The shows acting is terrible but I can't stop watching it. Once you get past the terrible acting the show is very interesting.
147 Reviews
Tolerable
darianwadsworth12 May 2019
Half and half
taurus-0715521 November 2018
The show you hate to admit that you like. I think it's over the top silly drama. but it's not mine, so I'll watch it just to see what happens next. I love the revenge! I cant stand all the facial expressions the actors make while trying to talk expressively. They look really ridiculous. David needs to learn more words than 'yes'. Maybe that's all he can remember, but I swear he says that 1000 times an episode. The makeup artist is horrible. I could do better myself and I seldom wear makeup. If you like revengex you'll like the show. Other than that, it's totally implausible.
A contemporary soap opera that you can't stop thinking about
Shambulla12 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
It's a show you'll hate to love. The acting is, for the most part, uninspiring, the characters are irkingly unbelievable and, on the face of it, the storyline is, well, 'very soapy' but, no matter how hard you may try not to, somewhere between stirring your coffee and waiting for the train, you'll suddenly find yourself asking, 'Hmmm, I wonder what Candice is up to?' Volumes could be written about the creature known as Candice. She's smart, conniving and willing to do whatever she needs to, to get what she wants. The problem is she's also stunning and brilliant and, as hard as it is to believe, she's actually quite sweet, a combination that isn't going to end well for anyone who crosses her in her one-eyed quest for money, power, acceptance and, above all, freedom.
There's blackmail, there's double crossing, there are family secrets galore and there's even triple crossing! You'll hate it and you'll love it, then you'll hate it again and swear you're not going to watch the next episode - until Tuesday hits and, well, you'll try it 'one last time.' Despite everything else, Tyler Perry's writing is really enjoyable. Some great lines and a script/storyline that could have done as well as Revenge had the acting been a little less forced in a way that only daytime soapies can be.
There's blackmail, there's double crossing, there are family secrets galore and there's even triple crossing! You'll hate it and you'll love it, then you'll hate it again and swear you're not going to watch the next episode - until Tuesday hits and, well, you'll try it 'one last time.' Despite everything else, Tyler Perry's writing is really enjoyable. Some great lines and a script/storyline that could have done as well as Revenge had the acting been a little less forced in a way that only daytime soapies can be.
One has to wonder
cbwillallen253 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
One has to wonder if Tyler Perry is trying to have too many things going on. Not only that, is he trying to be control of too much? The ideas can be there, but he is in dire need of other Writers, Directors, the whole nine.
This show is supposed to be some sort of Drama yet it comes off as a Soap, not a good one either. This "bad girl" "person not to be messed with" crap is just that. This will never ever even sniff Scandal. I don't even think cutting the show to half an hour is good enough. It needs good story lines and a way to advance them along smoothly. Stop dragging things out and showing useless material.
Do we really need to see Wyatt drinking and reading texts on his Dad's phone for a few episodes? Amanda has a problem, OK we get it, but what does she add to the show? Of course certain actions/lines are done/repeated too often and it just slows everything down. Too many different scenes too, makes it take too long to establish any sort of significance.
This show isn't any good. For any hope of saving it Tyler Perry should consider having other people give assistance.
This show is supposed to be some sort of Drama yet it comes off as a Soap, not a good one either. This "bad girl" "person not to be messed with" crap is just that. This will never ever even sniff Scandal. I don't even think cutting the show to half an hour is good enough. It needs good story lines and a way to advance them along smoothly. Stop dragging things out and showing useless material.
Do we really need to see Wyatt drinking and reading texts on his Dad's phone for a few episodes? Amanda has a problem, OK we get it, but what does she add to the show? Of course certain actions/lines are done/repeated too often and it just slows everything down. Too many different scenes too, makes it take too long to establish any sort of significance.
This show isn't any good. For any hope of saving it Tyler Perry should consider having other people give assistance.
Suspenseful!!!
yvonnejames15 February 2017
Show gets a 10 for Suspense! As soon as I think I know where it's going, there are twists and turns and/or a new plot develops. This comes from writers/Perry with vivid imaginations and keeps us viewers coming back for more. I do have a couple of issues. The Hanna, Candice, Bennie relationship is getting stale. More needs to be revealed about why Candice hates her mother so much. Bennie is boring, seems insignificant - perhaps he should still be in a coma. Hanna is getting a little boring as well - too melodramatic. Another issue - the sound effects! Sometimes I cannot hear the dialogue because the background music is so loud. Hope my critique helps, and the show has continued success!
