Cedar Cove (2013–2015) User Reviews

This town beats the 50% divorce statistics

[marla-229-772826 · 6/10 · 3 February 2015]

It appears almost everyone in this town is divorced or has a dark secret, except for the sweet hippie guy who runs the restaurant. But then, I guess it couldn't go on for two seasons or more, but it would be just nice if there were people who didn't come from a divorced back. There's so much jealousy, deceit, and lying. Can't believe this is Hallmark! Nonetheless the beautiful location, fancy houses and the comedy relief celibate hippie dude makes it all worthwhile. Andie McDowell is a beautiful solid actress, and it's wonderful seeing her in a role that allows a few dramatic moments. The good guys are the good guys, the bad guys are the bad guys, there's not a lot of surprises, but I'm enjoying it for the most part. I actually live in this general area, and recognize most of the location shoots.

Where is Season 4!

[Jazznme2 · 8/10 · 18 December 2015]

Don't tell me!! Dropped?! Probably. I know the plots are weak. And the characters are often half-witted. But a lot like everyday life. I usually really like anything Andie McDowell does, but I'm not real "hip" on her portrayal of this character. And her relationship with--whatever his name--the 2nd guy, lawyer, is just a bit stupid. The writers did not do themselves any favors by writing such flimsy dialog between the main characters. And the daughter, OK, I can see where this just really falls apart and fans who watched this at first have run for the exits! It is irritating that they mucked this up! The original premise got lost and buried in mucky muck. And the main character, Judge, has really gone off the rails. But with so much other garbage on TV I would still be up for Season 4!!

Cedar Cove, Best Series on TV

[sharidee-798-635205 · 10/10 · 21 September 2013]

Saturday night has become my favorite night for TV. I love this series and I have just purchased eight of the sixteen of Debbie's books in the Cedar Cove series. I have read the first two books, but will wait to read the third book as I do not want to know what happens until I see the episode on TV. I sure hope that the series continues on TV as long as it takes to complete the series of books she wrote on Cedar Cove. Love the characters and choices of actors to play them. I highly recommend the series as you won't be disappointed. We will be spending our vacation in the spring in Washington state and plan on visiting Port Orchard for sure. If you enjoy a good story line, good acting, laughter, serious family issues too and, of course, romance...Cedar Cove is for you too.

Charming, Cheerful Show

[sva729 · 10/10 · 6 July 2017]

I happened upon Cedar Cove while looking for a good series to watch. I like all kinds of drama - Grey's Anatomy, Bosch, Fargo, Army Wives, Scandal, The Affair....too many to list. Cedar Cove is light and easy-to-watch with stories about things that happen in real life without the sex and violence that are in mainstream shows these days.

Engaging and (mostly) entertaining tv series

[blackwidowis7cool · 10/10 · 2 July 2019]

Season 1 was by far the best. Season 2, while I didn't appreciate everything that was in it, I still love it, and can move on, ignoring the issues. Season 3, though - ugh! Terrible. Anyway, I will give a plot synopsis for the series and then give a little review for each season. Cedar Cove is a quaint, picturesque town on an island in Puget Sound in Washington state. Its residents are old fashioned in their values, neighbors on the most part trying to help neighbors, and people not locking their doors in their trust of their neighbors. The moral center and compass of the town is Olivia Lockhart, the bicycle riding, scarf wearing municipal court judge who grew up in the town. Regardless of her being the focus for many in town, Olivia's life has not been issue-free, she long ago having gone through a divorce from her physician ex-husband, the dissolution of their marriage largely due to the accidental drowning death of their son, Jordan, when he was thirteen, that incident from which they as a couple could not recover. Also affected was Jordan's twin sister, Justine, now a young woman, who has been struggling to find her place in life ever since. Much like the town is being pulled in different directions, such as by cutthroat developer Warren Saget, Olivia is often pulled in different directions, personally and professionally, which one day may take her away from Cedar Cove. In the former category is her search for love. Through it all, she acts as supporter to her friends and family, including librarian Grace Sherman, her best friend since they were children. Season 1 review - The first season kicks this series off to a great start. Filled with love, romance, heart, and humour, you will be drawn into this small town and its characters deeply. It's a fun place to escape to. There is also an element of mystery and many twists and turns as Olivia and Jack try to live their lives - and their relationship - quietly. Love this! Season 2 plot - Season 2 of the engaging TV series is even more mysterious than the first one. More twists and turns, the characters are having relationship issues and trying to decide who they want to be with. Meanwhile, Eric (I won't spoil who he is) gets involved with the town badie, Warren Saget, and gets caught up in a behind-the-scenes scandal. Season 2 review - Still full of heart, love, humour, and mystery, season 2 is a great continuation of the series. It's more drama this time around. Unfortunately, the characters seemed to do a complete 180-degree turnabout on somethings. They make several disappointing - and heart-breaking - choices, which left me practically screaming in agitation (in some cases, almost crying). Made me realize how involved you can get in the characters and their lives. The series is done pretty well, but I am starting to understand why their ratings dropped with each season, which is why it cancelled after the third one. An excellent, excellent drama, comedy, romantic, mystery TV series so far. Now that I've seen the third season, unfortunately, I can state that the excellence of the first two did not transfer into the third and final season. The characters were silly and doing stupid things, it didn't have the same feel as the first two, and it felt like they had run dry on ideas, so were rehashing old ideas or were simply deciding to have one unnecessary drama after the other. I hate Olivia - she carries on about intimacy and sharing until I simply can't bear to listen to it anymore. While I like Paul, I don't see why they had to have it look like she was going to go with him. Thankfully, Jack is still as good as ever. I'm glad the Grace-Cliff dramas are over. While the third season was by far the worst, it's still an overall awesome series that you would like to watch.

