This is an easy-going, low-key thoughtful comedy. No one is getting killed or raped each week. It is a show about relationships, and, I love it. Unlike 'Happyish', these characters are likable and fun to watch. The show has gotten better every week. I really want to see more of Ron (Tater) White, who plays Phil. Luke Wilson is always watchable, and, Imogene Poots is terrific as always (great American accent). Who cares if this is an accurate portrayal of roadies. Has anyone bothered to portray them before? As for the user comment about the lack of racial diversity in the cast, they haven't watched the show. Branscombe Richmond is Native American, Luis Guzman is Hispanic, Finesse Mitchell and Catero Colbert are African American.
62 Reviews
Worth watching
gatogroton21 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It's not perfect, it's probably not realistic either but it is a program I'd continue watching. Now I will never know how Bill and Shelley turned out, did Reg find Pistachio, and did the band break up? There are so many crappy shows that get renewed so why didn't this one get the time to find the audience it needed? They blew it big time when they cancelled this one.
A fun great show
sage467617 January 2020
This show should never have stopped!
Marianne214027 August 2018
A wonderful mixture of finely drawn characters with depth and passion. Lots of music, old and new. Poignant yet hilarious plot lines. Room for all characters to deepen and grow just a gem. When I found it it was on rerun. I watched It over and over until someone stole them from us ! WHY?!?!? BRING IT BACK or at least let us buy the original seasons! Please, please, please !
Don't Listen To The Critics!
magnumbob17 August 2016
If you liked Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous", you will almost certainly like this show.
Be aware, it's a slow starter...The first couple of weeks as we are getting to know the characters, it was not great. I didn't even know if I was going to keep watching. It certainly grows on you though. Now, I can't get enough of it.
During the last season of "Grey's Anatomy" (A show I was sucked into by my wife right from episode 1), it occurred to me that I was watching a show packed full of truly unlikable people, not a single one of which would I ever want to have as a friend in real life.
That is not a problem with this show. I just finished episode 8, and I so wanted to be right there on that bus with these impossibly likable characters.
Yes, it's a little sappy and sentimental, and sure, anybody who has worked in the entertainment industry will be able to easily point out all manner of issues.
Who cares? It's not a documentary, it's just entertainment.
Bonus points to the show for the celebrity cameo appearances and some fun back room/sound check style performances by real artists.
Be aware, it's a slow starter...The first couple of weeks as we are getting to know the characters, it was not great. I didn't even know if I was going to keep watching. It certainly grows on you though. Now, I can't get enough of it.
During the last season of "Grey's Anatomy" (A show I was sucked into by my wife right from episode 1), it occurred to me that I was watching a show packed full of truly unlikable people, not a single one of which would I ever want to have as a friend in real life.
That is not a problem with this show. I just finished episode 8, and I so wanted to be right there on that bus with these impossibly likable characters.
Yes, it's a little sappy and sentimental, and sure, anybody who has worked in the entertainment industry will be able to easily point out all manner of issues.
Who cares? It's not a documentary, it's just entertainment.
Bonus points to the show for the celebrity cameo appearances and some fun back room/sound check style performances by real artists.
Sincere
DansLeNoir8 April 2018
It was a boring sequence in general. Total score for the sections: 7.30.
I like his characters and his actors. I also like Imogen Poots' films. I liked the character of Machine Gun Kelly's Wes. It was for me, in general, a series of sincere emotions.
But it did not have parts. I think the end was nice, but I did not get it. Phil was also very charming.
It's a series I would not recommend because you are too boring, but it can really be watched for your music.
He was glad to see that the familiar names played. Jeff Buckley vs.
And it really provides a very good music discovery environment. Suggest the soundtrack list.
A bit dated
parrisjim7 July 2016
As someone who has been in the world of roadies personally..it falls short..roadies with regard to big acts are largely ignored.The big acts don't even know them..only the smaller acts and the older bands appreciated them,They are underpaid and over worked....But the problems with the show is too many dated references..If you asked a 20yr old who is Freddy Mercury, Elvis even David Bowie they are most likely to say who...? Roadies today were born long after they died..they don't discuss old acts..
don't find a show about them that interesting..unless they show how poop on by big names they really are..Cameron Crow is putting his taste in music here...Music he likes and thinks is good but it wont translate to everyone
A good show would show the big disconnect between that era and this...how they were real musicians and the ones today are not...i think this might be a one season show...
don't find a show about them that interesting..unless they show how poop on by big names they really are..Cameron Crow is putting his taste in music here...Music he likes and thinks is good but it wont translate to everyone
A good show would show the big disconnect between that era and this...how they were real musicians and the ones today are not...i think this might be a one season show...
