self-respecting soap opera should. The bad news is that, much like "The Bridge" did to El Paso, Texas, USA, "Red Rock" shows (imho) Ireland and the Irish people in a very unflattering light. Gawd, these people are stupid and most of them are cowards, as well!
I can't believe how many of them choose to do the wrong thing, over and over! And, then they compound their errors with even more errors!
I never thought I'd see any show where a Junkie shows more clarity of thought and courage than other, supposedly clean and normal people! Conor, a heroin junkie, is the only one who dares to face the thoroughly despicable Brian McGonigle in his own lair, and speak out against him.
We can't stop watching, but we are continuously amazed, mystified, and confused by the idiocy of the many characters! Watch at your own risk.
I never thought I'd see any show where a Junkie shows more clarity of thought and courage than other, supposedly clean and normal people! Conor, a heroin junkie, is the only one who dares to face the thoroughly despicable Brian McGonigle in his own lair, and speak out against him.
We can't stop watching, but we are continuously amazed, mystified, and confused by the idiocy of the many characters! Watch at your own risk.
Hooked! Where is the rest of it?
JuDee-627-55480014 September 2018
I have watched all that Amazon Prime has available. That is up to Season 3 episode 70. Is there more? Please be more!
I stumbled upon this Soap Opera looking for something to watch. I instantly was interested in the real reason behind Daryns death. With each episode they would bring more character out in each of the actors. Leaving me with mixed feelings about each. First you like them then you hate them and then you feel sorry for them. But you definitely become emotionally involved with the characters. I enjoy the relationships the Garde have with each other and how they are familiar with the other characters who live and work in Red Rock. The characters and plots all seem to tie into a story line that could happen in any community.
I can not always understand what is being said (I am American). But it's easy to understand what is meant without knowing the language of the Irish.
I hope to find out what happens next...as season 3 episode 70 really ended with quite a bit of drama.
I stumbled upon this Soap Opera looking for something to watch. I instantly was interested in the real reason behind Daryns death. With each episode they would bring more character out in each of the actors. Leaving me with mixed feelings about each. First you like them then you hate them and then you feel sorry for them. But you definitely become emotionally involved with the characters. I enjoy the relationships the Garde have with each other and how they are familiar with the other characters who live and work in Red Rock. The characters and plots all seem to tie into a story line that could happen in any community.
I can not always understand what is being said (I am American). But it's easy to understand what is meant without knowing the language of the Irish.
I hope to find out what happens next...as season 3 episode 70 really ended with quite a bit of drama.
Entertaining and well done
douglasgeiger21 June 2020
Having gone thru almost all available (and mostly free😏) crime/detective series I stumbled across Red Rock. When I got to about episode 22 I thought "how many can you make in 1 season?" I scanned ahead and realized it had to be a daily show (brilliant right?😆)
Very well written, good characters and actors, realistic storylines.
Give it a try you'll probably enjoy it.
Biggest bunch of screw-ups ever...
queijinho7710 March 2019
I was really excited about this show during the first season, but by the second season it becomes clear that every character is a total mess. Poor decisions, dishonesty, corruption, crime, stupidity...Every single one of them. It's hard to like anyone or care what happens to them.
Too bad, because the acting is really top notch.
Hooked
tlwhitecdn3 August 2018
A genuine gem
stephjack3-237-47561226 May 2018
A plague on both your houses
rallen-3492318 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
If this series had been made by the English, it would have been slammed for catering to all the worst stereotypes of the Irish. The only characters with any backbone are the women, who are divided into Lady Macbeths and Cordelias: determined and psychopathic (the matriarchs), or determined and saintly (the young ones). The men are with one or two exceptions simply weak. Driven by greed or just fecklessness, they lie and cheat to get out of current difficulties, with the inevitable result that they land themselves in worse problems.
There is a clear overall theme to the programmes so far (one to five): it is that old standby of desperate writers, Romeo and Juliet. For the Montagues and Capulets read the Kielys and the Hennessys. For Romeo read David Hennessy and for Juliet, Katie Kiely. Mercutio is Darren Kiely, who in the first episode is already comatose and dies by the end. A small change in Shakespeare's plot is that the dead lad is from Juliet's family not Romeo's, but otherwise this tired old boy-loves-girl-but-their-families-hate-each-other device is clearly destined to be flogged down the road for as far as it will stagger, together with variations on a theme of "Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!"
The series has just begun showing on BBC and iPlayer. My partner is unaccountably besotted with this series, so I guess I will have to watch it proceeding along its humourless way to the bitter end. I just hope for my sanity's sake that it picks up some wit or originality in the meantime.
NOTE ADDED AFTER EPISODE TEN: the series really has picked up as the writers (and actors) get into their stride. It's not exactly Brookside yet but it does hold a story-line very competently, and is not nearly so predictable as the first few episodes led me to fear.
