Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

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Season 1
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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Critic Reviews

  1. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Jun 15, 2015
    100
    Endlessly fascinating and driven by special effects every bit as sophisticated and powerful as the writing and characterization, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a classic.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: David Wiegand
    Jun 12, 2015
    100
    Every performance is a winner, from Marsan’s mousey Norrell, to Carvel’s brash Jonathan, to Englert’s increasingly mad and self-destructive Lady Pole.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Genevieve Valentine
    Jul 27, 2015
    91
    Skillfully directed, impeccably designed, and brilliantly cast, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is as charming, and as dark, as it could ever hope to be.
  5. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Jun 12, 2015
    91
    It's not everyone's cup of oolong, but it is an idiosyncratic tale bracingly told, generously whimsical but embellished with malevolence.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Jun 11, 2015
    83
    While short of magical, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is nonetheless an enjoyable enchantment.
  7. Slate
    Reviewed by: Dan Kois
    Jun 18, 2015
    80
    Carvel and especially Marsan give such invigorating performances, and play against each other so beautifully, that they breathe life into a friendship that in the book could feel, at times, a bit schematic.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jun 12, 2015
    80
    Infused with the considerable talents of Bertie Carvel and especially Eddie Marsan in the title roles, Peter Harness' adaptation is, like the book, a deft combination of Dickensian satire, Austenian wit and Gothic anxiety.
  9. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: John Anderson
    Jun 11, 2015
    80
    Darkly wondrous.
  10. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jun 11, 2015
    80
    Smart fun from the start, managing impressive spectacle even if it doesn’t have the visual firepower of the most epic Thrones episodes.
  11. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 15, 2015
    70
    Carefully crafted and respectful of its source material.
  12. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jun 12, 2015
    70
    The program features a mix of tones that don’t always sit together comfortably, but taken as a whole this unusual period drama entertains as it winds its way to introduce its lead characters in the premiere episode.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best TV Season of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 55
  3. Negative: 3 out of 55
  1. jamok999
    Aug 7, 2015
    9
    In this case, less is definitely more: I truly 'suffered' through Susanna Clarke's. 700+ page book. Beyond a wandering search for anIn this case, less is definitely more: I truly 'suffered' through Susanna Clarke's. 700+ page book. Beyond a wandering search for an interesting plot, beyond boredom, beyond trivial detail, beyond being in a coma, beyond turning into a lifeless mummy crumbled into dust. The writer and director of this TV series deserve beyond insane kudos for distilling a rambling book down to a coherent, compelling plot. 2 of the 3 lead actors (Norrell and the Faerie from Lost Hope) have done a stunningly good job of portraying the essence and meaning of those roles (One subtle, the other sinister.The 3rd lead, Strange, is not bad, just not riveting as is the Faerie role) into characters that create an interest in what comes next. Whereas the novel left me wanting to be put out of my misery of having to read more, this series made it difficult to wait for the next episode, and in the end, wishing there was more to come. Susanna Clarke left open that expectation, speaking of Strange's adventures to come, but never delivered on that. I wish she had - I would've skipped the next book, but looked forward to an equally compelling series as this. If you have read Clarke's book, this will thrill you. I'm not sure what it would be like to see this series without reading the book, and hence knowing what comes next. I imagine it would be satisfying. Bravo!… Full Review »
  2. tspeidel
    Jul 7, 2015
    10
    A very good adaptation of a dense, brilliant book. Wonderful cast, great atmosphere. Once it gets its long sharp Fairie nails into you itA very good adaptation of a dense, brilliant book. Wonderful cast, great atmosphere. Once it gets its long sharp Fairie nails into you it won't let go. High quality fun for smart people - the real treat of the summer.… Full Review »
  3. Skeletor71
    Jul 2, 2015
    10
    This is one of my favorite things on tv right now. And it's getting better by the episode. I haven't read the books so I can't compare, butThis is one of my favorite things on tv right now. And it's getting better by the episode. I haven't read the books so I can't compare, but the concept and the characters are very well thought out. I might give the books a try after this.… Full Review »
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