Fu**k you Showtime
dfontand24 June 2019
Watchable but clearly for boomers
likemanzoo22 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Pretty good cast and of course excellent writing but clearly written for the over 60 crowd. Cameron Crowe tries way too hard to resurrect classic heroes of his era that are clearly irrelevant to anyone born in the last 35 years (constant references to acts and performers that have not made an album in 30 years or died in the 70s) and toss in a few one hit wonders from the modern era to grab millennials attention. Most of the scenarios (the mystical coffee prowess of Colson Baker or the curse of the c word
or 20 year olds being mesmerized by a really cringeworthy performance by Lindsey Buckingham) are campy with over the top character portrayals (Rainn Wilson) but it's light hearted and fun regardless of it being super cheesy most of the time.
Roadies - great cast - script - not so much
cw-1336923 June 2016
I guess I have seen too many movies/shows. They have assembled a great group of actors who have nothing interesting to say. It felt like I was watching a show I had seen 10 times before. Even top notch acting can't save a worn out script. Things like walking out a door & getting locked out - we have seen this a million times before but done much better. There is absolutely nothing even remotely original about this show. Every scene was predictable and formulaic. It's too bad they wasted an excellent cast on this re-run script. I don't expect writers to reinvent the world, but this feels like formula TV at it's worst. Even the sex scenes feel old & worn out - like a diversion for guys so they don't notice just how lacking this script is. Showtime has done some original, creative shows in the past, but this is not one of them.
Bring back this show!
feenyfaye12 May 2017
I love this show. Don't even understand why it was canceled. Clever stories, great cast, excellent music. It was amazing.I just watched all of them again on showtime, cried watching regs' montage. Laughed at the funeral, seemed like a real one. I want to know what was going to happen next.
Cool show, but what's with the music? It's a ROCK show!...
MrMetalDude9 August 2016
I'm actually liking this show. It's fun to watch, great actors and lots of room for greatness. However, what's with the music? They bring up legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and so much more. So then WHY are there such terrible 'bands' opening for the SHB? And they act like these bands are so great. It could be part of the show that this is what music has come to, and how it's not as good as it was. But they actually glorify these terrible guest bands/artists. It's terrible music, and not even rock. Why not have better bands like Staind, Halestorm, Foo Fighters, etc open a few nights for the band? This would elevate the show instead of drag it down. Last episode I watched had someone called Halsey play. GOD that was torture. Good as an actress, but can't pronounce one word correctly while singing a type of music I definitely will never classify as Rock. How can they utter the band "Heart" in the same episode where they dedicate time to hearing Halsey?! Would you have Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber open up for Chevelle? And I'm glad I'm not hearing much of the SHB - I've got a feeling I'd just shut off the show and never watch again. Seriously, not too sure how much more I can watch with this crap music they keep putting on. It makes the show unrealistic.
Bad writing, bad everything.
pp-8756422 June 2016
This show needs to take a break to rewrite & recast. Maybe some I'm very disappointed because I was looking forward to this. I like this kind of stuff. Rock & roll, bad behavior, egos, etc. Like 2 other shows that I think I can't mention. But I couldn't even get through the whole show. It's supposed to be a comedy but the writing is so unnatural. I mean, so fake. People don't talk like that. It's more dumb than good comedy. The sex scene to get the backstage pass was comical & not in a good funny way. I think it was written like a teenage virgin boy's idea of how people respond.
Luke Wilson has no presence & is miscast. I like to watch Carla Gugino inmost roles but her character is badly written as a silly woman. Plussomeone give her a sandwich, unless she turns out to be a coke addict.She's usually very pretty. I know it's wrong to critique her looks,especially me being female, but maybe she'll think about it & realize she was really looking good before. The characters are are just written badly. Not life-like is all I though of while watching. But badly done.This is the first review I've ever written so I'm sorry about my bad writing.