What is with all the new character relationship distractions?

[mrsmajors-17697 · 4/10 · 3 August 2015]

I am not sure if they are attempting to make the characters more relate-able or what? But Olivia, Grace, and Justine have annoyed me to no end. Jack dealt with Stan trying to rekindle their marriage last season. But Olivia has him jumping through hoops after his relapse with drinking all while being wooed by the new D.A Paul. Olivia in the books was firm but kind-hearted and devoted. Who is this judgmental, wishy- washy character being portrayed by Andie MacDowell?

Now it seems as though Jack is about to be distracted by another newcomer, Alex. So everyone new that moves to town is there to throw a wrench in someone's relationship?

Case in point; why on earth did they allow Justine to chose Luke over Seth? Warren made a great point when he told her she changes careers and men frequently. She's coming off as a spoiled, brat flake. I was looking forward to watching her relationship with Seth blossom and mature after she left Warren to be with him. Fingers crossed that Seth comes back soon.

People who are fans of the series want to see some semblance of a similar storyline. What happened to the loving couples from the book? Having been a dedicated reader of the entire Cedar Cove series, it's painful to see the characters you grew to know and love being portrayed in ways that are less than favorable. Not sure if Mrs. Macomber is heavily involved in translating book to script but these characters that I used to love dearly are coming off annoying on screen. If things don't get better I'm going to stop watching and just re-read the books.

Season 3 and the poor writing...

[allygirl-17771 · 18 September 2015]

I can't believe the talented actors and actresses on this show and yet the writing/story lines are terrible. Every episode is a repeat of the one before...Olivia spending more time with the DA and rarely her boyfriend. There is ZERO substance this whole season. Now I know why my 58 year old mother won't even watch it and she's a huge When Calls The Heart / Hallmark fan. I too enjoyed WCTH- much better writing. None of the Cedar characters are well developed. It's one new person after another. Brennan Elliott, Dylan Neal, etc are fantastic actors. I discovered Brennan in a terrific role with Lacey Chabert in All of My Heart. That is a movie they should turn into a series!

Loved this show, wished it continued

[katina_fraser · 10/10 · 15 August 2021]

I personally loved this show. I wished they would have continued on with it. That being said, I love cheesy romance shows/movies so this was right up my alley. It took a little bit to get into from the 1st episode, but overall, if you love cheesy romance, small town vibes, family oriented, and love your neighbours, this show is for you.

Is It the Acting, the Script or Both?

[Moviegoer19 · 5/10 · 30 June 2015]

The only reason I gave it a 5 instead of a 2 is because the first season was OK. Just as I normally don't read books by Debbie Macomber I also normally don't watch TV series based on books by Debbie Macomber. But some years ago, when I was under a huge amount of stress, I read some of Debbie's books because in their relative simplicity they were calming. I also found this to be true of Season 1 of Cedar Cove. I thought I'd check it out, not expecting great TV watching, but hopeful for just something pleasant to watch. And it was.

Season 2, however, I found to be unwatchable. The script consists mainly of people saying "Are you OK?" "Is something wrong?" and "I'm sorry." When there are actual statements or sentences expressing thoughts or feelings they are very pat and almost clichés. Given this kind of writing, the actors are doing the best they can, I assume. Andie McDowell had particular difficulty and appears to be on sedating drugs. The camera never stays on her face for long because she seems unable to hold an expression. The other actors, while a bit more lively, are also obviously struggling with writing that makes Debbie Macomber's books seem like Shakespeare.

