His Dark Materials

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 3, 2019
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 99
  3. Negative: 16 out of 99
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User Reviews

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  1. metabad
    Jan 3, 2020
    4
    i watched it and I can't recommend it to adults.
    I'm pretty sure the source material, which I haven't read, is better.
    If there's anything in there that makes it interesting for a mature audience, it all got lost in the translation to TV. What is presented in the show is a world where people form a bound with a 'demon' which is depicted, at least in the first season, as merely a    i watched it and I can't recommend it to adults.
    I'm pretty sure the source material, which I haven't read, is better.
    If there's anything in there that makes it interesting for a mature audience,
    it all got lost in the translation to TV.

    What is presented in the show is a world where people form a bound with a 'demon'
    which is depicted, at least in the first season, as merely a talking pet.
    This might be attractive to kids imagining they had something like this.

    The catch is: The human's life is also tied to the life of the 'demon' (talking pet).
    If it dies, the human dies.
    And we are talking here mostly about cute, furry and small pets. Or birds. Or butterflies.
    Running around and flying around freely.
    You know what eats butterflies? Birds do. Or some cuddly little pet gets crushed by a vehicle
    or trampled on by other people. All not happening in the show.
    What does happen is that your cute and furry little companion gets choked by a monkey and you choke, too.
    If someone wants to harm you, he/she can just target the 'demon', which of course happens in the show.
    Opposed to what you would think, the so called 'demons' don't have any supernatural powers to defend themselves.

    The entire concept is utter nonsense.

    Apart from all that, the adaptation to TV doesn't work well. I would say the source material doesn't translate well to the screen.
    From what I read, there is complex world building in the source material and what we see on the screen feels somehow incomplete and disjointed. It feels like seeing many parts of a bigger picture without the context necessary to enjoy it without too many unanswered questions.

    In this world, the church is very strong and a new scientific discovery or theory might be considered heresy.
    The clerical part of the story gets barely enough screen time and not enough to really feel what it's like living in that kind of world.

    All in all, it was an unsatisfying viewing experience. I'm done with this show.
    Kids may like it, as they probably won't think too much about the implications of the core concept, but for adults? Don't waste your time. There are better shows out there.    … Expand
  2. UncleWillard
    Nov 4, 2019
    6
    Seems to be making the same mistakes the movie made, but with less style and talent. I have not read the books, but I imagine they enthrall with a steam punk and swashbuckling adventure set in a fully imagined and densely packed world. Unfortunately, that rarely translates to the screen for with either newcomers or book veterans. I get an unwelcome Potter/Narnia vibe too.
  3. Ozimandeus
    Nov 4, 2019
    2
    A great story, fantastic actors but seems to have been made by a children’s tv production company. The sfx are really not very good, the pacing is all off. If this was on a kids channel or on at an earlier time slot this would be ok. I can only pray that War of the worlds is going to set the bar higher than this.
  4. Yourmumsbills
    Nov 4, 2019
    0
    I have mixed feelings about this one..not too keen on some of the casting. James McAvoys' Lord Asriel doesn't really have the presence or character described by the book, he seems small and not in any way imposing. Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter is even worse. Acting wise She plays the part very well, but Mrs Coulter is supposed to have an almost ethereal beauty that people are powerlessI have mixed feelings about this one..not too keen on some of the casting. James McAvoys' Lord Asriel doesn't really have the presence or character described by the book, he seems small and not in any way imposing. Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter is even worse. Acting wise She plays the part very well, but Mrs Coulter is supposed to have an almost ethereal beauty that people are powerless against, which is a major part of her character (her external beauty in contrast to her
    ugly evil side displayed by her unsightly daemon) sadly Ruth Wilson does not pull this off at all. (Whether you liked the film or not, no one could deny Nicole Kidman played this part perfectly) On the bright side Dafne Keen as Lyra is brilliant as is most of the rest of the cast (with the exception of the kid playing Tony Costa, who i kept expecting to say bruv
    at the end of every sentence) apart from some dubious casting the story is being well told so far, and as Philip Pullman himself is executive producer this
    series should hopefully do the books justice.    … Expand
  5. Gregdel69
    Nov 9, 2019
    10
    Very good adaptation so far! Excellent casting, great visuals, great pacing, everything is excellent so far! A better adaptation than the movie.
  6. OlivierPiel
    Nov 11, 2019
    1
    Drivel. The other reviewer Ozymandeus has it right. One point for displaying my favourite childhood animal and symbol of my country, the marten and the ermine.
  7. Quixomatic
    Nov 11, 2019
    10
    The casting is definitely poor, especially for Mrs. Coulter and Billy Costa's older brother. However, the production quality is extremely impressive and the acting is spot on. Nice to have an entire season for the first book, but the slow pacing may turn some people off to the show. The first two episodes are definitely building to some exciting events. The Magisterium is well portrayedThe casting is definitely poor, especially for Mrs. Coulter and Billy Costa's older brother. However, the production quality is extremely impressive and the acting is spot on. Nice to have an entire season for the first book, but the slow pacing may turn some people off to the show. The first two episodes are definitely building to some exciting events. The Magisterium is well portrayed and explained in this series, unlike the movie which didn't spend a single moment on that governing body. Overall the acting, setting, sfx, ost/score are incredible. Hoping they finally do this book series justice, as I've been waiting for a reboot ever since The Golden Compass failed/was squashed.

