Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

:

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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  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. 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

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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Jun 15, 2015
    70
    Carefully crafted and respectful of its source material.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »