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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  1. dainaron
    Sep 30, 2016
    6
    There's something about Luke cage that feels clunky. The show itself tends to drag at times, and the acting is mediocre across the board excluding some great performances. The writing could also use a little bit of work, it is hard to get through some parts, and the camerawork is dodgy at times.
  2. Dodeska-den
    Sep 30, 2016
    5
    I was really hoping to fall head-over-heels for Luke Cage. Big fan of Daredevil, loved Jessica Jones – and I'm annoyed as hell that the second season is still a long way away – and I thought Luke Cage was perfect in the JJ series. I've only watched E1 so hopefully things will improve for me, but the acting is stilted and the writing uneven at best. It's the Marvel Universe so I'm notI was really hoping to fall head-over-heels for Luke Cage. Big fan of Daredevil, loved Jessica Jones – and I'm annoyed as hell that the second season is still a long way away – and I thought Luke Cage was perfect in the JJ series. I've only watched E1 so hopefully things will improve for me, but the acting is stilted and the writing uneven at best. It's the Marvel Universe so I'm not looking for The Wire, but there's little magic in the dialog and the exposition is heavy handed. I expect pilots to plod a bit but this really leaden. Hoping things pick up....… Expand
  3. 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
  4. SrPepe
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    No es la mejor serie de Marvel pero está bastante buena y trae aún más conceptos que las anteriores.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. AGAZ
    Oct 4, 2016
    4
    Starts full of potential with energetic characters that make things interesting, but sadly down-spirals into a boring snooze-fest.The acting quickly reminds you of an average soap opera and you will find yourself skipping scenes very often due to the endless staring and the ultra slow pace that gets annoying really fast.
  8. 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
  9. thunderbeans
    Oct 16, 2016
    5
    Disappointing. Daredevil and Jessica Jones were excellent, but this series is very slow and at times even boring. The villain of the shows is so 2 dimensional and any action scenes are stripped of excitement due to Luke Cage being invincible. Constant gun fights with no risk of injury was fun at first but becomes dull over and over again. It slaps of lazy writing and quick rush to releaseDisappointing. Daredevil and Jessica Jones were excellent, but this series is very slow and at times even boring. The villain of the shows is so 2 dimensional and any action scenes are stripped of excitement due to Luke Cage being invincible. Constant gun fights with no risk of injury was fun at first but becomes dull over and over again. It slaps of lazy writing and quick rush to release a new Marvel series on the success of JJ.… Expand
  10. AnOldStiffSock
    Oct 31, 2016
    5
    I really liked Luke Cage in Jessica Jones and thought the previous shows put out by Marvel were great so I was expecting something pretty special from them with Luke Cage. Sadly it just wasn't there, most of the acting is corny and some is forced on the brink of being awkward to watch. His origin story seemed kinda mashed up in there and a lot of facts don't add up. The charactersI really liked Luke Cage in Jessica Jones and thought the previous shows put out by Marvel were great so I was expecting something pretty special from them with Luke Cage. Sadly it just wasn't there, most of the acting is corny and some is forced on the brink of being awkward to watch. His origin story seemed kinda mashed up in there and a lot of facts don't add up. The characters sometimes have knowledge about things they shouldn't based on previous interactions they weren't involved in and when they do have knowledge they don't acknowledge it i.e. detective Misty knowing who Diamondback is and his face but not taking him into custody immediately for holding her at gunpoint, two episodes later Luke takes him down in a way that was less than thrilling. Or when the Dr. says it takes a specific high temperature, salt content, and pH to weaken his skin and then when they actually do it Rosario Dawson has to remind him of the salt and temperature, how did an accomplished scientist not have all this written down and ready before the procedure even began??? I think Luke and Rosario Dawson's characters are ok but the rest are weakly written for. I did really like the music in the show, that was a great redeeming factor. I honestly don't know what happened and why there is such a difference between Jessica Jones/Dare Devil and Luke Cage, I hope season 2 is better.… Expand
