In Lucy Mangan’s review for The Guardian, the critique of Kim Kardashian’s latest legal drama on Disney+, titled All’s Fair, stood out not just for its harshness but for the absence of any stars at all. It’s rare for a review to completely dismiss a show in such a way – a sentiment that seemed to echo across the board, yet Mangan’s zero-star rating marked a notable extreme.
Not a lowly two stars, which might suggest mediocrity; not even one star, which could serve as a painful jab to its creators. No stars whatsoever. The Guardian deemed All’s Fair completely lacking in any redeemable qualities. This harsh critique is one of only 18 instances in the publication’s history of online reviews where a zero-star rating was warranted, showcasing the show’s exceptionally poor reception.
Boat Trip, film review, 2002
This film, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., was the first to ever receive a zero-star rating from this newspaper.
What we said Peter Bradshaw noted: “Even the worst teen-smut films lately have shown some zest and effort to entertain. This film, with its out-of-date and unintentionally offensive jokes, feels like a deathly experience.”
Was it justified? Five years after winning an Oscar for Jerry Maguire, Gooding Jr.’s career took a hit with Boat Trip, which was also panned at the Razzie awards.
Fame Academy Live, concert review, 2003
Just half a year later, another review hit rock bottom – this time for a live concert derived from a BBC talent show.
What we said Alexis Petridis commented: “This concert seemed designed to fleece parents of their money, as though the performers were threatening audience wallets at knifepoint.”
Was it justified? Despite this scathing review, Fame Academy briefly continued with a second season before being cancelled.
The Vines, concert review, 2003
A mere week following the Fame Academy concert, a third zero-star review was published, this time for a concert by the Australian rock band The Vines, held at London’s Astoria.
What we said David Peschek described: “[Singer Craig] Nicholls seemed to be portraying pain so theatrically that it felt more like a tantrum than an artistic expression.”
Was it justified? Although The Vines continued to release albums, none have resonated as strongly as their early work.
Big and Rich, Horse of a Different Color, album review, 2004
An album by a country duo, featuring tracks like Kick My Ass and Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy), this was the only album to ever receive zero stars from the Guardian.
What we said Again, David Peschek wrote: “This album tries too hard to be edgy but ends up as a clumsy attempt at cool that falls flat.”
Was it justified? Despite this review, Big and Rich saw commercial success, receiving a Billboard Music award that year and several Grammy nominations thereafter.
Martin Creed, concert review, 2004
A performance by the British artist and Turner prize winner, three years after his notable award.
What we said Alexis Petridis commented: “The concert appeared less like a musical performance and more like a test of how unappealing one could be before inciting the audience to riot.”
Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
