Cowboy Bebop (2021)

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 19, 2021
User Score
4.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 253 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 102 out of 253
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 253
  3. Negative: 135 out of 253
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  1. Voodoo123
    Dec 31, 2022
    8
    +Great casting
    +Superb soundtrack
    +Decent action choreography
    +Intriguing screenplay and world design
    -Story filled with cliché

    Being unfamiliar with the anime I wasn't sure what to expect but this was far more entertaining than the multiple poor reviews would lead to believe. The production artistry that went into this is top tier. From start to finish the quality was exceptional!
  2. Teudo
    Feb 23, 2022
    9
    So Fresh and totally underated, I don't except much and it was great & fun like the good old anime. I wish I could see more episodes
  3. bobbsyw
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    I'm a big fan of the original, and I don't understand all the negative noise about the life action remake. The acting as superb, the music (as expected) is amazing, and it's funny and entertaining. Yes the sets could be better, but this say they give the feel of the anime pretty well. It's not a classic, but it's a lot of fun.
  4. blacksun
    Dec 26, 2021
    10
    As a lover of the original anime, I too quickly fell in to the "what is this re-make garbage" mindset. I watched the first episode and didn't feel like watching any more. But after a friend told me to hang in there, I did, and I'm really glad I did.

    First off the first episode is one of the weakest, and it only gets better and better as the episodes roll on. Second, I made myself shed    As a lover of the original anime, I too quickly fell in to the "what is this re-make garbage" mindset. I watched the first episode and didn't feel like watching any more. But after a friend told me to hang in there, I did, and I'm really glad I did.

    First off the first episode is one of the weakest, and it only gets better and better as the episodes roll on. Second, I made myself shed my self imposed expectations of what I wanted it to be and just watched it for what it is. A show that stands on it's own two feet, and isn't a 1:1 carbon copy of the anime. Once I did that I started really enjoying the series.

    The dialog and script is actually quite good. The action is good. Sets, effects, music. It's all there.

    So if you can let go of expectations and just watch it for what it is, it's actually quite good. Too bad fanboy rage is casting such a shadow on the reviews. This is a well done series and it deserves praise not shade.

    I for one hope for a second season. I feel like the reviews will turn around once the kneejerk reviews die out and people see the show for what it is.    … Expand
  5. Beckian
    Dec 18, 2021
    8
    I see the reviews and i probablu i understand those conflicted by the fact they believe the anime was so much better. I've seen a few episodes as well but never finished it. Ok objectively though..it isn't bad! All the actors are doing a great job, the cinematography is really on point and brings new elements. I honestly enjoyed it and my gf (who doesnt watch this stuff much) did as well.I see the reviews and i probablu i understand those conflicted by the fact they believe the anime was so much better. I've seen a few episodes as well but never finished it. Ok objectively though..it isn't bad! All the actors are doing a great job, the cinematography is really on point and brings new elements. I honestly enjoyed it and my gf (who doesnt watch this stuff much) did as well. For example: compared to umbrella academy, I think its equal. Maybe umbrella had more engaging story but it had some really cringe/boring moments. Instead cowboy had a more steady flow where it was never bad but perhaps never super amazing either. That's why i gave it an 8. I read they're discontinued it. I was sad to hear that hence i made this account to give t a good rating because i think they should definitely make a season 2.… Expand
  6. tandex
    Dec 17, 2021
    7
    I enjoyed it. The main cast was spot on. Some of the VFX was really top level.. like the space toll booth for example. I would have liked the story to stray away from the anime a bit more... to tell different stories in the CB world. Same for the music. Let's hear some different songs instead of taking from the anime version. My only gripe was the main villian being weird... I wishI enjoyed it. The main cast was spot on. Some of the VFX was really top level.. like the space toll booth for example. I would have liked the story to stray away from the anime a bit more... to tell different stories in the CB world. Same for the music. Let's hear some different songs instead of taking from the anime version. My only gripe was the main villian being weird... I wish there was another season to flesh things out.… Expand
  7. Watson17k
    Dec 13, 2021
    9
    I just finished watching the anime for the first time after years off constantly losing interest within the first few episodes. After watching the Netflix live-action adapt, I found myself invested in this world. Jet as a father struggling to be apart of his family due to his partner setting him up, Spike, Julia, and Vicious' love triangle, Faye and her "mother", how she has been set up toI just finished watching the anime for the first time after years off constantly losing interest within the first few episodes. After watching the Netflix live-action adapt, I found myself invested in this world. Jet as a father struggling to be apart of his family due to his partner setting him up, Spike, Julia, and Vicious' love triangle, Faye and her "mother", how she has been set up to have her identity stolen. I loved it, I feel these characters have depth.

