Why did critics dislike Rosewood despite its strong performance on the Fox network?
In short: The police procedural Rosewood, starring Morris Chestnut as a Miami pathologist, enjoyed solid ratings during its two-season run. Yet, the show faced a stark disconnect between its viewership and critical reception. While audiences tuned in, professional reviewers were largely unimpressed, leaving the series with remarkably low scores on major platforms.
Created by Todd Harthan, Rosewood debuted on Fox on September 23, 2015. The drama centered on Dr. Beaumont Rosewood Jr., a private pathologist whose expertise made him a vital consultant for the Miami-Dade Police Department. Alongside his partner, Detective Annalise Villa, played by Jaina Lee Ortiz, the show explored criminal investigations through the lens of private forensic science. The production featured a recurring cast including Gabrielle Dennis as Pippy Rosewood, Lorraine Toussaint as Donna Rosewood, and Domenick Lombardozzi as Captain Ira Hornstock.
Despite being picked up for a full 22-episode season in October 2015 and receiving a second-season renewal in April 2016, the show struggled to win over critics. The critical consensus was notably harsh; on Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds a 9% approval rating based on 112 reviews, with an average score of 3.6 out of 10. Similarly, Metacritic assigned the first season a score of 37 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews from the 23 critics surveyed.
The series continued through its second season, which premiered in September 2016 and introduced new characters such as Captain Ryan Slade, portrayed by Eddie Cibrian. However, the gap between the show's ratings and its critical standing remained a defining feature of its tenure. On May 9, 2017, Fox officially cancelled the series, ending the run of the Miami-based procedural after two seasons. The show remains a case study in the divergence between popular viewership and critical appraisal in network television.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Rosewood (TV series)
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