Im confused
jessicasalinas-728017 May 2019
Im confused I absolutely hate every character in this show but cant stop watching is that normal in any way omg all these characters are all freakn evil and disgusting I have to take a break from this show im starting to really really hate these people and almost forget its a show and i need to calm down lol
Fun It Was Awesome
tchilen2 June 2013
What a fun show to watch, it's dramatic over the top entertainment!!! It's easy to see why Tyler Perry is so successful. This will help OWN. We will watch it every week and recommend you watch it with your friends. Sure some of the acting is over dramatic and situations just a bit unbelievable but that's what makes it so much fun. We especially like the scenes that ended in people just looking at each. The two dimensional characters were brought to life well by the actors. Casting did a great job. The writers clearly are having a good time writing the script.We laughed out loud at times but also were drawn into the plot. Can't wait to see the next 14 episodes. Keep them coming Tyler and Oprah.
Hard to watch...
eacmacro-0130514 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I have to sit and endure this show because my wife LOVES it.
The acting in this show is ridiculous, as is most of the television variations. It's amazing that every show features such laughable antics as: long awkward pauses, leading and obvious presumptuous rhetoric, horrible "play-like" back and forth discussions...if Veronica said, "The maid..." (S8E8) just ONE MORE TIME!" I mean seriously, is all the extra chatter in place just to fill up the hour? They take forever to make a point, and drag out dialogues way too long." "I'm gonna get you..." "No you're not..." "Yes...I am..." "No..."...5 minutes later...I'm gonna get you..." They beat around the bush about issues that are obvious, while asking leading questions with the kind of acting that makes them look unconvincing.
Painfully irritating. Are any of the actors even held accountable for how horrible their acting is? How has this show even lasted this long?
LOVE it!
toodopey8 January 2014
wonderful new show. hate to use the term "soap," for this program is an exquisite chronological drama, in the footsteps of "dallas," "rich man, poor man," etc., but far better. the characters are so richly drawn and developed--one can't help but become attached to and involved with their lives. that's what a really good show aims to do, and tyler perry has the know-how and seemingly boundless ability to weave it all together, and with his patented stunning results. and what a strong, talented ensemble cast--among which, renee lawless and crystal r. fox quite simply shine. of course w/tp you expect the writing to be tremendous, but the entire package makes this my new favorite show...right up there with nashville, good wife and chicago fire. puts current soaps (which i won't call out; they are having ample trouble) and their predecessors to SHAME! thank you tyler perry and KUDOS! keep up the brilliant work!
So bad it's good!
margaritad199320 April 2019
The acting, directing, writing and pacing are pretty bad!! The plot has some good twists and turns which make it pretty addictive!! I love the 1 star reviews here that obviously have watched many seasons! I don't even finish one episode of something I would rate 1 star!! This show has redeeming qualities if you like a good soap opera with some addicting story lines!
Be prepared for wonky script and repeating lines. You'll literally think you pushed the rewind 10 seconds button when you didn't! The pacing is very slow and pregnant pauses are frequent. The acting by most is horrendous. So bad it makes me laugh!! I like Candice, Benny, Hanna, Melissa and Oscar! Veronica, David and Jeffrey are all abominable!! Katherine, Wyatt and Jon Cryer are good and bad. Amanda is the worst!!! Only on season two now so can't speak about others.
The characters are mostly stereo typical but also have some unexpected surprises! I have fun watching the show. Used to love my soaps and don't watch any anymore, so this is a little nostalgic for me. Many reviewers have said it's like watching a train wreck. It is! You cannot look away!
Be prepared for wonky script and repeating lines. You'll literally think you pushed the rewind 10 seconds button when you didn't! The pacing is very slow and pregnant pauses are frequent. The acting by most is horrendous. So bad it makes me laugh!! I like Candice, Benny, Hanna, Melissa and Oscar! Veronica, David and Jeffrey are all abominable!! Katherine, Wyatt and Jon Cryer are good and bad. Amanda is the worst!!! Only on season two now so can't speak about others.
The characters are mostly stereo typical but also have some unexpected surprises! I have fun watching the show. Used to love my soaps and don't watch any anymore, so this is a little nostalgic for me. Many reviewers have said it's like watching a train wreck. It is! You cannot look away!
