Critical response
Insecure premiered to widespread acclaim and continued to receive praise throughout its run for its humorous yet authentic and nuanced depiction of modern-day Black women and female friendships. Adam Howard of NBCNews.com noted that amid a broader resurgence of Black-centered television programming, the series stood out for its grounded and relatable portrayal of Black female experiences, offering a more ordinary and believable perspective compared to more heightened or exaggerated depictions. The Hollywood Reporter, The Guardian, and BBC Online consider the show to be among the greatest television series of the 21st century, ranking it at numbers 40, 49, and 83, respectively. Den of Geek named it the 21st "Best American TV Comedies of the 21st Century".
On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a rating of 100% based on 65 reviews, with an average rating of 8.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Insecure uses star Issa Rae's breakout web series Awkward Black Girl as the basis for an insightful, raunchy, and hilarious journey through the life of a twentysomething black woman that cuts through stereotypes with sharp wit and an effusive spirit." On Metacritic, the season has a score of 84 out of 100, based on 33 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".
Eric Deggans of NPR wrote that "Rae has produced a series that feels revolutionary just by poking fun at the life of an average, twentysomething black woman." Greg Braxton of the Los Angeles Times wrote: "The half-hour series explores the friendship between two African American women who deal with their sometimes stormy relationship while also grappling with conflicts inside and outside black culture. Much of the humor has a raw flavor, and does not hold back on sexually frank situations and dialogue."
On Rotten Tomatoes, season two has an approval rating of 98% based on 41 reviews, with an average rating of 8.11/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Insecure displays title-defying confidence in its second season, upping the comedy and deepening the relationships between its talented ensemble." On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 90 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
On Rotten Tomatoes, season three has an approval rating of 94% based on 27 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Insecure returns for a third season as authentic and exuberant as the star who made it, but with an added layer of growth that keeps it moving forward." On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 84 out of 100, based on 8 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
On Rotten Tomatoes, season four has an approval rating of 95% based on 20 reviews, with an average rating of 8.29/10. The site's critics consensus reads: "Insecure continues to be one of the funniest, warmest, and most beautifully-shot comedies that takes full advantage of its sunny L.A. setting." On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 80 out of 100, based on five critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
On Rotten Tomatoes, season 5 has an approval rating of 100% based on 25 reviews, with an average rating of 9.3/10. The site's critical consensus states, "Issa's future remains uncertain, but Insecure enters its final season a fully confident comedy with plenty left to say about friendship, love, and self-esteem." On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 80 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
