Desperate Housewives (2004–2012) User Reviews

One of the best series holds up 2018

[Br4ve-trave1or · 8/10 · 16 June 2018]

First a brief synopsis..

The story from this show, starts with the suicide of Mary Alice a woman who lives in a nice and quiet place called Wisteria Lane. This woman was married and had a teenage boy, from this point on starts the mistery of why she killed herself. Her four best friends; Susan (Teri Hatcher), Lynette (Felicity Huffman), Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) and Bree (Marcia Cross) start to put things together about her suicide while a new resident moved into the neighborhood named Mike Delfino with a mysterious past. Is he a bad guy or a good guy? Or a bad guy doing a good thing?

First what I really want to say for a non-spoiler review is that this series came out in 2004 and I decided to binge it in 2018 of June. It held up incredibly via Hulu. I was hooked after just 1 episode!! That's all it took. Also I should mention I'm a straight guy. This series is NOT JUST FOR WOMEN! There is much to love about this series that men will cherish. The comedy is incredible but the relatable situations are outstanding as well. The mysteries and intrigue are brilliant too.

What's impressive about this series is that despite a big mystery hanging above, so much entertainment goes on that you forget about it and are captivated by each individual episode. I cant believe it took me so long to watch this show but I honestly dont think I would have appreciated it as much in 2004 as a kid. I think all I would have thought about was the gardner and gabrielle having an affair but now I found I cared more about how she mainted to cover the secret as it happened and I started watching.

Dont think for a second because this series is from 2004 it may not be good because the best TV has come from the 90s and 2000s! That was the age in which TV was shaped to inspire the shows on TV today. I've learned many things this week and one thing is that all incredible art pieces, they dont age they hold up with time. For e.g. I just started ER and I'm addicted and it holds up too and that was 1994!

When desperate housewives came out, TV was different then. It wasnt as censored as it is today and you can feel the difference or I can at least. (Watch a drama from then90s on network TV and then imagine it on that same channel take NYPD pilot for example) what I'm saying is it doesnt matter if this is old incredible!!!!

This series is a must-see that provides pure entertainment and laughs for you each episode and the first handful of seasons!!!

I cant believe I almost never watched this gem of a series...what a exhilarating experience!!! Bravo 9/10

An iconic show that stands the test of time

[jessicadavis-25909 · 9/10 · 4 February 2020]

This is one of those rare shows that has it all . So much so that I even invested in the dvd box set ! Like many of the other reviews state , it hooks you in from the very first episode. I never gave it a chance when it first aired back in 2004 ; I dismissed it as a ridiculous soap opera . However, one episode in and you'll KNOW that this is no ORDINARY soap opera, it's soaps on steroids ! Brilliantly written characters, brilliantly acted actors and an absolutely ICONIC cinematography, and that's the truth , people get into the show and (like myself ) become obsessed with the picturesque neighborhood(then get let down when you google it and find out it's actually a famous set - same one from "The Burbs" I believe) . And yes , the women are depicted doing deplorable things and so there's No denying that . But it's just the RIGHT AMOUNT of dirty and campy to still be classified a classic . Give it a watch ... see what all the fuss is about ...

Sexy legendary soap opera of secrets and skeletons in the closet, "American Beauty meets Stepford Wives".

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 16 May 2020]

Remember back to the mid 2000's and what a gem and cultural landmark that "ABC" started when Marc Cherry's nighttime soap opera "Desperate Housewives" made it to the airwaves. It was set in the perfect nice little town of Wisteria Lane was it suburban heaven? Nothing was never what it seemed to be as secrets, skeletons in the closet and twist and turns were always abound and the norm!

The drama at times could rival that of a "Melrose Place" however many stories and subplots were that of strange one's that often involved dark humor and black heart like comedy. The writing was in top form as when new characters were brought in they had past connections and were to foreshadow the future.

