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Season 1 – The Leftovers

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Leftovers Jun 2014 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
82% Tomatometer 182 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
In a global cataclysm, "The Sudden Departure," 140 million people disappeared without a trace. Three years later, residents of Mapleton, N.Y., try to maintain equilibrium when the notion of "normal" no longer applies. Intense grief has divided families and turned faith to cynicism, paranoia and madness, leading some of the traumatized to join the Guilty Remnant, a cultlike group. Kevin Garvey, a beleaguered police chief, must keep peace between townspeople and the cult, a task made tougher with concern about his kids. His daughter alternates between apathy and rebellion, and his wayward son befriends a charismatic prophet. "The Leftovers" is based on the best-seller by Tom Perrotta, who is one of the series' executive producers.
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The Leftovers — Season 1

The Leftovers — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Its dour tone and self-seriousness may make for somber viewing, but The Leftovers is an artfully crafted, thought-provoking drama that aims high and often hits its mark.

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Critics Reviews

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Graeme Blundell The Australian Apr 14, 2017
I've watched few TV shows that make you so thoughtful. Lindelof and Perrotta make you think about the universe and whether our sense of daily purpose is too often diverted away from those who matter most. Go to Full Review Lara Zarum Globe and Mail Feb 17, 2016
Heavy and miserable, like walking in wet clothes. Go to Full Review Sam Wollaston Guardian Sep 17, 2014
Yes, The Leftovers is baffling... There is a beauty about it too, though. Plus promise - that if you put the effort in you will be rewarded, with a drama that is more about people after a catastrophic event, than the event. Go to Full Review Kathryn Reklis The Christian Century Aug 21, 2018
The show offers moments of grace in the midst of chaos... If someone were searching for proof of God at work in this world, he or she might pay attention to the evidence of virtue and care in these moments of human connection. Go to Full Review Jessica Johnson Time Out Chicago Jul 2, 2018
Despite its profound sense of hopelessness, there are occasional moments of profound beauty in The Leftovers's depiction of mass grief Go to Full Review Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez Tom & Lorenzo Jun 22, 2018
It has a very good cast, a worthy pedigree, and an interesting premise. It's worth tuning in to see where it's going to go. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Colin M @RT37398633 Sep 30, 2026 Wow, just wow. Criminal how underrated this still is to the general public. 10/10 every episode. See more hisham A @RT38103182 Sep 8, 2026 The series concept is good and unusual I find the work exciting. Some episodes feature very good and enjoyable dialogue. See more KM K @RT53883097 Sep 6, 2026 season 1 of this show was a masterpiece. a unique video essay. a human observation in the form of media. season 2 falls apart in this regards. don't think ill ever come across anything like season 1 in tv again. tremendous feat. very impactful and genuine storytelling. may not be for everyone. did not enjoy season 2. See more M7AMD A @M7AMD Aug 9, 2026 really liked this show and it would have been one of the best shows i have watched but the ending and the way they closed the show was terrible you will be left with more questions than answers. They succeeded in character development and mystery each episode will leave you thrilled to watch the next one See more ben F @BenFranz Jun 30, 2026 Incredibly slow….. for character development and a building plot? The screenplay “unbelievable”. The riot scene was ridiculous. Little Mapleton PD has a Motorcycle and Mounted unit for dramatic effect? I don’t understand the high reviews from others, are they bots? See more Alex J @RT51904888 Jun 29, 2026 Lindelof’s genius is on full display here. This is one of the most emotional, thought-provoking shows of all-time. There are few shows that leave you considering the events of what you’ve seen once the TV turns off like The Leftovers. I know I personally found hours upon hours watching fan videos of YouTube as everyone has their own takes on the meaning of different characters and actions, and the show is very open-ended to allow this discussion without feeling cheap for not answering the questions it raised. See more Read all reviews
The Leftovers — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Mimi Leder

Director

Peter Berg

Director

Carl Franklin

Director

Michelle MacLaren

Director

Keith Gordon

Director

Daniel Sackheim

Director

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 29, 2014 Pilot Police chief Kevin Garvey tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in his strained community; Tom Garvey gravitates toward a cult; tension in Mapleton escalates. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 6, 2014 Penguin One, Us Zero Kevin goes to a therapist; Tom and Christine wind up in a precarious situation; Meg tries to decide if she can let go of her past; Jill and Aimee follow Nora Durst. Details Episode 3 Aired Jul 13, 2014 Two Boats and a Helicopter Rev. Matt Jamison struggles to hold onto his church in the wake of threats and debts. Details Episode 4 Aired Jul 20, 2014 B.J. and the A.C. Kevin tries to find out who is responsible for a holiday display; Tom and Christine run into trouble at a hospital; Kevin gets unexpected visitors at home. Details Episode 5 Aired Jul 27, 2014 Gladys A hate crime tests Laurie's resolve; Kevin turns down an offer of assistance; Matt brings his pulpit to the street; Meg takes on a new role. Details Episode 6 Aired Aug 3, 2014 Guest Nora takes care of some unfinished business before heading to New York for a conference; Nora scours the convention for her imposter. Details Episode 7 Aired Aug 10, 2014 Solace for Tired Feet Kevin learns that his father has escaped the psychiatric hospital; Jill attempts to break an endurance record; Tom makes an unsettling discovery. Details Episode 8 Aired Aug 17, 2014 Cairo Kevin is afraid that he may be losing touch with reality; Meg loses control during an encounter with Matt; Jill confronts Aimee about her relationship with Kevin; Nora stands up to Laurie. Details Episode 9 Aired Aug 24, 2014 The Garveys at Their Best Kevin tries to suppress his bad habits while tracking down a deer; Laurie receives some news; Tom connects with his past; Nora has a job interview; Kevin Senior receives an honor. Details Episode 10 Aired Sep 7, 2014 The Prodigal Son Returns An unexpected ally helps Kevin; Mapleton is plunged into chaos by the Guilty Remnant's elaborate Memorial Day initiative; Holy Wayne grants a final wish; Tom copes with his new reality; Nora makes a decision. Details

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The Leftovers — Season 1

The Leftovers Scott Glenn, Margaret Qualley, Justin Theroux Margaret Qualley Scott Glenn Carrie Coon as Norah Durst Margaret Qualley, Justin Theroux Justin Theroux View more photos

Season Info

Director
Mimi Leder, Peter Berg, Carl Franklin, Michelle MacLaren, Keith Gordon, Daniel Sackheim, Lesli Linka Glatter
Executive Producer
Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta, Peter Berg, Sarah Aubrey
Screenwriter
Damon Lindelof, Curtis Gwinn, Kath Lingenfelter, Tom Perrotta, Jacqueline Hoyt, Carlito Rodriguez, Elizabeth Peterson
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 29, 2014
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