Just Like watching a Car Wreck
smoss-915175 October 2018
The Script is Terrible, You Have 40 somethings playing 20 something, So so many continuity errors. Script is not even CLOSE to a real life situation. Tyler Perry portrays BLACK Men as IDIOTS, David putting up with Veronica ( Nope ) Jeffery Letting His Mom run his life ( Nope ) The Jail ??? No Toilets, Jim and Jeffery stayed in regular clothing for weeks ( Doesn't Happen ).The Show is So Damn BAD it's Ridiculous. It's Like watching a Car WRECK.
Love this show!
santiagomaria585 June 2013
Easy to watch and follow, it is credible drama. Never seen this group of actors before but I think they are very good, they keep me hooked, no pretentious over dramatic ego personas...Don't like "Candace" meaning that the actress is doing a great job on making the audience dislike the villain. Last night episode was captivating, the story moved from one issue to the other very smoothly, effortless. Didn't like the 'gay' guy's when watching his friend sleeping, I think it was overdone, I think educated gay guys are more reserved in their mannerism . I hope this show lasts FOREVER, Good Job Tyler Perry! PS. To IMDb, probably you'll get more comments if you don't force people to write TEN lines
Have and Have Nots is Fun to Watch!
chilloutsatan4 September 2015
It's fun to watch regardless of the plots. It has everyone talking about it and therefore it is doing its job. The PERSONAL ATTACKS on Tyler Perry and other Characters are nasty and unnecessary when all one has to do is "CHANGE THE CHANNEL!" It appears that some people just love to be mean, nasty and ugly....Like Veronica's character!!! I like awaiting what's coming next even if I think I may have figured it out. It's still fun to watch to see if I am right or wrong. Yes, it's a bit INSANE, but our world is insane and so are the characters I run into all the time. I support Tyler Perry because he gives us something we never had.... Black Actors in various shows. I say "Thank You Tyler" for doing the most you can with what you have. It's a Blessing to watch people that look like me on screen from week to week. (Good or Not so Good Plots)
Not realistic
marilynmason5 February 2020
I don't understand how Tyler Perry has about 9 main characters on this show ( the haves and haves nots).
And all of them get shot, they return back to the next season not a scratch.
I believe he needs real writers. And stop trying to do everything himself.
Give responsibility to others.
He's very forgetful.
Veronica has no money, but still managed to hire hitmen, and do whatever she want.
I don't know the reason for Benny.
Hannah the worst Christian I know.
Always angry, she has no heart. Don't know how to accept blessings,
Have no money, but she has a lot of pride . She should not speak the LORD name, she's acting totally the opposite of what Christ said on how we should act. She makes me sick.
This Show Should Be Called Hoover, Because It Sucks So Much,
jaygeesorb13 February 2019
The acting is appalling the plots are pathetic at best, there is no hero, every character is so flawed, none of them are relatable or likable. Out of all the characters Jeffrey is the worst, his cold abrasiveness is like watching a bus full of nuns and children run into a bus full of puppies and kittens. I would not the energy to avoid hitting him with a car, but I digress.
Persist
up-8465427 February 2016
I can honestly say this show has me hooked!!!
I know people who have only seen the first episode will bash it, but I promise if your persist you will not be able to help eating, sleeping, breathing the haves and have nots.
YES it does get that much better.
I can admit at the beginning the acting and overall quality of the show can be a deterrent. However simply follow it though and everything dramatically changes!!!!!!!!
THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS IS AN INCREDIBLE SHOW SIMPLY CAN NOT GET ENOUGH but by blood pressure can ;)
I know people who have only seen the first episode will bash it, but I promise if your persist you will not be able to help eating, sleeping, breathing the haves and have nots.
YES it does get that much better.
I can admit at the beginning the acting and overall quality of the show can be a deterrent. However simply follow it though and everything dramatically changes!!!!!!!!
THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS IS AN INCREDIBLE SHOW SIMPLY CAN NOT GET ENOUGH but by blood pressure can ;)
WHY OH WHY is this show still on the air?!
mptnla-8237018 November 2020
I truly respect Tyler Perry for stepping up to provide entertainment for our black community, but that doesn't mean that he shouldn't strive for quality instead of turning out garbage under his banner. When this show first began, I was excited by the promos and decided to watch. I made it thru three episodes before I'd had enough. The first three episodes creeped along and covered one weekend in soap opera time with Candace meeting the Cryers. The final straw was a scene between Hannah and her son where they needed money. It started after a commercial break and ended 10-15 minutes later at the next commercial break. The dialogue was repetitive as they alternated saying "we need the money, where are we going to get the money, we have to have the money, but how can we get the money..." POINTLESS! I can only imagine it's still on the air because people love a train wreck or need something to laugh at.