The characters made the show as the chemistry was all pro. Susan(in Teri Hatcher's best role) was good as a single sexy mother just trying to figure things out and keep up with friends and her gal pals. Bree Van De Kamp(in a strong turn from Marcia Cross) was a prim and proper elegant trophy conservative wife who shined as she tried to live right with her kids and husband much can be said for Lynette(Felicity Huffman) who dealt with the ups and downs of marriage and raising kids to her best still the drama was present.

And the show stopper was the sexy and socialite model turned housewife the self centered selfish win at all cost Gabrielle Solis(the beautiful and fine Eva Longoria) as Gabby played her vices and had fields of fun by having an affair with young hunk and gardener John. Still Gabby had her insurance policy and security blanket in hubby Carlos.(Wow I must say that many of the scenes with Gabrielle wearing sexy colored bras were super eye candy as she sported several multi colored bras, plus over the years and episodes she wore many black and white strapless ones, and she had worn sexy red and black colored bras a different color for every day! It's like she had her own Victoria Secret's drawer of colored bras!) Overall legendary memorable soap opera that was entertaining and sexy it was addictive and fun to watch as it twists with surprises as secrets were revealed.

Was not expecting this...

[sunnyn-58680 · 10/10 · 5 January 2022]

I watched Desperate Housewives for the first time ever out of sheer boredom and I ended up binging the entire series. It got me hooked from the first episode. Something crazy is always happening but at the core, this is a story about friendship and growth. There are some seriously funny moments mixed into all the chaos and many heartfelt ones too. I actually got emotionally during the last episode. It felt like the last episode of Friends. I had grown attached to all of these women and their families and didn't want it to end.

Iconic

[gzwoods · 10/10 · 8 September 2018]

Going to miss it, but the ending was perfect. I'm glad they didn't drag it out just because it was a popular show.

My guilty pleasure

[cjonesas · 10/10 · 6 February 2020]

Sometimes, a series or a movie hooks you so much that when it ends, it's like a part of yourself is gone with it. You cry, you shed tears, you cannot stop thinking about it. Like a lost lover who's decided to go and leave you all alone.

That is what Desperate Housewives is for me. 8 seasons of sheer joy and emotions. A rollercoaster of pleasure, bliss, sadness and thrill throughout.

It has quality written all over it. It has one the best script, story, cast and acting in the whole TV industry. Brenda Strong's voice and narrative alone are enough to make you shiver, have goosebumps and dream. She was extraordinary and breathtaking.

I loved Marcia Cross. She was my favourite, ever since I got to know her from Melrose Place. She is one of the most beautiful, talented and wonderful actresses out there. She just shines. She has depth and class painted all over her. Would like to see more of her in series. Marcia please!

7 years have passed since I finished the show, but I still feel it like it was the first day. I'm enthusiastic and excited about it like my first glance on it.

It's my guilty pleasure and one of the most cherished series of my life.

CAN BE SEEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

[eyferyel · 10/10 · 27 March 2018]

Not only this series will entertain you but it will also teach you everything! It can cheer you up if you are feeling down with Gabrielle Solis (real fans will know what I'm talking about) but it will also not be afraid to tell you about sad things such as death and cancer because that's how real life is. The show itself starts with the suicide of Mary-Alice Young. So it may be happening in the beautiful, fancy and rich neighbourhood named Wisteria Lane but that doesn't mean it has to be perfect. Money can't buy everything. And all along the episodes, through the 8 seasons there is a moral that keeps us really hooked. There is more than 50 deaths in this series (Edie Britt, Rex Van De Camp...) and god knows that this show is not afraid to kill our favourite characters! Honestly, who didn't cry when Mike Delfino died!? Even after 4 break-ups between him and Susan (including a coma and a car accident!). Now we've seen it all! But don't worry, there are also lots of beautiful moments: many weddings and births will make you weep with joy. To sum up, I would say that this series is tragic but full of humour at the same time. It is art imitating life.

Desperately Wanting More

[Ironboundfw · 5 October 2004]

I'm gonna address something in a serious tone, that is way unlike the premiere of Desperate Housewives. Television, has gotten entirely too serious. It has! Even its comedies can be horribly depressing.

As I sat watching the premiere of Desperate Housewives, I found myself doing something I haven't done in quite some time, and that is "smiling," No, I mean, a huge smile, a GRIN of thankfulness.

I have a theory that most pilot scripts suck, because they are establishing a series, I have hardly ever liked a PILOT script, even if they do their job well which is establish character and the mood of the show. The great story telling comes after the pilot.

The only good pilot I have seen in recent years, was the pilot for ALIAS (brilliant) now a week ago, I saw the PILOT for LOST (edge of your seat good). But even those were topped by the intricate, hysterical, amazing pilot script for DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. If the writers are out there, reading this, 1. Thank You. 2. why are you reading this, get to writing more of this wonderful show.

They also have gotten a superb cast of women. OLDER WOMEN! WOMEN WOMEN, not some 20 something year olds with bland looks on their faces and pouty lips! But Talented, amazing, beautiful, WOMEN (and I'm a guy in my 20's) I appreciate that... WOMEN over 40 ROCK! I speak of course of Felicity Huffman, who can do more with one line of Dialogue, than any other actress I know. This show, brings also the RETURN of Terri Hatcher, THANK GOD! It's about TIME!! And it also brings me, MARCIA CROSS, an actress who should have been given an EMMY for her brilliant, heartbreaking work in EVERWOOD last season.

The producers/Direction/showrunners of the show, have established a look for the show. it's American BEAUTY on ACID. A gorgeous use of color and cinematography, of scoring, and well, I mention it again, because it's so important... GREAT WRITING!

On every level, the PILOT for DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES impresses. It has bite, humor and heart. I hope that it will be around for a long time. But even this one episode is enough to remind people everywhere, that network television can still be FUN!

A mixed bag

[kgft · 7/10 · 13 March 2021]

During the Covid lockdown I've binged watched several shows and am now working my way through this. I'm halfway through S2 and I have mixed feelings. I can see where this would be fun when watching one episode per week, but several in a row makes it tiresome. IMO The best parts of the show are the occasional characters who flip in and out of the storylines; Mrs. Huber, the pharmacist, Susan's mother and fiancé--they all add interest and then, sadly, disappear. I do want to make special note of Cody Kasch, who plays Zack. He makes his character both creepy and sympathetic, something very few actors can do. He is one to watch.

Best kind of trash

[filip-renic1 · 10/10 · 20 June 2018]

This iconic series is filled with iconic one liners, childish drama and overacting. Everything you could ever want while smoking a joint and being a queer individual. Iconic camp classic.

A storytelling triumph

[sarastro7 · 7/10 · 23 January 2006]

I am actually quite in awe of Desperate Housewives. The lives and times and gossips of upper middle-class housewives is not something I have a shred of interest in, but this show manages to tell its story so efficiently that I am excellently entertained by every episode. Of course, it helps that the actresses are attractive, but it's more than that. They don't just look good, they embody some very specific and meaningful archetypes. Brie fascinates especially as the impeccably perfect Stepford Wife.

One might argue that the show doesn't delve very deeply into the larger social causes of these housewives' desperation, opting instead to base it all on their personal lives, individual quirks and spotty pasts. But if that's a minus, it is made up for more than amply by the wit, the surprising twists, the biting dialog and the great directing. It is a show that manages to appeal to an extremely wide audience, possibly even including young males who are mostly into action movies. That's no mean feat. Kudos to the producers.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

The best show ever

[benjaminalanboulton · 10/10 · 23 April 2023]

This is the best TV show ever. I started watching this for the 1st time in late 2022 and just finished it in 2023. I am so glad I found this show. They don't make TV shows like this anymore! It is incredibly well written and is like no other. It's truly absolutely amazing! I've watched a loooong list of TV shows and not one even comes close to this. Every single episode is exciting, you'll always be tempted to watch the next and then the next... All characters play a meaningful role and play their part so so well. There are lots of life lessons to be learnt whilst watching this series too. Desperate Housewives is a masterpiece.

