Marvel's The Punisher

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 17, 2017
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 821 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 697 out of 821
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 821
  3. Negative: 88 out of 821
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  1. GreenTom
    Dec 8, 2017
    1
    It’s a slow, boring, monotonous story. The Punisher isn't dynamic. There is almost no action. The Punisher wears his iconic outfit for perhaps twenty minutes total in the entire season.
    Too much talking and too many unnecessary characters.
    The Punisher 2017 worse than Daredevil season 2.
  2. Locust69
    Nov 18, 2017
    10
    amazing TV show.... this is what punisher should be. Dont let MCU haters and libtards discourage you from watching it. Its not some kind of modern SJW, PC trash those people like so those so called proffessional reviewers dislike it. But man action, story, mood everything is 10/10.
  3. hahahacker
    Nov 24, 2017
    4
    The Punisher spends almost no time killing mobsters instead they threw in some generic government conspiracy **** its a decent show but its not a good Punisher show
  4. DKStrohl
    Nov 24, 2017
    8
    Other than Jessica Jones, this is the best Marvel adaption Netflix has done. Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle) is great in everything he does, and is fantastic as the Punisher. Is it a great show? No, but its really fun and entertaining.
  5. UncutSuspiria
    Nov 20, 2017
    6
    The series is good, but painfully boring. There is absolutely no action from episodes 2 to 10. All action is in the first episode and last two, the middle is nothing but a long drawn out story. This is a huge letdown and not at all a good way to portray the Punisher, especially after his badassness in Daredevil. It is worth watching, but don't expect to watch a series with action.
  6. TheQuietGamer
    Nov 21, 2017
    9
    It was pretty much unanimous last year that the highlight of Daredevil's second season was Jon Bernthal's top-notch portrayal of the classic anti-hero "The Punisher." Turns out Marvel and Netflix were just as big of fans as we were, as they started developing this spin-off before the character's introduction to the MCU was even released. For those hoping to see a continuation of Bernthal'sIt was pretty much unanimous last year that the highlight of Daredevil's second season was Jon Bernthal's top-notch portrayal of the classic anti-hero "The Punisher." Turns out Marvel and Netflix were just as big of fans as we were, as they started developing this spin-off before the character's introduction to the MCU was even released. For those hoping to see a continuation of Bernthal's excellent work as Frank Castle, know that he doesn't leave you disappointed. His performance is absolutely incredible. The show itself is very faithful to the character and his stories. Any comic book fan will feel right at home. Just know going into this that there are some pacing issues to contend with.

    There's a lot of what feels like downtime in the plot. The show drags it's feet in it's middle episodes and I can't help but wonder if it would have been better off condensed to a shorter running time. I was certainly never bored while watching The Punisher, in fact this is the fastest I've made it through one of these Marvel/Netflix shows due to how gripping and addictive I found it to be, but it was very clear that a lot of what I was watching was filler. Certain subplots feel unnecessary and there's a lot of waiting around for the next significant plot piece to show up. It all ties in together nicely though, and this is certainly good filler. The show uses it's slower moments to build on Frank as a character, showing that he's more than just a mindless killing machine. It also tackles hot social and political topics and takes the time to make us care about all it's characters, supporting and essential. So in the end I can't complain too much. Especially since it humanizes this character in ways the movies haven't before and delivers a world that's darker and grimier than even that of Jessica Jones. Just know that you aren't always going to see The Punisher, well, punish.

    When the guns do come out, boy did they nail the brutality. This is a violent show. Very violent. The best part is how it manages to mix the gunplay with a sense of moral quandary. It manages to include the graphic depictions, make them exciting and fun to watch, without over-glorifying all of the killing. It rightfully shows that The Punisher's actions are both a result of being backed into a corner and his fragmented sanity. It doesn't pull any punches and is certainly satisfying to watch, but this isn't killing just for the sake of killing. It's done maturely so that there's a brain mixed in with all that blood.

