Halo

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Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 305 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 168 out of 305
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 305
  3. Negative: 121 out of 305
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User Reviews

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  1. StartingAura008
    May 7, 2023
    0
    An absolute insult to the Halo franchise. This is the worst and most disgusting series ever. It should not exist
  2. Jrosa56
    May 7, 2023
    10
    Phenomenal show! Really loved the action scenes! I cannot wait for season 2 !
  3. drokami
    Jan 17, 2023
    1
    Worst series about a game ever made. A mediocre series of a game that is also **** especially the last ones that became a joke and humiliation to xbox paladins.
  4. Targetdrone
    Jul 3, 2022
    2
    it would probably have been a better idea to just buy the rights to some fanmade videos... those are lightyears ahead of this series.
    this is another exampled of some tone deaf studio exec deciding they need to adapt a video game ip to tv. and as so often they do a faceplant hard.
  5. ChavaLF
    Mar 24, 2022
    8
    Pretty good for a first episode, cgi feels fake sometimes but the rest is good looking
  6. TellGoodStories
    May 27, 2022
    8
    Updated review - lots of good ingredients, but it fell short of perfection. Lead actor well chosen as were most of the spartans cast.. Season 1 just didn't have the epic feel that I was hoping for
  7. Palvel
    May 27, 2022
    0
    What a loss opportunity for the production to make the series as much closer to the real lore of Halo. They could have just help boosting player count for Halo (Multiplayer is dying now in pc platform) just by creating this new fans from the show (That should have been good). Pretty much a loss for 343.

    I knew that there would be fans from the show. But, if they start playing the game    What a loss opportunity for the production to make the series as much closer to the real lore of Halo. They could have just help boosting player count for Halo (Multiplayer is dying now in pc platform) just by creating this new fans from the show (That should have been good). Pretty much a loss for 343.

