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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. MattHarter
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    Loved the anime liked the show. Usually anime to live action is bad but I thought this was good. True to the series and its own little spin. Unsure by all the hate and 0s. Can't please everyone I guess.
  5. whitewulf
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Its RIDICULOUS that I gotta give it a 10 just to balance things out since a lot of people who are "reviewing it" obviously didn't watch it and/or are just mad it isnt a carbon copy. That being said I think they did a good job with casting, camera work and scenario BUT there is some weird dialogue choices, pacing issues and then uhhh... That last scene. But overall this deserves a solid 7.Its RIDICULOUS that I gotta give it a 10 just to balance things out since a lot of people who are "reviewing it" obviously didn't watch it and/or are just mad it isnt a carbon copy. That being said I think they did a good job with casting, camera work and scenario BUT there is some weird dialogue choices, pacing issues and then uhhh... That last scene. But overall this deserves a solid 7. I am excited for the second season since you can see all the love they put into this.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Spawnvash
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    As a die-hard fan of the original anime. I love it. Still don't understand all the hate, I am rewatching it now and find it even better. Music is fantastic, style is unique, creativity is out of the charts. In a world where everything is superhero movies... you won't find anything like cowboy bebop anywhere!
  9. AlGillies
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    Only recently saw the original anime, Really liked it, I know they’re always going to be different, Still don't understand all the hate, I am rewatching it now and find it even better. Music is unique, stylistic show, creativity is out of the charts. In a world where everything is superhero movies, this is a welcome break from that.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Potential
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    Very enjoyable. The episodes vary in quality but I really enjoyed it. There are some incredible scenes.
  17. 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.
  18. samichsupernova
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    I was expecting the worst as a longtime fan of the anime, but it didn't take long for my opinion to be happily swayed. I was so ready to hate on it. But I stayed up late finishing the season, and now I'm kind of in love with this show. Sure, it takes some liberties with the source material, but it's also a lot of fun. The music is excellent. The chemistry between Spike and Jet is golden.I was expecting the worst as a longtime fan of the anime, but it didn't take long for my opinion to be happily swayed. I was so ready to hate on it. But I stayed up late finishing the season, and now I'm kind of in love with this show. Sure, it takes some liberties with the source material, but it's also a lot of fun. The music is excellent. The chemistry between Spike and Jet is golden. And the action is pretty decent. I was very pleasantly surprised.… Expand
  19. 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 ..
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. kaenek
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    It's different than the original, but really nice. Seems like it's getting beaten up by fanboys on both user and pro reviewers. It works, it's fun. Its tone is more streamlined than the original animated series, but Im sure the original "each episode has a different tone and theme" approach would appease to people fighting for the honor of their favorite cartoon, but not be interesting toIt's different than the original, but really nice. Seems like it's getting beaten up by fanboys on both user and pro reviewers. It works, it's fun. Its tone is more streamlined than the original animated series, but Im sure the original "each episode has a different tone and theme" approach would appease to people fighting for the honor of their favorite cartoon, but not be interesting to anyone else.

    Also, heroes smoke, hate environmentalists and make fun of fake meat. And the series is called woke, because its's on Netflix. We just can't have nice things. We're gonna get more Fast and Furious only soon.    … Expand
  24. 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
  25. RichJ
    Nov 20, 2021
    9
    Excellent show hits all the right marks isn't perfect but what is. I'd rather have 90% greatness vs. nothing at all. So don't listen to the trolls and people that are wearing rose colored glasses for anime. Solid cast especially Jet Black.. I almost thought they were dubbing his voice from the original anime it's that good. Watch it. Then get on here and push back against the negativityExcellent show hits all the right marks isn't perfect but what is. I'd rather have 90% greatness vs. nothing at all. So don't listen to the trolls and people that are wearing rose colored glasses for anime. Solid cast especially Jet Black.. I almost thought they were dubbing his voice from the original anime it's that good. Watch it. Then get on here and push back against the negativity and write something positive.… Expand
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »