Dark

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 1, 2017
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 324 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 373
  3. Negative: 28 out of 373

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User Reviews

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  1. Bojack_Horseman
    Dec 2, 2017
    10
    I don't get why critics do not like this gem of a series; it is written wonderfully and I like that it enters more of a science-fiction realm than a supernatural one.
  2. frankrog29
    Feb 6, 2018
    8
    A couple of the critics who gave Dark a bad review admitted that they didn't even watch the whole season. Dark is a show that slowly unfolds and reels you in as you go along. Not much is explained until the end. The final episode, which is stunning, made Dark one of my favorite shows of 2017. I highly recommend watching Dark if you are into...well...dark mystery shows (like Twin Peaks).
  3. jaasieljunior
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    É uma das séries que você tem que rever episódios para compreender perfeitamente toda a história. Além do ótimo enredo, a série tem uma bela ambientação e trilha sonora. As atuações podem até ser medianas, mas o que rouba a cena é não saber o que vai acontecer na sequência.
  4. Pablomgt
    Dec 7, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great story, not an easy series to follow but that is what makes it great. I did not followed or liked any character thats kind of what make me enjoy the most the show. Maybe you won't see another stranger things but a dark story with an interesting science fiction topic. The best description of the characters is made by showing their childhood that I also like.… Expand
  5. Renialison
    Dec 5, 2017
    9
    Dark é uma boa série. Por toda a ambientação, e a ambição de falar de um tema não muito usual, eu considero a série uma boa surpresa. É uma série que te diz muito, sem dizer nada. O roteiro aparentemente bem escrito consegue conectar todos os personagens, fazendo com que cada um tenha importância na linha temporal da série.
  6. TheQuietGamer
    Feb 18, 2018
    8
    An endless spiral of mysteries where each new reveal leads to more questions. Never before has time travel been so complex. Let's get this out of the way right now, the Stranger Things comparisons make sense in the first few episodes, but quickly you begin to realize how the little the two shows have in common. There's a lot going on in Dark. Three different time periods are connected byAn endless spiral of mysteries where each new reveal leads to more questions. Never before has time travel been so complex. Let's get this out of the way right now, the Stranger Things comparisons make sense in the first few episodes, but quickly you begin to realize how the little the two shows have in common. There's a lot going on in Dark. Three different time periods are connected by on central mystery and a grisly cycle of events that reoccur every 33 years. In a way the characters in the show are in the same predicament as the viewers. They are compelled by the secrets of their town, but woefully unequipped to truly crack what's going on. With every new insight the rabbit hole only goes deeper.

    The puzzle wouldn't be so complex if not for the crazy amount of pieces in play. Something that is the show's greatest strength, but also manages to be a surprising weakness. There are so many characters that Dark has a hard time keeping up with them all. There will be long stretches where we won't know what happened to someone or what they're doing. Individuals who seemed important early on quickly lose relevancy in the plot moving forward. Their only purpose being to pop up every now and then to push a small town drama subplot forward. I didn't realize who all the main characters were supposed to be until part way through the first season's 10 episodes.

    One thing that really impressed me was how good of a job the show does at finding actors and actresses that looked enough alike to believable play the same characters at different ages. It's an impressive touch. I also have to give special praise to the soundtrack which is just phenomenal. Visually the show is of high quality and everybody on and offscreen is fantastic. This is a German show with an English dub playing over the character's voices. The voices fit the characters well. Another strong touch for the show.

