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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Suriya06
    Nov 5, 2019
    8
    The show is definitely upto something and looks like we will be entertained
  4. 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.
  5. rsf5797
    Jan 26, 2020
    9
    Grande serie TV. Non vedo l'ora che arrivi la seconda stagione. Finora d'applausi.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. nomfull
    Nov 5, 2019
    10
    Wonderful. While watching, I cried several times at how well done it is. Highly recommended!
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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

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 »