    I knew that there would be fans from the show. But, if they start playing the game (Will they?..) and of course it would be different from the show. What do 343 get then? Nothing..    … Expand
  8. Borgoros
    May 22, 2022
    4
    Nothing special unfortunately... So many possible ways to bring this lore and story to live action, but all regarding Madrigal is pretty dull. And so much that is b-quality compared to so many other shows and movies... Wich is a shame, since it's Halo!!!
  9. Kai82
    May 22, 2022
    3
    This is not the Halo you know from the games and they made this clear. Is it still good would be the reply and I say no even more if you are a Halo fan. Maybe unfamiliar viewers can get out more of the show. The show is something different than the games and the changes and new characters cant win me over. I think the games were already a blueprint for a movie adaption with not manyThis is not the Halo you know from the games and they made this clear. Is it still good would be the reply and I say no even more if you are a Halo fan. Maybe unfamiliar viewers can get out more of the show. The show is something different than the games and the changes and new characters cant win me over. I think the games were already a blueprint for a movie adaption with not many changes needed. Even a Halo creator came out and roasted the show (Not the Halo I made). Lets start with the elephant in the room: The ending of season 1 is so horrible that I expected many angry rants. I don't know how they want people to come back for a second season. Lets continue with the problems: You barely see in the show that humanity is loosing a war against the superior alien Covenant forces with billions of casualties. Master Chief is hollow compared to the games and also other characters feel inferior like Cortana, Miranda Keyes or Elizabeth Halsey. Also Cortanas and Master Chiefs incredible relationship is ruined or non existing here. I know they want something different than the games but everything will be judged against the source material no matter what franchise is used and you have to deliver. This is something that will be come up again and again. While I see the potential of Kwans story and character it should be done better. Also does the struggle of 1 world matter when planet after planet is purged / glassed by the Covenant? The character Makee is an interesting choice that I would defend. Unluckily she is wasted by the script. Also there is not much action in the show. I hate bashing here but the choices were questionable if they would win the Halo fans over. The actors are fine for me after some thinking. I cant blame them for doing / delivering the script when their roles are different form the sources. Pablo Schreiber does a great job but does not feel like Master Chief. I praise him for the performance. Yerin Ha as Kwan and Charlie Murphy are wasted by the script but do a good performance. I cant blame them. I shorten this by saying all actors are decent to fine. I praise the action scenes but those are sparingly used. Some sets and effects are not that good but it is not that bad. I repeat this is not the Halo of the source material or what it need to be. Overall I think it is a missed opportunity and overconfidence that they can improve Halo harmed the show. The source was a blue print that should be used with some adaptations like Lord of the Rings. It would have millions of Halo fans watching and praising it instead. I give a 3/10.… Expand
  10. Truemk
    May 21, 2022
    1
    The writing is horrible and completely goes against three franchise by using the alternative timeline cop out.
  11. monk3ybutt77
    May 11, 2022
    3
    I made a metacritic account just so I could make sure to put my review in for this garbage show. It doesn't feel like Halo and is boring as hell. Additionally, CBS is trying to silence any and all negative criticism towards the show and Paramount+, which is also not worth the money.
  12. DMitch
    May 7, 2022
    9
    At approximately 42 minutes into the second episode of Halo, the television series, Pablo Schreiber (John-117) engages in an intense dialogue with his former Spartan colleague and runaway, Soren, who is brilliantly portrayed by Bokeem Woodbine. At the end of the heated conversation Chief and Soren exchange a long look, before the former dawns his now famous brazen-glassed helm. In theAt approximately 42 minutes into the second episode of Halo, the television series, Pablo Schreiber (John-117) engages in an intense dialogue with his former Spartan colleague and runaway, Soren, who is brilliantly portrayed by Bokeem Woodbine. At the end of the heated conversation Chief and Soren exchange a long look, before the former dawns his now famous brazen-glassed helm. In the seconds before the helmet crisply hisses into place, Schreiber’s eyes say it all: he is our modern folk hero, Master Chief Petty Officer John-117. As a long time and avid Halo fan, who has read all of the Halo literature up to Greg Bear’s Forerunner Saga and has played all of the games several times over, including the original Bungie Marathon series when it was only available on Mac (ca. 1994-1997), I feel that my credentials as a fan are in fairly good order. This TV series is brilliant! The screenwriters have worked diligently to draw from and combine all of the literary sources into a digestible program for general audiences. This show has — in my opinion — everything that long-term fans and newcomers alike should be able to appreciate and enjoy. There are several negative reviews of this show being promulgated by supposed “fans” of the franchise, who apparently don’t appreciate that this show is intended for everyone, not just the familiar few (like myself). Negative reviews about “diversity hiring” are misplaced and moored in the vengeful tit-for-tat antics of adult-children glued to Twitter. The casting of all characters in this show is right on the money. These petulant complaints are reflective of the modern political zeitgeist and have no place in criticisms of a show about a fictional 26th century, at which time we can only hope that humanity will have shed its race-based tribalism. As a white male in his early thirties, I understand complaints about historically-themed TV shows using out of place casting, but in no way is this the case here.

    I created a Metacritic account for the sole purpose of defending this masterpiece. Yes, some episodes are less interesting than others (e.g. episode 7), but they are all fairly well-written and executed. I wait with baited breath to see what Halo has in store for us next, and I hope that many of you reading this will join me on this worthy adventure. Sincerely,

    DMitch    … Expand
  13. kman1014
    May 6, 2022
    0
    Boring, dull, and unoriginal. No. one cares about the politics of this film or Quan. Master Chief is a side character in his own show!
  14. Wems
    Apr 24, 2022
    9
    In fact, the Halo series brings a very different perspective to its original content, the games. However, opting for a new approach is not a bad thing, since the cinematic language is different from the game media, aiming to please both longtime fans and a new audience. However, one must know how to work these elements, preserve the essence of the games while bringing the new, and IIn fact, the Halo series brings a very different perspective to its original content, the games. However, opting for a new approach is not a bad thing, since the cinematic language is different from the game media, aiming to please both longtime fans and a new audience. However, one must know how to work these elements, preserve the essence of the games while bringing the new, and I believe that this series is right to make this mix. The universe and characters of the games are there, preserved, but with new nuances, especially Master Chief, who in addition to the great hero and the perfect military man we love, there is also a humanity to be explored, with feelings and doubts of which Pablo Schreiber performs them perfectly. Undoubtedly, the best lineup to incorporate Master Chief.… Expand
  15. jameshowlett89
    Apr 14, 2022
    1
    This show wasn't made for fans or none fans, as fans you'll see most of us did not like this, i watched it with my girl who knows nothing of the universe and was confused by everything in the show. So it's not made for fans, since this has butchered and ruined everything in the halo lore, and it's not made for normies as the universe is not explained well to them.