Maybe I'll check out Season 3, just to see if it is different enough from Season 2 to make it worth watching.

Loved the show!

[cyrielle_reynaud · 10/10 · 1 September 2016]

I just finished watching the 3 seasons on Netflix and I am so sad that there is not a 4th season. It has great ratings on Netflix and that's how I got to start watching the show. This was a great show, refreshing, based on friendship and family and hometown. I really liked the choice of actors as well and the scenery. It is different that the shows we see on TV right now where it is either in New York, LA or Miami. A small town by the water just exactly what TV needs, something different. I wish they would have at least add one more episode to kind of give fans and viewers an end instead of leaving us like this wondering what will happen to each character. Really it's a pity that it did not continue. I would have watched it!

Cedar Cove

[mscheg1 · 10/10 · 6 October 2013]

I have truly enjoyed this series thus far. The series is an excellent down to earth realistic drama series. It seems like it has been long time since I have been able to find a television series of this quality. I enjoy the wholesome, down to earth, small town feel it delivers. The actresses and actors do an amazing job portraying their characters. The chemistry between them is excellent. I have enjoyed many quality movies on hallmark and I am thrilled with this series. I cant wait for the next season! If you haven't watched this series you are missing out on a quality show that will give you a warm feeling in your heart.

Very good show but..

[smcar · 9/10 · 4 August 2021]

We like it but...Unless you can withstand a nonstop machine gun fire of drama the show is not for you!

Another Tiresome Canadian Series Pretending to be Washington State

[Man99204 · 3/10 · 25 June 2016]

Yet another tiresome Canadian series pretending to be Washington State. The writers toss enough enough "local color" to fill a Washington State travel guide but the series is clearly NOT set in Puget Sound.

Andie McDowell is obviously a beautiful woman, but she is totally out of her depth playing a judge. She is also forced to utter lines in her South Carolinian accent like "Ah have lived here Mah whole life". Then, she tosses her head full of curls.. so you know she is "acting". More "Barbie plays Lawyer" rather than anything even remotely convincing.

Dylan Neal is a strong point in the series. He can convincingly play the Editor of a small town newspaper. Though, even with a few artful touches of gray at his temples, he is still far too young, by a decade to play McDowell's love interest.

The supporting players are the standard "Generic Canadians" actors who make a career out of playing American Characters. One would hope they could pull off a convincing American accent.... it is "a-boat" time they learn.

Is this a bad series - no. Like McDonalds there is nothing distinctly bad about this series. But, also like McDonalds, there is nothing especially good about this series. Think bland generic "hallmark Type Program".

Too much purple apparel

[letadavenport · 9/10 · 27 February 2018]

Seems everyone is wearing some form of purple in excess so apparel could be monitored a bit more somewhat irritating when watching everyone male female and background subjects wearing purple. We have enjoyed the show.

Dull and Sloppy Storytelling

[MorganneLuse · 2/10 · 2 August 2014]

The show's first season began with promise and quickly dispelled any faith I had in it. While the first season had an almost equal measure of positives and negatives, it was watchable and I'd venture to say, for the most part, enjoyable. Season 2 however, thus far, has proved far from.

The second season premiere finds our "beloved" characters in various predicaments, none of which is particularly compelling. Also detracting from the premiere is that it is two parts. It isn't so much that a two hour premiere is a bad idea, but rather the fact that the two parts were shown on two separate weeks. Even that wouldn't be unbearable if not for the fact that the whole of part one is devoted to setting up for part two, which makes for a thoroughly unenjoyable and boring experience. A good premiere should bring us up to date on where the characters have been in the time since the last season ended. Either that or it should pick up exactly where the last left off. After all, we're supposed to believe that these people live outside the vacuum that is each individual episode, right? But season 2's opener does none of these things. It drags and bores relentlessly until the first hour slowly and mercifully ends leaving us with a cliffhanger, if one could call it that.

However, it isn't the lack of drama that is running the show into the ground. No. I have no issue whatsoever with a show that goes through the lives of happy people in a small town. In fact Hallmark's other show, When Calls The Heart, is delightful. What I take issue with in Cedar Cove is the seeming lack of desire to make it enticing or even the least bit interesting. The production quality and scripts are doing that quite well without the help of an overall lackluster cast. These people truly cannot act for the most part, however I'm reluctant to say that they are all awful because the scripts are truly that God awful.

The scenes in every episode thus far are disjointed and the episodes have no rhythm to speak of. No scene feels necessary or particularly interesting. The point of a scene, at least to my understanding from all of the good shows I've watched, is to move the plot forward in some way. Whether that be via character development or the deepening or worsening of a relationship or some kind of action forcing our characters to do something.

