Boston Public (2000–2006) User Reviews

Chi McBride & An Unknown Cast Act Very Well

[DKosty123 · 6/10 · 21 November 2007]

This drama (acutally it was comedy mixed with drama) was one of a group David E Kelly productions that have bee on. It lasted 4 seasons, over 80 episodes on FOX. I actually watched more than a dozen of them while they were on because they were better than the average show being made at that time.

What really caught my attention was Chi McBrides great acting. Since this show, he has done some other stuff, most notably a season with Dr. House. This role of his as the principle of the school in Boston was made for him.

The scripts were good but not realistic which is typical of Kelly produced shows. They were dramatic often, & would throw in humor on occasion. Shows often hit cutting edge topics like murder, rape while sometimes dealing with cutting edge topics such as blacks racism problems, and drugs. A lot of serious issues get thrown out for your reaction in new ways.

This was a solid show.

Boston

[safenoe · 7/10 · 24 April 2024]

I watched Boston Public (I almost typed Boston Common, the sitcom starring Anthony Clark that ran a few years earlier) at the same time I watched The Practice, and certainly there was a grittiness to the public education system, and all credit to this series running for six years, with so much drama (some realistic no doubt) about the Boston public education system and its foibles, ambitions, drama, relationships, you name it init.

Anyway, I watched episodes mainly from the first two seasons, and I remember Anthony Heald from 8mm where he played Daniel Longdale, so quite a contrast in roles init.

A surprising wonderful TV Drama!!!

[wizzbang · 30 January 2001]

When I tuned into Boston Public for the first episode, I wasn't expecting much. Though I was a fan of David E. Kelley, the ads for the show looked rather bland and/or unintelligent. And after the first five minutes, I found myself pleasantly wrong.

I have since watched every episode, and "Boston Public" is one of the few shows I think is really worth my time. With good acting, that week-in, week-out off some very exceptional writing. Though you hate some of the things that some of these characters do, like Fyvish Finkel's 'Harvey Lipschitz' is very racist, you are drawn to all ten members of the cast and love each and everyone one of them.

Chi McBride and Jessalyn Gilsig stand out among the cast as the much-beleaguered principal and the social studies teacher with a passion, respectively, and I foresee a great career for both during and after the series' run.

If you're wondering the television channel one night, and you're in the mood for a comedy/drama with substance, check out "Boston Public," and you'll be hooked.

I can't think of anybody who should not watch this show

[Namear · 10/10 · 2 June 2016]

When I first watched this show I was mentally still a teenager but even then I thought it is brilliant. Now I am watching it again as a father and it's just a whole new dimension of brilliance. This show is excellent on so many levels, the subject, the script, the characters, the cast, the acting and most importantly the relevance to most, if not all, of us. I have to admit it is has an element of fantasy though as it is almost impossible to find such amazing staff in any school -let alone public schools-. You might find one or two really brilliant teachers here or there but to be surrounded with such passionate and qualified school staff is a kind of fiction, these days at least. This is one TV show we can learn a lot from while being truly entertained.

A show that shows deep characters, with their conflicts inside the school and their personal lives.

[TRUNKOMAC · 10/10 · 28 July 2006]

This was a really fine show when it first came out. The characters are very, very good and show different personalities. Like Guber, the "Nazi" as called by fellow students, was a real strict VP and I liked how the guy was so desperate for women at times. Also, Harry Senate, the young smart mouth man with a sarcastic attitude but seems to have a good heart deep down. This show was well done the first two seasons, but the good FOX shows seem to be good for the first few seasons, then the writing gets bad and the show just keeps going farther downhill until there is cancellation. But seasons 3 & 4 weren't too bad, fox just wants the highest ratings possible. There are various extreme story lines in the show like a sex room in the school, teachers screwing students, a hostage situation. Now not all of these things are common in every school but they do happen. This show needs things like that it gives it the entertainment and drama. If this show did not have it, it would be very boring and have been canceled fast. But a great show nonetheless and great actors. Bravo Boston Public, damn, I miss this show

Great!! Jeri Ryan!!

