Personally, I was hesitant to watch it but am glad I did. The actors are good, the Canadian scenery fantastic, writing ok. I believe the show will only get better and I'm officially a fan! Anyone can find fault in any new show but I'm betting most will enjoy season 1 of Carter.
64 Reviews
Great Canadian Comedy/Cop Drama
bjelleybean-364-5536793 August 2020
Fun and refreshing comedy
patrickandrade-363717 June 2018
Cool new TV show to watch, really fun as well, reminds me a lot of "Psych". Definitely worth your time.
Ignore the bad reviews, they are something like "oh so bad because it's Canadian" or people looking for some law regulation "mistake", it's supposed to be a comedy show not a live police fact based show.
I find myself waiting for more episodes every week, hoping for more seasons.
fun Jerry
SnoopyStyle29 March 2022
Harley Carter (Jerry O'Connell), star of a hit Hollywood TV detective show, has a meltdown on the red carpet over his cheating wife. While on hiatus, he goes back to his hometown of Bishop in Canada. His childhood friend is police detective Sam Shaw (Sydney Tamiia Poitier). The two along with Dave Leigh as 12 year olds had caught the killer of Harley's mother. He returns to stay at the family home with his Japanese housekeepers Dot and Koji. Harley exonerates Koji for murder and then turns to crime solving.
This is a fun Canadian show. That's mostly due to Jerry O'Connell's irreverent performance. It has plenty of light fun with some fair action thriller crime solving. Jerry makes this fun. Otherwise, it's mostly a second tier production but that doesn't really matter as long as the audience has a fun time.
This is a fun Canadian show. That's mostly due to Jerry O'Connell's irreverent performance. It has plenty of light fun with some fair action thriller crime solving. Jerry makes this fun. Otherwise, it's mostly a second tier production but that doesn't really matter as long as the audience has a fun time.
OMG !!!!
rholder-516 July 2018
What the hell is wrong with the average person writing a critique about Carter TV show. For heavens sake, "Jerry O'Connel was over the top, a prohibited hand gun, its not like Castle, barrel of gun prohibited, improper police procedure and the ranting goes on and on.
ITS A FUN SHOW WITH A LIGHT PLOT WITHOUT REALITY BEING INVOLVED, NO VIOLENCE, NO COARSE LANGUAGE, FUN CHARACTERS AND AMUSING PLOTS.
Everyone well almost everyone writes like they were expecting the duplication of success like BIG BANG THEORY. For craps sake guys just sit back and enjoy and stop fixating on every stupid little detail.
ITS A FUN SHOW WITH A LIGHT PLOT WITHOUT REALITY BEING INVOLVED, NO VIOLENCE, NO COARSE LANGUAGE, FUN CHARACTERS AND AMUSING PLOTS.
Everyone well almost everyone writes like they were expecting the duplication of success like BIG BANG THEORY. For craps sake guys just sit back and enjoy and stop fixating on every stupid little detail.
All right! All right! The Hardy Boys team up again with cop Nancy Drew
Ed-Shullivan16 May 2018
Jerry O'Connell plays a Hollywood actor named Harley Carter where he had his own TV cop show in which he played a TV detective named Charley Carter. Due to an off screen street brawl with his cheating wife's lover his show was put on hiatus so Harley decides to take a break from acting and he heads from Hollywood California back to his hometown of North Bay Ontario. In North Bay Ontario Harley teams up with his two old teenage friends, Dave Leigh (Kristian Bruun) who runs a truck catering business and Sam Shaw (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) who is now a detective with the local township where Harley, Dave and Sam all grew up.
Jerry O'Connell is a very likeable and natural actor and his role as a TV actor sleuth who gets involved in solving real life crimes with his two childhood friends in his hometown in northern Ontario Canada brings back memories both good and bad. The pilot episode was well balanced introducing us gradually to the three amigos, Harley, Dave and Sam who remind me a bit of the old Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries. We also find out that there is an old unsolved mystery pending which appears to be Harley's mothers mysterious disappearance according to the newspaper clippings that still hang on the wall of Harley's old childhood home.
Although this new television series Carter is a summer series I think with Jerry O'Connell as the lead actor it will lead to a much longer series run than even the producers expected. Add to that the credible acting of Kristian Bruun and Sydney Tamiia Poitier as Harley Carter's partners in their crime solving up in northern Ontario and the producers just may have a hit show on their hands.
Jerry O'Connell is a very likeable and natural actor and his role as a TV actor sleuth who gets involved in solving real life crimes with his two childhood friends in his hometown in northern Ontario Canada brings back memories both good and bad. The pilot episode was well balanced introducing us gradually to the three amigos, Harley, Dave and Sam who remind me a bit of the old Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries. We also find out that there is an old unsolved mystery pending which appears to be Harley's mothers mysterious disappearance according to the newspaper clippings that still hang on the wall of Harley's old childhood home.
Although this new television series Carter is a summer series I think with Jerry O'Connell as the lead actor it will lead to a much longer series run than even the producers expected. Add to that the credible acting of Kristian Bruun and Sydney Tamiia Poitier as Harley Carter's partners in their crime solving up in northern Ontario and the producers just may have a hit show on their hands.