    It's just another show    This show wasn't made for fans or none fans, as fans you'll see most of us did not like this, i watched it with my girl who knows nothing of the universe and was confused by everything in the show. So it's not made for fans, since this has butchered and ruined everything in the halo lore, and it's not made for normies as the universe is not explained well to them.

    It's just another show plagued by identity politics, with poor decisions, changing the mottos of the big names like chief and produce garbage without knowing the source material and the showrunners openly admitted to this, they didn't play the games and don't know the universe.

    edit: after watching 3 it went from bad to absolute trash. i am disgusted with what these fools are allowed to do. they do this often with different properties, from witcher, star wars, LOTR to etc.... angers me that great names and franchises are given to terrible incompetent "writers/producers" who then just dump their own politics and ideas in to make it "their own" and completely ignore the source material. i mean if you were actually "good", then you'd be the one that wrote or created something great and not the clown who simply ruined it.    … Expand
  16. OrphanTwin
    Apr 11, 2022
    0
    It’s called Halo. Some people dress up like some halo characters. They use the names and species associated with halo. The planets. The overall theme and look. That’s about it. It’s basically a bootleg of the looks and names and nothing else. Closer to a parody. Maybe one of the worst adaptations for a video games and that’s saying something. You really have to jump through some hoops toIt’s called Halo. Some people dress up like some halo characters. They use the names and species associated with halo. The planets. The overall theme and look. That’s about it. It’s basically a bootleg of the looks and names and nothing else. Closer to a parody. Maybe one of the worst adaptations for a video games and that’s saying something. You really have to jump through some hoops to think this has anything good happening. Pretty sure my grandma knows more about halo than this than the writers of this series. At least it got a good laugh or two. Watch the movie “forward unto dawn” instead.… Expand
  17. Kurrjur
    Apr 7, 2022
    2
    It is not possible that anyone involved in this show has read any of the books, or even played the games. If you base a show on a video game it is assumed that it will follow the story of the original material at least a little bit, but this is not the case at all. I don't believe that anyone who is familiar with the series could enjoy this. The show is also poorly cast, the studio isIt is not possible that anyone involved in this show has read any of the books, or even played the games. If you base a show on a video game it is assumed that it will follow the story of the original material at least a little bit, but this is not the case at all. I don't believe that anyone who is familiar with the series could enjoy this. The show is also poorly cast, the studio is clearly just telling it's own story, and three episodes in I am not a fan. I knew 20 minutes into the first episode that I was only going to watch this until the paramount + sub runs out, and only to use as an outlet to get some aggression out by yelling at the tv.
    It's really pretty though...    … Expand
  18. Princejojo
    Apr 5, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely horrible. The first episode. Watch when the gun hits the ground, That CGI is atrocious… Expand
  19. slicelook
    Apr 5, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. They removed his helmet on first episode what else needs to be said.
    The creators of this show has no clue what halo is, if you like this you like to get **** in the ass!    … Expand
  20. AshmasterXX
    Mar 27, 2022
    1
    Halo came out over 20 years ago, and finally the much anticipated and rumored series for it has come. Instead of making an actual Halo series and you know, playing the games, they made a Mandalorian copy. If you're going to make some Hollywood high budget video game movie or series, it helps to y'know, play the game.
  21. iKeast
    Apr 3, 2022
    9
    He visto 2 Episodios, me han parecido impresionantes el primer episodio lleno de accion y muestran mas como es la Guerra entre Covenant y UNCS y tambien nos muestran la parte de los civiles o resistencias como se desarrollan en una guerra tan grande y devastadora.