    Simply put, I was hooked on The Punisher from the first episode. I cared about all of it's characters and their stories even when things got slow. It does total justice to a character who is just too controversial to ever be a true hit with professional critics out there. However, where this show succeeds where the movies have failed is in making Frank Castle more than just a killing machine. They gave him depth and filled his world a lot of character who are just as interesting in their own ways. This is right up there with the best of what the MCU has to offer, and I, for one, can't wait for more.    … Expand
  7. fersosar2001
    Nov 24, 2017
    10
    After finishing this amazing show, I thought I was gonna see great reviews by critics. But after seeing the metacritic and rotten tomatoes scores so low; I couldn't believe my eyes. After the letdown of "Luke Cage", "Iron Fist", and good, but not great "The Defenders", I was careful with myself to not get too hype. In fact, I was barely hyped (with the fact that Punisher was my secondAfter finishing this amazing show, I thought I was gonna see great reviews by critics. But after seeing the metacritic and rotten tomatoes scores so low; I couldn't believe my eyes. After the letdown of "Luke Cage", "Iron Fist", and good, but not great "The Defenders", I was careful with myself to not get too hype. In fact, I was barely hyped (with the fact that Punisher was my second favorite character in Daredevil S2), since Netflix Marvel shows has decreased in quality with time; but I can gladly say, that this amazing shows are back! The action is extremely good and satyisfying, the characters such as the Punisher (of course), and Micro (which I knew nothing about, and he is great), etc, made this show amazing. The acting is superb, and the villain (which I won't spoil), although not as compelling as the Kingpin or Kilgrave, it's still a great villain, and it's third on my list of Netlix Marvel villains. Point is, you are gonna love this show if you love the Punisgher (who doesn't?), and it deserves a LOT higher than what it has. Finally Netlix Marvel is back on track! Just WATCH this, please!… Expand
  8. insickness
    Nov 23, 2017
    3
    Each episode is 50 minutes of talk and 5 minutes of action. In 13 hours of this series, there's enough action to fill about one exciting movie. 90 percent of it is people having conversations with other people in boring locations. Every turn of plot is dragged out five times longer than it needs to be. Jon Bernthal is fantastic. The other actors aren't bad. The production is good.Each episode is 50 minutes of talk and 5 minutes of action. In 13 hours of this series, there's enough action to fill about one exciting movie. 90 percent of it is people having conversations with other people in boring locations. Every turn of plot is dragged out five times longer than it needs to be. Jon Bernthal is fantastic. The other actors aren't bad. The production is good. Everything is well-made. It's just painfully slow and talky.… Expand
  9. leaveit
    Nov 26, 2017
    0
    Incredibly overwrought and boring. What's next, a miniseries about Kraven the Hunter and the fall of the Russian monarchy? If I wanted a meditation on PTSD and gun violence starring Jon Bernthal I'd watch Sicario, something most of these fanboys would consider horribly boring. At least it doesn't take an hour to play out a plot I can describe in about two or three sentences.
  10. Kannibal
    Nov 20, 2017
    2
    Painfully expositional and without even a semblance of subtlety, I could barely make it through the first episode. Netflix could have done so much more with so much less, in regards to dialogue. Do audiences really need to be talked down to such degree?
  11. jerkface910
    Nov 23, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As a fan of The Punisher comic from #1 on up, I did expect to hold this to a high bar, but I also thought The Punisher was excellent in Daredevil season 2. Unfortunately the series creators were not content with rolling right along and so they decide to retire The Punisher and then provide a new origin story that unfolds at a glacial pace. Will Frank return as The Punisher? Hmmm, the series I'm watching is titled 'The Punisher' so probably. Will Frank and Micro team up? Probably!
    The overarching military conspiracy is tedious and there isn't much mystery to it after three episodes. The Punisher wears his iconic tactical outfit for perhaps fifteen minutes total in the entire season. He's often badly wounded by stuff his vest would have stopped, leaving you wondering why Frank is so dumb. Things pick up a little in the final few episodes but not by much. I literally finished the series just to see if Billy would indeed become Jigsaw.
    Hopefully there is a season 2 and it can come out guns blazing.    … Expand
  12. j4ckgreen
    Dec 11, 2017
    2
    The Punisher is a huge disappointment. The show isn't dynamic. There is not enough action. The story is so monotonous and uninteresting. Endless conversations, unnecessary and boring characters, they getting more screen time than the Punisher himself, the main villain is weak.
    I had to wait til the ten episode to actually see the Punisher.
    I liked the punisher apparition in Daredevil 2,    The Punisher is a huge disappointment. The show isn't dynamic. There is not enough action. The story is so monotonous and uninteresting. Endless conversations, unnecessary and boring characters, they getting more screen time than the Punisher himself, the main villain is weak.
    I had to wait til the ten episode to actually see the Punisher.
    I liked the punisher apparition in Daredevil 2, but not this show.    … Expand
  13. doubledown-hust
    Nov 20, 2017
    1
    This is not Punisher in any way !!! If you think so you have never read Punisher . The first episode was very good, Then is collapsed from there on. It's boring, the Mirco story plot is ridiculous. I'm Sorry Marvel really needs to do better with Iron fist unwatchable and The Defends just silly . Hire some real writers for these shows please. Please Read Punisher MAX!!
  14. ScienceAdvisor
    Nov 19, 2017
    3
    Underwhelming, over hyped, and drawn-out. One of the most damning aspects is that the trailer is better than the show and contains at least one scene that does not take place in the entire 13 epsiode run. Unless they stop trying to turn The Punisher into a violent soap opera, this will not see a third season. Bernthal does his best to elevate the material to something more than it is,Underwhelming, over hyped, and drawn-out. One of the most damning aspects is that the trailer is better than the show and contains at least one scene that does not take place in the entire 13 epsiode run. Unless they stop trying to turn The Punisher into a violent soap opera, this will not see a third season. Bernthal does his best to elevate the material to something more than it is, but not even he can make this into the hit many claim.… Expand
  15. mikemcadams55
    Nov 26, 2017
    5
    In my opinion, this was probably the weakest of the Marvel Netflix shows. I keep reading review after review of this show and people are praising it as the best of the best? Why? It was 1-2 episodes of decent content, and then 9 episodes of boring exposition that just seemed to be filler, and then 2-3 episodes-worth of ACTUAL "The Punisher". And as much as I enjoy Bernthal and think heIn my opinion, this was probably the weakest of the Marvel Netflix shows. I keep reading review after review of this show and people are praising it as the best of the best? Why? It was 1-2 episodes of decent content, and then 9 episodes of boring exposition that just seemed to be filler, and then 2-3 episodes-worth of ACTUAL "The Punisher". And as much as I enjoy Bernthal and think he is a great actor, he keeps playing psychopaths. Frank Castle is not some angry, brooding child but a calculating and precise instrument of war who scares the PEE out of his adversaries. This version of The Punisher made me feel like I was watching a man with "special-needs" running around with guns half of the show (when they actually had him pick up a gun and fight). This was bar-none the most boring of the different Marvel shows on Netflix, and makes me wonder what everybody else is praising. 13 episodes that could have been condensed into a 4-part mini-series honestly. What a waste of talent, resources, and most importantly, my own time.… Expand
  16. Tina10
    Feb 21, 2018
    0
    This horrible tv show is not only boring and incredibly corny in a patriotic sense; it also does nothing to help the epidemic gun violence in America. You would think Americans would learn watching their children being massacred.
  17. MrNonono
    Nov 19, 2017
    4
    People attacking 'the critics' ad hominem because they don't agree. Babbling about unrelated (American) politics. But they still give the show a 9 or 10, without a single argument. This kind of negativity and stupidity will kill off the social media factor in media.

