Marvel's Luke Cage

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 30, 2016
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1053 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 832 out of 1053
  2. Mixed: 122 out of 1053
  3. Negative: 99 out of 1053
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User Reviews

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  1. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    A lot of people don't like this series, but I really like it, that's what I think.
  2. cdougall
    Aug 4, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s nice to a Marvel Netflix show centered around a black superhero. Luke Cage s1 is well acted, written and directed. The story and dialogue, as with shows like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, gives us a deep look at how Cage’s experiences in the past have made him who he is today. At the end of the day, the Marvel Netflix shows (the good ones) are character studies that give us people with traumatic experiences and some sort of superhuman ability and put them into situations that make them question who they are and what they’re place in the world is, and Luke Cage is no exception to this. LC also follows the structure of having the traumatic experience be in the past and us following their story in the present, but also having frequent flashbacks to give depth to the character and the season. LC does this very well and manages to not let any moments in episodes interfere with the bigger plot. This season, while there is violence and are complicated themes, is a slightly easier show to watch than Daredevil or Jessica Jones were, which is interesting since Luke Cage is a spin off of Jessica Jones. Cage benefits from being a character we’ve seen before, so we’ve had a little time to get to know him before we see him in his own show. Mahershala Ali’s Cottonmouth is a nice antagonist; he’s reminiscent of Fisk since he doesn’t have any superpower or special abilities, but he’s isn’t able to reach Fisk’s level due to his fate in s1. That’s the real shame and disappointment of this season for me since Ali is a great actor and I would’ve loved to see the villain get developed more. Cottonmouth feels like a missed opportunity to me as he’s more intriguing to me than Kilgrave was, and while I don’t think the season totally squandered Ali, I don’t think it made great use of him, either. Overall, Luke Cage season 1 succeeds in many areas where some of it’s predecessors did and serves as a little bit of a palate cleanser for fans.… Expand
  3. drlowdon
    May 23, 2021
    7
    When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive and must attempt to rebuild his life in Harlem.

    The latest in a line of collaborations between Marvel and Netflix, Luke Cage should appeal to anyone that enjoyed Daredevil and/or Jessica Jones. Personally I didn’t find this series quite as enjoyable as the debut seasons of either of    When a sabotaged experiment gives him super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage becomes a fugitive and must attempt to rebuild his life in Harlem.

    The latest in a line of collaborations between Marvel and Netflix, Luke Cage should appeal to anyone that enjoyed Daredevil and/or Jessica Jones. Personally I didn’t find this series quite as enjoyable as the debut seasons of either of those shows, Luke’s initial reluctance to fight during the opening episodes was particularly frustrating (why waste the time when we know he’ll fight at some point?) but overall it was relatively entertaining.    … Expand
  4. geewah
    Jan 6, 2021
    7
    Does follow some predictable tropes but a solid and entertaining entry into the MCU.
  5. Larian
    Apr 4, 2019
    10
    Hands down one of the best of the Netflixs marvel shows, if not THE BEST. well written, well acted and true to the original comics. a home run!
  6. ShadowKat69
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    Neat show, my family and I have fun watching it, we enjoyed the characters, the action and all the other stuff that was going on.
    I was disappointed that they killed off cottonmouth, it felt too soon and I was hoping they'd do more with him but Diamondback, Mariah and Bushmaster weren't bad villains so my disappoint wasn't long-lived though I never really like it all that much when they    Neat show, my family and I have fun watching it, we enjoyed the characters, the action and all the other stuff that was going on.
    I was disappointed that they killed off cottonmouth, it felt too soon and I was hoping they'd do more with him but Diamondback, Mariah and Bushmaster weren't bad villains so my disappoint wasn't long-lived though I never really like it all that much when they kill off comic characters (even though I'm usually all like dude just kill him/her it will stop them from hurting others better than the justice system you dumb f*@# so at times I kinda get what I never really wanted)    … Expand
  7. Zeblar99
    Jan 18, 2019
    8
    Albeit too long, Luke Cage manages to be a success with great characters, good villains and a solid story.
  8. JLuis_001
    Sep 6, 2018
    7
    Can somebody explain how a medium comic book show with a very uncharismatic protagonist gets rid of his best villain and character in the middle of the season?
    Another series that extends its stay and the 13 episodes feels too many.
  9. hitzestau
    Jul 6, 2018
    8
    After a rather disappointing first season, the producer really nailed it this time around. They have an excellent cast and the storylines are nicely intertwined and have a few surprises in store. I really hope that there will be a third season.
  10. SrPepe
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    No es la mejor serie de Marvel pero está bastante buena y trae aún más conceptos que las anteriores.
  11. LinttaFlamingo
    Dec 21, 2017
    8
    Luke going against 30 people and spinning them down with a sofa while some Wu-Tang Clan is playing is funny and awesome!