Luke Wilson has no presence & is miscast. I like to watch Carla Gugino inmost roles but her character is badly written as a silly woman. Plussomeone give her a sandwich, unless she turns out to be a coke addict.She's usually very pretty. I know it's wrong to critique her looks,especially me being female, but maybe she'll think about it & realize she was really looking good before. The characters are are just written badly. Not life-like is all I though of while watching. But badly done.This is the first review I've ever written so I'm sorry about my bad writing.
Bummed it's only one season
kirbie-3448127 March 2021
Is 'Roadies' as good as 'Almost Famous'? No! Is it an excellent show with real-life artists playing cameos & music along side some beloved actors & actresses? YES! Does it have an amazing sound track? YES! I'm assuming the reason why 'Roadies' had only had one season was b/c everyone was expecting a 10 hour show that was on the same caliber of 'Almost Famous,' but If you go into this without the high 'Almost Famous' expectations then you should enjoy it. I found it on Hulu and was bummed to discover that there was only one season. I love any shows that revolve around music like, 'CBGB's, 'Rock & Roll', 'Vinyl,' 'Treme', 'The Get Down' etc. Hell, I even enjoyed ' Glee' & 'Smash.'. Just like 'Vinyl' and 'The Get Down' this show ended far too soon. I'll be enjoying the 'Roadies' soundtrack on Spotify for some time now.
Side note: I just looked it up & 91% of google users like 'Roadies.' It currently has a 7.4 IMDB rating; yet, it only has a 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes. What that tells me is that critics tore it apart, but the people enjoyed it. 'Roadies' may not be the best musical themed tv show of all time, but it does deserve to watched & appreciated.
Thank you Cameron Crowe for all your great movies & this show. Please continue to make shows & movies for us to enjoy.
Side note: I just looked it up & 91% of google users like 'Roadies.' It currently has a 7.4 IMDB rating; yet, it only has a 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes. What that tells me is that critics tore it apart, but the people enjoyed it. 'Roadies' may not be the best musical themed tv show of all time, but it does deserve to watched & appreciated.
Thank you Cameron Crowe for all your great movies & this show. Please continue to make shows & movies for us to enjoy.
Cherry popped for Perfection
brucemiddlemissphotography10 August 2016
For years I have read and followed IMDb and pondered on what would inspire me to write a review and ... Well here it is.
I appreciate I am not and have never been associated with a rock band so if this is factually accurate , I have no idea. However I do enjoy well written TV.
The script is sharp and gives the whole ensemble a chance to shine. It reminds me of The West Wing but for rock bands rather than politicians and civil servants. It is both light in tone but always hits the little emotional note somewhere during each episode. You really care about the characters.
The music throughout the programme as you would expect from Cameron Crowe is diverse and excellent. I have been "shazaming" like crazy and downloading music all over the place.
You can tell CROWE has a past in musical journalism and he uses it to great effect.
A fun , light , entertaining show and I am already depressed that I will have to wait for season 2 and season 1 hasn't ended yet.
Please get on Amazon prime and watch it and rate it so they make another season.
I appreciate I am not and have never been associated with a rock band so if this is factually accurate , I have no idea. However I do enjoy well written TV.
The script is sharp and gives the whole ensemble a chance to shine. It reminds me of The West Wing but for rock bands rather than politicians and civil servants. It is both light in tone but always hits the little emotional note somewhere during each episode. You really care about the characters.
The music throughout the programme as you would expect from Cameron Crowe is diverse and excellent. I have been "shazaming" like crazy and downloading music all over the place.
You can tell CROWE has a past in musical journalism and he uses it to great effect.
A fun , light , entertaining show and I am already depressed that I will have to wait for season 2 and season 1 hasn't ended yet.
Please get on Amazon prime and watch it and rate it so they make another season.
Great Show!
farrellsx65 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, I have read reviews at various websites, including this one, criticizing the accuracy of the show. I guess people need reminders, this isn't a documentary nor is it "Reality TV". This is entertainment. And it IS entertaining with likable characters and compelling stories. It's fun and there is nothing wrong with that. Just being fun.