  11. TheWaa
    Oct 1, 2016
    7
    As a big fan of Dare Devil and Jessica Jones, I was looking forward to the release of Luke Cage. The manner in which Netflix has chosen to portray these superheroes, as flawed, normal people with their own problems without the Hollywood glitz that we have come to expect from the Marvel movies is a breath of fresh air and in my opinion, the way these characters were meant to be portrayed.As a big fan of Dare Devil and Jessica Jones, I was looking forward to the release of Luke Cage. The manner in which Netflix has chosen to portray these superheroes, as flawed, normal people with their own problems without the Hollywood glitz that we have come to expect from the Marvel movies is a breath of fresh air and in my opinion, the way these characters were meant to be portrayed. Netflix did a better job with both of the other soon to be Defenders in this regard.
    Luke Cage has it's highlights, the soundtrack is almost flawless and the cinematography is very well done. Where I feel it falls short is the script. The cast is experienced and well rounded but the actors are not given the quality of writing that is in either of the other series. There are too many moments after a delivery of a cheesy line that make you wonder if the actor finished the scene and said to themselves, did I really just say that?
    Overall it is a good series that does many things right. Cheo Coker set out to make a series that would do for Harlem what "The Wire" did for Baltimore, and the only way to achieve that is to rework the writing.    … Expand
  12. thoodee
    Oct 3, 2016
    5
    HUGE Marvel fan, however, I can't deny I felt a little let down with the show. With the streak Marvel is on, the comparisons made to The Wire, and the hip hop connections involved I really thought I was in for something unique and original but the show was mediocre at best. And although the show had some explicit scenes, this season reminded me more of a abc daytime show, a la Revenge,HUGE Marvel fan, however, I can't deny I felt a little let down with the show. With the streak Marvel is on, the comparisons made to The Wire, and the hip hop connections involved I really thought I was in for something unique and original but the show was mediocre at best. And although the show had some explicit scenes, this season reminded me more of a abc daytime show, a la Revenge, than a hardcore show like The Wire. Too many cliche lines and a lot of the story felt forced leaving most characters' motivations hard to believe. I will say the casting for Luke was pretty spot on and love what he was able to bring to the character. I just wish the writing was stronger.… Expand
  13. jc51coronet
    Oct 12, 2016
    4
    When this show was released I heard on the radio it broke Netflix. I Decided to watch the first episode. Borring, bad writing, bad acting, conflicting character standards. Attractive girl walks into the barber shop and ultimately hits on Luke, he throws her number on the floor and appears to show that he is not ready for any sort of relationship then hours later hooks up with someone.When this show was released I heard on the radio it broke Netflix. I Decided to watch the first episode. Borring, bad writing, bad acting, conflicting character standards. Attractive girl walks into the barber shop and ultimately hits on Luke, he throws her number on the floor and appears to show that he is not ready for any sort of relationship then hours later hooks up with someone. Episode 2 attempted to set up a very awkward and extremely tense moment in the barber shop but failed miserably. The acting nor dialogue improved by episode 2 so I came here to read some reviews and I am not alone, this show is bad. The first episode of any show is suppose to draw you in and spark interest, Lukes character almost achieved this but failed to deliver each time. The cast looks solid so it needs a way better script and directing for me to bother with season 2. I wont bother with any other episodes of season 1. I fell asleep after halfway through episode 2. This show is a far cry from a 10 and not a 1 either. It needs help to reach its potential.