    I mostly really enjoyed Luke Cage. The first few episodes, just like in Jessica Jones, are damn good. The introduction of Luke Cage and the antagonist Cottonmouth is pretty much perfect. The show was immediately able to grab me and make me want to see more of the    Luke going against 30 people and spinning them down with a sofa while some Wu-Tang Clan is playing is funny and awesome!

    I mostly really enjoyed Luke Cage. The first few episodes, just like in Jessica Jones, are damn good. The introduction of Luke Cage and the antagonist Cottonmouth is pretty much perfect. The show was immediately able to grab me and make me want to see more of the characters. Later a character called Shades also came in to the show and he was freaking awesome too. Although there are some smaller characters at some points that weren't interesting and some of the acting was pretty bad especially after watching Mike Colter and Mahershala Ali just grab every scene they're in with their performances.

    Luke Cage was also paced pretty well, and the 13 episode thing didn't bother me almost at all. There is repetition in the final two episodes, and it was uninteresting, but I was still alright with it because there was a lot of cool stuff too. The club scenes (especially in the first half of the show) and the action scenes were the best part. Aside from some weird camerawork at times, they were well made and the soundtrack mixed in to the scenes was amazing. A perfect blend of jazz, funk and hip hop, I loved it.

    Even though It's not a perfect show, I enjoyed my time with it. Though it's not something I'd watch a second time really. Bonus points for Kendrick Lamar reference and a Sway cameo though!    … Expand
  12. Aloxb3
    Oct 23, 2017
    10
    Essa série é simplesmente FODA! Todos os atores são perfeitos para os personagem, a fotografia é excelente, a direção, edição e trilha sonora são sem palavras (não consigo imaginar melhor!), além de todas as referências ao Harlem e a cultura negra como um todo incluindo algumas falas que refletem sentimentos reais, não pela visão de quem está na série mas de quem esta assistindo. Por maisEssa série é simplesmente FODA! Todos os atores são perfeitos para os personagem, a fotografia é excelente, a direção, edição e trilha sonora são sem palavras (não consigo imaginar melhor!), além de todas as referências ao Harlem e a cultura negra como um todo incluindo algumas falas que refletem sentimentos reais, não pela visão de quem está na série mas de quem esta assistindo. Por mais que vc procure não há erros nesse trabalho, portanto, ASSISTA! ;P… Expand
  13. CatastropheGame
    Sep 28, 2017
    7
    I loved this show so much, It was very entertaining and I couldn't get enough of the ideas and story behind it, the problem with the show and the reason It's not a 10/10 for me, a couple actors were very bad and didn't play the part that well, the story was dragged on for so long and I felt that so many incident's could have happened a lot quicker than they did, there were also pointlessI loved this show so much, It was very entertaining and I couldn't get enough of the ideas and story behind it, the problem with the show and the reason It's not a 10/10 for me, a couple actors were very bad and didn't play the part that well, the story was dragged on for so long and I felt that so many incident's could have happened a lot quicker than they did, there were also pointless scenes where random people would die and they didn't really matter that much to the story, I loved the show but theirs problems with it, Iron fist was better.… Expand
  14. Tss5078
    Jul 12, 2017
    8
    I was never a big superhero guy, but what I love about this new crop of Netflix superhero shows, is that for the most part the characters are new and relatively unknown to the general audience. It's so refreshing to see something in the genre beyond Batman and Superman. What's more is that this new crop of superhero is much more realistic than anything we've seen before, perhaps none moreI was never a big superhero guy, but what I love about this new crop of Netflix superhero shows, is that for the most part the characters are new and relatively unknown to the general audience. It's so refreshing to see something in the genre beyond Batman and Superman. What's more is that this new crop of superhero is much more realistic than anything we've seen before, perhaps none more so than Luke Cage.

    Luke Cage was in prison for a crime he didn't commit, the victim of a horrifying experiment that left him with super strength and unbreakable skin. Unlike the other superheroes, Luke doesn't want to be a hero, he just wants to live a normal life in obscurity, in his Harlem neighborhood content with working in a barber shop. What Luke can't stand though is seeing injustice, when he knows that he is capable of doing something about it. When he finally decides to take a stand, all hell breaks loose.

