White Collar (2009–2014) User Reviews

Fun!

[Bif · 7/10 · 25 January 2010]

If you are a fan of the buddy cop genre (if not, start with French Connection and work forwards), you'll know the basic rules:

1 - One 'straight' cop, one 'rogue' cop

2 - The two have a love/hate relationship, although deep down, it's love

3 - The pair learn about themselves and each other while solving wacky crimes

4 - Hilarity ensues

Since the genre itself starts off very close to satire, it's easy for a show to devolve into parody and idiocy - remember when David Addison turned into a freaking frog on Moonlighting? Luckily, White Collar hasn't gone in that direction.

In fact, it is funny, clever, well written, the cast is great, and they have obviously made a clear choice to focus on character relationships and not to obsess over getting all the real-life details exactingly accurate.

If you want heavy, serious drama you should watch The Wire; if you want silly comedy, watch Chuck; but if you want something smart and funny, but light, try White Collar. You can think of it as Burn Notice's older, more mature, brother.

(For the record, I like and enjoy every show mentioned in this review - except for maybe that frog episode.)

Just a fun show

[Supermanfan-13 · 8/10 · 22 April 2024]

Even though White Collar originally was on from 2009-2015, I just now got around to watching it now in 2024. I'm actually upset with myself for not watching it earlier because it was a really fun show to watch. Netflix acquired the rights last year and it immediately went to the Top 10 watched list and stayed there for months. It did so well that they're talking about rebooting it again. The reason the show works so well is its two stars, Matt Bomer (Neal Caffrey) and Tim DeKay (Peter Burke). Their chemistry is just fantastic. I'm currently on Season 4 right now. I've been flying through it, watching several episodes at a time. This is just an easy show to watch so if you're looking for a show that's just a fun watch then give White Collar a try.

Pretty Good

[Rob1331 · 8/10 · 22 April 2024]

With White Collar popping back up and doing well with streaming these days I thought I'd give it a try again. I'm glad I did. I watched the first few seasons when this was on 10-15 years ago and then just forgot about it. This was on USA network at a time where they had a bunch of good shows (Psych, Suits, Burn Notice, Covert Affairs, Royal Pains, etc) so it got caught in the shuffle back them. Looking g back USA had a lot of good shows, it's too bad they changed their formula. It's about a White Collar felon named Neal Caffrey, he's wanted for years before being caught by FBI agent Peter Burke. After a few years in prison they make Neal an offer. In exchange for freedom he'll help them catch sought after white collar criminals. Neal and Peter work together and have a fun bro-mance thing going on, they start off not trusting of each other but that grows into a real friendship.

White Collar is Clever, Crisp, and Hugely Entertaining

[Songmaker23 · 10/10 · 25 October 2009]

Think of White Collar as a little bit "48 Hours" (the Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte classic) and a little bit "Catch Me If You Can" (the DiCaprio & Hanks rollick). "Law & Order" this ain't. Call it "fun TV".

The premise: What do you do with an amazing criminal mind (white collar, of course) frittering away in a super-max prison, that he can apparently escape from at will? The answer soon comes when said genius criminal Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) offers to help the FBI agent who originally caught him solve a case that's been frustrating him for years. Agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) while wary, realizes this "may"...repeat "may" be a way to finally catch the bad guy.. White Collar is another USA "Characters welcome" offering, and it's a great one.

Tim DeKay is pitch perfect as the agent who lives his job. He has a kind of "Tom Hanks meets young Jack Lemmon" quality that is spot on for the tone of the show. He's written as real guy in a tough spot. He truly loves his wife, but tireless dedication to "the job" causes him to forget anniversaries, and regularly arrive home after his wife is long 'a bed. His wife Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen) often eats dinners alone... well, sort of.

Matt Bomer, soon to be a household name, vaults from his supporting role of Bryce on "Chuck" straight into a major lead role that fits him like a glove... like he was born to do this. Along with class A hunky good looks, Bomer also has a vulnerable quality that is quite touching. Ladies, he's Oooo so cute, slick, smart and gosh darn lovable, that your significant other may actually allow you to gaze... This show has something for everyone. The story line is not at all predictable. You want to watch how this might end.

Tiffani Thiessen is actually a lovely surprise, having matured nicely as an actress from her 90210 days. Amazing for a pilot, there is sweet gentle chemistry with her FBI hubby.

This FBI version of the "truly odd couple" takes straight off on a smart, well written, snappy crime-solving adventure. The dialog is zippy, and once the obligatory plot setup is laid down, the laughs come early and often. This too makes White Collar good family entertainment.

