Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

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Season 1
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
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User Reviews

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  1. Knighthawk81
    Jun 15, 2015
    6
    This series is based on a popular book set in a world where magic is real. This isn't "Harry Potter," though. It's something a bit more dry and distinctly British. Some critics compared the series to "Game of Thrones," but I think that's a mistake. The first episode was quite dry and complex, and had precious little of the appeal of "Game of Thrones." It's getting a good launch behind theThis series is based on a popular book set in a world where magic is real. This isn't "Harry Potter," though. It's something a bit more dry and distinctly British. Some critics compared the series to "Game of Thrones," but I think that's a mistake. The first episode was quite dry and complex, and had precious little of the appeal of "Game of Thrones." It's getting a good launch behind the popular "Orphan Black," but "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" was not overly compelling in its initial hour.… Expand
  2. BogKid
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    I think that this is a strange and fascinating story. Time and again I had thought to read the book but I never did, Watching the BBC America mini-series in Part I of which "Magic Returns to England" was a most enjoyable experience. This is definitely not Harry Potter. It could have been significantly more enjoyable if BBC America had not chosen to interrupt the program with commercialI think that this is a strange and fascinating story. Time and again I had thought to read the book but I never did, Watching the BBC America mini-series in Part I of which "Magic Returns to England" was a most enjoyable experience. This is definitely not Harry Potter. It could have been significantly more enjoyable if BBC America had not chosen to interrupt the program with commercial after commercial.. Yes, I know that commercials are necessary to keep free television free but Part I of "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" was simply butchered to near death by commercial interruptions every few minutes. I hope this mini-series is given a chance to find an audience by some more intelligent advertiser who could be satisfied by less frequent over-long commercial interruptions. I will check out Part II to see what happens. Eddie Marsan as Norrell is wonderful.… Expand
  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, but the concept and the characters are very well thought out. I might give the books a try after this.
  4. Exist2Resist
    Jun 25, 2015
    9
    I was not expecting much of the story, but I was proven wrong. It's a strange story of Magic returning to England after taking a 300 year hiatus due to the Raven King leaving. It is well written and the acting is superb. I am really enjoying the story and watching it develop. You can really feel for the character of Jonathan Strange and the story line really drew me in.
  5. 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 it won't let go. High quality fun for smart people - the real treat of the summer.
  6. RoraEst
    Jun 28, 2015
    10
    This is a mini tv-series from BBC1, an adaptation from trilogy novel with the same title. The story mostly faithful with the book *even with the footage*. The cinematography was so classic elegant, also with set background, and mostly the visual effect for just a mini tv-series was so divine.
    I bought the whole trilogy book in 2009, kept re-read it each year, because I didn't read Harry    This is a mini tv-series from BBC1, an adaptation from trilogy novel with the same title. The story mostly faithful with the book *even with the footage*. The cinematography was so classic elegant, also with set background, and mostly the visual effect for just a mini tv-series was so divine.
    I bought the whole trilogy book in 2009, kept re-read it each year, because I didn't read Harry Potter *I just already enchanted with the movies*. The story was enchanted, it's a story of how magic is no longer be practical in England. Then, suddenly two gentlemen competing for become the prime magician in England. Because I already read the book, of course I know how it ends. But, the final episode of the series was beyond my imagination. The book was written so deep and full of materials, sometimes I was lost but I could understand how strangely, it's a sweet story. Then, in your movie screen, things become alive and perfect, especially the action. You couldn't help it but for mini series, it's amazing action for magic. I must say, we finally found great magic tv series of the year.
    All the casts are perfection. I wish for many awards to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell !
    All the casts are so perfect. like, really. Even, Mr. Norrel's wig. :') Brutal but brilliant.    … Expand
  7. hamagami
    Jul 1, 2015
    9
    Outstanding!
    Yet not perfect, but totally worth it for the cast alone. Sure the characters of the books are endearing in their own right, but the actors are so pitch perfect and talented they truly bring the story to life.
    Eddie Marsan brings his top game as a veteran actor, but Bertie Carvel is just too much fun too watch. His portrayal of enthousiast and rogue Jonathan Strange is some    Outstanding!
    Yet not perfect, but totally worth it for the cast alone. Sure the characters of the books are endearing in their own right, but the actors are so pitch perfect and talented they truly bring the story to life.
    Eddie Marsan brings his top game as a veteran actor, but Bertie Carvel is just too much fun too watch. His portrayal of enthousiast and rogue Jonathan Strange is some of the best acting I've seen on tv my entire life.
    Let's not even get in the supporting cast which is amazing as well, Black, Arabella, Segundus..
    And the gentleman, good lord.
    DO NOT miss it.    … Expand
  8. Elmesfire
    Jun 29, 2015
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, from the suttel method of story delivery to the acting and awesome power of the magic. It's quit a dark and Mysterious show with every episode leaving you wanting to find out more.
  9. fuzzyfeet
    Jul 1, 2015
    5
    A tone-deaf adaptation of a spectacular novel. The wit is all but gone and the characterization is, at times, entirely amiss. For instance: whereas it's clear in the book that Stephen Black is terrified of the gentleman with the thistle-down hair (and constantly trying to undermine him), the TV series makes him seem like something of an accomplice!

    I must say, though, that the grim    A tone-deaf adaptation of a spectacular novel. The wit is all but gone and the characterization is, at times, entirely amiss. For instance: whereas it's clear in the book that Stephen Black is terrified of the gentleman with the thistle-down hair (and constantly trying to undermine him), the TV series makes him seem like something of an accomplice!

    I must say, though, that the grim mood, while absolutely ruining the writing, does wonders for the show's visuals. The sombre colors, the fog, the detailed costumes. Yes, it makes for a particularly convincing period-piece and does a great job establishing an atmosphere, albeit one unfaithful to the source material.    … Expand
  10. 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 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,In 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!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 15, 2015
    70
    Carefully crafted and respectful of its source material.
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