    I quickly found myself gripped in the many mysteries Dark has to offer. It's complex sci-fi elements are handled nicely and the way it does a mostly excellent job of keeping track of so many moving pieces is incredible. It's not always clear why all of these characters are important and sometimes it's very clear that they aren't but are sticking around anyways. Some trimming of the fat would help season 2 greatly. The themes of being bound to one fate and having no effect on your own life's path really sell the show's title by implementing a sense of hopelessness to the mix. I can only hope that these characters are actually able to change things, because what would be the point if they can't? Either way Dark's first season leaves it's protagonists and those watching as a result in several precarious situations. So I look forward to finding out.    … Expand
  7. kaloyan77
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    This is a perfect, well written gem series that I came across in the search for time travel paradigms. Well done Germans, ¡well done!
  8. Jes1310
    Mar 12, 2018
    9
    review after 4 episodes - There are similarities til Stranger Things, but no where like a copy or rip off. The mood is dark and sinister. Story interesting, scary and surprising.
    Many characters so you need to stay alert or you might miss something. But so far it Works very well.
    The soundtrack/score is very well used and fits the darkness very well.
    Highly recommend seeing it.
  9. jonnybgoode
    Jan 4, 2018
    9
    A very complex, challenging yet rewarding show. Perhaps a bit too complex for its own good, but the characters and plot are outstanding. The show jumps back and forth among generations, but the supernatural sides of the show never overshadow the characters. My only complaint is with the conclusion of Season 1 - I wish there had been a bit more resolution of some of the plot lines.
  10. HyperboeJoe
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    Pay no attention to the mixed reviews from the critics, Dark is a fantastic television show. Though you might go in hoping or expecting another Stranger Things (and I believe the show toys with viewers by presenting that idea initially), but this show features more complex characters, and story than Stranger Things. Everyone has hidden motivations, and those are revealed in nuanced,Pay no attention to the mixed reviews from the critics, Dark is a fantastic television show. Though you might go in hoping or expecting another Stranger Things (and I believe the show toys with viewers by presenting that idea initially), but this show features more complex characters, and story than Stranger Things. Everyone has hidden motivations, and those are revealed in nuanced, believable, human ways. The show weaves the myth of the labyrinth into a town held together by threads that are unraveling with every passing day. It introduces compelling questions that will get you running to the message boards to discuss.

    It is wealth worth watching the entire first season. If you're an English language speaker, I recommend watching in the original German with English subtitles.    … Expand
  11. megabear
    Apr 10, 2018
    10
    I was mind blown by this show. I expected similarities with Stranger Things but that wasn't the case at all. I have no idea why anyone would compare this show with Stranger Things as they deal with completely different subjects with completely different set of dynamics. In my opinion this show stands toe to toe with Stranger Things, and I personally prefer this show over Stranger Things.
  12. alejandro970
    May 20, 2018
    9
    From Germany, a mystery spiral story with assorted items about science of time and space. Every episode is more and more creepier and intriguing., with a collapsing ending and unsolved questions. Shall we wait a second season?
  13. egoBorder
    Jan 30, 2018
    9
    First of all, you should watch this without knowing anything about it, so just go do that now.

    If you REALLY need to be convinced, know that 'Dark' is a smart series about a small town in Germany where a number of disappearances across decades begin to connect. The series follows the point of view of several different characters. The overall production is really strong, with    First of all, you should watch this without knowing anything about it, so just go do that now.

    If you REALLY need to be convinced, know that 'Dark' is a smart series about a small town in Germany where a number of disappearances across decades begin to connect. The series follows the point of view of several different characters. The overall production is really strong, with cinematography and music standing out, as well as the large majority of acting. I really don't want to spoil anything, but I think the story is interesting and perhaps most importantly sensible while providing some surprises too.

    The show isn't perfect, as my score reflects. Even with its relatively short run, a number of subplots and even scenes feel unnecessarily dragged out. And occasionally the shows dips into melodrama where it means to invoke momentuousness. This results in some characters coming across more unsympathetically than I think they were meant to be.