    I finally finished the anime, and I was.. unsatisfied. The Syndicate was rushed, Spike and Julia I felt no investment in because they barely even showed them together. Vicious was just an empty shell of a character. Faye's whole mysterious background just abruptly stopped, Ed had no closure. Literally this anime had no closure, and I should mention that I'm a huge weeb and have seen hundreds of anime. I understand Cowboy Bebop has it's following because it's one of the first western adapted animes, but personally I feel the Netflix Adaption is better than the anime.

    I am not happy that the anime fans have caused this series to end.    … Expand
  8. ebt0125
    Dec 10, 2021
    10
    Really a fantastic adaptation. Breaks the cycle of poor anime adaptations like a phoenix through the dragonball: evolution/death note ash cloud
  9. fir9starter
    Dec 6, 2021
    9
    Way to many negative reviews. This is a well made, fun show. I don't know the cartoon and will watch, but i really enjoyed this.
  10. paradsecar
    Dec 2, 2021
    8
    I know I'm in the minority, but I actually liked the show. I think it was released among some stiff competition, like Arcane and Wheel of Time, and that likely didn't do it any favors. Still, it was a good time, if not entirely earth-shattering. I think there is a lot of room to grow if there is a season 2, and I would hazard a guess that lessons will have been learned from the firstI know I'm in the minority, but I actually liked the show. I think it was released among some stiff competition, like Arcane and Wheel of Time, and that likely didn't do it any favors. Still, it was a good time, if not entirely earth-shattering. I think there is a lot of room to grow if there is a season 2, and I would hazard a guess that lessons will have been learned from the first season and it will be all the better for it.… Expand
  11. elchupahombre
    Dec 1, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Increasingly with the revisitation of properties long beloved by the once niche communities that held them dear, I feel as though Cowboy Bebop has fallen victim to the pretense that not only must a live-action or any reinterpretation succeed at bringing the feel and likeness of a property to a different medium, but also at the same time in a way that manages to do so in such an impossible way that it does not disturb the delicately stratified silt of people’s treasured nostalgic experiences.
    In that way many of these criticisms seem less about a consideration of how well this was interpreted, or in its own light, but set against the foreground of feeling like Christmas when you were 7, or the first time you kissed a love interest. Thus, some of these canned and utterly formulaic appraisals come off as ineffectively written to convince themselves or others like them that nothing can be new again, and that only an indistinguishable second order simulacrum will do. Indeed, Cowboy Bebop held an indelible nostalgic space in my mind that is now nearly 20 years old. Although for whatever reason I feel like that distance, and the acknowledged fuzziness of memories remembered are fuzzy and enough time as passed that I can’t help but see them for what they are, blurry and unreliable.
    To get to the actual review… I think the main characters and even some of the side characters were well regarded and work exceedingly well. I felt a sense of “cool” seeing this scenery and the environment recreated. Whereas the show felt like a bunch of shuffled set pieces that were carted in for each episode this world felt cohesive and lived in. The disaster rendering Earth nearly uninhabitable a barely audible background noise—this is how people go about living now. The main thrust of the story is three misfits, all in separate ways particular to their circumstance, unmoored from a common, centering foundation—and trying to find a new one and failing lest they let go of the past for good (ironically, this is my criticism for most of the bad reviews I’ve seen—an inability to let go of the past). And I think this version iterates that well. At the root of Cowboy Bebop is the sense of feeling, the ennui, in the closing animation. The real folk blues. I believe this go at it captures this. Much the same as my experience of the original and the time and space that inhabited for me, I cannot go back, time has passed and with it memories are torn irrevocably from their roots, and one can get trapped in a fractal kaleidoscope in taking them too seriously. The meta-narrative theme here is that you can never go home again. If you make a real effort not to do so, you might find that you enjoy this romp, and let go of your disbelief that anyone dare rummage through your toybox or disturb the dust covering