Critic Reviews

Bess is kind and anxious, a combination that often results in her taking on too many of everyone else’s problems. But when she sings, it’s entirely her own story, and breathtaking. That Bess is genuinely talented takes a huge burden of proof off the show. O’Grady brings an eminent warmth, not to mention a singing voice reminiscent of Bareilles’ that fills every inch of the screen, to the role.

While it often crosses the line into saccharine, “Little Voice” is an engine of joy, driven by great music and even catchier, unforgettable characters.

Little Voice may not be a breakout, but it does join a diverse and growing chorus of Apple original series whose platform is still struggling to find an “it” factor of its own.

Little Voice is a sweet, warm-hearted show, filled with natural performances and dotted with lovely songs. Its general willingness to leave story threads dangling makes the viewer feel she’s been dropped into a true-ish tale of modern bohemia.

Little Voice is upfront about what it is: not just earnest, but charming, and more successful than not at exploring the inner life of a woman who can write songs that sound a lot like they’ve been on the radio for years.

Some of Little Voice‘s saccharine might get you in a grumpy mood, but Bareilles’ music and O’Grady’s performance will help with alleviate those grumpies pretty quickly.

[Little Voice] is infused with enough sentimentality and idealism to make it an easy, uplifting watch, at least for those who won’t find all that uplift too cloying. The show’s gentle, heartfelt tone completely matches Bess’s musical style.

[Little Voice tells] its starry-eyed story in brisk half-hour chapters that fly by so quickly you may not have time to be embarrassed by the occasional tear that gets jerked. [20 Jul - 2 Aug 2020, p.8]

There’s both too much and not enough to Little Voice. Still, the show’s good intentions, catchy tunes, and likable young cast smooth over some of the rough spots, particularly as the season progresses.

It's very, very earnest and sometimes very, very clunky. Those caught up in its earnestness will forgive the clunkiness. I only sometimes did. ... There are fine supporting turns from Luke Kirby (acting Bess' two love interests off the screen even in a smarmy role), Ned Eisenberg and a wordless yet wonderful June Squibb. With Nelson behind the camera on the pilot and several subsequent episodes, Little Voice is a good New York show.