[shainanm · 10/10 · 7 January 2020]

I think one of the main reasons I loved watching this series so much week to week is cuz it aired the exact years I started and finished high school (2000-2004)...so it was something I could relate to, in somewhat of a way, even though high school was a terrible time for me and completely different than the show but still it was a good connection and significant. And also the beautiful and amazing Jeri Ryan was in it too! I loved her so much in Star Trek Voyager as Seven of Nine and she was pretty much the main reason I watched that Star Trek series, Star Trek TNG was my fav and loved the whole cast and thought it was just the best Star Trek series ever and the four films too. But anyway it was nice to see a change in roles for Jeri Ryan where she could actually smile and show some emotions. I wish she was my teacher in high school lol:)

My Favorite Show Of All Time

[leghornboyrkl1 · 10/10 · 10 March 2010]

Yes some things happened that would turn out totally different outcomes ( see principal shoves student into a locker from earlier post etc: )in real life, but this show had the balls to tackle some very sensitive and racial issues.It was not afraid to bring any issue to our sets and that was the reason for its early cancellation. Advertisers didn't have the balls to sponsor it worrying about consumers reactions. Each episode dealt with issues that at the end had a moral and gave the viewer something to think about. The mixing of school and private lives of the teachers gave the show an added charm about it. It was a show that on occasion would bring a tear to my eye. Yes Harry Senate was a rebel of a teacher, but I know it would have been great to have a teacher like that a student could turn to one so dedicated when I was a kid. Scott Guber, well I had a vice principal just like him in HS. So hated by the students but looking back he was just trying to get everyone through HS and had an odd way of going about it. Was the only student to go to his wake. Harvey Lipschitz was a nice character that brought some pretty funny moments to the show. For the most part the entire cast was likable and the show was always well put forth and kept viewers coming back for more. Bought all episodes here on the internet 2 years ago but they were bootlegs filmed off of a TV set and the copies were terrible. I hope to some day find a real copy of the entire series but until then can only hold its memories near to my heart. Lets not forget Principal Harper who was probably the most controversial principal ever. But at the end of the day he always seemed to make it feel right. Best show ever in my opinion, wish it was still running today.

The worst sort of sensationalist garbage where teachers having sex with students is the main theme.

[sogoodlooking · 1/10 · 1 June 2022]

The series is pathetic, sensationalist, embarrassing trash where teachers lusting after students, seducing them, living with them, and side plots of things like students stripping in their spare time as a part time job, is the staple of a pitiful and creatively bankrupt writing and production crew.

David Kelley managed to sell Boston Public based on a half dozen clever, well-written episodes, but it falls off a cliff thereafter. What tripe.

Surprisingly good.

[llihilloh · 23 January 2001]

Fox is known for its awful nightly line ups. And with their new show, 'Temptation Island', I have learned to tune into different networks. Few shows come around that I like such as 'Malcolm in the Middle' and of course, 'Boston Public.'

I've caught this show maybe four times but every time I've found that it has good topics and some funny writing. Also, some good, un-known actors. (Well, I haven't seen any of them before.) The show deals with some exciting and interesting story lines that deals with the different teachers and students of a typical high school. The writing is very funny. And when its meant to be serious, it accomplishes that too. The actors can handle comedy and drama which is exactly what I like to see. Of course, I can't remember who is who since all of the guys seem to look alike. Anyway, the cast as a whole works well together. The principal seems to have some good lines come out of him.

Finally, Fox has come out with a decent show. Now watch, they'll go and cancel it in hopes of something better coming along. My predictions could be wrong but that seems to be the trend with excellent programs.

finest episode

[legere1-1 · 10/10 · 7 June 2006]

I just watched an unseen episode (by me) of Boston Public in which Mr. Harper takes "Billy" a tough kid and teaches him to read and learn. This was one of the finest shows, of any genre, that I have ever seen. I am a 54 year old Canadian male and I was moved to tears as Mr. Harper deals with Billy, via flashbacks, showing us the evolution of tough street kid to a young man whose thoughts look to a future that was prematurely ended in the craziness called Iraq. When Mr. Harper reads Billys' letter; the warmth, love and respect that Billy shows to a man that cared enough comes through and the tears Mr. Harper shed was the same feelings I felt. Bravo to the writers of this show and Bravo to Chi Mcbride on a performance that was em-my worthy.

