NBC's new crime drama, The Hunting Party, has made quite the entrance, albeit not quite the one the network had hoped for. Premiering on February 3, 2025, the series follows FBI agent Bex Henderson, played by Melissa Roxburgh, as she joins forces with CIA agents and military personnel to track down escaped serial killers from a top-secret prison known only as The Pit. Despite an intriguing premise with the backdrop of criminal conspiracies and devastating escapes, the show opened to overwhelmingly negative reviews.
Initially greeted with a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Hunting Party has since incrementally climbed to 18%. While it’s undoubtedly improved, critics remain skeptical, pointing out several shortcomings. Critics have noted the show suffers from a formulaic structure and bland storytelling, making it feel all too familiar to other procedural dramas on television. "There’s so little personality or human touch to this one," lamented one critic, who felt the series feels indistinguishable from various other emphasizes less on character depth and more on obligatory plot twists.
The critics' consensus seems particularly tough to swallow, with most expressing their discontent toward the show's predictable narrative arc. Describing the experience of watching the first few episodes, another reviewer argued, "The series often plays it safe by going through the motions, leaving the impression... it’s genuinely awful." This sentiment was echoed by numerous critics who found the episodes unremarkable, characterized by familiar tropes and unsatisfying pacing.
It isn’t just the critics taking issue, though; many viewers are sharing divergent opinions. Despite the low critic scores, audience ratings tell quite another story—73% of viewers have rated the show positively, captivated by the central mystery and the dynamics between the characters. Many fans, previously enchanted by Melissa Roxburgh’s role on the series Manifest, signed on to see her lead this crime caper and have expressed enthusiasm for the interactions among the primary cast. Their light-hearted banter, excitement, and teamwork provide moments of comic relief and humanity within the darker subject matter the series tackles.
Audiences have expressed their enjoyment of the primary trio’s rapport, even when their investigative tactics clash. Viewers appreciated how Bex and her team can share amiable moments before re-engaging with the challenges they face. "Viewers find enjoyment not just from the psychological thriller elements, but from the ways these characters interact under stressful situations,” noted another review. Critics did concede these elements might help retain some interest, but some are left questioning if the show can realistically sustain this interest long term.
Next on the agenda for The Hunting Party is Episode 5, which airs on March 3, 2025. This episode, titled "Roy Barber," will see Bex and her team track down the notorious "Couple Killer" known for his gruesome acts against couples. The excitement of the upcoming episode should encourage viewers—they've already shown they’re engaged enough to stick around and watch the entire 10-episode order for answers about The Pit and its mysteries.
Despite its rocky start, there are signs the series is improving and adapting. Episode 4 was praised for delivering one of the most shocking twists yet, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats and eager for more. "I mean, I've never died, so I don't really know how to play... it’s really hard to breathe,” remarked Roxburgh during her media rounds when describing how her character grappled with perilous situations. The revived excitement surrounding the story and characters poses questions about whether the show's initial reviews were too harsh and if it can truly find its rhythm moving forward.
Some viewers have even drawn comparisons between The Hunting Party and shows like Criminal Minds or The Blacklist, and though critics argue those comparisons might be pushing it, it reflects enough viewer investment to anticipate changes and growth for both the characters and storylines.
The show’s current season is rife with unchartered territory, especially concerning the secrets of The Pit. With audiences eager for both dramatic confrontations and character development, whether or not The Hunting Party can maintain traction will depend on how effectively it can evolve. Its revival of energy mixed with character-driven plots will be worth keeping an eye on. While the critics remain skeptical, audiences are prepared to give it another shot, cautioning lovers of crime dramas to tune in and see if the storyline can redeem itself as the first season progresses.