    I will update my score as the season continues, but so far I am very happy with the first two episodes.    … Expand
  8. Suriya06
    Nov 5, 2019
    8
    The show is definitely upto something and looks like we will be entertained
  9. raskolnikov41
    Nov 12, 2019
    10
    Acting, CGI and directing in this tv show is amazing. The perfection of Dafne Keen and James Mcavoy is keeping me excited throughout episodes. The storytelling is also the best. It gives me Harry Potter vibes. If you are looking for a fantasy world to escape from the real world problems, this is what you need.
  10. rsf5797
    Jan 26, 2020
    9
    Grande serie TV. Non vedo l'ora che arrivi la seconda stagione. Finora d'applausi.
  11. MonsieurAthos
    Nov 5, 2019
    8
    As a fan of the books (and even the flawed 2007 movie), this is very fun escapism and good ol' fashioned entertainment, not overly poisoned by political agendas like so many other shows. Not GoT levels of funding or subtlety, but definitely a romping delight that brings out the inner child. James McAvoy is inspired casting as Lord Asriel.
  12. GuilhermeCursi
    Nov 10, 2019
    7
    Como ainda a série tem apenas 1 ep exibido não se dar pra falar muito sobre a mesma. Mas alguns pontos que se podem destacar tanto pra bom quanto pra mal são:
    Bons visuais
    Boas atuações
    Roteiro arrastado e bem devagar
    Mistério no ar
  13. nomfull
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    Wonderful. While watching, I cried several times at how well done it is. Highly recommended!
  14. LouAnnD
    Dec 2, 2019
    7
    Really enjoying Ruth Wilson in this series. Otherwise a lot of bad acting, even by my secret husband, James McAvoy. Lin Manuel Miranda is the worst offender. Why is he the only character with an American accent?(besides the visits to the other "America" dimension). It screams its YA origins.
  15. Skeletor71
    Nov 12, 2019
    5
    Maybe the source material just isn't as good as people remember it to be, because this is like Potter, but somehow for a younger audience?!
  16. OlilovesMovies
    Nov 26, 2019
    9
    This will be an ongoing review that I will update as the season continues to be aired. Therefore the following is a review of:
    -Episode 1, 2, 3, 4
    It should be noted going into this review that I am extremely invested in Philip Pullmans His Dark Materials series, it was and is my favourite series of books, and I have read through them more times than I can count, with my original    This will be an ongoing review that I will update as the season continues to be aired. Therefore the following is a review of:
    -Episode 1, 2, 3, 4

    It should be noted going into this review that I am extremely invested in Philip Pullmans His Dark Materials series, it was and is my favourite series of books, and I have read through them more times than I can count, with my original copies of the books worn and warped in ways more often seen in antiquities. I have been known to finish the Amber Spyglass (the third book of the trilogy) by simply picking up Northern lights (the first) once again.

    Context in mind then, I was both excited and anxious upon hearing this series was in production. Though it wasn’t entirely without merit, the Golden Compass movie had left a bitter taste in my mouth (primarily for not giving me a complete series) and I wasn’t ready to be let down again. However, like a good fan a tuned in Sunday night to give the pilot a go, and lo and behold.. it’s brilliant! The casting so far is stellar, with the already proven Dafne Keen fitting into the role of Lyra like a glove. The casting was actually one of my original concerns, especially when I felt that the movies strongest positive was it’s casting, however so far I am happy with everyone. James McAvoy’s Portrayal of Lord Asriel is perhaps a little less stoic, intense and commanding as Daniel Craig’s, however the energy and charisma he brings to the role allows him to build his own interpretation of Asriel without causing the audience to spend much time comparing. I am yet to be sold on Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter, but to be fair to her, she has had minimal screen time so far. Nicole Kidman is a hard person to act against, so it will be interesting to see how Wilson brings the sense of power and intimidation that Mrs Coulter requires. The CG Daemons are of course of lesser quality than you would expect from a Movie, but they are solid enough so as to not distract from everything else, and their presence is for the most part believable. So far the story is staying fairly true to the books with only some minor alterations. I am very apprehensive regarding what liberties the show will take in the sense of narrative, but given Pullman’s direct involvement in the project I am more confident that it will be good.