    If you like the show, tell as detailed as possible WHY you like the show. Talk about the action, the story, the actor,    People attacking 'the critics' ad hominem because they don't agree. Babbling about unrelated (American) politics. But they still give the show a 9 or 10, without a single argument. This kind of negativity and stupidity will kill off the social media factor in media.

    If you like the show, tell as detailed as possible WHY you like the show. Talk about the action, the story, the actor, anything. But don't bother others people with your unrelated, uninteresting and predicable rant about libtards or SJW. Don't make this about you, it's about The Punisher.

    /ontopic: Good things about The Punisher: a good insight on PTSD, nice action and Bernthal. Bad things: way too long, boring and it feels like another Marvel cashcow. Not recommendable, only on a hangover day.    … Expand
  18. jackbauer91191
    Nov 19, 2017
    1
    Yet another disappointing punisher adaptation. I couldn’t make it through more than 3 episodes. I was bored to tears. I love the punisher comics and I wish some filmmakers could do the character justice. This is a such a boring mess, the dialog is sloppy, music is bland, and what little action there is will leave you going, “meh.”

    Think of this as The Bourne Identity, only with less    Yet another disappointing punisher adaptation. I couldn’t make it through more than 3 episodes. I was bored to tears. I love the punisher comics and I wish some filmmakers could do the character justice. This is a such a boring mess, the dialog is sloppy, music is bland, and what little action there is will leave you going, “meh.”