Great. Fun show
scotttester20 July 2018
Stick with it!
ldavidson-2435226 June 2018
Watched the first episode, and struggled with it. I found Jerry O'Connell a bit over the top, and couldn't take him seriously, and also couldn't stop comparing it to the excellent Castle. Wasn't sure whether to bother with another episode, but really glad I did.
This isn't a serious crime drama, and if you can get past that it's actually pretty good. It's a little silly, it's a bit light hearted, and it's just good fun. A very easy watch.
Destined for Season Two
gtyoshida27 May 2018
Years after fifteen year old Harley Carter (Jerry O'Connell) solved a serial killer mystery that had plagued his small, northern home town of Bishop, he became a famous actor, playing a tv detective who solved similar mysteries on a Hollywood crime drama. But after his embarrassing public meltdown forced the show into hiatus, he came back to Canada to evaluate his acting career and reconnect with his old high school friends, Sam Shaw (Sydney Tamiia Poitier), who is now a no-nonsense police woman and Dave Leigh (Kristian Bruun), a witty friend with a shady past who drives his own coffee truck. Carter moves back into his childhood home which is still run by the same old Japanese couple who looked after him growing up; Dot (Brenda Kamino) is an overly protective, white haired housekeeper who brings out her shotgun and points it menacingly at anyone who threatens Harley while her more sensible husband Koji (Denis Akiyama) tries to keep her in check.
Creator Garry Campbell has successfully brought another Canadian story to television, using a mostly Canadian cast (Kamino, Akiyama, and Bruun were all born in Toronto) and filming the show in North Bay, Ontario. Although some reviewers still dismiss any Canadian film or tv series as being inferior to their American counterparts, viewers should not be discouraged by this type of knee-jerk commentary as murder mysteries that happen in a small town have their own unique appeal.
Jerry O'Connell has a long list of film and tv credits for acting, writing, directing, producing, and voice over work beginning with his first role as a child actor in the coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me" and has most recently appeared on the highly successful tv shows "The Big Bang Theory" and "Billions". His easy charm and good looks win over the mayor of Bishop (Joanne Boland) but his Hollywood actor detective skills and sympathetic nature undermine his credibility with both the chief of police (John Bourgeois) and the town's law breakers. Fortunately, his police detective friend and partner, Sam is more than capable of taking down the toughest of bad guys.
Garry Campbell has already enjoyed success writing and producing another Canadian tv series, "Kim's Convenience" which has been renewed for a third season and Jerry O'Connell has undeniable appeal as Bishop's newest consulting detective so "Carter" looks like a solid new entry in the Bravo tv lineup and seems destined for a second season and broader distribution.
Creator Garry Campbell has successfully brought another Canadian story to television, using a mostly Canadian cast (Kamino, Akiyama, and Bruun were all born in Toronto) and filming the show in North Bay, Ontario. Although some reviewers still dismiss any Canadian film or tv series as being inferior to their American counterparts, viewers should not be discouraged by this type of knee-jerk commentary as murder mysteries that happen in a small town have their own unique appeal.
Jerry O'Connell has a long list of film and tv credits for acting, writing, directing, producing, and voice over work beginning with his first role as a child actor in the coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me" and has most recently appeared on the highly successful tv shows "The Big Bang Theory" and "Billions". His easy charm and good looks win over the mayor of Bishop (Joanne Boland) but his Hollywood actor detective skills and sympathetic nature undermine his credibility with both the chief of police (John Bourgeois) and the town's law breakers. Fortunately, his police detective friend and partner, Sam is more than capable of taking down the toughest of bad guys.
Garry Campbell has already enjoyed success writing and producing another Canadian tv series, "Kim's Convenience" which has been renewed for a third season and Jerry O'Connell has undeniable appeal as Bishop's newest consulting detective so "Carter" looks like a solid new entry in the Bravo tv lineup and seems destined for a second season and broader distribution.
Cool show...
sarine_voltage17 May 2018
This show is fun, interesting, and a little bit clever (far more than many coming out lately). I'm not saying they're the same, but if you saw and liked Sliders, I think you'll like this because it's got a similar kind of cool vibe. There's only 1 episode as of now, but I'm looking forward to more. So pay no attention to the number-without-a-name rater down there who gave it just 1 star, it's not an appropriate rating and I would've given it another half-star if this was set up to allow it. Enjoy the show!
Not for people with knowledge or who think
dshell10217 May 2018
SPOILER: No, police don't end an investigation when someone confesses...especially when the confession is crap.
The writers don't seem to know much about anything to do with investigations or police work and got their knowledge 100% from tv.
It would be intelligent if Carter had skills like being able to tell when someone is acting or something...but acting is reading a script, not real experience.
They investigate to gather evidence because if they get to court and he recants, it's all over...he's free on double jeopardy. That's how dumb their ideas are. Cops want to get the right person, so especially in a killing they keep investigating.
Skills matter, not experience in deception (which is what acting is, when you think about it).