As a producer, Tyler Perry has the means and the money to do great things by hiring the best writers and directors (and best set decorators), but he tries to do it all himself and the quality is just plain bad!. I came to post this review when I recently saw another awful promo for season 7 (huh?) where Hannah was having a discussion with a white female character who said "but I really need the money" and then saying the same to Jim in the next clip. It was as if that scene that made me bail after three episodes in season 1 was still going on. Stick to producing Tyler, and stop tagging everything with "Tyler Perry's..." When I see that tag, I change the channel.
As a producer, Tyler Perry has the means and the money to do great things by hiring the best writers and directors (and best set decorators), but he tries to do it all himself and the quality is just plain bad!. I came to post this review when I recently saw another awful promo for season 7 (huh?) where Hannah was having a discussion with a white female character who said "but I really need the money" and then saying the same to Jim in the next clip. It was as if that scene that made me bail after three episodes in season 1 was still going on. Stick to producing Tyler, and stop tagging everything with "Tyler Perry's..." When I see that tag, I change the channel.
Disappointing
Leelea29 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This is typical of Tyler Perry's work; lazy writing, drawn out dialogue and delivered as if it were a stage play. The acting is mediocre but the direction is dreadful. This one hour show should be condensed to a 30 minute slot. The characters are cliché, stereotypical, weak and one-dimensional. The dialogue feels forced and unnatural. In one scene, nearly 25 seconds was used saying hello by four characters. Nothing in those 25 seconds helped moved the story along. This is not isolated, this occurs often throughout the show where dialogue or no dialogue at all, moves the story absolutely nowhere.
Mr. Perry doesn't let the story play out naturally, you know how the episode will end 10 minutes into the start of the show. He is terrible at showing his hand, leaving no intrigue for viewers. Some of the characters seems contradictory to their professions and disposition. For example, a judge and gubernatorial candidate is being blackmailed but doesn't get any legal documents signed to prevent future blackmailing. The main character, twenty-something year old Candace, currently a law student and single mother who is hard up for money (couldn't pay a $500 a month mortgage) but can afford to attend law school. She caused so much drama as a young girl and adult; drugs, bad men, running the streets, etc, but we are to believe she was focused enough to attain a four year degree and take the LSAT.
The set looks cheap and poorly designed. In one scene, in a walk in closet full of designer clothes inside a mansion, the camera scans the closet and you can see part of the door frame where paint was not complete and the construction poorly done.
I admire Mr. Perry's work ethic and applaud his efforts, but at some point he has to have some trusted people around him to tell him no, this is poorly done. What shocks me most is that Oprah didn't speak up for a better quality of programming. I think Mr. Perry wants to do it all, but in doing so, he is stretching his work thin, and it's unfortunately at the expense of the viewers who are rooting for him to succeed. I will watch this show until the end, hoping at some point I can come back and revise my review for a more positive one.
Mr. Perry doesn't let the story play out naturally, you know how the episode will end 10 minutes into the start of the show. He is terrible at showing his hand, leaving no intrigue for viewers. Some of the characters seems contradictory to their professions and disposition. For example, a judge and gubernatorial candidate is being blackmailed but doesn't get any legal documents signed to prevent future blackmailing. The main character, twenty-something year old Candace, currently a law student and single mother who is hard up for money (couldn't pay a $500 a month mortgage) but can afford to attend law school. She caused so much drama as a young girl and adult; drugs, bad men, running the streets, etc, but we are to believe she was focused enough to attain a four year degree and take the LSAT.
The set looks cheap and poorly designed. In one scene, in a walk in closet full of designer clothes inside a mansion, the camera scans the closet and you can see part of the door frame where paint was not complete and the construction poorly done.
I admire Mr. Perry's work ethic and applaud his efforts, but at some point he has to have some trusted people around him to tell him no, this is poorly done. What shocks me most is that Oprah didn't speak up for a better quality of programming. I think Mr. Perry wants to do it all, but in doing so, he is stretching his work thin, and it's unfortunately at the expense of the viewers who are rooting for him to succeed. I will watch this show until the end, hoping at some point I can come back and revise my review for a more positive one.