    What I find odd is how everyone is talking about Wonder Woman. How it's more than time we had a strong female superhero and how great the film was, but no one mentioned the fact that it's about time we had a strong African-American superhero too. What's more is that his story was completely original and more realistic than any other superhero film or TV show I've ever seen! Luke Cage isn't a blind attorney who somehow sees everything. He's not fighting some ridiculous weird purple mist, and he's not some samurai who thinks he's a God, Luke Cage is just a man, who is fighting gangsters and corrupt politicians.

    Mike Colter is the star of the show and he just has this way about him that is infectious and makes you want to follow him. He couldn't be more perfect for this role, as he's laid back most of the time until he's not and then watch out. As for his co-stars, the stand out among them is recent Academy Award winner, Mahershala Ali. I said it years ago when I reviewed his awful show, the 4400, and I've repeated it every time I've seen him since, this guy is outstanding! Ali is one of the best actors, who until last year, nobody knew existed. Every single thing he is in, is that much better because of it, and I am thoroughly entertained every single time I watch him. His portrayal of the gangster Cottonmouth, was the best villain I've seen in a superhero themed project since Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight.

    The bottom line, Luke Cage IS a real life superhero. To date there has never been anything in the genre, even close to being as real or as honest as this. Luke Cage is unique, dynamic, and exciting, as well as being the best written out of any superhero show that I've ever seen. Marvel didn't just hit a home run with Luke Cage, they hit a grand slam!    … Expand
  15. BeerNinjaUK
    Mar 29, 2017
    8
    Most of the time I loved it, the dark story, the cool characters but at the same time, it could be a little cheesy. Still worth a watch if you like The Marvel Universe.
  16. JokerMeGreen
    Mar 24, 2017
    8
    Just finished watching Luke Cage and I gotta say I'm impressed on how the story was delivered throughout each episode. Never had I been "bored" , or feel that the characters lack "charisma". Each character for me was interesting and easy to connect with as the story progress and the soundtrack was a perfect touch.
  17. JustP
    Mar 19, 2017
    7
    Pros: Great soundtrack, ok-to-good acting, Visually compelling, the story isn't too bad either.

    Cons: the final fight scenes are underwhelming as is the main villain, the writing is cringe-worthy at times.
  18. ozymandias79
    Mar 13, 2017
    8
    It's good. It's black. It's good because its black. Luke Cage is a thoroughly entertaining TV series. The musical score to this show is outstanding. The character of Luke Cage is somewhat aloof and has few lines but that's okay, because Luke Cage is a badass ummm.... African-American. Can't wait for season two and "The Defenders".
  19. JTV
    Jan 21, 2017
    7
    The show doesn't go by the 70's origin of Powerman comics AKA Luke Cage, it try to be a modern version. I like the actors, the setting and the writing...it could of done better I just hope the second season improves the shows.
  20. BaukCro
    Dec 20, 2016
    7
    I must admit that I am not a fan of Marvel super heroes but this series would be better if they reduce the drama that constantly runs through a series and throw more action because this is monotonous and boring.
  21. alejandro970
    Dec 2, 2016
    8
    One of Marvel best plays for TV. Mike Colter wears well the role of the backstreet Harlem hero, with smart drama and pounding action sequences; the final chapter develops expectation for next season.
  22. ReubenIsAGod
    Nov 22, 2016
    9
    Finally I can give my full opinion on Marvel's Luke Cage.

    Luke Cage is one of the most socially relevant tv shows airing today. Especially today when racial tensions between cops and black skinned males is ever so present throughout. I think my favorite aspect about the show had to be the beautiful setting of Harlem. You feel the city. The show drags you in and presents itself, in    Finally I can give my full opinion on Marvel's Luke Cage.

    Luke Cage is one of the most socially relevant tv shows airing today. Especially today when racial tensions between cops and black skinned males is ever so present throughout.

    I think my favorite aspect about the show had to be the beautiful setting of Harlem. You feel the city. The show drags you in and presents itself, in this beautiful yet corrupt and damaged community where crime is present throughout, where history, art, music and culture is present and alive throughout this magnificent realization of such an astonishing historical urban environment. All of this is enhanced by some breath taking cinematography and easily one of the best, and most memorable, soundtracks of the whole Marvel Extended Universe.

    But at the heart, yes, this is a superhero story about Luke Cage, and boy, it is one hell of a wild ride. The acting is amazing and all the supporting cast give such great full on performances. And the villain, another win for Neflicks, a truly sensational character, Cottonmouth, who brings fear, intimidation and just pure character to ever seen he is in.

    Many have complained about the last act of the show, from reviews I have read here on metacritic and from over review outlets. But I, personally, found myself completely on-board and engaged until the very end. I love it, honestly, I think Marvel's Luke Cage is probably my second favorite Marvel Netflick's show with the first season of Daredevil being my all time favoruite.

    I am very much looking forward to seeing more of the character and cannot wait for Marvel's Iron Fist.

    If you are a fan of Blaxploitation cinema and or 90s hard-core hassle cinema and basically just Marvel Television in general you owe it to yourself to check out Marvel's Luke Cage.

    My only real complaints tend to be that, much like many of the other Netflix shows, it gets a little slow near the middle point of the show.

    I really recommend taking your time with the show instead of just binge watching it. I think a lot of these Marvel Netflix's show are better watched in small doses apposed to a full on binge session, for it really allows you to kinda just grow and appreciate the show a lot more.

    Id give Luke Cage a solid 9/10    … Expand
  23. nightblade00
    Nov 15, 2016
    9
    "Long live the Chief"

    One of the most successful stylistically creative T.V. shows in a long time. Netflix is on top of their game with this show---which varies greatly from the creative choices in the other Defender shows (Jessica Jones, Daredevil). Also, whoever did the soundtrack and score for this show deserves and Emmy. If you have been watching the show and haven't been    "Long live the Chief"

    One of the most successful stylistically creative T.V. shows in a long time. Netflix is on top of their game with this show---which varies greatly from the creative choices in the other Defender shows (Jessica Jones, Daredevil). Also, whoever did the soundtrack and score for this show deserves and Emmy. If you have been watching the show and haven't been listening to "long live the Chief"-- you're doing it wrong.    … Expand
  24. Percula
    Nov 15, 2016
    8
    This series offers a great presentation of Harlem but then suffers in its second half when it makes you remember more and more that it's based on a comic. At least that would be my explanation for the weirdness of the antagonist.
  25. browno47
    Nov 8, 2016
    9
    What can I say? Great show! I binge-watched the entire season one over the weekend and I am impressed. Well developed characters, great music from awesome artists, excellent writing, beautiful girls and solid performances. If you only want action go somewhere else. If you also want drama, tension, an actual plot that evolves, and a few laughs mixed in with your special effects then this isWhat can I say? Great show! I binge-watched the entire season one over the weekend and I am impressed. Well developed characters, great music from awesome artists, excellent writing, beautiful girls and solid performances. If you only want action go somewhere else. If you also want drama, tension, an actual plot that evolves, and a few laughs mixed in with your special effects then this is the place to be. "Luke Cage" is not perfect but then I've never seen a show that is. But for people like me who grew up on Marvel comic books and love a mix of fantasy with reality in their TV shows or movies, this is pretty close to the top of the food chain.… Expand
  26. Dannyboy525
    Nov 3, 2016
    7
    I have mixed feeling's about this show, It's got a lot of positives for me, but it's also got some negatives. I think the tone is great. I have not read the comics, but I think they do a great job of modernising the character, however the show just doesn't have that stand out part to it that makes me want to watch the next episode. Daredevil has it's awesome choreographed fight scenes andI have mixed feeling's about this show, It's got a lot of positives for me, but it's also got some negatives. I think the tone is great. I have not read the comics, but I think they do a great job of modernising the character, however the show just doesn't have that stand out part to it that makes me want to watch the next episode. Daredevil has it's awesome choreographed fight scenes and side characters. Jessica Jones had the best villain I have ever seen on a show, but Luke Cage kinda goes through the motions.

    The action scenes are not great a lot of time it's just Luke walking very slow towards a group of guys shooting him ineffectively while he's throwing them around the room.

    The villains are ok, there not as compelling to watch as Wilson Fisk or Kilgrave though.

    The shows main point is about Luke Cage accepting who he is and taking responsibility for his actions, which I think the show does really well, but for me the show feels a lot more slow paced compared to the other Marvel shows because that's kinda all it has. Where Jessica Jones and Daredevil had it's side story's like the Punisher or balancing there second occupations being a Lawyer/Detective, both very intertesting occupations, Luke is a barber well not even that he sweeps hairs up...

    The show really would of benefited If Luke cage had to actually do some real detective work and stretched out who diamondback was and his motivations for wanting Luke cage dead. I would of loved Luke Cage taking a few more episodes uncovering diamondback and a side character uncovering who Luke Cage was before he arrived at Harlem. Instead we get it all covered between 2 episodes and the rest is the villains whining about Luke Cage.

