Great Performances

Synopsis

Great Performances is a distinguished television anthology series that premiered in 1971, showcasing a rich variety of performing arts including theater, dance, opera, and classical music. The series brings the magic of live performances directly into viewers' homes, featuring some of the world's most talented artists and productions. Spanning decades, Great Performances has offered audiences access to Broadway hits, ballet companies, renowned orchestras, and innovative theatrical presentations, all filmed with exceptional production quality. Celebrated for its dedication to preserving and presenting artistic excellence, the show serves as an essential cultural archive and a window into the vibrancy of the performing arts.

Cast

• 

  Bray Poor

  Narrator (voice)

Reviews

Great Performances has been consistently praised for its high-quality presentation and its role in making performing arts accessible to a broad television audience. With an IMDb rating of 7.9/10, viewers and critics alike applaud the series for its diverse programming and commitment to showcasing a wide range of artistic disciplines. Critics from outlets like The New York Times and Variety have noted the show’s ability to capture the intimacy and energy of live performances, often citing its excellent cinematography and sound design. Some critiques point out that the show's traditional format occasionally may not appeal to viewers unfamiliar with classical and stage performances, but overall, the reception remains strongly positive. Rotten Tomatoes does not have aggregated ratings for the series due to its anthology nature and long run, though audience reviews often celebrate Great Performances as an important cultural resource. The series is regarded as a vital platform for the arts, bridging the gap between performers and audiences globally.

See also

Stranger Things

Money Heist

Squid Game

Breaking Bad