it. I believe also this is why there is such a sustained hate for this new Julia. Unlike in the original where she was just a damsel in distress this one manages to do what none of the show’s other protagonists truly manage to do: move on. But true to form in communities like this, brutal confrontation with female agency doesn’t sit well for people obsessed with figuring them as empty vessels without a voice (I’m sure quite a few people are mad that Faye Valentine isn’t slopping around with barely covered double DD’s). That sense of the original is here as well if you’re willing to confront it. Even though not ideal and not what you wanted, it’s time to look for the next bounty. “See you space cowboy”. Time to move on and take what you have and make it into something new, instead of lingering over an irreconcilable past.    … Expand
  12. PanosT
    Nov 30, 2021
    9
    Disclaimer: I never watched the anime but I found this hugely enjoyable and I'm looking forward for the second season.
  13. jqlive
    Nov 30, 2021
    9
    If you've never seen the anime, you'll probably like this show. But if you're a fan of the anime, you may hate this show, unless you're willing to forgive the changes to the story and can get on board with the casting and visual style. Best to think of it as a remake, rather than a live-action version of the anime.
  14. Koulapic
    Nov 26, 2021
    8
    I am a long and a huge fan of cowboy bebop, while the live-action does not live to the standards of the anime, it is still a refreshing view and a tribute to the anime. it has lots of enjoyable moments
  15. PigeonSniffer
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Its not spot on but i found this series absolutely amazing as well as the music. First ep was a bit cringe to start with but every episode had me wanting more
  16. Leloush
    Nov 25, 2021
    7
    Omg, I didn't expect anything from it, but it has true original series atmosphere, amazing sound and lots of fun mixed with cruelty.
  17. down_limit
    Nov 25, 2021
    9
    very nice actors cast. great camera works. amazing music. have no idea of reasons of a low rating. bad reference of anime source. this is a bad reason. this is an adaptation. and for adaptation the result is HUGE
  18. SoulReaperX
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    This show is getting so much hate for not living up to the unreasonable expectations of sheltered fanboys who want it to be so much more than any show could ever live up to. Watch the anime if you like that. Otherwise this is a well made and entertaining tv show
  19. Dkat3
    Nov 24, 2021
    9
    New CB is absolutely worth a watch if enjoy Firefly type of fun sci-fi. After watching the original 26 ep. anime also it’s amusing that anyone would think it’s somehow a work of untouchable genius and the live action isn’t worth your time - I’d bet they haven’t watched the anime since they were 15yo.
  20. RonaldoDArcadia
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Apparently the worst of Cowboy Bebop are the fans. I really enjoyed the show. I'm going to watch the anime because of it.
  21. lbrol
    Nov 24, 2021
    9
    Watched the anime when I was a teen and didn't get the love, never really thought about it again until I saw this on netflix so decided to give it a chance. It way outperformed my expectations! Tone is very light and fun, acting is great, plot is pretty good, set design is phenomenal. Will likely watch again.
  22. gh0l
    Nov 24, 2021
    7
    As someone who grew up in the 90's when cowboy bebop was coming out I can say I've been a fan of the series since the start. I'll try to keep this brief and informative.

    First off this is an adaptation, don't expect a one for one remake of the series, that would be a waste of time anyway. They've made changes to all the characters, some great, some not so much. Spike is very much    As someone who grew up in the 90's when cowboy bebop was coming out I can say I've been a fan of the series since the start. I'll try to keep this brief and informative.

    First off this is an adaptation, don't expect a one for one remake of the series, that would be a waste of time anyway. They've made changes to all the characters, some great, some not so much.

    Spike is very much an ass especially in the beginning, he doesn't project the casual disinterest that the anime had but instead comes off more as a weary, jaded, dick. He gets slightly more likable as it continues but he never comes off as the loveable troublemaker type of character he is in the series.

    Jet is mainly the same but now has a daughter that he won't shut up about, totally unnecessary to his character but it makes for one fun scene so I won't go on about it too much.

