I stumbled upon this show and normally I won't bother to watch any show if it has only 1 series as I don't want to start to enjoy knowing there won't be a follow up! However this had 2 series so thought it worth it and I wasn't disappointed admittedly I am a big sci fi/ fantasy fan so it was right up my street and from the first few episodes had me hooked.
I thought the script and acting were great on a par with the likes of charmed which I also loved,I binge watched series 1&2 optimistacly expecting as there was no series 3 that it would finish as in wrapping it up on last episode of 2!
Of course Fox as it has in the past didn't allow and it ended with a few cliffhangers that frustrated the hell out of me! Surely Fox could have commisoned an extended end or a special 90-120 min episode for all the dedicated fans of the show! Simlair to what was done for Sense8!
I would still recommend the show as it is well worth it and who knows maybe it can be revived just like the new Charmed coming next month!
91 Reviews
Like most TV these days, starts off great and then....
calisouther8 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Julia Ormond is a great actress, in fact, the whole cast does well.
You can only do so much with a cheesy, easy, lazy script, right? This show started very well, but the 2nd season was a big let down. They have already taken away the final threat -- death. It isn't just a few people, half the cast dies and comes back to life on a semi-regular basis.
The killing of the king was just too easy - after so much build up.
And then switching places... I won't even get into that.
All that being said, it's fun enough to watch. If you don't expect any real plot twists, or amazing surprises - it's fine. It beats reality TV, and the genre is one of my favorites.
6 out of 10
You can only do so much with a cheesy, easy, lazy script, right? This show started very well, but the 2nd season was a big let down. They have already taken away the final threat -- death. It isn't just a few people, half the cast dies and comes back to life on a semi-regular basis.
The killing of the king was just too easy - after so much build up.
And then switching places... I won't even get into that.
All that being said, it's fun enough to watch. If you don't expect any real plot twists, or amazing surprises - it's fine. It beats reality TV, and the genre is one of my favorites.
6 out of 10
Pilot Impressions
tickin10 October 2013
The show has Julia Ormand... if you're a fan, check it out because she looks great.
The show itself seems to be a light version of similar stuff but not moody or pretentious. The special effects are subtle and at times very slick. The plot seems interesting enough though not particularly new. The actors are, well let's just say some are better than others.
The show is essentially fluff but it didn't bug me. But I'm not sure who the target audience is because the pilot seemed to swing awkwardly from youngsters to adults. At times I felt like I was watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch and then all of a sudden it became an episode of Night Gallery. If they go the Night Gallery route, that would be cool. If they go the Sabrina route they better hire some comedy writers.
Frankly I think it will probably crash and burn ... which is unfortunate because, did I mention, it has Julia Ormand in it.
The show itself seems to be a light version of similar stuff but not moody or pretentious. The special effects are subtle and at times very slick. The plot seems interesting enough though not particularly new. The actors are, well let's just say some are better than others.
The show is essentially fluff but it didn't bug me. But I'm not sure who the target audience is because the pilot seemed to swing awkwardly from youngsters to adults. At times I felt like I was watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch and then all of a sudden it became an episode of Night Gallery. If they go the Night Gallery route, that would be cool. If they go the Sabrina route they better hire some comedy writers.
Frankly I think it will probably crash and burn ... which is unfortunate because, did I mention, it has Julia Ormand in it.
Why did they cancel!
joriethomas26 July 2020
BRING IT BACK ON!!! IT IS NOT I REPEAT NOT TOO LATE
dbaallan19 August 2019
Please just bring it back. I can't handle the very limited amount of episodes. You had a star studded cast and you let it go. This show rivals Charmed for me but it isn't nearly as long so it can not contend so please give me moreeee!!!!!
Ligth and fun
mariafi10 October 2013
I liked the pilot, and actually wished it would have been a bit longer. Its a light show, but fun. It's like Practical Magic (the movie), in that it combines a little dark, with light comedy. It is probably a bit younger than you'd expect for a Lifetime show, but based on the pilot, I'll be watching the next episode. The acting is good enough for the characters (I don't expect Emmy nominations though). I was glad to see Julia Ormond again, and I think Jenna Dewan Tatum is perfect for the role. The story seems to be set up nicely so that there will be some depth and twists to look forward to. We'll definitely have flashbacks and perilous situations to look forward to. A light alternative for Sunday nights.