None of the above things happen in any episode of Cedar Cove so far in season 2. Scenes have two characters discuss something only to be interrupted in a timely fashion so they can pick the scene up again in a different location. Or the other character shuts the first down before anything can be solved. OR, better yet, the two characters are about to have a meaningful conversation when the scene ends and we cut away to yet another conversation.

My main issue with the show is the scripts. They are so incredibly weak and lacking substance that I'm in awe of the fact that any of them got published. The dialog is absolutely atrocious and there seems to be no direction for the show, no overarching story arc moving the plot along. Instead we have too many characters with no personality doing things we don't care about with other people we don't care about. Characters appear with no purpose other than to make a main character realize something about themselves, something they could have learned from another main character. Scenes go on too long or are cut entirely too short.

Worst of all, the actors seem to realize the futility of their efforts and it shows. If this show doesn't improve and is still brought back for a third season I'll be certain that crazy people are running Hallmark.

Also, the decision of Hallmark's to make this show unavailable for replay on On Demand and by not replaying the episodes on days other than Saturday, they force people onto their computer screens to catch up, and to pay for it often times. That really narrows viewing opportunities and damages the show, in my mind.

Update: As of 8/23 episode there are two bright spots in season 2. On the backs of two fine performances by Bruce Boxleitner's Bob and PTSD suffering Luke. They bring an interesting aspect into the story that wasn't there, not to mention much needed bolstering to an otherwise somewhat shaky cast on the acting front. By giving Mr. Boxleitner more screen time the show seems to be FINALLY taking full advantage of their veteran actor rather than bringing him in occasionally for a line or two. At the same time, Jesse Hutch brings much needed warmth and personality to the show's younger male leads who, up to now, have been anything but. Here's to hoping they continue along this path.

Disappointing 2nd Season

[lm4983 · 3/10 · 5 October 2014]

I enjoyed the first season of Cedar Cove - showed some promise. BUT this season has been just plain awful. This is not a Sophomore Slump - this is a full on Sophomore Collapse. Painful. Particularly depressing is how they have the character of Justine Lockhart front & center. I can only assume that the girl/woman who plays Justine must be very rich and paying the producers a lot of money to stay on the show. She is dull as dishwater. It's painful to watch. The only saving grace this season has been Bob & Peggy. Besides Moon, they are the only interesting people in town. Every promising storyline ends up in a ditch somewhere. I may try again next year to see if they can recover, but my expectations will be so low, I'm not sure they can be seen above a blade of grass. VERY DISAPPOINTING.

Not True to Book Series

[bswest · 3/10 · 27 September 2015]

I read the entire Cedar Cove book series so was delighted to see that Hallmark was putting it out as a TV series. I realize that translating books to film is not easy as you cannot possibly cover every situation in a book, especially a series of books. But this TV series hardly resembles the books at all. If Olivia wasn't a judge with a best friend named Grace and a daughter named Justine, and the town wasn't called Cedar Cove, I would not even think the books and the TV series were related. The characters in the books are at least a decade+ older than those in the TV series. There are so many rich story lines in the books with some interesting characters, and yet the writers of this series have skipped over most of those and created new story lines just for TV!?!? The scripts are mediocre, there are so many "pregnant pauses" that it's almost funny, and although a handful of the actors are pretty good, the rest come straight from Acting 101. It's a cozy little series, and a cozy little town, but why the writers didn't stay true to the books amazes me.

Cedar Cove characters

[pmmontelongo · 2/10 · 24 July 2020]

I watched this series with high expectations. There were some great characters like Grace, Peggy, Bob and Moon. I enjoyed it overall but just could not get past the pained face of the character Olivia. It was so disgusting, Olivia alway looked like she was in pain or constipated! And always speaking in a whispered voice, just so distracting. As well as her relationship with her brother Will. So dumb! I was very disappointed with the ending of the series. Why leave a cliffhanger when you are not going to continue making the show. There are many characters that I did enjoy and I looked forward to watching each episode but for sure Olivia always put a damper on the episodes. I guess I need to read the books to a answer the last question in the last episode.