    Faye is so much better in this series, in the anime she's mainly just a plot device who gets in over her head so the other characters have to come save her. Here she's an actual character with a much better personality and her backstory is a huge improvement over the anime . Anyone complaining about her costume is just a lonely sad pervert that only cares about objectifying women and doesn't view women as actual characters

    Vicious is absolutely terrible, they destroyed this character. He never is ever vaguely threatening or intimidating and instead is given this super generic and awful backstory that is so contrived we've seen it in dozens of other stories and done better in almost every other one. Truly disappointing how they destroyed this character. Easily the worst thing about the show.

    Julie is more of a character and isn't bad, things end in an interesting way with her story that make me interested in a season 2, but it clearly came at the expense of Vicious.

    For those complaining about Ed not being in the show, shut up, you are clearly a fake fan because
    Ed doesn't even show up until episode 9 of the anime so it shouldn't be a surprise that in the ten episode first season she's not a character.

    As for the stories they vary in quality but only one episode in the season was "bad" in my opinion. The bigger issue is how cheap the show gets. There is some terrible CG that makes you wonder why they even bothered. Fight scenes vary from pretty good to not that good. I feel if they would've gotten someone with better action chops then John Cho that it would've been much better. The fight scenes lack fluidity and speed to the point where watching it you wish they would've sped up the playback a little to make it look more exciting and fluid.

    Overall it's a decent adaptation as long as you remember that's what it is. It is not a live action remake and feels like an alt universe take on the series. The stories and characters are there, but don't go or behave the way you expect based off the anime. I still love the world and the feel of the show but hope season 2 can have better action and a bigger budget to do it properly.

    Worth a watch for sure.    … Expand
  23. brandonb7
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    I was truly expecting the worst based on reviews, but both my wife (never seen the anime) and I (big fan already) really enjoyed it. Of course the pacing/storyline/character traits are going to differ from the anime, it's 30ish years old. The music and style is just like the original, and the casting was great. Really hope they do a season 2.
  24. Guardsman117
    Nov 23, 2021
    7
    So I think going into this show and seeing it all the way through I'm going to give it a 7/10 barely. The reason been is that the show progressively got better as it went along. There were some issues I did have a problem with, but I think what they did correctly involved the casting of the main trio.
    John Cho I feel was a pretty good choice for Spike. I do wish they'd give him a bit    So I think going into this show and seeing it all the way through I'm going to give it a 7/10 barely. The reason been is that the show progressively got better as it went along. There were some issues I did have a problem with, but I think what they did correctly involved the casting of the main trio.
    John Cho I feel was a pretty good choice for Spike. I do wish they'd give him a bit more of showing his fighting prowess off instead of cuts in the footage. Something I will revisit.
    Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black I think is the best casting in the whole show and adding an aspect to him which deepens his character with further relationships adds to him more, and he portrays quite well while keeping the Jet personality.
    Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine at first did really annoy me not her as an actress but the direction she was given. I think as it went further along her portrayal got a lot better and was pretty great at the end.
    I think the chemistry of the main cast works well together, especially as it goes along and there are a few particular scenes weirdly when its more Faye playing off either Spike or Jet, that we really do see a good dynamic
    E1d …pawfect casting and a funny scene later on in the season
    I think the casting of Vicious was ok, though I do think they made his portrayal reflect through his name quite a bit and could be dialled back a tad.
    Julia was an interesting casting, I'm still 50/50 for sometimes it does feel like a Broadway performance with her acting though at the end I'm interested to see where it goes.
    One major point will raise is that the CGI in the show was really good, and this is where I will start to reflect on the negatives. Majorly, the set's look too staged, especially the Bebop and some streets visited and I think this primarily comes down to the cinematography of the show which hindered it not just in shooting of sets, but also in the shots for fights, there were some excellent fight choreography in there at times, but was hinder by cuts been to close or two many quick cuts, not letting the scene breathe. I think if the next season happens, which I really hope it does, as I see a good diamond in the rough, brining some experienced fight cinematographers on as well as general scene cinematographers, could definitely boost this up a lot.
    With how they show went they have taken a lot of episodes and mix, mish-mashed them around and its interesting as I didn't mind that dynamic. Though I do think if they either get one more season they have like 16 episodes to cover + movie. I'd suggest either 2 more seasons at most with adapting the film and cutting the episode lengths to 30 mins max, or 1 season but make the episodes shorter and make it 13 episodes long.
    Taking all this into consideration, I wasn't able to binge the show like other Netflix properties, as the pacing and length of episodes did make me feel like I needed a break, but maybe that's not a bad thing as it gave me time to reflect on the episodes.
    One final thing I think the music was pretty on point, though some scenes they could of either flowed better with the action or had the audio mixing reworked a little to make it more noticeable.
    I do feel a lot of people are review bombing the show just because they are not happy and not even attempted to finish the show. I do understand if people get through the show and then give a fair review but for the general audience if you want to put something on in the evening with a nice glass of whisky or wine, this will be a good show to put on
    Regarding one further Character, I think the portrayal RIGHT at the end was interesting, though their introduction was VERY heavy and over enthusiastic. I think they went for an 11/10 and should of ironically been dialled down to a 7 like this review.
    To finish off I'd say give this show 5 episodes (half way) way and if you don't like it then I understand, but for me I think by the 5th episode I was really wanting more. I really hope we do it it.
    7/10    … Expand
  25. Potential
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    Very enjoyable. The episodes vary in quality but I really enjoyed it. There are some incredible scenes.
  26. Wintermute815
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
    Ignore the REVIEW BOMBING losers. I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected based on the reviews. The reviewers just drop zeroes to skew the results. A fair score is actually a 6-8. If you'd never seen the anime, you'd like the show and feel like this is definitely better than your average netflix series.