Overall enjoyable

[a_lavdas · 7/10 · 1 February 2020]

Overall enjoyable and rather addictive!! It is not all equally well written, some parts are really clever and funny, in other cases they make the characters do things that are just silly and unexpected from them. The characters of the Scavo couple, and also of Bree, are sometimes so annoying they make you want to throw something at them! :) This is not a criticism for the actors - on the contrary, they are all great and very convincing. But especially the Scavo couple, as it is written, I think takes much of the fun out of the series. I think it would be better without them in the script -or, even better, if they had made them less annoying.. Pity that the character of Nicollette Sheridan got killed off at some point, there was something missing after she was gone - THAT was a fun character. . REALLY bad idea to kill off James Denton's character near the end, what was the point? This is light entertainment, better to keep it this way. Finally, I wish the person who wrote Brenda Strong's narration would not start every other sentence with the word "yes,..."

My soul is dead tired - no more punch please

[hakapes · 5/10 · 4 December 2005]

At the beginning I really loved the show and identified myself as a 'Desperate Housewifes' fan. I liked the humor a lot, I laughed up sometimes so hard, it was really unexpected and well done. I loved the beautiful main actors, the superb Maserati and Porsche sports cars. And I loved the tension from one episode to the other, I just couldn't stop myself not watching it again.

But then, after finishing with the 23 episodes of Series 1, although I'm interested to find out what happens next, I'm a bit tired of the constant lack of morals. There's no one person I can like in the show, because until now, everyone turned out to be a liar, a killer, a thief in the end, who has no hearts, and I prefer to identify myself with heroes of positive values.

When I watch a movie, it's a one piece thing and I can resolve myself even if it's about things I don't agree on. I watch it and digest it as I want. I know who's bad and who's right, or even when the situation is not so clear, I can get trough it. However, here I got tired watching in every episode somebody killing his neighbor, lying in the face of his/her husband or taking deep revenge on a beloved one.

The narrative voice in the beginning and the end of each episode is integrate part of the plot and adds a lot to the enjoyment. The funniest character to me was Edie with her constant winning over men she doesn't care about and failure over men she wants. Although an antipathetic character, Bree is super well played, the no-emotions-out style is 100% authentic.

So, although I liked the jokes, I find acting is great overall, I have had this punch in my stomach after every episode, which I don't like to repeat. The main catch of the series is 'what happens next'. However, I just found on the net many sources and articles detailing the happenings of each episode. I just read in for curiosity, and found out I'm not that interested at all to follow what's happening. It's pretty much the same - someone kills or lies or betrays again so the plot is twisted again. But this is not that interesting to me anymore.

"Desperate," Guilty and Loving Every Friggin' Minute Of It!

[cchase · 27 March 2005]

Some thirty years ago now, a fledgling writer and self-admitted 'desperate housewife' herself, one Susan Harris was sitting watching the gawd-awful writing and acting being perpetrated on some daytime sudser and said, "Well, hell! I can do this, and I can do it better!" And so she sat down and started work on what became one of the most ground-breaking series of its time, SOAP.

Fast-forward to 2004. Miraculously, and not a moment too soon, the can-do spirit and twisted, blackly comic sensibility that Susan Harris blended into her frothy concoction has seeped into the consciousness and the pen of one Mr. Marc Cherry, and television right now is all the better for it.

It was high time, in a slate of shows that range from the ones that take themselves all too seriously (THE WEST WING, ER and about any other medical or cop drama you can name), to the ones that have no shame at all (AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, FEAR FACTOR and every 'reality show' going), that somebody took the complete, over-the-top ridiculousness of both day-and-night-time soaps and gave them a good, hard shake.

DESPERATE is not a sitcom, but nothing on television right now makes me laugh harder. It isn't a straight drama, but I find myself just as involved as if I were watching LOST or THE SHIELD. It's not some stiff, stodgy or saccharine, treacly morality play, but when it comes to having a sense of those "family values" that certain politicians are so fond of emphasizing, it carries in one episode more commentary about love, compassion and caring for one's fellow man than all the seasons of JOAN OF ARCADIA and "that show with Della Reese" combined.