ADDED AFTER EPISODE 40: OK I admit it, I am hooked. Just as you think the series is getting silly or boring, something happens to jerk you awake again. Upgraded to 8 out of ten. Ibsen it isn't, but who would want to watch Ibsen twice a week anyway.
There is a clear overall theme to the programmes so far (one to five): it is that old standby of desperate writers, Romeo and Juliet. For the Montagues and Capulets read the Kielys and the Hennessys. For Romeo read David Hennessy and for Juliet, Katie Kiely. Mercutio is Darren Kiely, who in the first episode is already comatose and dies by the end. A small change in Shakespeare's plot is that the dead lad is from Juliet's family not Romeo's, but otherwise this tired old boy-loves-girl-but-their-families-hate-each-other device is clearly destined to be flogged down the road for as far as it will stagger, together with variations on a theme of "Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!"
The series has just begun showing on BBC and iPlayer. My partner is unaccountably besotted with this series, so I guess I will have to watch it proceeding along its humourless way to the bitter end. I just hope for my sanity's sake that it picks up some wit or originality in the meantime.
NOTE ADDED AFTER EPISODE TEN: the series really has picked up as the writers (and actors) get into their stride. It's not exactly Brookside yet but it does hold a story-line very competently, and is not nearly so predictable as the first few episodes led me to fear.
ADDED AFTER EPISODE 40: OK I admit it, I am hooked. Just as you think the series is getting silly or boring, something happens to jerk you awake again. Upgraded to 8 out of ten. Ibsen it isn't, but who would want to watch Ibsen twice a week anyway.
Awesome tv show
kyragd200920 March 2021
Best show ever. Can't wait for new episodes.
camotley3 January 2019
This show is addicting. I binge watched all 3 seasons in a matter of about a week with very little sleep. It was soooo great!!
PLEEAASSEE tell me there will be new episodes in 2019!!!
I'll have to go through withdrawals cause I can't find anything that is this good. Not cursing, not showing sexual situations & naked people. It's just an over all great story line.
Please tell me also that Sharon will finally give Paudge a chance to be her love interest. They're great together. Good chemistry.
Plus I want to see Claire come back and Katie Kiely with their babies.
Interesting but . .
rbost-7023328 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A Scot friend of mine clued me in some time ago the socio-economic strata of English, Scottish and Irish. This series does little to raise up the maligned Irish. Always drinking, layabouts abound. The way they portray Ireland or at least Red Rock or Dublin it would be way down my list to visit. OK police soap but a bit heavy on the stereotypes. Kind of humorous when you watch thinking how low will Bridget Keily go. What a lowlife.
RED ROCK IS OUTSTANDING!
cmgentry122 September 2019
Found the series one night on Amazon Prime & have binge watched the program. Prime only has 3 Seasons so I can't wait for the remainder of the series to come to America. The storyline, performances, writing is absolutely brilliant. Every performance is better than the last. The writing & storyline keep you guessing what's coming scene after scene. Brilliant program!
Irritating on a Personal Level
patricia-haertlein23 December 2021
I will keep watching despite my huge irritation regarding McGonigle getting away so long with his heinous behavior on this show. Even I would know how to use my smart phone to record conversations and video of important liaisons depicted in this series. It's completely unbelievable that a cop would be too incompetent in this day and age to take proactive steps after being almost beaten to death. Come on!
The Best Unlikable Series
flashfolds21 May 2021
I love the show, very addictive. The plot twists weaves a story "just out of reach," especially for the Garda. From an American point of view, or at least this Irish-American, I can not think of one likable character in the show. Bridget always looks like she's ready to pull a fast one. Vinny is just plain enept and whipped, Kaity is unreasonable, Keith is a moppet. The Reids are all just nuts. Angela and Tommy seem totally oblivious, the Hennessys all need pyscho-therapy, and every Garda in the station are prone to corruption of some kind. Rory seems untrustworthy and ambitious to a fault. Nikki seems out of her depth. Most of the men in this series are such momma's boys. It takes my breath away. I loved my mother to death but the idea of her controlling me as an adult is laughable...I can go on but I won't...But somehow the show works.
A good watch but can get predictable
khan-fardeen33016 October 2020
Starts off slow and picks up good pace. It gets predictable by the end of season 2. Rachel and Connor making the same mistake again and again. Sharon always trying to do the right thing the wrong way and then crying when things don't work out. Lot of good characters were killed or let go(transferred in the show). Below par characters kept getting dragged on.
The stupidity got to be too irritating.
aimea_s5 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Started out great, then Sharon, Paudge, the higher ups and everyone started making infuriating choices that punish the guards and let the bad guys slip through. Unbelievably stupid choices over and over again. Couldn't take it anymore.
See also
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