The Leftovers: The Complete Series [DVD] [2017]

I've just finished watching series 2 of this 3 series boxed set, and I'm astonished beyond belief. It's easily the best thing I've watched for years and since I don't watch live TV I've got just about every boxed set you can think of. I bought it in February on the strength of the Amazon reviews and absolutely hated it. So I put it away it, and it's lain submerged on my bookshelf under dozens of other DVDs. Less than a week ago I felt like I should give it another chance, and since I had nothing else to watch I did give it another shot. Wow I'm so glad I did as this time it has really gripped me and I'm absolutely loving it. It's so crazy and unusual, a massive departure from the usual formulaic stuff that's out there. It's the most zany, frustrating, mind blowing drama I've seen in years. The script is so creative and original, and there's so much going on that you become completely absorbed in it. The cast is superb and there's too many good actors to mention. Another unusual thing about this compelling series is the diversity and quality of the music and the amount of it in each episode. I've discovered 3 new musical talents and after listening to their albums on YouTube I'll be buying "The Way I should" and "Lifeline" by Iris Dement. Also "Live in London" by Regina Spektor and "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music" by Sturgill Simpson. This boxed set is absolutely fabulous and with it being nearly 1,600 mins of top class drama for £17-60 it is without doubt the bargain of the year. I nearly didn't write a review at all as some of the other reviews are so good that I felt I couldn't possibly follow them, but the series is so good that I felt compelled to do so.

Quite simply the best piece of proper, grown-up, storytelling that I have seen for years. It isn't a "how did it happen" story, or a whodunnit - it is a "what did this thing DO to people" story and all the better for it.It does not do your thinking for you and leaves much to the viewer to ponder.But despite the pain and despair that frames most of the story it ends up ultimately proudly and firmly celebrating the value of life, of connection and of faith (however you want to define that word). Drenched in metaphor, but firmly rooted in the human need to find something to cling onto and someone to believe in you.

This is without doubt the best series I have ever watched. Everything about it is outstanding. The performances (espeically Justin Theroux) are wonderful, the crafting and story telling extraordinary. The music enchanting. This is the very best television has to offer and something all other writers and producers should strive towards. For the first time in years I felt blown away. I had to sit in silence after each episode and just quietly take it all in. Wonderful, wonderful and wonderful

The Leftovers immediately reminded me of the original Twin Peaks series, with the main protagonist being the sheriff of a slightly surreal town, complete with eccentric weirdos. While the main premise of the series is trying to find out what truly happened to the world's vanished population on that fateful day, the story's focus is really all about the characters and how they deal with it. The three seasons manage to build up the complexities of the lead characters, while at the same time keeping an air of mystery throughout. The show doesn't overstretch its ideas and wisely ends while it's ahead, which is another plus. It's a perfect example of a three season set which has a clear beginning, middle and end. The final episode might leave you wishing there was more, but crucially, it wont leave you feeling disappointed or cheated and will be remembered as a classic.

The Leftovers is a blend of drama, mystery and thrills. At its core, it’s a show about belonging and purpose, dressed up in one of the most unexpected and mesmerising shows of recent years. From Damon Lindelof of Lost and the upcoming Watchmen series, The Leftovers is simply one of the most underrated shows of the century. Equal parts heartbreaking and life affirming, it deserves far more attention than it gets.

One of the best TV shows I've ever watched. I'm only on season 2, but what I've seen so far has amazed, intrigued and stimulated my mind and senses. Justin Theroux is astonishing in the lead role, proving himself to be one of the finest actors of his generation. The supporting actors - Christopher Ecclestone deserves a mention - are also top class and beautifully cast. If you're looking for something fresh and dazzling, this show is for you. Prepare to be transported to another reality and stunned but what you see and hear. Sometimes, TV has the power to make you see the world in a different light.

Enjoyable if slightly crazy series. The episode on the Australian ferry being a particular exampe of this. The conclusion was a little unsatisfactory and felt like they had run out of money for a much needed fourth series to really tie everything up. The stand out actor for me was Christopher Eccleston and I am now a fan of Carrie Coon.

Having recently purchased this complete boxset after watching the 1st season a long time ago and never having seen the 2nd or 3rd seasons I suddenly thought of this series again after a good few years. I won't give anything away but know that this series requires patience and won't be for everyone. It's a supernatural mystery Drama based off of the book by Tom Perotta and adapted for television by Damon Lindelof (co-creator of the TV series Lost). Watch it. You won't regret it. A fantastic character-driven drama, and boasting a great cast including Justin Theroux and Christopher Eccleston. Superbly well written and directed and packs a real emotional punch, mostly via Max Richter's haunting musical score. Easily in my top ten TV series of all time.