Yeah, I'm surprised the idea made it to a pilot, let alone a season. It's not just bad, it's really really dumb as well. But hey, if you want to think everyone in the show is as dumb as the writers, you might enjoy this one.
(It's really really bad.)
Not Castle....
lacassb14 June 2018
I also find the actors were well chosen and completely agree that although allusions can be made to Castle, it's not. Many shows have an awkward uneasiness until the actors figure out their characters. I didn't find this lasted past episode 1 with this show. The characters are interesting & likeable and it is enjoyable - filling a gap in t.v. that Castle left when it ended. I also enjoy the fact that it is filmed in North Bay - picturesque and somehow familiar to most Canadians. I also hope it is renewed for another season.
I need more
agon024422 May 2019
Not sure why this doesn't get more publicity but I think this show is sooo much fun. The actors are perfect and do a wonderful job. The writing seems pretty solid as of season one. I hope that they keep these coming. I have always loved Canadian TV shows especially now since American TV is far too political and bigoted towards "the other side". American shows seem like a 5 year old throwing a political temper tantrum anymore so this is such a refreshing break.
Just plain silly.
ZinQ27 February 2020
Entertaining and worth a watch, but it's become a Castle/Psych rip off
aadhyanabrar10 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The first season was a lot better than season 2. Season 2 is just a Psych rip off, only the jokes aren't as good as the jokes on Psych.
It's really a mix between Castle and Psych. Him being from rich is taken from Castle and the way he acts and even some other things is taken from Psych.
The end of season two is taken directly from a Psych episode. When Shawn tells Abigail that he actually went to the boardwalk and then tells her everything she was wearing to prove he was there and explains he was scared.
That is why i'm giving it a 6/10. It has some lazy writing, but if you enjoyed Castle and Pysch. You will most likely enjoy this show, Sydney Tamiia Poitier is great on this show.
It's really a mix between Castle and Psych. Him being from rich is taken from Castle and the way he acts and even some other things is taken from Psych.
The end of season two is taken directly from a Psych episode. When Shawn tells Abigail that he actually went to the boardwalk and then tells her everything she was wearing to prove he was there and explains he was scared.
That is why i'm giving it a 6/10. It has some lazy writing, but if you enjoyed Castle and Pysch. You will most likely enjoy this show, Sydney Tamiia Poitier is great on this show.
Enjoyable
sixshooterbob9 August 2018
Okay
I'm a red blooded American retired police officer...and sorry, but I like this show. A light, breezy, entertaining romp with good characters. I've always liked O'Connell. I have the ability to suspend disbelief when it comes to cop shows like this one because it's just fun. The "serious" cop shows just turn me off. I'll continue to watch Carter for a relaxing evening while sipping a quality bourbon....or occasionally a good Canadian whiskey.
Love it.
agnabeya1 August 2018
It is charming- funny. lighthearted- but is also sweet at heart. I have really enjoyed it- although I really thought I wouldn't enjoy something this light-weight. It is deceptive- it has a solid core of characters as well as the comedy. I love Dot and her husband. I love seeing Canada. I look forward to it each week, now. I hope it will be renewed for a second series.
Had the potential to be great
bangel332210 August 2018
This is a shame. A great shame.
This show could have been a lot better than it actually was. I think Jerry O'Conell is hilarious and so is his sidekick, Kristian B. (I forgot his last name). However, for me, Sydney Poitier completely ruins the dynamic, because she's such a bad actress. She's so one dimensional and seems to only possess one facial expression. Terrible casting there. And the storylines are a bit sketchy. Not all of them are very well written so the show is very up and down. Watched the first season, and if it's renewed I don't believe I'd watch the second. Wasn't engaging enough.
Fun to watch
baxtermike-0456816 October 2018
People who compare this to Castle...
Little_C7 June 2018
You don't get it.
Yes, it makes very subtle fun of Castle, but is a completely other animal; here the protagonist is like a blind dog, who finds a bone now and then on pure luck, while all other "consulting detective" shows have a consultant who really has a skill to bring to the table.
And for it being a Canadian show... so what? It's beautifully shot, doesn't have an overdose of action, and has a relaxed pacing. The actors are very good chosen in their roles, and Jerry O'Connel gives his character a boyish charm that let him get away with a lot of stupid things. It is even referred to by other characters.
Overall a very likable show, which I hope gets at least one season more.
And for it being a Canadian show... so what? It's beautifully shot, doesn't have an overdose of action, and has a relaxed pacing. The actors are very good chosen in their roles, and Jerry O'Connel gives his character a boyish charm that let him get away with a lot of stupid things. It is even referred to by other characters.
Overall a very likable show, which I hope gets at least one season more.
So boring and predictable ...
trouxx2 September 2018
....that bores even the sheep. Bad copy of other more successful only serves for the nap time. They do not have the chemistry of Castle's couple, their arguments and resolutions are pure chance ... it's not worth considering that there are many series that are worth more in which to spend the time that is...It is totally incomprehensible to be given 9 or 10 of note .. opinions of those who make the series do not seem understandable if they can buy it with a Castle like when it is light years away ... and that Castle was not even much less perfect but here is a product well below it that you try to imitate
Love it !!
marmw8 August 2018
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