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. Byungsuk
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    It's definitely a different take and it does flesh out the world in a slightly different way. I like it.
  2. DaveTheArtguy
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    I’m totally perplexed at the lukewarm reception for this live action version of Bebop! This is a fun diversion, and loving ode, to the beloved anime with great performances throughout. Is it EXACTLY as awesome as the original material? We’ll, let’s just say it’s different, but in a good way, and leave it at that. Fans who expected a perfect copy of the anime will be delighted to see someI’m totally perplexed at the lukewarm reception for this live action version of Bebop! This is a fun diversion, and loving ode, to the beloved anime with great performances throughout. Is it EXACTLY as awesome as the original material? We’ll, let’s just say it’s different, but in a good way, and leave it at that. Fans who expected a perfect copy of the anime will be delighted to see some key scenes and characters survive intact, but there’s also enough new and different material to provide additional reasons for tuning in. To newcomers befuddled by the goofy mix of sci-fi-noir-camp, I’d urge you to unwind and accept those weird juxtapositions, Bebop can be a great ride.… Expand
  3. 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 ..
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  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. 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
  11. KenTGB
    Nov 21, 2021
    7
    In my opinion the start of the show makes it a good adaptation. But after 3 to 4 episodes it shows it weakness like how characters from the anime are missing. I like the actors and their voices and I can't understand why some reviews think that the kind of their acting is "cringe". All in all I give the show a solid 7 out of 10
  12. Greyking
    Nov 20, 2021
    9
    I’m not sure why everyone has their knives out on this one. As an alternative universe take on the source material I found this offering very entertaining indeed I would say I a masterpiece in its own right. My only quibble is the reworking of Vicious San Julia. Otherwise this was a stellar effort.
  13. Geonekos
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    I even thought about giving it a 9…. Is it really a 9, or even an 8? Probably not…. But I went in with extremely low expectations and thought it would be a dumpster fire on the same scale as Deathnote. It’s not.

    The bad: Yea, it’s cringe at times. I thought the sound mix was lacking. Music being too low during moments it should had popped. I didn’t care much for the Vicious    I even thought about giving it a 9…. Is it really a 9, or even an 8? Probably not…. But I went in with extremely low expectations and thought it would be a dumpster fire on the same scale as Deathnote. It’s not.

    The bad: Yea, it’s cringe at times. I thought the sound mix was lacking. Music being too low during moments it should had popped. I didn’t care much for the Vicious selection, the actor was fine, but he just didn’t seem a good fit. The direction Julia went was the worst part, but hey that’s what they did.

    The good: Jet Black. Incredible. Just let season two be all about Jet. Spike grew on me, but Jet had me from the jump. Faye wasn’t terrible.

    Hopefully there will be a season two…. But I guess we’ll see. Take care!    … Expand
  14. jmayse7501
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    Honestly, it's a great show. Most of the people slamming it either act like the mere presence of gay characters is woke, or could never have been pleased by any remake. I'm glad that everyone can enjoy this show & people from all backgrounds can find a character or two to identify with.
  15. 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
  16. ShadowofZexa
    Nov 22, 2021
    7
    Being a huge fan of the original series I'm glad they kept so much heart in the show. The characters and locations all feel very similar to the show and are all very well done. I would definitely recommend the show if you're not really a fan of anime. This version is great for people new to the series. However I cannot recommend it over the original anime if you're willing to put the timeBeing a huge fan of the original series I'm glad they kept so much heart in the show. The characters and locations all feel very similar to the show and are all very well done. I would definitely recommend the show if you're not really a fan of anime. This version is great for people new to the series. However I cannot recommend it over the original anime if you're willing to put the time in the anime won't disappoint.… Expand
  17. Potential
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    Very enjoyable. The episodes vary in quality but I really enjoyed it. There are some incredible scenes.
  18. Prophilosophy
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
    Just to preface: Huge fan of the original. Probably my favourite anime. It's surprising to me that so many people who are trashing it have never even watched the Anime (*cough penguinz0*)

    It's really not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. In fact, strangely enough, I went in to watch it saying "Okay, it can't be THAT bad." I had no intention of watching it. Ater watching the    Just to preface: Huge fan of the original. Probably my favourite anime. It's surprising to me that so many people who are trashing it have never even watched the Anime (*cough penguinz0*)

    It's really not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. In fact, strangely enough, I went in to watch it saying "Okay, it can't be THAT bad." I had no intention of watching it. Ater watching the first few episodes I'm actually hooked. It's a good spin on the story and doesn't try to be anything it's not.

    The casting, acting, music, action is all pretty damn good. The story is refreshing if you've seen the original a handful of times. It's a fun spin on it and doesn't take itself too seriously but does a good job of recreating the aesthetic and feel in live action.

    The writing for dialogue is a little lacking at times but otherwise nothing outside the realm of what you'd actually see in an anime.

    Overall pleasantly surprised with this one. Give it a shot for yourself and go in without putting it on a pedestal to the original and you'll enjoy it.

    Honestly, this is probably the best live-action anime yet. It's not perfect, but a huge step in the right direction and definitely good entertainment all around.    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. Gabrielnk95
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    10/10 i loved this series so much, i hoped the cowboy bebop on the netflix get a season 2
  21. A7sus4
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    This is a terrific adaptation. I really didn’t expect it to find such a great balance between the original and live action sensibilities. Highly recommended whether you’re an fan of the original anime or just looking for something really, really cool to watch.
  22. Tstai
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    I’m shocked by the ratings. Though to be fair, Tom of nostalgia fueling my rating and probably clouding my judgement. The sets and music alone are fun
  23. MrMuppe
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    First let me get this one thing out of the way, yes I have seen the anime multiple time, it is in my collection. And yes I do think the anime is better, it is a masterpiece.

    On with the review. This takes its own spin on things, not in a bad way, just in its own way. The acting is good, especially Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black is perfect, both visually and in his acting he brings that    First let me get this one thing out of the way, yes I have seen the anime multiple time, it is in my collection. And yes I do think the anime is better, it is a masterpiece.

    On with the review.
    This takes its own spin on things, not in a bad way, just in its own way.
    The acting is good, especially Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black is perfect, both visually and in his acting he brings that character to life.
    The music is perfect, actually I think the music raises the score a few points on its own.
    The action is standard with a few parts shining and most being between ok and good.
    Visually the show does a good job when it comes to the world, things look like they should.
    There are cringy moment, and I can see them being to much for some, I just found them funny but that is me.

    It is not a deep show, but does it have do be? I was entertained and that is good enough for me.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. Tony32
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    One of the best tv-shows of 2021. Don't read those 'true anime fans' reviews, just watch the show and decide by your own. Perfect cast, perfect atmosphere, perfect music and perfect effects. Those people who send 0 just do it out of harm.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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