If the series follows the pilot's lead, there will be ZERO gratuitous violence, another reason to appreciate the show. Caffrey charms and disarms all creatures great and small, while using his near savant abilities to see what the FBI cannot. The lead characters are perfectly complementary. The casting is sublime. Even the score is hip, something that USA recently seems to have cornered the market on.

Personally I can't wait for the next installment of what promises to be a seriously entertaining and original show.

One of the special ones

[bhester0806 · 10/10 · 12 September 2018]

What to say. White collar is one of the special ones. It's funny, heart warming, action packed (at times). Worth watching for all ages the the two leads play off each other better than any other tv duo I can recall in recent history.

Give it a go you won't be sorry.

A charming and funny new show

[xox_rachy_xo · 10/10 · 3 April 2010]

Recently I watched numerous pilots of new shows that have come out this year, and 'White Collar' is one which came out on top.

To begin with, the pilot immediately caught my attention. I liked that they didn't make Burke an idiot like they normally do. In fact none of the characters are made out to be naive or stupid, which is refreshing in television nowadays. I also found Burke and Caffrey's relationship very charming- the writers didn't pretend to make them dislike each other and to have Caffrey forced upon Burke but instead they have respect for each other and at separate times they both show the level of their friendship with each other.

I found the show charming and funny. It is finally a show that doesn't take itself seriously 100% of the time. You have the nice balance of the personal struggle of Caffrey to find Kate mixed with the episodes storyline, a balance which I think works effectively.

Definitely watch this show if you enjoy something that is both easy to watch and entertaining.

Captivating series

[kiddo-sg · 10/10 · 30 March 2010]

I must say that I was one of those who watched the pilot and was not taken in at all. I thought that the theme for the series was too banal and overused. However, after I read the plaudits for the series, I decided to watch the 2nd and 3rd episodes and I must say I am really glad that I watched them.

The storyline is brilliant and captivating. The chemistry between Neal and Peter is totally amazing and believable. The casting is really good and I particularly like Mozzie. Well, the series does come across as a little too slick at times but this makes the series really entertaining.

I really hope that the ratings will be really good and that the series will return for a second season.

I highly recommend this series to any skeptics out there.

Great Show

[myriamkayleigh · 10/10 · 29 November 2009]

I am glad that this show is on the USA network, or else I might never have heard of it. I am so happy that I got into it before the pilot even showed on TV. The first time I saw a commercial promoting White Collar, I was overwhelmed by how awesome and semi- original it appeared. It's not the most original show of its genre, but the way that it is composed and delivered is profoundly different than other shows. The actors (ALL of the actors) are superb at their jobs. This is a must- see for everyone, no matter who you are. You will almost certainly love it and become hopelessly devoted. Oh and I am happy that Matthew Bomer is finally a lead in a show that is practically guaranteed to last a while. Thank you.

A triumph of a procedural

[laurac-18432 · 9/10 · 5 October 2023]

White Collar is one of the shows I watch on repeat, and it still holds up. It's a procedural in the best sense-most episodes are new cases, with a few overarching mysteries tying a given season together-but it isn't rote or predictable like procedurals can sometimes be. Tim DeKay and Matt Bomer have *fantastic* chemistry, and watching them both work together and try to outsmart one another is a joy. There's some excellent supporting cast members as well (and since it's a procedural a lot of different actors come through for single episodes, some of which are big talents that I know from shows like The Americans). I appreciate that, unlike most crime shows, there's less violence. Still some violence, mind, but it's not a central theme, this isn't a murder mystery kinda show. A lot of the cases are really interesting, at least if you're compelled by forgery and heists.

The show ended where it needed to buy goodness I wish we could get another round!

Best new show

[Meeshka_Meows · 14 November 2009]

Very clever and has your rooting for both the good guys (FBI) and the bad guy (Neal in this case). The pairing of the FBI couple is just right and of course Matt as the con reminds me so much of Pierce Brosnan in the movie "After the Sunset" in which he played a perfect con man and there grew to be a grudging respect between the con and the FBI guy (Woody).

I can see that happening here too and if this lives up to the first few episodes, I'll be tuning in each week as this show is refreshing. I'm tired of the gore in many of the top crime shows. I actually taped this and showed the first two episodes to a few friends that hadn't heard of it and now I have them hooked on it and they want to watch it each week. Let's hope the networks finally realize the gore is getting to be too much and this type of show really works and let's hope it lasts a long time.

A bit of alright.