Really really excellent

[strangelexicon · 10/10 · 4 August 2006]

Boston public, from its already highly reputed developers, does not fail to deliver. I can imagine that a non-American audience would find events presented in this series as quite shocking. The writing and acting is top notch. Theonly problem with the series is that it portrays the American schooling system has highly out of control and indisciplined, even though the staff themselves are shown to be highly professional and capable people working under immense pressure. That seems to be a move to make it a little more commercial. For the same purpose, we see too much sex and everyone is sleeping with each other in some controversial way or the other. The subject of sex is used extremely often, although it may not be such a bad thing. Towards the later seasons, the show seems to have run out of ideas and started deriving plots from current political situations such as the war on terrorism. Despite such unoriginality, this show is one of the best TV shows ever made.

Good work of David E Kelley

[Okonh0wp · 10/10 · 29 May 2004]

This show was one of the best products to come from David E Kelley, and David E Kelley was one of the best things to happen to television. With so many dramas about lawyers, police units, and hospitals get more than enough attention, this show drew a lot of appeal simply by finding a new interesting segment of society to feature on a TV show that anyone who has ever attended public school would like to know more about.

Kelly infused his drama about the academic faculty of an inner-city school with a balance of humanity and sensationalism. The show featured a talented ensemble through which conflict could be created through clashing philosophies, but the one thing their passion to the job. The characters on the show were all conveniently designed to be single and attractive, leading to another classic draw of TV in this day and age, sexual tensions. A chief complaint that many, including myself, had with the show was that it wasn't entirely realistic, most high schools do not have as many eventful things going on as Winslow (where the show took place) every week, and I don't remember as many of my teachers being drop-dead gorgeous and so sexually-in-need, but the show, nevertheless had a lot of gripping drama and really faced head-on some of the issues involving public school, from both the standpoint of students and teachers. It's much easier to appreciate, anyway, when you accept that David E. Kelley shows aren't supposed to be realistic.

Unfortunately, the show has lost some of it momentum after the first couple years. For one, there was a high cast turnover, and it was hard to get attached to characters after they kept leaving or getting fired and replaced by new characters. I don't know what the cause of that was, but with the exception of the relationship between Principal Harper and his assistant Scott Guber, both played by two capable leads, none of the other interpersonal relationships in the story really had a chance to develop. It was also for other reasons that I felt like Boston Public had never grown past season one, like inconsistencies thrown in by the creators that looked like cheap attempts to boost ratings. For instance they suddenly made Scott Guber a religious Jew who abhorred dating Jewish women in the 4th season even though the desperate assistant principal had been trying to get with ever non-Jewish teacher in the school since day 1 and always hated Mr. Lipschutz, and they suddenly added a daughter for Steven Harper in the second season who attends the school when there was never any mention of her in the first season. For these reasons, I always felt like each season, was just another season 1 for Boston Public and after a while it just got old. The move to Friday nights by Fox was also rediculous, the last thing any student wants to watch on a Friday night is a show about school. The show recently got cancelled and I kind of understood why, since I myself had drifted out of it, but at the same time I really appreciate it, as it once was very good.

The most realistic depiction on TV of what teaching actually is.

[acrimmins · 5 January 2006]

This series takes a pro-teacher attitude, showing us as we are: diverse, flawed, passionate about learning, student-centered and student-stymied. Challenges to teachers, administrators and students are true-to-life. A strong ensemble cast demonstrates the joys and frustrations of a career in education. I know each one of these teachers and have worked with them. At times I have been each one: discouraged, uplifted, supported, disappointed, competent, unable to cope, in control, self-doubting, on top of it, ground under it all. I know these kids and their parents. The show where Michael Rappaport's character tries to deal with feelings aroused in students by use of the "N" word was the finest television drama I have ever seen. I miss Boston Public.

good show...but does fox not know how to advertise?

[JBoze313 · 13 December 2000]

Ok. I think FOX has to be one of the worst networks on television when it comes to advertising! Before this show premiered, FOX hyped this show a lot, and all of the previews basically made it look like a slapstick comedy that was nothing but laughs. I didn't watch it because of that. I thought it would be too silly. I watched one episode this week, and I must say, I love this show. The characters, from what I saw, are deep and complicated, and the storyline is brilliant. In the previews for this show, they showed the teacher talking about the girl not wearing a bra, and talking about her breasts. This is where I think FOX went wrong, because the show is not like that at all. I think it was a cheap ploy to get people to watch, stupid tho, because the show is better than what they tried to make it out to be. 9.5/10 Definitely.

