• Network: HULU
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 21, 2025
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Barbara Ellen
    Feb 24, 2025
    60
    Mid-series on, the plotting starts to churn and flag (it turns out that another six-part instalment is imminent). When it comes into focus, A Thousand Blows is a full-blooded show, crackling with incident and fine performances.
  2. Reviewed by: Daniel Fienberg
    Feb 19, 2025
    60
    After the first few episodes sets the series up by introducing all its distinctive elements, the second half of the season feels increasingly like, well, a TV show rather than a glimpse into the pages of a book of hidden history.
  3. Reviewed by: Maggie Boccella
    Feb 18, 2025
    60
    A Thousand Blows does manage to stand out as a mostly competent period piece in a sea of Bridgertons filled with anachronistic eyeshadow and an unwillingness to commit to the bit.
  4. Reviewed by: Brian Farvour
    Feb 18, 2025
    58
    Steven Knight has proven himself a worthy storyteller, a master of the craft, and an undeniable artist, but with “A Thousand Blows,” it’s evident he’s unsure which brush he should use to produce his vision.
  5. Reviewed by: Ross McIndoe
    Feb 18, 2025
    50
    While they may share a similar style, a combination of lackluster fight scenes and thin characterization ensures that A Thousand Blows never quite makes it into Warrior’s weight class.