Carnival Row

:

Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 72
  3. Negative: 11 out of 72
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User Reviews

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  1. user4msun
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Don't trust the critics,this series starts slow but after a couple episodes you will understand the pace,Orlando bloom has done a excellent job,production values exceed many big budget movies.overall this show is excellent, not like the critics say.give it a try,you wont be disappointed.
  2. Lightning123
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    mind blowing fantasy series,exceeded my expectations,vfx work is topnotch,lead actors performances is excellent.
  3. KickedByNoobs
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    An amazing show about fascist, racism, and imperialism with a fantasy theme.
  4. fjoaoo
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    Excellent show! Orlando killing it as usual. Feels like I'm waiting for the second season in decades lol
  5. Olira
    Aug 31, 2019
    8
    This show is actually really well done, although it does take time to get there. Like others have said it's a bit of a slow burn. They put the emphasis on world-building and it pays off at the end of season 1 leaving you eager for another. I do wish that anyone other than Cara was cast, she can't hold up with the other amazing actors in this show and Orlando Bloom deserved someone betterThis show is actually really well done, although it does take time to get there. Like others have said it's a bit of a slow burn. They put the emphasis on world-building and it pays off at the end of season 1 leaving you eager for another. I do wish that anyone other than Cara was cast, she can't hold up with the other amazing actors in this show and Orlando Bloom deserved someone better to have opposite him.

    Bloom is AMAZING in this show, he really shines and makes this show what it is. Is it heavy-handed on the racial tension and current state the world? Yes. Do the characters need more work? A bit yes. Is this an addicting show full of fantasy and intrigue? YES.

    To the person who clearly did NOT pay attention to the first episode and based their decision on this series on misinformation - in the first scene if you were to pay attention, you'd notice there was razor wire strung up in the trees, and MANY dead Fae stuck in it. They had no options to fly away until they made it out of the woods. It was a gruesome and great opening to this series. They also reference the slaughter later on mentioning the trap they set for them in the woods with the wire so they had to run and get shot in the back.

    Overall this is different than most shows out there, it gives you that great mix of fantasy, steampunk, magic, and more. It's worth watching and checking out, it does not knock your socks off, but is a fun long weekend binge. I think they will build on this show and only make it better.    … Expand
  6. catguy29
    Sep 1, 2019
    8
    okay so i started this show due to previews of it i have seen ive only seen the first episode but let me say that while its no game of thrones it seems very good a lot of action and adventure going on here there is also a lot o sex and swearing so watch out when watching it with young children but aside from that the show is very cleverly written and very good acting
  7. Nordic6lack
    Sep 5, 2019
    7
    The pacing and the world building is definitely interesting. If you're a fan of fantasy genre then it's a must watch
  8. Droopy1987
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Show may have had a rocky start, but it never lost my attention. Half way through the season I couldn't stop. Can't wait for season 2.
  9. JohnMCouch
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    Really enjoyed this show. Glad to see something new come out. Good acting, good plot.
  10. Alathia
    Oct 15, 2019
    10
    Personally, I loved it! The mythology was great, like using the name Tirnanoc for a city, based on the old Irish myth or Tir na nOg. I thought it showed issues that have been in our past and still reflect today; that immigrants to our county being treated as less than human, because of their skin color or their language. Any lover of science fiction/ fantasy would like this series, imo
  11. MrDobalina
    Aug 13, 2020
    10
    Took me awhile to actually get around to watching and I’m upset I waited so long. This show is fantastic!
  12. geewah
    Jan 13, 2021
    7
    A decent enough debut series that really focuses on world building and character development over what seems the second fiddle murder mystery.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    The world Carnival Row creates is handsomely realised and sufficiently different from Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings etc to feel like its own unique corner of the fantasy universe.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Amy Jones
    Jan 3, 2020
    60
    Carnival Row is not the next Game of Thrones, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t doing a good job of being its own thing entirely. If it could just take itself a little less seriously next series, please.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 4, 2019
    40
    Too crass to care about, too serious to take seriously. Still, for all that, it is a solidly crafted creation with only the set designers working even harder than the leads.
    Read full review
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