    I think Luke Cage is a good show but definitely the weakest of the Marvel Netflix shows.    … Expand
  27. Melisa77
    Nov 2, 2016
    7
    The trailer for this really caught me. However, after a few episodes, I lost interest in it. The acting is poor with a ton of cheesy lines. Mike Colter is good but the cast lacks what it takes to pull off a convincing performance. I feel like they did the work but didn't give it their all. During some episodes I'll literally put it on pause because the acting was so poor. I'll get back toThe trailer for this really caught me. However, after a few episodes, I lost interest in it. The acting is poor with a ton of cheesy lines. Mike Colter is good but the cast lacks what it takes to pull off a convincing performance. I feel like they did the work but didn't give it their all. During some episodes I'll literally put it on pause because the acting was so poor. I'll get back to it when there nothing else I fancy. The story line is interesting though, I like that Luke is cleaning up and that he is almost immortal but even that part needed to be a bit more compelling. I'm on episode 8, I'll finish it though just only because I like to finish whatever I start and not because I'm exciting to do so as is usually the case with Arrow or House of Cards where the acting is superb. Improve the acting in season 2, pretty please.… Expand
  28. TheQuietGamer
    Oct 28, 2016
    9
    Another strong entry in Netflix's side of the MCU. The different perspective makes the world these heroes and villains live in feel more alive and diverse. For the majority of it's run, the adventures of Luke Cage are very compelling. The characters in this story are complex and interesting. They come together to form a very compelling whole.

    Something that works with these Netflix    Another strong entry in Netflix's side of the MCU. The different perspective makes the world these heroes and villains live in feel more alive and diverse. For the majority of it's run, the adventures of Luke Cage are very compelling. The characters in this story are complex and interesting. They come together to form a very compelling whole.

    Something that works with these Netflix series is that they are really allowed to take the time to fully dive into multiple aspects of these character's personalities. Much like Daredevil and Jessica Jones before him, there's a lot going on with Luke Cage. However, he's not the only one with an exciting tale to tell.

    Just about everyone onscreen is worth following. The increase in attention to the villains does a fantastic job of making Cage's conflict more interesting. While perhaps a little strong on the gangster motif, it allows the show to feel different from anything else that's come before in the MCU. Think superhero movie meets Blaxploitation flick in some way. Anyways, I can't praise the villains enough. I'd say they are the best the MCU has offered so far, big-screen or not.

    There is one complaint I have with Luke Cage though. It just feels to stretched out at a certain point. The first half of the season is excellent all the way through. However at a certain point there is a noticeable drop in quality. Particularly in the writing. A few things going on begin to not make much sense. Making some of the end season wrap ups feel all too convenient.

    Yet, it's a small drop altogether. The show still remains incredibly enjoyable until it's conclusion. The characters are excellent and the plot compelling. It also manages to tell a very different kind of superhero story. If you've enjoyed Netflix's previous MCU series, I'd find it hard to imagine you'd be disappointed now.

    9.4/10    … Expand
  29. LucasGabriel95
    Oct 27, 2016
    10
    A nice serie, punctual, with interesting theme and well Featured characters.
    Netflix / Marvel did a great job. I hope that the second season be as good as the first.
  30. natesplace19010
    Oct 26, 2016
    9
    Great show, suffers in the middle a bit but the last 4 episodes are so so good. They address racism and marginalization so well. Luke cage does an awesome job, Cottonmouth and Diamondback are formidable foes recommend it.
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best TV Season of 2016
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
43
#43 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Ryan E.C. Hamm
    Oct 18, 2016
    70
    Overall, the show could have used a little tightening (it might be time to rethink the 13-episode model, which Daredevil's second season ought to have already proven), and episodes can lag a little bit in the middle, but it's an enjoyable ride.
    Read full review
  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    Oct 6, 2016
    70
    Despite its languid narrative style, Luke Cage is doing many fascinating things. Its mood and visual aesthetic are as well-honed as the perfectly bleak Jessica Jones; its action scenes, when they arrive, are brutal and swift; and its lead performers are uniformly terrific, most of all Mike Colter as Cage, who wrings endless charisma from his character’s resolute stoicism.
    Read full review
  3. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Oct 3, 2016
    100
    These shows are character studies. They are methodical and well-orchestrated. Both are a joy to watch and savor.
    Read full review
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