    Still, the show is a great ride that leaves you thinking afterwards too. It's the best kind of science fiction: it takes itself just seriously enough to get the audience on board.    … Expand
  14. blarson007
    Jan 3, 2018
    10
    All in all a fantastic show. I was concerned at the beginning that it would go the way of shows like Twin Peaks and have fascinating concepts that ultimately don't lead anywhere. I was pleasantly surprised to see that questions are not only answered, but with excellent delivery and timing. It was a thrilling ride, one that I plan to go back and watch a second time. Also worth notingAll in all a fantastic show. I was concerned at the beginning that it would go the way of shows like Twin Peaks and have fascinating concepts that ultimately don't lead anywhere. I was pleasantly surprised to see that questions are not only answered, but with excellent delivery and timing. It was a thrilling ride, one that I plan to go back and watch a second time. Also worth noting that it was all around very polished, from the script to the acting to the soundtrack.… Expand
  15. MasteroMustache
    Feb 17, 2018
    10
    I'm absolutely stunned at the critic score for this show, which is truly one of the finest I've *ever* seen. It is Lost at its peak, a more serious and dark Stranger Things, and a less strange Twin Peaks. This is seriously peak TV that should not be missed. Tip: don't watch the dubbed version, just read the subtitles. The acting is too good to be ruined by poor dubbing.
  16. boomboxpanda
    Mar 22, 2018
    9
    I really enjoyed this show. I can understand how the masses wouldn't "get it," needed it more spelled out or wouldn't want to invest the time to connect the dots. I think the performances are phenomenal, solid writing, and each episode has some sort of unique hook to it. Really interested in seeing what they do season 2. In a time where each show has some huge gimmick to it, it's nice toI really enjoyed this show. I can understand how the masses wouldn't "get it," needed it more spelled out or wouldn't want to invest the time to connect the dots. I think the performances are phenomenal, solid writing, and each episode has some sort of unique hook to it. Really interested in seeing what they do season 2. In a time where each show has some huge gimmick to it, it's nice to see something revolving around personal human relationships. I think we're at the tip of the iceberg with the story's universe. Check it out.… Expand
  17. Dwoodlander
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    After seeing Dark’s first season to its end several days ago, its mood, characters, score, and mind-bending time travel paradoxes have continued to stick with me. Dark’s first season is excellent, and I would go so far as to say that it is turning into one of my favorite series of all time.

    I initially decided to watch it based on two things: 1) That it was being called the “German    After seeing Dark’s first season to its end several days ago, its mood, characters, score, and mind-bending time travel paradoxes have continued to stick with me. Dark’s first season is excellent, and I would go so far as to say that it is turning into one of my favorite series of all time.

    I initially decided to watch it based on two things: 1) That it was being called the “German Stranger Things,” and 2) Ben Frost did the score, whom I have previously liked for his ambient and experimental music. I realized after several episodes that the whole Stranger Things comparison is really only a superficial resemblance. Yes, the show does involve the 80’s, a small town, and kids on bikes, but first and foremost this is a show about time travel and a deep family saga. If I had to make any comparison, it really reminded me of Twin Peaks and a William Faulkner novel.