True, there are industry inaccuracies. But you can say the same of any show that centers around a specific industry. Think of all the law shows, cop shows and medical/hospital/doctor shows. Think those are an accurate portrayal of those fields?
Sit back and be entertained and don't worry so much about riggers hanging chain motors (CM Hoists) upside down then riding the truss up to trim. Let OSHA make sure that no one tries what they've seen on TV on the next tour... However, though, I don't think that'll be a problem!
True, there are industry inaccuracies. But you can say the same of any show that centers around a specific industry. Think of all the law shows, cop shows and medical/hospital/doctor shows. Think those are an accurate portrayal of those fields?
Sit back and be entertained and don't worry so much about riggers hanging chain motors (CM Hoists) upside down then riding the truss up to trim. Let OSHA make sure that no one tries what they've seen on TV on the next tour... However, though, I don't think that'll be a problem!
20 seconds to...lets get ready for funny stuff!
vanettelstarr19 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is going to be a tremendous hit, I'm convinced. A perfect mix of people, the electricity that happens with each of the characters, and the level of actors who are on this program are phenomenal...I think we are starting to see a revolution in the TV industry! We aren't suffering fools...we will move on to better stuff that is absolutely free on the internet, if the cable companies don't produce movie quality series, so this should be great! It's Certainly a topic no one has explored, totally, with the exception of fans and journalists in "almost famous?" Though its a little more obscure with the roadies as the ones who live vicariously through the band, this show starts out where it certainly touch's anyone's life who loves music and seeks the answers behind the scenes...like real life bands, One Direction, Swift, J.T., the arrogant ones I wont mention, all the women who have made it big these last years, the musicians, who are out there every week, week after week, beating the pavement with the long road hauls over thousands of miles and many parties, and then the stories they all must have to tell!!!! Share the juicy stories using this format. We all think they are true, so, just use this fictional band to tell the mishaps and the fights, and the drama, and who really got who pregnant, and for what reason, etc...If, indeed you listen to music, buy it, review it online, read about or listen to biographic topics of these people's lives, if you seek out and go to concerts for the love of music, you will love this show. Late night TV shows has been all the same...zombies, zombies and more zombies, blood and guts, and or devil stuff. Thank you for a less serious comedic show, that has real stories behind them and feels like it has the teeth to stick around, I hope. I am a huge music lover, so when I find a topic I like I stick with the shows. I'm sure you are no different. Nonetheless, I go to great lengths to find out as much as i can about the musicians I listen to, so i can see how there would be the occasional stalker. I've never gone to that level, but it certainly has felt that way, when I'm at home reading up about their personal lives and what they are up to next? But truth be told, there is no one that knows these people more than the roadies! Well, and personal trainers, stylists, etc...but the roadies make friends with the stylists, etc...they get the stories, and the managers have the fill of the stories...so if this first season is anything close to what really goes on..I'm excited. Perhaps, they will even address real life challenges, like the documentary done by 30 seconds to mars did...they showed just how much management steals, and leaves the bands in such severe debt, they cant even pay their people nor pay for their lifestyles, if they are to be fiscally responsible? Maybe, this will be a platform for change in the music industry as well? I'm sure roadies are far more dedicated and far more likely to be bound by contracts of confidentiality, yet, who knows....Imagine all the examples to be used in cases like say..Justin Beeper? Or the perfectionist, Miss T. Oh, and Jared Letto, with feet in two careers, perfectly talented, a genius when it comes to making his music and trying to change the art model of music making industry, much like Grohl and Jack White! Wow, so much material and so little time! Here's to what should be a good group of writers, actors, the loyal followers with the use of the internet, who will follow along, just like they do in real life musicians? I was waiting to see what kind of band it is, and what the music would be like? Is this going to be like the movie,"ALMOST FAMOUS!"? Yummy stuff, if so....