Questionable production value, lots of inconsistencies, poor storytelling, no wonder it's cancelled
parano-7572220 June 2021
As a TV show buffer I've been excited to find a new title, especially of the fantasy genre. But this one has got me very dissapointed.
Overall the show is not very convincing. It has lots of timeline and story inconsistencies: characters acting one way here, other way there, things being said about the lore but later lore being different. These witches are said to come from Asgard a Norse mythology world, but their language of choice is Latin, when they could just as well be doing their spells in English. Obviously, it's to make the show seem cooler.
The characters have their moments, especially Wendy. But usually they are just annoyingly Lifetime-ey and soapey. Basically any chance to show the viewer a naked male chest. Oh yea, all the male actors have fantastic upper body builds and display their chest every chance they get.
Production value is questionable. At one hand the scenes are well somewhat well made, the lighting is alright, but somehow it all seems cheap anyways. As if they blow all their money on one big scene per episode with a lot of.extras and then have to shoot all the rest with 1-3 people per scene.
The cast is also way too good looking. Especially the male part. Makes it feel even cheaper. And very fake.
The story is not very interesting nor engaging.
This show would need some 4-5 more seasons to gain enough consistency to become something worthwhile. No wonder it got cancelled.
Overall the show is not very convincing. It has lots of timeline and story inconsistencies: characters acting one way here, other way there, things being said about the lore but later lore being different. These witches are said to come from Asgard a Norse mythology world, but their language of choice is Latin, when they could just as well be doing their spells in English. Obviously, it's to make the show seem cooler.
The characters have their moments, especially Wendy. But usually they are just annoyingly Lifetime-ey and soapey. Basically any chance to show the viewer a naked male chest. Oh yea, all the male actors have fantastic upper body builds and display their chest every chance they get.
Production value is questionable. At one hand the scenes are well somewhat well made, the lighting is alright, but somehow it all seems cheap anyways. As if they blow all their money on one big scene per episode with a lot of.extras and then have to shoot all the rest with 1-3 people per scene.
The cast is also way too good looking. Especially the male part. Makes it feel even cheaper. And very fake.
The story is not very interesting nor engaging.
This show would need some 4-5 more seasons to gain enough consistency to become something worthwhile. No wonder it got cancelled.
This show should still be going
sbbeef8 September 2018
Names
ianpbushnell6 April 2021
Two basic errors are that the name Beauchamp is of French derivation and is pronounced bee-chum not bow-shump, and the name Wendy was not in use as a woman's forename before 1904 when J M Barrie coined it in Peter Pan!
First Impressions
pmazloumian20 October 2013
This show is exactly what you will expect it to be and then some!
I was somewhat skeptical at first, given the short lived rise and fall of the secret circle, but I can't help but feel like this show really has some great potential, and will remain a must-see in your weekly TV rota. With very charmed-like characters and an immediate fondness for the protagonists, my intrigue was surely hooked.
Alongside the endearing and oh-so-steamy cast is a thorough and well developed story-line of family, betrayal and of course, magic! Gone are the days where you will underwhelmed by low budget special effects shaping shiny blue lights and glitter that falls from the sky. From what we have seen so far they have really implemented intelligent and effective directing to encapsulate the thrills associated with magic and bring some justice back to this witchy genre.
All in all, this series is worth keeping an eye on, I'm seeing some good things here and cant wait for the series to continue even further.
I was somewhat skeptical at first, given the short lived rise and fall of the secret circle, but I can't help but feel like this show really has some great potential, and will remain a must-see in your weekly TV rota. With very charmed-like characters and an immediate fondness for the protagonists, my intrigue was surely hooked.
Alongside the endearing and oh-so-steamy cast is a thorough and well developed story-line of family, betrayal and of course, magic! Gone are the days where you will underwhelmed by low budget special effects shaping shiny blue lights and glitter that falls from the sky. From what we have seen so far they have really implemented intelligent and effective directing to encapsulate the thrills associated with magic and bring some justice back to this witchy genre.
All in all, this series is worth keeping an eye on, I'm seeing some good things here and cant wait for the series to continue even further.
S1 was excellent, S2 they tried too hard
kasgmm19 April 2017
I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say I wish they'd done better in season 2. It just felt like they were trying way to hard to cram 5 season finales, into one season. The mom and her lover? It felt rushed and not believable. The thing the one daughter is with in the woods..? Uh, whatever. Too much. The dad? Hello? Could they give us time to like him before... well, you know.