Fine new TV series, one of the very few we actually plan to watch each week.

[TxMike · 13 February 2001]

My wife and I, retired, both love to watch this new TV series. While we don't agree with everything it stands for, we both agree that it is both entertaining and thought-provoking, something you rarely see on TV.

I read a "Boston Public" review by a teacher who says the show "is an insult to teachers." What an insecure teacher! Such comments show a complete lack of imagination. People don't really think TV shows on FOX are intended to be factual reporting, do they? Ever watch the old Mission Impossible TV series? Some viewers would be upset that the "team" always succeeded. That isn't real life. Duh!! I would just explain, with a large grin, "They only show us the episodes where the team succeeded. They don't show us the ones where everyone gets blown up!" People without imagination didn't understand that comment either.

To me, Boston Public is much that way. If you want to impose some reality, they don't show all the boring days, or the lesson planning, or the ordinary kids eating lunch. What they do show are the exceptional, interesting, thought-provoking, though fictionalized, "episodes" of high school life. A teacher should not be insulted by this TV show, anymore than doctors should be insulted by "Hannibal" or police officers insulted by "Lethal Weapon". If teachers are, then it doesn't show much imagination on their part. "Teaching" is much more than subject competence - it is also about dealing with ambiguous real-world situations. If Boston Public makes people think, then it is not only good entertainment, it also becomes a public service.

Last night we just watched the episode where two teachers had been fired, the second for having concealed his knowledge of a teacher/student sexual affair, even lying when asked point blank. They went to court. In the school's final summation, the principal explained that teachers need to be trusted. All the other teachers, with all their flaws, still can be trusted. The fired teacher cannot. The judge comments later that in weighing his decision, his 17-yr-old daughter visited him, and at that point he realized that if it had been his daughter, and a teacher concealed knowledge of such an affair, such teacher would be terribly negligent, and he thus ruled for the school, upholding the firing.

Who can argue that this is an insult to teachers and the teaching profession? "Boston Public" will tire and burn out some day, maybe even this year, but right now it is one fine TV show.

Lots of potential to be a great show!

[dvanhouwelingen · 24 October 2000]

After watching the first episode of BOSTON PUBLIC, I am hooked. The cast is great, and the writers have really captured what it's like to be a student in high school- as well as a teacher. Now, the first episode had its problems (do you really believe Senate wouldn't have been fired for firing that gun, or that Harper won't be for slamming that kid into the locker), but it is still a very intelligent show. We have to look past these mistakes at the show as a whole. This show captures high school in a bad neighborhood perfectly. I hope this show stays around for a while (unlikely the even more brillant FREAKS AND GEEKS that got axed after only one stellar year) and with a debut episode like that, it'll only get better.

Best Drama Ever to Come To FOX!!

[AtomicAnthony · 20 January 2003]

This is the best Drama ever to come to FOX. They have had others, but this one stands out most completely! The story-lines are original, the characters are special, and the writing is great. Around the time of its beginning, FOX needed a good hit, and Boston Public came and surprised viewers.

Boston Public

[ncassara · 23 June 2005]

I would like to say this is a great show. I'm sorry I just started watching this TV series on TV1 (cable). It hits many real live situations that is now going on in the public school systems with our children and teachers. It really makes you think what the teacher actually go through with our children and vis versa in the low-class and middle class communities. It is really and truly an eye catcher. Its just sad that a show that has so much reality and truth in it has to end, but the re-runs are great. Hopefully they may continue a new season at a later time. I commend all the writers, producers and actors for a job very well done.

Good Show

[Mr_Sensitive · 1 July 2005]

Many people might find this is an offensive series especially toward teacher and condemn it as bad show. But what ever it is, I really like this show. It is so intense, emotional, alright acting, and the keep on changing cast make it not boring.

Yes, I agreed some stuff is offensive, but the series is too good to miss. Each week the faculty faces different problem (some of the stuff I highly doubted) but it is still fun to watch it.

What I really like is how the story of the teachers tried to deal with the everyday problem in school and put their personal life into it. (though it not happen in real life but still nice to see it).