[poncy-in-pixels · 7/10 · 27 November 2009]

This isn't discovery channel. It's about as believable as thinking that CSIs interrogate witnesses. If you want thought out dialogue and plot, watch HBO's Rome or BSG. There isn't much that's meaningful here, but who in hell would look for it anyway? I'm rather surprised to see the vehemence with which people are denying the quality of this show. What did you expect, NOVA? This is a buddy cop drama. Sure, it has some laughably contrived moments (serendipity seems to follow Matt Bomer around like an overly affectionate puppy), but it's all in good fun. Mostly, I think the writers are simply attempting to show what a charmed life Bomer lives in comparison to his working stiff Fed partner-- perhaps to a fault. These moments faded quickly after the basis was set-up (but aren't many pilots like that?).

I was equally surprised to see someone unhappy with Tim Dekay's performance. Call it girlish bias, but I adore the man, and he brings to the character a certain... humanity. It was nice to see that they didn't fall into the smart guy/dumb guy routine: Dekay's Fed character starts out smart as a whip, and he stays that way, matching the hilariously cultured and talented con-man step-for-step. And it was a pleasant discovery, to find genuine chemistry between many of the characters. The writing isn't bad (it's not Monty Python or even SG1, but it's funny), even if the plots are mostly forgettable.

That said, I'm following this series quite happily (and cursing Canada for being so slow in releasing episodes), mostly because it's silly and the music is wonderfully campy in a "haha, look, it's buddy-cop music, get it?" sort of way and Tim Dekay is hot. Because sometimes television doesn't have to be done perfectly to be a good watch.

It seems to me that it's a "love it or you don't" scenario, though I find the petty name-calling in certain reviews amusing in the extreme.

The best serial I ever seen

[vasioiualina · 10/10 · 28 February 2024]

You should give a chance to see what this serial has to offer. I m in love with it. Maybe it is too old for this nowadays but it s the best that you can ask for it.

I really like Neal and Mozzie, those two make a great team, also Neal and Peter but sometimes Peter pissed me off with his "protective" and workaholic character.

In the first season, Neal was a little bit annoying with all his love for Kate but after you pass that moment of romance you will enjoy great stories about art, culture and all of those stories were related at a glass of wine.

What is really important is that whenever you have the chance to visit an art gallery you should drink a glass of wine to understand all the good pictures

I make it from my soul, I can t find another serial as good as this.

Charming Show Just Don't Binge

[davidjkobb · 7/10 · 18 June 2019]

There is a lot to like about White Collar: charming cast, good acting and writing, funny enough. Where it fails is in the modern phenomena of binge watching. The weaknesses of the show that you don't really pick up when watching episodes once or twice a week come more into focus when watching episode after episode. For example, there is a repeition of criminal betrays FBI Agent's trust, and then wins back that trust -- again and again and again. When watching the show periodically you don't think about it so much, but when watching seasons 1-6 in one month, you can't stop wondering, "How many times would I forgive someone?"

Exclusively Average

[tggpm · 4/10 · 26 June 2011]

I started watching White Collar from the beginning. It sounded like an interesting concept and raised hope to see a modern Crime show with more interesting cases than the usual CSI murders and so on. I've seen all episodes in Season 1 and 2, but haven't started with 3 yet - and probably won't:

What sounded interesting at first turned out to be a less-than-average show unfortunately. It is about a young and handsome master-criminal (and believe me when I say that's all it really is about), who got captured repeatedly by a apparently extremely competent FBI agent. To avoid him fleeing from prison, they make a deal to help each other out.

The master-criminal, henceforth known as Neal, is not only young and handsome, he's also an expert in: history, art, jewelery, forging, finances, money laundering, fashion, conjuring and many many MANY more talents. Basically he is James Bond without his Walther, Indiana Jones without his Whip (but with a hat - occasionally!), and David Copperfield without a white bunny.

The FBI agent, though capable of capturing Neal twice, seems less and less competent throughout the show. Basically he is incapable of doing any investigative work, he has to call Neal for every trivial case.

His wife is really only there for her name, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, because her role does nothing besides being the supportive wife. Her roles usually are 30 second pieces to show that she exists.

Neal's best friend, the "geek" Mozzie, is even more cliché than whine-swirling criminal in the 10.000-dollar-suit and the down-to-earth yet super-important FBI-special-agent in the 100-dollar-suit. He of course is extremely paranoid, has absolute knowledge of everything that even remotely has to do with technology and is practically incapable in every other aspect of existence.

Then of course there is the obligatory agent Token who is allowed to help now and then, and the competent and successful female black agent who of course can hardly resist Neal yet stays professional.

The bad guys vary from petty-thief to sophisticated master-criminal (of course Neal is still way out of their league, without being as ruthless as them), to FBI conspirators.