Not that it's going to receive the Nobel Prize anytime soon. I would just as soon settle for seeing every member of the terrific cast win an Emmy every year this show runs, and sooner or later, I have no doubt that it will happen.

But besides bringing us a terrific show to look forward to on Sunday nights, (something that hasn't happened for me personally since the heyday of THE X-FILES), let us give thanks for something else that TV has been far too slow in acknowledging...the value of beautiful, brainy and talented actresses over 40.

For realizing that Teri Hatcher DESPERATELY needed a role that would prove she could do a helluva lot more than play yet another version of Lois Lane. That Felicity Huffman, one of our most under-appreciated talents, DESPERATELY needed the sustenance of a role like Lynette Scavo to sink her teeth into. That Marcia Cross DESPERATELY needed the kind of showcase for HER talents that the likes of Frances Conroy, CCH Pounder, Sharon Gless and other top notch actresses only get on cable, and that Bree Van De Kamp will prove once and for all what we always knew from MELROSE PLACE--this woman ROCKS!, and for giving Eva Longoria something that all actors as gorgeous as she have DESPERATELY needed forever...the chance to prove that being a treat for the eyes, does not automatically mean that your acting talent is about as deep as a kiddie wading pool.

Thank you, thank you, thank you...and thank you for making us all DESPERATE for more of the shady doings on the sunny side of the streets of Wisteria Lane.

Faultless series ideal for any viewer

[Sanou_san · 10/10 · 24 April 2007]

The time Desperate Housewives came into advertising moments at Studio23 it didn't catch my attention immediately. I thought it was just one of the usual drama series that inadvertently attracts the attention of any melodramatic viewers, however I was totally wrong with my primary impression, it wasn't dramatic at all, comedy and puzzling twist where one of its successful magnetism that will always keep you hanging at the edge of your seats. The series is starred by four "Desperate Housewives" in its usual episodically scheduled time in Studio23, namely: Susan Mayer, Bree Van De Kamp, Lynette Scavo, Gabrielle Solis played by this wonderful stars: Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria respectively.

Even for a guy like me could embrace and yearn for this kind of drama series. It even made weep many times; I thought it was a lowly dramatized play that couldn't even catch the interest of ordinary viewers, but it was the best realistic series that anyone could actually love. Witty moments were one of its attracting element, Desperate Housewives never lacks on it, every episode were complete, mystery, intrigues, drama, jokes, crime and hilarity always coalesce every episode that appear. I would even scamper instantaneously to finish washing dishes and bathe myself around 9:30 at night to capture the beginning of each episode.

For sure if anyone had followed the mystifying story of Mary Alice Young, going to every inhabitant of Mysterial Lane—suburban neighborhood, you would really appreciate the beauty of the plot of "Desperate Housewives", keep watching

One of the best show ever

[mazmnnaz · 10/10 · 12 July 2019]

I like every single episode and the way of the whole story was that you can see how much I love it.

seriously have never seen anything like it

[siennacolucci · 10/10 · 20 January 2022]

This show had a GRIP on me. I've never been one for comedies or shows that went outside the teen drama realm but this one is truly a masterpiece. Every single character has development, goes through an arc and is so complex. The fact that this show is narrated by the girls' friend who died of suicide... genius. The series finale... genius. The theme song... genius. The deaths... genius. And i must sidebar and talk about the unique and amazing use of mental illness throughout this show. The fact that this show gives representation to OCD, alcoholism, drug addiction, BPD, depression, narcissism, and suicide in multiple forms, is seriously comendable. I've never felt so attached to characters and friendships as i felt with this show, literally was balling when i finished it. Also small appreciation for all the "into the woods" lyrics that were used as episode titles, it was a small cool thing i was able to notice.

10/10

[Flabutterfly · 10/10 · 11 May 2023]

This show is dark and addictive. I have watched it a few times over the years and I can say it stands the test of time, it's a classic. It has some campy moments that made me laugh so hard, and other serious moments that made me cry. It's about friendship and taking care of each other, but there is definitely some dark humor, some hilarious, some sad moments, all in all a 10/10 show. It's a prime time soap, but not just for women, men will like it too. If you like this show, you'll love Devious Maids as well. They share some writers and some of the actors from Desperate Housewives also appear on Devious Maids. They don't make TV like this anymore, and it's sad.