    Start over guys you have a good cast and some potentially interesting storylines here. Polish up the writing and Work on the delivery because its lacking badly.    … Expand
  14. HatersWannaHate
    Oct 3, 2016
    3
    Overrated! Watched all 13 episodes, and if you enjoy listening to 10 hours plus of blaxploitation music, with predictable action, and terrible characters, then you'll LOVE Luke Cage.

    I like the blaxploitation music in moderation, but it is Luke Cage's entire score! We get it! In fact, we got it in episode 1. Most of the characters are weak--especially Misty Knight, played by Simone    Overrated! Watched all 13 episodes, and if you enjoy listening to 10 hours plus of blaxploitation music, with predictable action, and terrible characters, then you'll LOVE Luke Cage.

    I like the blaxploitation music in moderation, but it is Luke Cage's entire score! We get it! In fact, we got it in episode 1.

    Most of the characters are weak--especially Misty Knight, played by Simone Missick. I found it hard to believe this character could be such an idiot, yet appears to have psychic ability

    The show rips off the TV show Hannibal in the way Misty views crime scenes, and the one meaningful message I took from the entire show is black guys wearing hoodies can be the good guys. But we already knew that, which brings me to the point--Luke Cage does nothing original. I watched it all and came here to review in the hopes that I can I can save someone 13 episodes of meh.    … Expand
  15. carter13
    Oct 6, 2016
    4
    A show that picks interesting topics but dives to shallow depths in exploring the ideals of Harlem and current event struggles of low income, violence plague communities. All and all, a lack luster story with a bland and poorly driven protagonist against a undeveloped antagonist that leaves you feeling unsatisfied with each episode's finish.
  16. ScienceAdvisor
    Oct 2, 2016
    6
    The first few episodes seems to be all people watched before running to the internet to judge the entire 13 episodes, which is a crime, since this is Netflix and all were available on-demand. While initially full of promise, it quickly devolves into predictability and long periods of discussions which are quickly made meaningless. If it were not for being able to binge-watch the entireThe first few episodes seems to be all people watched before running to the internet to judge the entire 13 episodes, which is a crime, since this is Netflix and all were available on-demand. While initially full of promise, it quickly devolves into predictability and long periods of discussions which are quickly made meaningless. If it were not for being able to binge-watch the entire 13 hours in about 6 with judicious use of skip (dialogue mostly), this would have been lower. The entire epsiode where he is "healed" (superhero tv trope #2) is so nonsensical that it is worth special note. While the words coming out of Luke's mouth are all correct, his action fall far short of their potential. Perhaps season 2 will improve, but if like Daredevil, this was the highpoint.… Expand
  17. mrmonster
    Oct 4, 2016
    6
    I watched the first three. Suffice to say, I'm disappointed. The show lacks a compelling main character, a developed villain, and interesting action scenes. My main qualm is that Luke Cage is so impervious that when he fights, there's no tension. You know even if he's shot, he can't be hurt.
    I hope when Iron fist comes out, I'm not this disappointed.
  18. oreotchalla
    Oct 8, 2016
    8
    It feels real. Delivers great messages for the youth, nice script, amazing soundtrack and an stunning use of art: production design is on top, great costumes, nice sets, good photography, lovely details. Comparing with Daredevil, it has less fighting scenes, extras and FX, so it feels like Luke Cage was made with less money or something, but it compensates it with great art and details, IIt feels real. Delivers great messages for the youth, nice script, amazing soundtrack and an stunning use of art: production design is on top, great costumes, nice sets, good photography, lovely details. Comparing with Daredevil, it has less fighting scenes, extras and FX, so it feels like Luke Cage was made with less money or something, but it compensates it with great art and details, I think Luke Cage was made with love. Also female roles in Daredevil are basic and weak, and in Luke Cage female characters are strong as hell, thanks for that. Loved how it quoted real life things and how it stands up for black lives matters. Luke Cage's flirting made me giggle, but missed Jessica (my fav of The Defenders so far), and I'm so sorry for her because she was call "a rebound girl" by pops, but mostly, because her man has been drinking coffee with all damn harlem!… Expand
  19. ozymandiaz
    Oct 18, 2016
    2
    I loved Daredevil and Jessica Jones, but this show just did not work for me. There wasn't enough focus on Luke Cage himself. All the sideplots and other characters were really boring, and the acting was pretty terrible. I ended up skipping through most of the last episodes to fast forward Luke's plot line. I hope they just reintegrate him back into the Marvel Universe as I don't thinkI loved Daredevil and Jessica Jones, but this show just did not work for me. There wasn't enough focus on Luke Cage himself. All the sideplots and other characters were really boring, and the acting was pretty terrible. I ended up skipping through most of the last episodes to fast forward Luke's plot line. I hope they just reintegrate him back into the Marvel Universe as I don't think it works as a standalone show.… Expand
  20. Aiace
    Oct 3, 2016
    4
    The choices of the character do not make a bit of sense. The dialogues are so corny even the characters make fun of it. The special effects are stunnungly bad for a Neflix series, so bad that the camera does not focus on the action whenever a special effect would be necessary (Luke that jumps from a building or get hit by a car). Extremely slow pace without any philosphical depth to makeThe choices of the character do not make a bit of sense. The dialogues are so corny even the characters make fun of it. The special effects are stunnungly bad for a Neflix series, so bad that the camera does not focus on the action whenever a special effect would be necessary (Luke that jumps from a building or get hit by a car). Extremely slow pace without any philosphical depth to make it interesting

    All in all, having very much appreciated Jessica Jones and Daredevil, I was really disappointed and surprised by the scarce quality of this show

    Great locations, soundtrack and good casting, but they should fire whoever wrote the plot and dialogues (I skipped a lot of it in the last episodes - totally unnecessary)    … Expand
  21. horrorsparadise
    Sep 30, 2016
    8
    Seen almost half of the season now and it's quite great in many ways. I feel like the dialog is quite bad at times, and acting with that dialog is quite bad. But the show shines most of the time. I love the intro and the setting, it's well done. Compared to Jessica Jones I feel this is a milestone better. But in my opinion worse than Daredevil.