    If you want a good comparison, see The Witcher. It had weaknesses from the source    Ignore the REVIEW BOMBING losers. I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected based on the reviews. The reviewers just drop zeroes to skew the results. A fair score is actually a 6-8. If you'd never seen the anime, you'd like the show and feel like this is definitely better than your average netflix series.

    If you want a good comparison, see The Witcher. It had weaknesses from the source material but was still enjoyable. Cowboy Bebop shows a lot of promise. There are some issues, but it has a great story, characters, and is a lot of fun. They need better fight choreography, and a larger budget would make this a killer show. I am not a fan of Spike's casting. I like John Cho, funny guy, but he's not handsome, fit, or brooding enough for Spike. John Cho makes this more of a comedy and (i'd wager) is why we don't see any truly great fight scenes. You can tell he worked hard to get in shape, but like most people doesn't possess the musculature for the role. Hopefully next season he can train more and work with a decent choreographer.

    Watch the show for yourself. My brother and I are longtime Bebop fans and both really enjoyed it.    … Expand
  27. omnikajin
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
    Big fan of the original, I like how they show other sides of the characters. Acting is big questionable at times but its a good watch.
  28. Wicked
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    So many negetive waves for this .. You like the anime you will like this .. i was never bored with any episode ..
  29. vgmkyle
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
    I don’t understand all the hate. The talent portrayed the characters well and I was entertained all throughout. Look forward to the next season.
  30. lukemcclutchey
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    I genuinely likes this series so far. I was hesitant to give it approval because of the place the original holds in my heart. I loved the witty dialogue, cartoonish action and well delivered drama that make the original so amazing. Although I can admit the pacing could have been slightly better, I can proudly say that I enjoyed this adaptation.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 28
  3. Negative: 9 out of 28
  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Dec 7, 2021
    60
    Somewhere between affection and disappointment sits the willingness to commit, helped along by Kanno's infectious score. The dancing jazz swells alone are enough to persuade diehards to saddle up through its 10-episode mission, such as it is.
    Read full review
  2. Radio Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Kelly
    Dec 3, 2021
    40
    More generally, a lack of rhythm permeates much of the Cowboy Bebop remake, including the lead performance. Cho looks the part but can often struggle to muster the charisma and screen presence needed to sell Spike as an effortlessly cool rogue. Although, as already mentioned, he’s hardly helped by the show’s limp direction and scripting.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Nov 19, 2021
    50
    The series has a routine professionalism that serves it well in its lighter moments but doesn’t alleviate the drudgery of its later episodes. ... In its resolute ordinariness, the main value of this new “Bebop” would be to drive you back to watch the old one.
    Read full review
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