    We are at a point now that the mid point of the season has occurred, where nearly every key character has been introduced, and to be honest, there is very little to be upset about regarding the cast. The show is built on a number of very strong performances and solid casting choices.

    One of my biggest worries going into the show, was Lin Manuel Miranda's casting as Lee Scorsby. I honestly didn't think i could've picked someone less appropriate for the role, especially when considering it was a role previously tackled by the excellent Sam Elliot. However i have been pleasantly surprised, not only is his portrayal of the character charming, it bring also brings some somewhat needed levity to what is otherwise a fairly serious show. I am curious to see whether narrative-wise his new found youth will impact anything given that the books play into Scorsby's age at several key points which i shall not spoil. But nonetheless I extremely excited to see how the remainder of the season plays out.

    To be continued.    … Expand
  17. ezerik
    Dec 29, 2019
    8
    Never read the books, never saw the movie, I just find this fantasy entertaining and look forward to seeing more. Lyra and Lord Boreal played extremely well.
  18. Elthor
    Oct 11, 2021
    7
    To frame my review properly, you must first understand that I've read Pullman's first book and hated it. As such I didn't read the subsequent books or see the theatrical film. Positive reviews are the ONLY reason I gave the series a chance.

    So how is it? Generally good. In my opinion better than the book, but the source material is still awful. Religion is evil, parents are bad    To frame my review properly, you must first understand that I've read Pullman's first book and hated it. As such I didn't read the subsequent books or see the theatrical film. Positive reviews are the ONLY reason I gave the series a chance.

    So how is it? Generally good. In my opinion better than the book, but the source material is still awful. Religion is evil, parents are bad people, the chosen one girl will save everyone by stumbling around blindly getting people killed, all while children are being murdered or seriously messed up. Ick.

    The whole cast is solid. Of note: Dafne Keen, who is expected to carry the series, handles her role extraordinarily well for her age. Who doesn't love Ruth Wilson when she is being deliciously evil? And James McAvoy handles a complicated character expertly.

    My first serious complaint with the series itself is that it is occasionally painfully painfully slow. Additionally, what I assume is material from books two and three is interspersed in the first season. While that may improve later seasons by getting it out of the way early, it is a dead weight on this season's already problematic pacing.

    My other problem is that for a special effects heavy series, the budget short cuts are even more obvious when they happen.
    A girl riding a polar bear? There are frequent shots of a girl bobbing up and down on screen without showing what is under her. Daemons may disappear from the screen for extended periods even though you expect them to always be present. Armored bears have 'fire hurlers'. Which sounds really cool, but although they are supposedly being used at one point, you never get to see one or fire being hurled.
    It's hard to believe HBO would skimp on the budget for a show like this, so I can only assume the director/showrunners are to blame.    … Expand
  19. YoungerReviewer
    Nov 16, 2019
    6
    So far the first two episodes have ben intriguing about I can see that not lasting for the full season. The main story isn't that interesting but the whole world and premise of the series is what makes it good. Once the magic wears off that could change unless they through a big plot change. I would watch it for now and see if it interests you.
  20. SomeGreek
    May 4, 2020
    3
    Near enough unwatchable. It didn't have to mirror the books by any means, but emotionally resonant or important moments from the books were completely ruined and had a negative impact on the show. They took agonisingly long on shots and scenes that didn't need it, and rushed through scenes that could have been better. Story and general pacing was way, way off. The acting and set designNear enough unwatchable. It didn't have to mirror the books by any means, but emotionally resonant or important moments from the books were completely ruined and had a negative impact on the show. They took agonisingly long on shots and scenes that didn't need it, and rushed through scenes that could have been better. Story and general pacing was way, way off. The acting and set design were great, but the writing and directing stunk out the place so bad. I hope they don't make any more. Let it die. They had their chance and blew it.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best TV Season of 2019
30
#30 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Cumming
    Jan 3, 2020
    100
    His Dark Materials is worth the trip. This is a beautiful, brooding vision of Pullman’s universe, which retains the mix of childish wonder and darkness that make his books so beguiling to young adults.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 3, 2019
    100
    There is time and space to do them justice and the first episode, in all its steampunkish glory, gave every sign that the potential is to be realised.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Nov 14, 2019
    60
    A robust adventure series. [11-24 Nov 2019, p.17]
See all critic reviews »