The Chronicle (2001–2002) User Reviews

A Sadly Missed Gem

[kathrynboyt · 7/10 · 8 September 2018]

There's a Pig-Boy in the basement, one of the reporters is psychic, another's been repeatedly abducted by aliens since her teens, the Editor has a mysterious past and the photographer is prepared for everything from ghosts to demons, there's an alien assassin in the form of an STD, Fat Ghosts and Pet-Eating Aliens that are actually the Spiritual Leader of the whole galaxy...basically it's just another day at the office for The World Chronicle newspaper.

This is a show for people who feel that the X-Files took itself too seriously and I used to enjoy watching it on Sci-Fi...now I watch the 're-runs' online. Yes, some of it's now a little bit dated but a bit of nostalgia now and then doesn't hurt)

Every member of the cast seems to be having a fantastic time with their roles, really making it their own and the chemistry between them makes it seem realistic.

Alas, it was cancelled much too soon, but we still have the memories

What were they thinking?

[jeeves-1 · 12 September 2002]

I was disturbed greatly when I realized (I had no idea the show was canceled until I watched the final episode) and later learned for a fact that Sci-Fi Channel was canceling this show. I found this show to be well thought out, light-hearted, and just a plain good show - the cheese to cool ratio was in perfect balance. I really wish that this was a show I could still be watching. A great show cut down before its time, indeed. I think that the execs at SciFi need to take a good look at their decision making process and see how it is that they went so wrong.

I LOVE THIS SHOW!

[iamabravesfan · 3 August 2001]

The Chronicle is one of the best science fiction shows ever created. It has wonderful acting from Rena Sofer (The Stepsister, General Hospital, Melrose Place) and the others actors. I give The Chronicle a perfect 10. Let's just hope it lasts long enough for syndication.

The producers of "Six Feet Under" have done it again!

[cchase · 19 July 2001]

I'm sure that from the previews, a lot of people were ready to write this one off as a total rip-off of X-FILES, with echoes of KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER and even a tip of the hat to MEN IN BLACK. I know I was, but knowing how Greenblatt and Janollari have given Alan Ball free reign on 6FU, I decided to give the pilot a try and cut them some slack.

What a pleasant surprise! In less capable hands, the cliches would've dropped off the screen with thuds so loud, you could hear them all the way to Collinwood. Nice to see that Silvio Horta (of URBAN LEGENDS infamy) knows how to infuse the writing with the same kind of cheeky brashness that freshened up THE INVISIBLE MAN, and the dearly departed GOOD VS. EVIL.

The principal cast members may be young, (so young that they might not even remember MELROSE PLACE), but they deliver engaging performances and they seem to have a handle on the characters already, a plus when you consider that it almost always takes a half-dozen episodes of any new show, before all the character 'bugs' are worked out. Jon Polito is especially good, bringing his considerable experience to bear as the curmudgeonly editor who has a sweet spot for slime demons, illegal aliens (the galactic and paranormal kind) and the other assorted flora and fauna of worlds we've never considered existed alongside our own.

The peek at future episodes shown at the end of the two-hour special has me hoping that the writers can sustain the rapport that already exists between the characters, even if the plotlines start to run out of steam.

If sci-fi/fantasy is your cuppa, this show is definitely worth a look.

Too great a show to be cancelled so soon.

[TVvuer69 · 29 June 2002]

I was very disappointed Sci-Fi Channel cancelled this teriffic show. The Chronicle provided just the right combination of humor, action, and wit which worked out very well about this series about the weird and unusual stories the reporters investigate for this Enquierer-type newspaper. From alien abductions to rich elderly people paying to relive their youth via body switching to vampires at an Elvis convention, The Chronicle was very imaginative and quite entertaining. In particular, there were quite a number of episodes that explored the human psyche. Remember, the magic pizza oven that sucked its victims into a weird dimension where they were exposed to their worst fears? How about the episode where high school cheerleaders were actually willing to become bionic women. Remember in that episode when the reporters went undercover as students, they made references to Beverly Hills 90210 as their reason they could pull it off. Pretty funny for sure! There was even an episode where a so-called superhero had psychological problems of his own. The Chronicle was one show that not only explored the weird and unusual, but took on current issues of human behavior as well. With the series' great writing and blending these issues together, the results really paid off as an overall funny, dramatic and entertaining show. The cast of Chad Willet, Rena Sofer, Reno Wilson, Don Polito, and Curtis Armstrong (as Sal the Pigboy) were all excellent in their roles. They all had great chemistry and really looked like they had fun doing the show. Let's hope they have as good success in their future endeavors now that the show is unfortunately over.

A Brilliant, Short-Lived Show!

[fmdsxf1984 · 26 March 2002]

I began watching "The Chronicle" during the middle of its first season (I was looking for a prospective replacement for "The X-Files"). At first, I found it an odd-blend of sci-fi/mystery/comedy, and in many ways, seemed to be a simple parody of "The X-Files." But I got hooked, and with each new episode, it got better and better.

By the start of its second season, "The Chronicle" finally came into its own! It's storylines were becoming more original and far-out, proving that the writers finally realized that there were no limits to what they could do, and whatever their imaginations could come up with would work (although, some better than others). It even began to develop its own "X-Files"-like mythology that only really picked up halfway through the second season. And then it was canceled.

It's a shame that "The Chronicle" was on for such a short period. Sci-Fi Channel really underestimated the show's ability to entertain. Along with the stories, the cast was excellent (especially Rena Sofer) and they all seemed to have fun making this show.

If you ever get a chance to see the reruns, I'm sure you will love this beautiful, gem of a show. Especially if you're lucky enough to see the episodes "The King is (Un)Dead" (about the vampire-Elvis impersonators) or "A Snitch in Time" (the series-finale).

***1/2 out of ****

Good while it lasted

[stevewest-1 · 18 December 2003]

This show has been screening several episodes at a time over the past year It's great that a show like this was made but it's a shame that a well written show like this, head and shoulders above most of the stuff on TV gets cancelled after only one season. The channel that shows this also showed 'The Lone Gunmen' this year, another well written SciFi/Comedy/Mystery that only lasted one season. Are these types of shows unpopular or are they given bad timeslots in the US? I suppose these shows wouldn't have been made if room wasn't made for them by the cancellation of other shows, but I wonder what needs to change to ensure that a good show stays on when it comes along.

This show is off to a good start, assuming...

[Mahaloth · 15 July 2001]

...they can keep the writing fresh. I was a bit worried when this show first was announced because it sounded pretty much like it was just going to be a funny version of X-file or First Wave. Sure, that might be cool once or twice, but I thought it wouldn't last too long.

Fortunately, The Chronicle has proven to be freshly written, with some good plots to go along with the humorous writing. I love all the characters, especially Wes(played by Reno Wilson). Overall, the show is very well cast and everyone seems to be aware of what their characters are supposed to be like.

My only concern is that this show may not prove to remain strong for more than two seasons or so. It's written by Sylvio Horta, who is mostly known for his "Urban Legend" movies. Both those films were interesting at first, but withered into mundane garbage. I hope this show doesn't do the same. I have heard that the cast has really bonded and would hate to see them fall prey to writers whose abilities get exhausted.

I give this show *** out of **** stars. Worth a watch if you like Sci-Fi. Probably won't pull you in if you aren't particularly in to the genre.