Has some moments but not enough for me personally.

[lois-lane33 · 6/10 · 15 November 2014]

Although I wasn't particularly a fan of the TV show Sex and the City' (I thought it tended towards a deplorable crudeness posing as sophistication) I watched this show a few times and liked it more or less, probably because I'm a fan of Eva Longoria more than of the other actresses involved with this project, particularly Felicity Huffman whom I'm really not that into. I thought that the plot was well done-as much as it could be since it was made in a suburban community that looks right out of a 1950 sound stage. I thought that maybe they focused a bit too much on their relationships with their kids-most people and most teenagers especially tend to want to simply have their privacy and deal with their day to day existence with as little contact with others as possible-even if they get along with most people. Ah the new family dynamic brought to you via the big networks-well-its a bit like that. Lots of philandering brings little in the way of interpersonal revelations to the show with that exception being guys and gals realizing that they dig casual sex with people they are not married to-after they have been married for about five years. There are few solid characters on this show (except EL's character who knows the value of life) and basically the show makes a curious statement about its progenitors since many people are quite solid in real life. The show functions at some levels like a form of self justification-like saying 'everybody picks their nose' so its OK to do it whenever you want to when in reality it really isn't so OK to be picking your nose in a fancy restaurant (as in picking your nose at the table is like having sex anywhere with others when you are married) "stay away from film people" is a funny message for a TV show- even if it was unintentional.

My favorite series.

[morbidnmacabre-29122 · 10/10 · 7 January 2022]

Desperate Housewives has something for everyone. There's sex, love, marriage, divorce, friendship, betrayal, and murder mysteries. When I'm feeling down, I will rewatch; it's like visiting old friends.

I like it, but...

[Irena_Spa · 6/10 · 8 February 2022]

Everything would have been perfect if the author hadn't killed some of the characters, as are Edie and Karl. They were giving some natural energy every time when they appear on the screen. Naturally beautiful people and good in doing their job. I think that after moving them out the attention and interest of the audience dropped significantly. One thing is missing and that is why the author didn't mention what's going to be about Karl's son?!

Reviews are lying

[majnejmizmina · 10/10 · 20 August 2018]

You should never trust this reviews on IMDB because this is the best show EVER. I mean, those ratings are just impossible. People are completly out of their minds. Everyone who watched DH knows that it's the most beautiful, interesting, heartbreaking show and everyone loves it. I watched it so many times and I never get bored.

Desperate Single Male....with a fondness for this show!

[Ryu_Darkwood · 7/10 · 3 December 2007]

Being a fan of Desperate Housewives is a bit awkward for the heterosexual male that I am, but hey, don't we all have our guilty pleasures?

I loved this show from the opening scene in which I saw Mary Alice Young shoot herself after a hilarious monologue, and stayed a true devotee ever since. I even endured the hideous second season in which brilliant scenes were pretty scarce. Lucky me! The third season even surpassed the first one in almost any way imaginable. I loved the part of Kyle MacLachlan as creepy husband with a dirty secret.

The trick behind this show is that it combines slapstick and razor sharp dialog with a plot that is serious enough to make you emotionally attached to the characters. It's not pretentious, but it does have some intelligent scripts, so it's not your average soap opera.

Down hill.

[westcrow2002 · 1/10 · 23 November 2008]

Desperate Housewives began with a bang in season 1 but with a revolving door of cast changes starting in season 2 and the 5 year time jump, Marc Cherry might as well drive a nail through the series coffin. For the past 2 seasons, the series has had a number of recycled stories. The latest falls on Susan Mayer who is once again unlucky in love and having issues with her love life. Tom, Lynnette's husband is once again finding ways to liven up his miserable existence to his miserable hag of a wife. The show needs to end this season or next at the most. Further delays would severely cripple what remains of this one time hit.