    Luke Cage does very well and quite excited    Seen almost half of the season now and it's quite great in many ways. I feel like the dialog is quite bad at times, and acting with that dialog is quite bad. But the show shines most of the time. I love the intro and the setting, it's well done. Compared to Jessica Jones I feel this is a milestone better. But in my opinion worse than Daredevil.

    Luke Cage does very well and quite excited about the last 6 episodes. I would recommend seeing this Marvel series.    … Expand
  22. Rtheom
    Oct 11, 2016
    8
    Right up there with Daredevil and Jessica Jones and it makes reference to each and the original Avengers movie quite nicely throughout. Actors were top-notch as usual, portraying their characters fantastically, and by the end I was ready for a season 2.

    It wasn't all perfect, the "plot twist" that happens about half-way through the series was kinda meh and there were just one too many    Right up there with Daredevil and Jessica Jones and it makes reference to each and the original Avengers movie quite nicely throughout. Actors were top-notch as usual, portraying their characters fantastically, and by the end I was ready for a season 2.

    It wasn't all perfect, the "plot twist" that happens about half-way through the series was kinda meh and there were just one too many characters to make all of them unique and interesting, but the series did a good job of keeping it's focus on Luke Cage and making him feel like a real person, rather than just another super hero.

    Definitely a must watch for any fan of the Marvel universe.    … Expand
  23. Licherus
    Nov 3, 2016
    1
    Too boring and too stupid. All characters are not interesting and lacks of charisma. Action shot very poorly. Luke is so boring character according to Mike Colter's performance.
  24. Costs1129
    Oct 22, 2016
    2
    Are we watching the same show? The acting is cringe worthy. The hero is hard to relate to (with so much his past being mysterious). I do not understand his interactions with the villains. Everyone else he beats to an inch of their lives, but the most dangerous bad guy he "warns" a thousand times? It makes no sense. This honor in the ghetto makes no sense!
  25. Qldgamer
    Oct 2, 2016
    7
    Very slow to start, too much singing over the acting, the first 4 eps were pretty lame. Luke's character got better as the series went by and Rosario Dawson really lent some great acting.

    Not in the same league as Jessica Jones or Daredevil. But a solid show overall.
  26. Vaxkang
    Oct 16, 2016
    5
    Full of cliche's, terrible writing, the action looks phoney and the acting is mediocre. I could not get past the first 4 episodes because the show is just not worth continuing to see what happens next. Mediocre all around.
  27. Slats
    Oct 20, 2016
    6
    I can't believe I was actually bored watching a Marvel series... I don't know what happened here, but Coulter, who was truly intimidating in his brief appearances in 'The Good Wife', and apparently propped up by the quality personalities around him in Jessica Jones - making him look good - was dull. He has absolutely no acting range, or at least wasn't given license to use it here. TheI can't believe I was actually bored watching a Marvel series... I don't know what happened here, but Coulter, who was truly intimidating in his brief appearances in 'The Good Wife', and apparently propped up by the quality personalities around him in Jessica Jones - making him look good - was dull. He has absolutely no acting range, or at least wasn't given license to use it here. The rest of the actors - the good - Pop is cool and Rosario Dawson who owns everything she's in, and Simone Missick is fantastic although not allowed to stay true to her character. The bad guys are laughable - literally. They are not remotely scary, poorly acted and questionable character choice. I mean Shades, one of the baddest guys around, is played by Theo Rossi - the weakest dude on the block in Son's of Anarchy. He is actually the only semi decent bad guy though, in his defence, which says a lot about the rest of the bunch.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. mehdiveb
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    Briefly I love what marvel do specially the strategy that it takes in TV series and these series has no exception for that, like the previous series its describe everything very well with different aspect of the town,characters,actions,etc.
    that makes me persuasion to see this series and further series for this company
  30. aguarner11
    Oct 2, 2016
    9
    I've watched it in one weekend. What I love the most about this show is the harlem gangsta style and its characters. Luke Cage is not the most iconic hero ever but all the characters that are in the show are just awesome. I love Mr Stokes, Shades, Pop, Misty, Scarfe....
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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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