    The acting was top notch (watch in the original German with subtitles), cinematography was artistically haunting and beautiful, score was phenomenal with several new artists that I have discovered thanks to the show, and it gives heavy weight to the philosophy of time, causality, and existentialism. If any of that sounds good to you, do yourself a favor and watch this. If you are looking for more of a blockbuster thriller or gorefest, then this is not for you.    … Expand
  18. iamkakaindecent
    May 30, 2018
    10
    Eu gostei bastante, história interessante, personagens bem contruído e um enredo bem interessante.
  19. greenisgood
    Nov 12, 2018
    9
    I was very surprised at the critic score for this show considering I expected it to be higher what with all the characters in the show feeling like absolute real and relatable people.
    All though I would not blame anyone if they were to lower their score a couple of points considering the climax which was not horrible but I felt it a bit too anti-climatic.
    That being said some of the    I was very surprised at the critic score for this show considering I expected it to be higher what with all the characters in the show feeling like absolute real and relatable people.
    All though I would not blame anyone if they were to lower their score a couple of points considering the climax which was not horrible but I felt it a bit too anti-climatic.
    That being said some of the music, editing, lighting, cinematography, locations, sets and many other technical aspects of the show were executed almost flawlessly, IMHO.
    I already praised the acting but I would like to again stress how much I related to almost everyone, male, female or child.
    I also Love how they kept the sci-fi elements of the show very minimal and used it as a tether for the plot, character motivations and the excellent writing.
    All in all coming off Stranger Things which I also liked, this show was very refreshing with its focus on the characters rather that the Sci-Fi aspects.
    A High Recommendation from me, and hope for another season with the same team.    … Expand
  20. L_iquorice
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    Whomever compared Dark to Stranger Things should apologise. It's not Stranger Things and never meant to be. It's a show that needs the viewer to focus on what he or she is seeing and even for that it won't gratify you with simple feeling of nostalgia or just pure fun. It's a puzzle. Well crafted, very complicated story with layers. An yes - the story unfolds rather slow, but once you makeWhomever compared Dark to Stranger Things should apologise. It's not Stranger Things and never meant to be. It's a show that needs the viewer to focus on what he or she is seeing and even for that it won't gratify you with simple feeling of nostalgia or just pure fun. It's a puzzle. Well crafted, very complicated story with layers. An yes - the story unfolds rather slow, but once you make an effort to embrace this amazing universe you won't be able to stop watching.… Expand
  21. michuoz
    Dec 5, 2017
    10
    This TV show is very diffrent than Stranger THings, I may say its even better, darker and more mature and the climat is very heay, music and sound makes me scare up a little bit. Dont know why critics are giving so low opinions- becouse its german actros ? its not again some USA prodtuction ? Hope to see season 2 DARK.
  22. acricketer
    Dec 11, 2017
    10
    Very surprised at the low rating. Excellent mystery drama best watched in the original language with subtitles. Intelligent, engaging and demanding you pay attention. A rewarding watch.
  23. GunnerMcDagget
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    The show can be rather slow and can often feel like it's going to take the approach of Lost leaving questions unanswered, but it does all lead somewhere and it's an intriguing time travel thriller/mystery with some amazing performances. The show drags at times but the script and the actors more than make up for it.

    One word of caution though. Do NOT watch the English dub. It's terrible.    The show can be rather slow and can often feel like it's going to take the approach of Lost leaving questions unanswered, but it does all lead somewhere and it's an intriguing time travel thriller/mystery with some amazing performances. The show drags at times but the script and the actors more than make up for it.

    One word of caution though. Do NOT watch the English dub. It's terrible. It feels like amateur, emotionless actors reading a script for the first time. If you're not watching the original German dub then you're doing yourself a massive disservice.    … Expand
  24. apannilsson
    Dec 5, 2017
    9
    As hard as time travel is to stomach with story telling I just loved it.
    It's grim, its dark, it's curious.
    Loved the cinematography, music, characters, twists and story. Really well done. The pace and jumps between story arcs is excellent. I was hooked from the beginning to end. Was really surprised to see critics giving it such low scores and comparing it to Stranger Things. I    As hard as time travel is to stomach with story telling I just loved it.
    It's grim, its dark, it's curious.
    Loved the cinematography, music, characters, twists and story.
    Really well done.
    The pace and jumps between story arcs is excellent.
    I was hooked from the beginning to end.