Anyway, it was kind of sad to see it got cancel cause it got low rating, but at least it was still in its prime to me.

Recommendation: Yes, it is a pretty good relationship series.

Rating: 7.5/10 (Grade: B)

Too complicated for the general viewing public

[johnrp-1 · 22 January 2004]

You'll hear a lot of people complain about Boston Public, calling it stupid or contrived or even sappy. But the sad fact is, it's main failing is that it addresses serious topics for an audience that would rather watch Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. People don't want socially relevant television ... they want South Park entertainment.

Well, it IS a great show. The character development is done with finely tuned precision, making one often forget that they are watching and not actually "there". The people on the show meld into their roles so well that it makes me shudder to think back to High School.

But one thing this show does NOT do is make me want to be a teacher.

excellent drama, superb acting, amazing dialogue

[batman741 · 7 May 2003]

Like THE PRACTICE, this is a well-made piece of drama dealing with the struggles in a typical high school in Boston. Created by David Kelley, who also made the hit series ALLY MCBEAL, this show is an absolute must-see for any lover of drama.

Probably the best thing about BOSTON PUBLIC is the thought-provoking dialogue, especially the speeches given by teacher Marla. Though it is not really life-like, the inter-personal dialogues are quite interesting. The direction is also stunning. The angle-movement of the the camera and the excellent acting makes this a feast to enjoy.

Though some will find the show boring initially, if you persevere, you will find that it is certainly worth it all. Give it time, and it will grow on you.

This is one show that must be watched by fan of ALLY MCBEAL and THE PRACTICE.

Altman-esque

[Niv-1 · 11 June 2001]

"Boston Public" is one of the best Shows on T.V. right now. "Public" has excellent writing, acting and a great cast. David E. Kelley is certainly the best writer in T.V. and it shows here as on his other shows, "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal". When it comes to the cast Sharon Leal is great as "Ms. Sudor". She is alone worth watching the show. "Boston Public" is an ensemble drama though so it would be unfair not to mention, Chi McBride as the principal, Loretta Devine as "Marla Hendricks", Fyvush Finkel, Jessalyn Gilsig, Anthony Heald and others. Debbi Morgan is great when she shows up as "Superintendent Marsha Shinn." "Boston Public" reminds me a lot of the great director Robert Altman's movies "The Player" and "Nashville." "Boston Public" has a lot of characters leading, supporting and secondary and always multiple story lines, four or five per episode, most Dramas have only two or three. Overall "Boston Public" is great T.V. and worth watching.

Not Like Any HIGH SCHOOL That I've Ever Heard Of

[Big O-7 · 13 November 2001]

I agree with most of these reviews. I think you have a talented cast - Chi McBride, Anthony Heald etc - that are put in to some really, really strange situations. What is going on right now with a kid locking his mom in the basement? Absurd to say the least. The sad thing is that real high school life would make for great television without any help from David E. Kelley. Perhaps we should ask Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson to focus on a high school. High school dramas do not need sex and violence pressed upon them for sex and violence are already part of the recipie. Mr. Kelley I beg of you to ease up on the outlandish situations that you put this cast through when all you really need to do is simply let high school tell the stories. And to all of you out there that said that no drama needs some sort of climactic thing every 15 minutes ... I am right there with you!

wish more satellite channels would carry BOSTON PUBLIC

[SICILY4ME · 13 February 2006]

I wish that more satellite channels would carry BOSTON PUBLIC at various times through out the day and or evening.. I feel they are very well written and I enjoy watching them. Please see if anyone can suggest this to the satellite carrier. I feel more people would enjoy better selections offered on satellite TV.

I feel more and more people today are looking for subjects and discussions on what is being viewed on TV. Family's need to sit down and talk to each other besides watching TV in their different rooms and than going their own ways in daily living. There are many subjects in the story lines that my help families with curtain subject matters. In todays world, we all need help with everyday living let alone the pressures that are either placed on us, or we are expected to know how to handle.

Best Drama Currently on TV

[ilovetvalot · 2 May 2002]

Every show episode is amazing. Every character is amazing. The script is amazing. If you won't watch it, please do. If you do watch it, please continue. If you are one of the TV LORDS that work on it, please make it a year round show.