Divorce and disaster

[njharris-86441 · 1/10 · 27 July 2015]

Story lines are weak and dragged out for far too long. Andie MacDowell very limited in facial expressions (plastic surgery?). In fact, just too much plastic surgery in general on this show. Anybody else noticed how Olivia's brother's face appears to be morphing into Jack's with their matching Pinochio noses and tightly drawn features?! The character of Justine Lockhart was a complete snooze in season 2 with her ridiculous dilemma between two men (who looked so alike it was confusing) and generally being an unemployed drifter leaching off her mother at, what, 25? Jack's son abandoning the mother of his child was altogether too much. Such a shaddy looking, untrustworthy character with no backbone. But then his dad is a complete chancer and frankly punching above his weight with Olivia. Really hoping she moves on to the new District Attorney and gives herself a chance of real happiness (in make believe Cedar Cove land...)

Watch the first episode and quit!

[mrpeace · 3/10 · 17 February 2016]

I wasn't paying attention and I clicked on this title Cedar Cove I thought I was watching a movie not a series. I watched the first episode and thought what a wonderful movie. When it was over I realized it was a TV series. I loved the first episode so I thought I would watch the rest of the series. It went from being this wonderful story where I dreamed of living in Cedar Cove. To the most idiotic soap opera. I hate the show it gets worse with each episode. Poor writing the actors are very moving but the story lines fall extremely short. Do your self a favor watch episode one and quit! Each character in the show goes from bad to worse. It is very depressing and disappointing.

The only thing consistent about this show is jimmy Dean!

[eileeniw · 5/10 · 27 April 2018]

First season was promising but second has too many wishy washy characters who can't seem to make up their minds. But at least they all love jimmy Dean foods as they show one of his products in every show!

Beautiful Location But..

[carlaweems72 · 2/10 · 15 February 2023]

The main character of this Hallmark TV series in my opinion, is the location. I believe it's supposed to be Washington State but in reality is Vancouver BC, and that's okay, that is certainly not my issue with this show. Many shows and movies film in Canada for the tax breaks. Cedar Cove is a charming show with a handful of poorly written characters. The lovely Andie McDowell also Executive Produces this show, that's nice. Her character is lovely too. A local judge in a port side town where everyone knows everyone's business.

This show is ONE BIG soap opera; yes, I know, many Hallmark shows and movies are, but this one is frustratingly predictable. I could write this series with my eyes closed and my brain on pause. I'm only on the 2nd season (thankfully, there are only 3 seasons), and the worst character out of the ENTIRE show (so far) is Eric, the son of one of the main characters. His character is written in a way that ANYONE would want to slap the crap out of him. He's a weak, sniveling 25 year old son who (predictably) blames his dad for "not being there," and bleeds that sorry excuse for as long as he can, and that's all I'll say about his annoyingly weak character.

The women-folk in this show are also predictably written. Thank goodness one of the writers decided to make some of the men comeback with smarter, wiser responses.

Bottom line, it's a beautiful show to watch and appreciate the charming "small seaside town" that it is, but there are NO surprises. None. It's ABC 123. I'm surprised it lasted 3 seasons, I just think Hallmark was being kind in stretching it out that long.

Cast

[judyharl · 3/10 · 20 July 2020]

How did Cedar Cove stay on tv for so long so boring all hallmark casting need other actors and actresses.i tried to give Hallmark another shot too boring even hallmark Mysteries Cameron Mathison Dylan Neal Brendan Elliott and the actresses of hallmark so boring .sorry need to lose Candace Cameron Bure Danica McKellar first off so boring

Should've kept to 1 episode

[moviereviewer99 · 1/10 · 30 December 2019]

I LOVE Hallmark movies, but NOT this series.

They should've stuck to making it 1 episode vs a series OR taken the various characters and made 1 love story for each of the various characters and an episode each for them.

They definitely should've left Olivia (Andie MacDowell) and Paul (Colin Ferguson) out of it totally. Their acting is dry and REALLY bad.

Cliff Hangers? More like Lemmings in free fall!

[rentontwain · 3/10 · 6 March 2017]

Where to begin? With much chagrin! I saw this late (early 2017)knowing nothing about it, therefore no preconceived ideas or prejudices. Now having viewed it all I am definitely prejudiced against it. It hurt my feelings which surely must be the first law of entertainment "first do no harm?". We shouldn't comment on pinnochio noses or botox faces which are superficial observations at best. These comments also reveal prejudice, and anyway what did poor pinnochio do to merit such a comparison? Anyway what hurt me was the story line and sub plot "free fall "which this series descended into. Towards the end it seemed like the subplots were queing up at the cliff edge waiting to be resolved. Some of them were even so forgettable that when they reappeared they only merited a "oh that....But I don't care enough about it anyway"....eg...the adopted girl subplot and the private detective father who hardly ever appeared. Casting was bad from the beginning. Andy Macdowell's daughter was loathsome and never got any more winsome through pathos, only more odious. The whole thing was a diversion but I was not diverted!!