But season 1 had me glued to the screen and wishing there were 8 more seasons. So.. I hope the writers get another chance to do something similar, just, next time, with time to build up characters and more enticing and thorough story lines for seasons 2 and beyond.
But season 1 had me glued to the screen and wishing there were 8 more seasons. So.. I hope the writers get another chance to do something similar, just, next time, with time to build up characters and more enticing and thorough story lines for seasons 2 and beyond.
I love this show
richuroo434 April 2020
Lost it's magic
redinnevada16 October 2022
It started off so well. First season was interesting, wasn't ridiculous in it's presentations of witch-life, soap opera family situations or plots. But like so many other tv series, they decided they'd caught their audience so started sleepwalking through the scripts and plots.
Half the situations in season 2 don't make much sense in relation to WHO the characters were. One moment they're "I'm not scared of anyone or anything" and next sentence is "I'm so afraid of losing everything". It's worse than the worst soap opera bs we reject.
It's a good thing they cancelled it in season 2. It'd be sad to think the show and the actors associated with it could go down even further, which would have happened if it'd continued on.
Half the situations in season 2 don't make much sense in relation to WHO the characters were. One moment they're "I'm not scared of anyone or anything" and next sentence is "I'm so afraid of losing everything". It's worse than the worst soap opera bs we reject.
It's a good thing they cancelled it in season 2. It'd be sad to think the show and the actors associated with it could go down even further, which would have happened if it'd continued on.
A mix of copied Teenager shows.
Healing_Process12 July 2015
This show is nothing more or less of just average. The show has very attractive actors and the storyline gives that normal ole "Family feel" vibe to it. The house is a copy of charmed and the two main men in the show as well as the writing is copied from Vampire diaries. Its the story where everyone has 40,000 secrets and each secret is being revealed every episode while it progressively gets worst revealing stronger and badder villains as it does. Just like the vampire diaries, there is a woman torn between two brothers who don't like each other. One is a upholding citizen/caring and thoughtful while the other is miserable, broken, and misunderstood. Once again another woman came in between them in their past lives that made them separated in the first place.
I would only recommend this show if you enjoy the pacing, writing, and turns of shows like Vampire Diaries, The Originals, The secret circle etc.
I would only recommend this show if you enjoy the pacing, writing, and turns of shows like Vampire Diaries, The Originals, The secret circle etc.
Bring it back!!
Gracie1235 October 2020
Epic show
alicia-rokz30 December 2013
This is one show which is different and gripping at the same time.
I have been an ardent follower of Castle, White Collar and Vampire Diaries , not to mention Game of Thrones, and Breaking Bad in this year!
And to find a series that still keeps up the interest is one great feat. I finished the season in 1 night. I did not sleep even a second through it.
Story is unique. So if you can let the story begin, I'm sure you will love the series after 2 episodes!
All the best watching this series! :)
I have been an ardent follower of Castle, White Collar and Vampire Diaries , not to mention Game of Thrones, and Breaking Bad in this year!
And to find a series that still keeps up the interest is one great feat. I finished the season in 1 night. I did not sleep even a second through it.
Story is unique. So if you can let the story begin, I'm sure you will love the series after 2 episodes!
All the best watching this series! :)
A Fan
Skeezy_V9 October 2013
love this TV show was worth the wait hope it keeps going on to be a series cause the books are amazing and so far, the show doesn't disappoint. the actors have really gave the characters justice. the best of luck to the director with the show. I'm a fan with of the series. love the actors playing the main roles. and some of the scenes give the viewers something to blush over i'm hooked already and i've only seen the first episode. This comment bis suppose to be 10 lines and i don't have anything negative to say about this. I will however be rather disappointed if it Finnish's before its time. Most shows these days do not make it past the first season, in my honest opinion if you start a show follow it through.
RATING GENDER GLITCH
zsur-8483727 January 2020
I perused the reviews. Women generally loved this series. Men not so much.
At 7.6 this should have been good viewing. I went through two episodes for two reasons. One, I love anything with Virginia Madsen. She had a brief scene in episode one. Disappointing. Two, it had to get better with such a high rating. Right? It didn't.
Now for specifics. Madchen Amick as Wendy was good in her role. Jenna Dewan as Freya was not. The trite, repetitive dialogue hardly helped. But then I'm a guy.
So ladies enjoy. Guys stay away from this one.