    Muestra como es de brutal el Covenant, me parece bien que en el apartado de brutalidad de la serie sea tan vasta algo que no    He visto 2 Episodios, me han parecido impresionantes el primer episodio lleno de accion y muestran mas como es la Guerra entre Covenant y UNCS y tambien nos muestran la parte de los civiles o resistencias como se desarrollan en una guerra tan grande y devastadora.

    Muestra como es de brutal el Covenant, me parece bien que en el apartado de brutalidad de la serie sea tan vasta algo que no hemos visto casi ni en los videojuegos.

    El CGI no esta nada mal, solo es cuestion de mejorar la primera persona y no abusar tanto de ella, en general el primer capitulo me parecio arriba de las expectativas algo muy bueno que no habíamos visto en una adaptacion de Halo como tal.

    La decisión de los escritores de no sentirse limitados tanto por los juegos y libros para poder desarrollar un universo completamente diferente y poder disfrutarlo como algo diferente a los videojuegos mas que nada algo televisivo y que nunca nos esperaríamos impresionándonos con cada capitulo.

    El segundo capitulo es algo mas tranquilo explica los personajes y como son cada uno de ellos, te vas encariñando con cada uno y algo mas de drama en este capitulo, me parecio perfecto para poder avanzar con la serie, el apartado visual de este segundo capitulo es maravilloso.

    -Keast    … Expand
  22. Voodoo123
    Apr 3, 2022
    4
    Halo falters under the weight of the source material. Too different from the games to be an entertaining action show and too generic to break any new sci fi ground for its own sake. Certainly watchable but just forgettable. I believe the fundamental core of the show is flawed beyond redemption (master chief shouldn't be maskless!). Another missed opportunity.
  23. mamum111
    Apr 3, 2022
    0
    Ok this was very bad sadly, and i think we need to back on the drawing board.. but i hope the next season will be better since this is not good enough

    Boring and predicatalbe
  24. Daniel__Drake
    Apr 3, 2022
    0
    A história não é igual do jogo, muito tedioso e sem ação. Deveriam copiar o jogo assim como estão fazendo com The last of us. Está longe de ser uma série boa.
  25. XBlade1X
    Apr 2, 2022
    0
    A prime example of what happens when men in suits aquire a license to make a new piece of media based on a previously beloved and popular property, but doesn't know what to do with it so they don't bother doing the research on lore or even playing the games and instead decide to throw it all out the window and do their own thing.

    This is Halo in name only... and it was NOT made for    A prime example of what happens when men in suits aquire a license to make a new piece of media based on a previously beloved and popular property, but doesn't know what to do with it so they don't bother doing the research on lore or even playing the games and instead decide to throw it all out the window and do their own thing.

    This is Halo in name only... and it was NOT made for people who like Halo.
    #notmyhalo    … Expand
  26. Keegs008
    Apr 2, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is supposed to be for fans of the game. This show is NOT that. There are so many story lines they could have gone with, but instead made this mess. This series is so disappointing. Why would they have master chief take off his armor and his helmet?… Expand
  27. turdlemckay
    Apr 2, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Seriously. He took off the helmet from step one. The people who made this never played the games, and it shows with how little they know. Fan made stuff from 10 years ago is better.… Expand
  28. DamienDutch
    Mar 31, 2022
    0
    The showrunner has not played any games in the series. It explains everything. **** plot. ****, devalued heroes. Completely empty dialogue. Misunderstanding the basics. And of course...

    The message!!!
  29. AngryShark92
    Mar 30, 2022
    0
    This ain't it chief.

    This isn't Halo. I have no clue what storyline this is following because I stopped playing after Halo Reach when I learned Bungie was no longer producing the series. I think I can speak for most original fans when I say that the decision to follow the 343 timeline was a bad one. This reminds me of the Witcher, it has showrunners who are not interested in    This ain't it chief.

    This isn't Halo. I have no clue what storyline this is following because I stopped playing after Halo Reach when I learned Bungie was no longer producing the series. I think I can speak for most original fans when I say that the decision to follow the 343 timeline was a bad one.

