Search - The Newsroom - The Complete First Season on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 6/26/2018...

In the late 90's, years before the UK "The Office" with Ricky Gervais started, there was this Canadian series. Filled with narcissistic, incompetent people who deliver the news to you each night, and the travesty of their exploits, their humiliations. There's some real genius here, and some ridiculous laughs. And, of course, the key facial expressions, quickly delivered to the camera lenses, beholden unto only you, the viewer. Here it is, what has become a signature to such simulated reality-like shows: over two decades ago.

Been on the keeper shelf a long time. A lot of fun this one.

Funniest show you never heard of

Kevin W | Oak Park, IL USA | 04/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Im still surprised that I'm the first person to wright a review for this show. The reason being is that it's easily one of the funniest I have ever seen. Although it's categorized as a "dark" comedy, I think a better comparison would be to the Larry Sanders Show. Both shows have a similar format and similar sense of humor. Newsroom takes place in, well you guessed it, a newsroom. Ken Finkleman stars as the self-absorbed executive producer George Findlay who is constantly trying to protect his image. Needless to say (and because i don't feel like describing every part of the show), this show is exceptionally funny. If you like other shows such as Seinfeld, the Simpsons, Scrubs, the Office, Family Guy, Arrested Development or any other comedy ever made, I guarantee you will love this show."

Great and worth collecting all the episodes!

Dwight | USA | 11/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I couldn't believe what I was watching when I first saw these episodes air on PBS (uh oh, I owe them some money). I was delighted. Ken Finkleman must be evil and must be a genius. I love him! I taped these off of the tv so I can't say if owning dvds is worthwhile. This is very good and different television. It's smart and quietly terrible. If you like Rick Gervais and Arrested Development, then this series ought to make you laugh."

Almost perfect...

John Meyerhofer | 07/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First let me say that if you like shows like The Office (both UK and USA) or The Larry Sanders Show or Curb your Enthusiasm, you will love this show. Like those shows its shot in a documentary style that makes it feel as if you are in these characters lives.

I first saw an episode of The Newsroom on PBS. I was immediately struck by the genius of Ken Finkleman (the shows main star, writer and director). Where The Office shows you a satirical view of office life The Newsroom shows you an equal satirical view of a Toronto newsroom's life. From how "leads" in the news cast are chosen (i.e. higher body count) to the mundane issues that George the news director gets hung up on (getting a parking space in the buildings garage) you will find yourself laughing at others misfortune.

With all the genius in this show I was very disappointed by the three episode long finale. I guess it was trying to make a statement about the narcissistic ways of George but it just wasn't funny (thus the 4 instead of 5 stars). That being said, the last episode (where the characters are transported to a political situation) was again genius. This DVD is well worth your money."