Hard to not watch
jayclaurence5 September 2018
Good first season, then went downhill
cherold14 July 2021
I enjoyed the first season of this series, which was a silly, "Charmed"-style show with fun episodes. But the second season focused more on men, including the bland son, and focused less on episode stories in favor of a story arc I had no interest in. I gave up around the middle of season 2.
BRING IT BACK
fridahefo-5976317 December 2020
Do I need to say more, lived the show and the mythology! So exciting.
It seems all the new witch shows just keep getting canceled and it's a real problem because then there's only one gray witch show ant it's from 1998 (charmed)
So please bring it back and have a long run so we at least have another show with witches, but I really loved witches of the east end it truly was great!
It seems all the new witch shows just keep getting canceled and it's a real problem because then there's only one gray witch show ant it's from 1998 (charmed)
So please bring it back and have a long run so we at least have another show with witches, but I really loved witches of the east end it truly was great!
Good show
jstephe63615 July 2014
This is a good show, good story line and acting with the notable exception of Julia Ormond her accent comes and goes with such regularity as to be distracting. I have watched several episodes and thought she would get comfortable with the accent she was using but it seams whenever she get into a heated scene her accent moves to English and then what sounds like Scottish, then back to American. I still have hope that this will change as the series goes on. What is with this rule that reviews have to have at least 10 lines. The ladies are all very attractive. The plots are well thought out and work for this type of show. The brothers plot like doesn't do much for me.
Good Witchy TV
krw1263 June 2019
I genuinely love this show and I'm still sad it's over. If you're a fan of charmed, please drop what you're doing. Right now. This is not a drill. And go watch Witches of East End. All I have to say is you are welcome.
Lack of Authenticity
phyre_Iyz6 March 2017
This show would have received a 7 from me because it's a fun show to watch. The issue I have with it is its total lack of authenticity to the Long Island. The beaches are a tan colored sand (Long Island sand is white), there is mountainous landscape in the horizon over the water which I assume is the Long Island Sound off the east end (I don't think Connecticut has mountains), the towns look more like upper New England rather than a Long Island shore town. The producers did a poor job in set location and building. This, I believe, is a huge contributing factor as to why the show didn't last more than two seasons. It's a shame they didn't do more than 15 minutes worth of homework on Long Island because it would have been nice to see an honest representation of the Hamptons. The clean, crisp style that area is known for; the beachy decor that should be everywhere.
I haven't read the books so perhaps that where the fault lies. Good Reads says the locale is North Hampton, when it's Northampton. Maybe the author of the series should have done her own homework better.
I haven't read the books so perhaps that where the fault lies. Good Reads says the locale is North Hampton, when it's Northampton. Maybe the author of the series should have done her own homework better.
I now understand what "hallmark" shows are, unfortunately.
tomhg382 December 2013
I rated this at a 5 out of 10, and i do so because i am a 25 year old male and clearly not the target audience of this show.
I'd never really watched a "Hallmark" show before, i'd heard people reference shows on the channel and drawn connotations but after seeing 3 episodes of this show i can thoroughly say i now understand.
Its a fairly mediocre plot, nothing abnormal or unusual just a generic supernatural theme that has a handful of relatable (im guessing?)women that fit various archetypes. One struggles with feeling attraction for another man while being engaged to someone, another struggles with being a mother and balancing that around her various issues (in this case magical).
Nothing here that you have to see. This isn't Breaking Wands, no one outside of people who want a female angled mediocre show that loves supernatural themes should watch this.
The 5 rating was out of fairness to the target audience, if this show has literally everything you want in a show as a woman (or man possibly) that wants a guilty pleasure show then it MIGHT be around a 5/10. For everyone else this is a waste of time and energy, you should sharpen pencils for an hour or something instead.
I'd never really watched a "Hallmark" show before, i'd heard people reference shows on the channel and drawn connotations but after seeing 3 episodes of this show i can thoroughly say i now understand.
Its a fairly mediocre plot, nothing abnormal or unusual just a generic supernatural theme that has a handful of relatable (im guessing?)women that fit various archetypes. One struggles with feeling attraction for another man while being engaged to someone, another struggles with being a mother and balancing that around her various issues (in this case magical).
Nothing here that you have to see. This isn't Breaking Wands, no one outside of people who want a female angled mediocre show that loves supernatural themes should watch this.
The 5 rating was out of fairness to the target audience, if this show has literally everything you want in a show as a woman (or man possibly) that wants a guilty pleasure show then it MIGHT be around a 5/10. For everyone else this is a waste of time and energy, you should sharpen pencils for an hour or something instead.
See also
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