My feelings
marilynrahman8 September 2015
I love Tyler Perry, and "The haves and the have nots" is one of my fav show So, with that said, can't stand Candace, her moms totally right about her, Celine's A B-word, she has the nerve to expect something from Jim, when she had an affair
in Catherine's house right under her nose, the nerve! As for Veronica, she's crazy as hell And off the hook, but I still like her, Benny acts a little slow and gullible, Jeffrey and Wyatt Have all those muscles and can't fight a lick, that's f'd up! Hanna's my girl, and Love Catherine too, admire David's love for his wife, even after she tried to burn him alive That's commitment. And Maggie, the home wrecker, hate her, Veronica has a right to hate her, she's been going after David from the beginning, Veronica should've set her on fire! Tyler, can you write that into the show?
in Catherine's house right under her nose, the nerve! As for Veronica, she's crazy as hell And off the hook, but I still like her, Benny acts a little slow and gullible, Jeffrey and Wyatt Have all those muscles and can't fight a lick, that's f'd up! Hanna's my girl, and Love Catherine too, admire David's love for his wife, even after she tried to burn him alive That's commitment. And Maggie, the home wrecker, hate her, Veronica has a right to hate her, she's been going after David from the beginning, Veronica should've set her on fire! Tyler, can you write that into the show?
The Show Isn't As Bad As Some People Say
screenwriter9715 January 2017
I do like the show, and it has it's moments. With that said, I agree that Tyler Perry needs serious creative input, and needs to loosen up some of the creative control. I agree with the flaws in the writing that I've seen on this show that I think the show could be better if he worked with other writers and directors.
My biggest problem with the show is any character on the show supposed to be the protagonist? Tika's character Candace could be the protagonist if Tyler was able to tone her down a little and stop punishing her for being bad.
But Tyler Perry has built in his audiences, they watch his shows and love them, so if he has the audience base and they like his shows and movies as they are there is no need for him to change them.
My biggest problem with the show is any character on the show supposed to be the protagonist? Tika's character Candace could be the protagonist if Tyler was able to tone her down a little and stop punishing her for being bad.
But Tyler Perry has built in his audiences, they watch his shows and love them, so if he has the audience base and they like his shows and movies as they are there is no need for him to change them.
O'Connell not bad in TV movie
maquignon227 February 2014
I just saw Aaron O'Connell in a Hallmark Network made for TV movie, 12 Gifts for Christmas and, while he will probably not win an Emmy for it, he was not bad at all. Why is he so bloody awful on The Haves and the Have Nots??? Must be the DIRECTION and/or the writing! Maybe I was too hasty to judge the other actors too. Maybe it is ALL Tyler Perry's fault that this is about the worst show on television!!!
Exhilarating!!!!!!
welldressedcurves4 September 2013
I love it, it keeps you wanting more. It is funny, exciting and shocking. The story lines deal with what is going on today, the topics that are considered conversational pieces. It is just a good old fashioned night time soap opera. Now I understand why I love them so. It reminds you of real life, which is probably why it is such a hit. Crystal has been a good actress since her days with In the Heat of the Night. The Dad/Schneider is another good actor, have loved his work for a long time. OWN keep the hits coming, this is good TV. Tyler this is another good one, most people who watch Scandal tune in to this one to get their off season rush. What more can be said, it is just good programming!
Disappointing
dolphin-2800031 May 2018
Love this show, but that witch Veronica and Candace need to go.Why does everyone put up with Candice?That girl needs to be smacked down. Veronica needs a bag over her ugly face. Jim needs to quit thinking he is God's gift to woman. Hannah is the best one on the show.
This was awful!
wnjohnson050811 March 2014
I'm an avid Tyler Perry fan (for his movies and plays but don't care much for the TV sitcoms)! I support him in whatever he does but the 2nd season of this was horrible! The 1st 5 episodes was Benny in a hospital bed and Hanna screaming save my son! This was so poorly written! What judge will give a man authorization to pull the plug on a son that (1) he's never had any part in his life (2) is grown and the mother that raised him is still alive and present in his life (3) doesn't even know if its his real son! No DNA test, nothing!!! This was a soap opera! People who still love soaps probably loved it! But I hated it all the way to the end of the season! I will NOT watch a 3rd season of this non-sense! He has a movie coming out Friday that I will definitely check out! I think he needs to stick to writing movies!
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