Other than that there is a number of Neal's love interests that usually need to be saved.

All in all, the show could be described in one word: cliché The cases are generally as absurd as they are boring, if they are not totally absurd they are the more boring. The genre description says Action/Drama, but don't be fooled. There is no action at all (not even if they try, and they hardly do) and the drama part is just as poor. There are no funny moments either - and how should there? Half of the people are flawless and the other half unscrupulous. As a serial, there is generally a story line over the whole season - but it is unbelievably thin and usually not present except for a few brief moments. The characters are completely implausible, and the cases not better.

All in all, this show is incredibly overrated and, while not terrible, well below average. If you want drama, watch a proper drama (Breaking Bad et al.), if you want Action, try Burn Notice, and if you want a proper crime/detective/drama, Justified is the much better choice. You probably know all these, but before you try White Collar, check out some other shows, you likely will find a much better one.

Back when USA ruled the late 2000's they created this gem!

[totalork · 10/10 · 26 October 2022]

This is easily one of my favorite TV shows ever, loved watching it back when it was still coming out one episode a week. I really wish we could've gotten more seasons because other shows that cant hold up to it get like 9 while they ended with a 6 episode final season 6. Dont get me wrong it was all still a great watch, it is somehow serious, funny, a crime show AND Matt Bomer is a total heart throb that couldnt of been a better pick for the role. Honestly I like the whole cast, the father/mentor relationship he has with Peter ties the whole show together. While other characters like Diana and his wife El are extremely likable, not to mention the constant appearance of guest stars! I think this show can be watched at any point in the series, each episode is a case by case basis so I love that formula.

Worth a try and fantastic till season 4. Season 5 is fine just not as spectacular

[sapnaknijn · 9/10 · 26 February 2024]

The series started great with the discovers between the characters building up their relations with each other. Each story line equally entertaining. Not sure what happened but the dynamic between the Feds and Neal & Mozzie changed after deafening 4. The audience was hoping for them to grow together unfortunately as mentioned often in the series you cannot trust humans. The legal system is mean, condescending and unfeeling. Neal was changing however Peters comments regarding him being a criminal pushed Neal to stay criminal. El was just as bad in pushing Neal & Moz away when she didn't need them. They are great when their skills are needed for whatever reason when it is convenient.

Neal's father situation changed a lot of things but did not bring closure in any way towards Neal and then way Peter reacts with " you're still a criminal" brings the relation back to season 1.

Never Failing from Beginning to End

[seellzey · 10/10 · 28 June 2023]

White Collar is an awe inspiring series. You will always be on the edge of your seat. The combination of script and actors makes this series all the worth while with mystery, suspense, tears, laughter, and the occasional Caffrey grin. It never wavered and remained true to the very last second of the series finale! It was a perfect ending to the story but the question is should it remain the end or should there be an equally amazing, adventurous, and admirable reboot to see where the characters lives are now. I am perfectly content with the ending but I always hope for at least one more White Collar adventure with Neil and Peter.

finally...good TV

[Danny_was_here · 10/10 · 29 October 2009]

well written, actually funny shows with believable characters are almost impossible to find. Thankfully, USA has provided all those qualities and more in this new show. The pilot starts out humorous and interesting and only gets better. Each character that is introduced is three dimensional, unlike the cardboard cutouts most shows are packed with. And viewers will find themselves rooting for both the conman and the FBI. The dialog is both funny and smart. And the pace of the show is perfect. Fast paced, but not impossible to follow. I don't watch much TV, as I consider most shows nothing more than a way to waste an hour of my life. But if this show continues on the trend the pilot set, I'll be back every week to check in on these fascinating characters. White Collar is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates intelligent and witty TV.

White Collar

[reyvel12 · 10/10 · 27 November 2009]

I disagree with this comments, Im a fan of House, Dexter, CSI Miami, etc. and I believe that White Collar has the same potential to be a TV series than any of my favorites. Today is the first time I watch the show (by the way a USA marathon) and I love it, was looking to by the first season but I see this is the first one, can't wait till comes out in stores to buy it, keep the good work USA, criticism is good, positive or negative, but listen to the people and not to just one critic. The combination of good guy bad guy has always worked, and with such good actors and actresses White Collar has everything that is needed to become a hit, keep bringing good stories to the series, congratulations to the writer and all the team for bringing me, personally, another good TV series to talk about. Thanks, Rey

If I could give it 12 out of 10 I would

[eronzierjoly · 10/10 · 30 September 2019]

I love this show, seen it many times from start to finish.