A look at mess up and the crazy happenings of life on the road involving rock schedules!
blanbrn7 July 2016
Been watching this new "Showtime" series called "Roadies" and it's a showcase of how things happen behind the scenes and the on and out goings of getting the show together for rock bands as they travel city to city on multi tours! And it's all lead and headed up by Bill(Luke Wilson) the head road tour manager who's a guy who's a mess with vice and indulge as he has high blood pressure with the stress still in each and every city he sleeps with young hot chicks even having a soft spot and like for young Asian girls! And he's supported by Shelli(Carla Gugino)a married more straight laced yet foxy and prick of a production manager. Also on these road trips it's full of the usual like sex, drugs, and crazy stalkers trying to sneak backstage. Really "Roadies" is one series that tries to serve a lot on a viewer's plate while being delicious with treat like obsessions.
A real music fans treat or why Cameron Crowe is so great
tomm-gi10 October 2016
let me open this review by saying that music was always my greatest passion and music artists are some of my greatest heroes, that and of course movies and cinema. I was 16 years old when Crowe present me with the groundbreaking movie "Singles" that capture the grunge music generation with a one of a time soundtrack from bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and many more... the movie was the right mixture of drama, music,comedy and romance that only a true music lover can make. and then came "Almost Famous" that kept the same delicate essence. This series is (for me) the 3rd part in Crowe's musical trilogy, a group of roadies works for a band in a city state tour, a real hard job that keep you out of a normal family life where the tour buses are your home and the actual family are your co-workers, the pay isn't much so why keep going? they all have one thing in common, their passion for music, the same passion that drove Crowe on an early age to become a traveling journalist for the Rolling Stones magazine (the "Almost Famous" movie story). so.. is that series any good - sure is!, if you loved Crowe's other movies this one is the right series for you, if you are a true music lover you will identify with the characters and your heart will fill with warmth every couple of minutes.
Mediocre show. Great look, great cast but character development and writing seems amateur
nardobram@yahoo.com11 August 2016
I don't understand the people who say that they love this show. Now, it's not terrible, but I do have to say that I feel it's one of those shows that make you feel manipulated and dirty after watching it because it seems like they introduce "cute" story lines just for the sake of entertainment, rather than to advance the story of the character's arcs. For example, let's have different characters say "it is what it is" throughout the episode just because it's funny. It's not that funny and it makes the show look way too produced as opposed to being natural aka cliché'. Look at great shows like Veep, Silicon Valley, Game of Thrones, Ray Donovan. Veep isn't real or pretend to be real, but all of the characters are consistent which makes it real. Every character is true to themselves which I find lacking in Roadies. The characters in Roadies seem like cartoon versions of themselves. The good things about Roadies is that the directing is good, acting is good, production values are strong, and even though I feel dirty watching the show, I'm still watching, albeit grudgingly. I also think it would be much better as a 30 minute show vs. an hour. In closing, I think the show reminds me of a lot of college theater that I've seen. It looks like it's a lot of fun to be one of the cast members or producers, but not as fun to be an audience member.
Outstanding!
christophersarles5 August 2021
Watchable, but nothing much
dalanik3 August 2018
And it is getting worse towards the end. Just couldn't wait for last 3 episodes to finish, and the ending is totaly stupid.... There's definitely not enough material on this subject to make a series.... so it really gets boring towards the end, even though some characters are ok. I liked the "Almost Famous" so decided to watch this as well, but this is nowhere near... You won't miss anything if you skip it.
Heart broken
reyped18 January 2017
There are very few shows that I get attached to, and Roadies was one of them. My iTunes music library grew because of this show. Every week I looked forward to seeing what new music would be featured. The story was well written and entertaining, although I'm sure roadie life is not really the way it was portrayed. Since the season one finale my wife and I kept watching replays on demand and wondered where they would take the story in season 2. Needless to say, we were crushed when we heard that the show had been canceled. I don't understand how a show that was so well liked (7.4/10) can be canceled. It is extremely disappointing and we're hoping that Showtime changes their minds and brings it back.
Incredible Story
jpjhnsn31 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I Love this show! The music and the behind the scenes stories. What I find incredibly hypocritical is in the soul of the story.
Corporate control and Money. The Death of Rock and Roll. The cancelation. The Refusal to release it to DVD? For what reason other than corporate greed.
How can we maximize profits on a show we didn't believe in?
Corporate control and Money. The Death of Rock and Roll. The cancelation. The Refusal to release it to DVD? For what reason other than corporate greed.
How can we maximize profits on a show we didn't believe in?
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