    Was really surprised to see critics giving it such low scores and comparing it to Stranger Things.
    I don't see any connection or reason to compare it to Stranger Things.
    The closest I can come up with is that is reminds me of the eerie feeling of Donnie Darko.    … Expand
  25. here_and_there
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    Perfect example on how critics and viewers often disagree. For me this is one of the best tv shows of the year and of course it is even better if you can watch it in German, as the English and Italian dubs (the ones I compared) are awful. The cast, the setting and the grim tones are incredible. The solid sci-fi plot unravels in a very interesting and mature way. The songs of the soundtrackPerfect example on how critics and viewers often disagree. For me this is one of the best tv shows of the year and of course it is even better if you can watch it in German, as the English and Italian dubs (the ones I compared) are awful. The cast, the setting and the grim tones are incredible. The solid sci-fi plot unravels in a very interesting and mature way. The songs of the soundtrack are also very strong and perfect for the moments they were chosen for. The same can not be said for the original soundtrack and the sound effects, which are a bit too intense. A lot of people compared it to Stranger Things which is a bit unfair for both shows, but if I really had to choose which is the best of the two I would vote Dark every time.… Expand
  26. Wagz0r
    Dec 10, 2017
    10
    Wow...incredible show, so much attention to detail. Mindblowing the way it all comes together for the finale. So much better than Stranger Things. Stranger Things is for children, this is for adults and way does more with less. Better than Westworld and the best series since Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad.
  27. celsheet
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    I didn't really realized that Dark was a german series. As a German I was surprised because it was the first good german series I ever watched (besides Babylon Berlin, 2017 is a great year for us!). It's totally a high end series which can compete with some other Netflix shows. Dark shouldn't be recognized as a horror show (but also nothing for kids!!). It's more like a fiction show whichI didn't really realized that Dark was a german series. As a German I was surprised because it was the first good german series I ever watched (besides Babylon Berlin, 2017 is a great year for us!). It's totally a high end series which can compete with some other Netflix shows. Dark shouldn't be recognized as a horror show (but also nothing for kids!!). It's more like a fiction show which want to tell you the story (mostly the meaning of life).… Expand
  28. Dreyson51
    Dec 3, 2017
    9
    Really don't understand the critics' reviews on this either, like some others have noted here. The Stranger Things comparison is kind of obvious (small town with a supernatural secret etc.) but that's really where the similarities end. It's a much more mature and serious treatment of science-fiction concepts and arcane knowledge i.e. time-travel, dimensional portals, and so on. There areReally don't understand the critics' reviews on this either, like some others have noted here. The Stranger Things comparison is kind of obvious (small town with a supernatural secret etc.) but that's really where the similarities end. It's a much more mature and serious treatment of science-fiction concepts and arcane knowledge i.e. time-travel, dimensional portals, and so on. There are some really cool references here, to the 33-year solar-lunar cycle, to the Smaragdine Table and others, which you don't really get in Stranger Things. Also, the Winden Caves are a much more mysterious place than the UpsideDown and you actually are given more information about it in the first season than you get from two seasons of Stranger Things about the UpsideDown. The pilot is marred with some clunky dialogue and it can be a little overbearing with its Germanic grimness at times, but the name of the series is DARK after all, so you should know what you are in for if you decide to put this on. It definitely rewards investment though, for anyone interested in science fiction, time travel, supernatural mysteries or just something original. I enjoyed it at least as much if not even more than Stranger Things. Pretty sure that Netflix will green light a second season as well and hope that it becomes a success for them, also the fact of commissioning such foreign language content is great.… Expand
  29. diegonelli
    Dec 13, 2017
    9
    I dont usually get surprised with mystery shows but this one really shook me. Definitely deserves all the attention Stranger Things got. Not saying ST is bad but this gem also deserves appreciation :') I'm surprised it only got 61.
  30. imanin12
    Dec 7, 2017
    10
    Best Time Travel Series ever , mentions Most Of time Travel Paradoxes And theories , Perfect Music And Cast , Well Directed And Just In One Word , Masterpiece
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
60
#60 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Dec 5, 2017
    80
    Jonas’s search for answers offers the pleasures of puzzle-solving, if not profound drama, and if you give Dark a few episodes you may find yourself hooked.
    Read full review
  2. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Nick Schager
    Dec 4, 2017
    80
    A consistently engaging genre effort in its own right, employing unsettling production values and an enormous cast of well-drawn characters for a narratively splintered investigation into questions of fate and free will. ... Come for the surface similarities to Stranger Things, stay for the unique time-travel insanity.
    Read full review
  3. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Dec 4, 2017
    70
    It’s beautiful, mysterious, and a little bit maddening, and you’d want to take in every little second of the show even if it wasn’t in German with English subtitles, because every aspect of it matters.
    Read full review
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