Great cast - the main reason I like the show so much is that I love every single character and that I wish I could be part of it all myself! I especially like the Neal/Elizabeth/Mozzie/Peter bond and can't get enough of those four.

Love the setting in New York, Neal's flat, the FBI office. Some funny twists and interesting crimes the team have to solve, even though some of it doesn't always makes sense it doesn't even matter.

Brilliant show.

A straight buddy series, with paint by numbers crimes to back it up.

[feyipuk · 7/10 · 12 February 2019]

Having watched Matt Bomer as a spy in Chuck, it's not a far walk to see him as a charming, sparkle in the eye, confidence man Neal Caffrey. Starting in prison, he escapes, only to be tracked down by the same FBI agent - Tim DeKay as Peter Burke - who put him there in the first place, who knows more about Neal than he does about his wife. Found holding a bottle of wine - which rather than being a goof, is a device created to drive a future plot line - he's carted back to prison, but after coming up with a vital lead in a case the FBI are working on. And this is basically the three plot lines for the rest of the series; each episode has a crime that can only be solved with Neals confidence tricks. Neal is trying to track down a lost love, through carefully created clues that are pertinent to their lives. Neal helps Peter with his personal life, while Peter helps Neal using his FBI connections. You know they'll get the bad guys, but then what series doesn't that happen? It's how they do it and following the "treasure hunt" that keeps the show interesting.

great show, but by no means original

[brainwerx · 9/10 · 2 March 2010]

Don't get me wrong. I think this is a fantastic show. They have great individuals playing all the different roles. Neal is great! He has a great personality and just the right amount of attitude.

The FBI people are well played. They like working with Neal, but you can see that they don't want to let it show, simply because they are the FBI. This show is probably a bit more real amount how some of these relationships can become murky. Regardless, my original point: The show itself is a remake of a classic 1960's show called "It Takes a Thief" starring Robert Wagner. Still a favorite actor of mine.

Either way though, I still like watching this show.

Enjoyable

[vassotsavdari · 7/10 · 26 May 2021]

This show can be very entertaining if you know what you are in for.

Pros: It is fast-paced, light-hearted, doesn't take itself too seriously and has struck gold with the chemistry of the cast. The camaraderie is believable, fun, and essentially the vehicle that carries the entire show. Characters of Peter and Mozzie are well-written. Acting remains consistent.

Cons: The plot often has big holes and the characters of Neal and Mozzie have a highly unlikely set of skills and knowledge sometimes to a ridiculous extent. The trust issues between the leads do drag a bit. Lastly, villains are often a caricature.

The show isn't pretending to be anything more than it is. And it is feel-good, and totally rewatchable.

White color

[asadshamim-52268 · 1 February 2021]

So this is one of the best and most impressive projection of rebel, guardian, savior and caretaker I have ever seen. The acting is just amazing and the artists are at their best. I wish this comes back cause the actors are just so talented they bring emotional intelligence to each scene and word they play. Love it!

I have been building my new app and white color gets me energized every day!

Great actors and chemistry - shame about the script

[dinalt10 · 5/10 · 9 August 2015]

If I was voting purely on chemistry, then this would probably rate a 9 or possibly 10.

The actors all do a fantastic job on screen, and share a great chemistry together. That shines through in every episode I've seen, and makes watching a pleasure.

Only hope they get other chances to work together, as they come across so naturally.

So no criticism of the actors at all. They've made a shallow show totally palatable, and if the casting had been different I doubt if this would have lasted one season.

The problem is how often you're asked to suspend belief. Okay, whatever we watch requires a degree of that - but this takes it to a new level.

In the pilot, we're expected to believe that Neal can identify the latest currency from a single strand - despite being in prison for 4 years.

Unlikely, if not impossible, but let that slide for the moment. After all, even the best scripts have the odd mistake.

But how many times can someone cut their tracking anklet and still remain outside of prison ? Nearly every episode Neal cuts his anklet, or engages in criminality (often with the FBI's knowledge), and STILL gets away with it. Even down to colluding in hiding a Nazi treasure of stolen goods, taken from a u-boat that was somehow recovered and placed in a warehouse with nobody knowing.

To be honest, the show requires a total suspension of brain activity to make it even vaguely plausible.

The main problem seems to be that the show isn't certain what it is. Is it a comedy, is it a drama..............certainly isn't a serious crime drama, that's for sure.

If it was being played purely for laughs, then could let the massive problems slide. But it often tries to be serious too, and then the script problems really come to light.

Certainly isn't the worst show ever, but neither is it as good as its current rating would suggest.

As it is, the show's a bit like elevator music. Easily tolerable and nothing offensive...............but more or less the same story every week with different supporting characters.