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. Allanbaxter
    Oct 20, 2018
    3
    I was really looking forward to Luck Cage on Netflix. But alas I was disappointed quite a bit. As Elvis sang. A little less conversation, a little more action, please. I just could not get excited about any of the characters and it started feeling like a soap opera around the 3rd episode. I can't even bring myself to even try watching season 2.
  9. Adelthorne
    Oct 16, 2018
    3
    Compared to Daredevil or Jessica Jones its weak. Better then Iron fist though;)
  10. 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.
  11. crabapple
    Jul 7, 2018
    0
    Superhero soap opera weak on the super hero and strong on the soap opera. Season 2 also suffers from PC syndrome where the lead characters are all strong females in charge and the male characters with the exception of Luke Cage are all emasculated, stupid, or evil, or die. They even portray Luke Cage as a stupid brute with one trick powers. If it was well written this wouldn't be aSuperhero soap opera weak on the super hero and strong on the soap opera. Season 2 also suffers from PC syndrome where the lead characters are all strong females in charge and the male characters with the exception of Luke Cage are all emasculated, stupid, or evil, or die. They even portray Luke Cage as a stupid brute with one trick powers. If it was well written this wouldn't be a problem, but it stands out as being completely unrealistic. Seriously, a superhero show where the superhero male is outnumbered by all of the action-oriented females who get far more screen time and development? IT's like Jessica Jones and Iron Fist all over again -- WAY too much screen time devoted to the villains and their family drama and not enough developing THE HERO. It's a bad cop show with Luke Cage inserted every now and then for the name, but it may as well be generic invulnerable black man versus street thugs because other than the names of characters it doesn't resemble Luke Cage at all.… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. SrPepe
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    No es la mejor serie de Marvel pero está bastante buena y trae aún más conceptos que las anteriores.
  14. Daigoust
    May 26, 2018
    3
    -Trilha sonora perfeita.
    -Ator principal sem carisma.
    -Cenas de ação não chegam aos pé do Demolidor. -Drama/Roteiro nao chega aos pés de Jessica Jones? -Vilão "esquecível" e sem desafio. (exceção para Boca de Algodão que eu adorei) -Cultura, História e Situação do Negro, Racismo e Preconceito mal explorado (um ótimo exemplo de que se pode fazer bem feito é Beast of No Nation)    -Trilha sonora perfeita.
    -Ator principal sem carisma.
    -Cenas de ação não chegam aos pé do Demolidor.
    -Drama/Roteiro nao chega aos pés de Jessica Jones?
    -Vilão "esquecível" e sem desafio. (exceção para Boca de Algodão que eu adorei)
    -Cultura, História e Situação do Negro, Racismo e Preconceito mal explorado (um ótimo exemplo de que se pode fazer bem feito é Beast of No Nation)

    Conclusão: Não é totalmente ruim, seriado poder ser salvo numa segunda temporada com um vilão de verdade, um desafio de verdade, senas melhores de luta, um script/roteiro genial e, pelo amor de deus, matar o cascavel nos primeiros 5 minutos do primeiro ep. da segunda temporada.    … Expand
  15. zurnzurn
    Dec 27, 2017
    4
    The dialogue is painfully bad. I appreciate the effort put into the setting, but even that's not stellar, and can't overcome the terrible deficiencies in the writing.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. GreedyPete69000
    Aug 30, 2017
    6
    Solid! Enjoyable. Mike Colter portrays a consistent, solid, relatable character. Feels very distinct vs the other "Defender" series. I think Iron Fist tried to go with a similar vibe, but failed. Strong supporting cast.
  20. 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
  21. 7ShadesOfEffort
    Apr 18, 2017
    4
    This series had a great potential to be some kind of mix of Daredevil and The Wire but it's totally ruined by flat boring characters, crappy script (including both plot and dialogues), flaccid action and, the most of all, insanely terrible pacing. It feels like a huge filler with 3 or maybe 5 really great moments.
    Talking about great moments, I strongly appreciate main villain's authentic    This series had a great potential to be some kind of mix of Daredevil and The Wire but it's totally ruined by flat boring characters, crappy script (including both plot and dialogues), flaccid action and, the most of all, insanely terrible pacing. It feels like a huge filler with 3 or maybe 5 really great moments.
    Talking about great moments, I strongly appreciate main villain's authentic look: something that finally doesn't look like dirty mess of padded rubber strips (ironically, MCU's best title Daredevil suffers from this problem the most).

    3 out of 7: meh.    … Expand
  22. MiguelSoares14
    Apr 12, 2017
    5
    Usually i don't like this type of TV Shows with Super Heroes but this one surprised me. Interesting character Luke Cage is but everybody else could be better. The story was a bit boring and the "bad guys" were not that impressive. Let't wait on the next seasons
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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".
  27. 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.
  28. Jaleo
    Jan 12, 2017
    3
    I don't know where to start. Well, let's see... Daredevil set the bar very high... then came Jessica Jones, wasn't expecting it to be as good as DD, and after all was another kind of heroe. So with Luke Cage was expecting to contain more action, and then turned out to be the typical show about Harlem gangs but with a bald black guy with super strenght (which is very poorly performed). TheI don't know where to start. Well, let's see... Daredevil set the bar very high... then came Jessica Jones, wasn't expecting it to be as good as DD, and after all was another kind of heroe. So with Luke Cage was expecting to contain more action, and then turned out to be the typical show about Harlem gangs but with a bald black guy with super strenght (which is very poorly performed). The plot is super slow, and when were thinking something big was going to happen, then the show dissapoints you again. There have been times I literaly fell asleep. Also are continuously expecting more cameos or references, or even a crossover, but nothing. The plot and the characters are so unineteristing and have no charisma, the story so poorly written, the "action" (if you can call it action) is so mediocre, low, rigid, cheap... and if Agents of Shield has special FX from the 90's, this serie has none. And could go on. I guess they spent the budget on the soundtrack, because I cannot explain how this product is so poorly done after the masterpiece of Daredevil.… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. jibaro
    Dec 5, 2016
    3
    I waited for this series to come up, though it would be great. To my surprise it was a let down. What is wrong with Netflix and it's heroes?

    Luke Cage is a slow soap opera and my wife could not stand it. Right now I'm forcing myself to watch it with the hope it will improve but old Luke is slow, no style, depressed ,cowardly super hero. To top it all out, he shows his face openly so the    I waited for this series to come up, though it would be great. To my surprise it was a let down. What is wrong with Netflix and it's heroes?

    Luke Cage is a slow soap opera and my wife could not stand it. Right now I'm forcing myself to watch it with the hope it will improve but old Luke is slow, no style, depressed ,cowardly super hero. To top it all out, he shows his face openly so the bad guys can go after those dear to him. A real flake.

    What happened to Marvel's heroes flippant nature. He could at least pretend he is some kind of Super Fly or something. I really don't get it.

    Racists?, Well this takes place in Harlem. I haven't been there for a long time but as I remember it the people in Harlem are mostly black with some Hispanics thrown in. It's the lack of action that gets me and the flaky attitude of a man that is supposed to be bullet proof and super strong.    … Expand
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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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