    This reminds me of the Witcher, it has showrunners who are not interested in respecting the source material and are looking to create their own spin/narrative which will undoubtedly be utilized to spew some political nonsense in the future, mark my words. This show is another example of talentless hacks trying to capitalize on an IP with an established fanbase that they did not earn.

    There are no positives that came out of this first episode for me, except maybe the gore and the design of the prophets.

    Also, I have to mention that the anti-white racism, also known as diversity, is off the charts here. I think the only prominent white male in the show is John himself, which, if you have played the original games, is completely contrary to the source material. Captain Keyes and his daughter, who are white in the games are now black in the show, why? Imagine if Sergeant Johnson was played by Nicolas Cage... It would make no god damn sense, so why swap it the other way? Speaking of Johnson... where the hell is he? A charismatic black character that is beloved by fans of the series is nowhere to be found.

    No disrespect to Pablo Schreiber, but Steve Downes is the only voice for Chief, and to see his face unmasked early on was a terrible decision with rippling consequences. Master Chief is not some empathetic, joke cracking, friendly guy, he's a borderline psychopath that had all his memories and emotion stripped away to create the perfect super soldier. Why is he protecting and befriending some trash character that nobody cares about?

    Oh and feel free to include Martin O'Donnell's legendary soundtracks and score, you know, the one that was absolutely groundbreaking for its time...

    Bottom line: This is not Halo, this is some woke hack's take on fan fiction and is truly an abomination when compared to the magic of the original games. Forward Unto Dawn was a superior adaptation to this drivel.

    - Anti-white racism
    - Unnecessary diversity
    - No Steve Downes
    - No Martin O'Donnell soundtrack
    - Questionable CGI
    - Race swapping
    - Master Chief's character is all wrong

    These are the negatives I have after one episode, I can't see this getting any better. If you are a fan of the original games (+ ODST & Reach), you will not enjoy this.    … Expand
  30. soulassssns
    Mar 29, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This "show" has serious issues and I am not referring to the fact that the developers of it admitted to have not looked at the games. It does have its positives, but the negatives definitely out weigh them.

    Positives:

    - Special effects/CGI during combat/military scenes.
    - Vehicles from the games i.e. Warthog, Pelicans etc.
    - it is violent i.e. when someone dies there is blood and guts.
    - Prophet of Mercy is seen and accurately designed.

    Negatives:

    - Characters are poorly written and portrayed.
    - Dialogue is boring.
    - Elites are poorly designed which says a lot considering how poorly designed they were in Halo 4/5.
    - Where are the Jackals, Grunts etc.?
    - Why do we see Master Chiefs face so soon if at all?
    - Why does Master Chief sit down with an insurrectionists (the rebels) and start discussing classified information?
    - No Steve Downes as the voice of Master Chief (They could have used him for his voice while in armor).
    - No Blue Team (Show has Silver team?).
    - Human character working with the Covenant. The Covenant wants to eradicate humanity.
    - Game/s takes place during the 26th century yet we see the rebels using 20th/21st century vehicles and weaponry.

    343 Industries who worked closely with Paramount/Amblin to make this show knows full well that NONE of this crap would be acceptable in their games or expanded universe content i.e. books/comics, and yet they fully supported it (Looking at YOU Kiki Wolfkill).

    This review will be updated as the show progresses, but I doubt it will improve.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: James Dyer
    Jun 22, 2022
    60
    Hail to the Chief? Not quite, but despite some uneven plotting, this is a worthy adaptation that promises better things to come.
    Read full review
  2. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Mar 24, 2022
    70
    Where this all goes and whether the balance tips more toward character and story or more toward video game-like battle scenes is unclear, but if the first two episodes are any indication, character stories will win out. As long as that remains the case, I’ll gladly go along for this sci-fi ride.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Ben Child
    Mar 24, 2022
    60
    The obvious parallels are with The Mandalorian, another show about a seemingly invincible, murderous space warrior who embarks on a path towards becoming a total sweetie. If that’s the long-term plan here, neither the show nor Schreiber has quite nailed it yet.
    Read full review
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