    Think of this as The Bourne Identity, only with less action and more talking. The punisher is supposed to be a gritty, action packed, revenge story and instead they turned it into a dull spy drama. Seriously?    … Expand
  19. Nordoki
    Nov 18, 2017
    1
    In a word: B O R I N G. This is a character known for top notch action and excitement who has been written into a gab fest, touchy-feely soap opera. Great program if you have insomnia and want to be lulled to sleep.
  20. speedyzia
    Nov 18, 2017
    1
    Too much talking, not enough punishing - that's basically this entire show in a nutshell, there's barely any semblance of who Frank Castle is in the comics, it's just another cookie cutter marvel/netflix show with some cheap conspiracy.
  21. DarthThade
    Nov 18, 2017
    3
    I managed to get through the first five episodes and I was bored and have given up watching this show, it is a terribly written mess with too many characters getting more screen time than the Punisher himself who feels like a secondary character in his own show.

    From what I watched there is far too little focus on Frank and Micro who where the best part for and the actors seemed to have    I managed to get through the first five episodes and I was bored and have given up watching this show, it is a terribly written mess with too many characters getting more screen time than the Punisher himself who feels like a secondary character in his own show.

    From what I watched there is far too little focus on Frank and Micro who where the best part for and the actors seemed to have great chemistry however they don't get enough screen time together and far too much time is given to Franks former squad mates and two federal agents who contribute very little to the story besides complaining about how everyone else has screwed them over.

    There is some time between Frank and a woman and two children which is very well done and we get to see Frank as something other than The Punisher. Overall very little action poor story development and the action is not very well done, if you want good story,action and The Punisher then I suggest watching Daredevil season two again.    … Expand
  22. Hamz
    Nov 23, 2017
    2
    I had to wait til the 11th episode to actually see the Punisher. The rest is a snooze fest. I don't want to see Karen in danger for the umpteenth time and I half expected Rosario Dawson to also make an appearance at any moment. The villains were a little underwhelming as well.

    Although the actors tried their best it just seemed that most of them are annoying and they detract from the    I had to wait til the 11th episode to actually see the Punisher. The rest is a snooze fest. I don't want to see Karen in danger for the umpteenth time and I half expected Rosario Dawson to also make an appearance at any moment. The villains were a little underwhelming as well.

    Although the actors tried their best it just seemed that most of them are annoying and they detract from the story. Sitting through most of the episodes was excruciating waiting to see a glimpse here and there of Frank Castle and his escapades. If you skip the middle 9 episodes you won't miss much.    … Expand
  23. papadrew7
    Nov 24, 2017
    1
    I could only make it through the first 3 hours of what was punishment to watch. This show is just boring/depressing as hell. I don't care about the main character or frankly any of the characters. The show starts off showing you the ending of the show with the punisher killing the main guy which left me confused thinking what retarded writer decided that was a good idea? It also doesn'tI could only make it through the first 3 hours of what was punishment to watch. This show is just boring/depressing as hell. I don't care about the main character or frankly any of the characters. The show starts off showing you the ending of the show with the punisher killing the main guy which left me confused thinking what retarded writer decided that was a good idea? It also doesn't help that the main character has no personality. He is just a boring mute/brute. That is it. Combine that with the supposed great action scenes that seem like they were filmed by a teenager in his basement with an iphone then you just make for an awful show. The only time I laughed is when I heard the guns firing in episode three that was basically the equivalent of children going 'pew, pew, pew'. What a joke.… Expand
  24. indigovapor
    Nov 19, 2017
    9
    This show is great! The Punisher is the only Marvel character I actually care about and they did him justice with this series. Great work. Worth the watch. It is brutal, merciless, and violent. Just as The Punisher should be. The "critics" are fools. Watch this now!
  25. disobedientlib
    Nov 28, 2017
    9
    Gritty, bloody, and dealing with difficult issues in creative ways (PTSD, most prominently), this is a series I would put on a par with almost any of the other Marvel Netflix debuts. There are excellent performances here with well-fleshed out, fairly complex characters, well-done but not-front-and-center action sequences (done on a shoestring budget, apparently), and interweaving plots allGritty, bloody, and dealing with difficult issues in creative ways (PTSD, most prominently), this is a series I would put on a par with almost any of the other Marvel Netflix debuts. There are excellent performances here with well-fleshed out, fairly complex characters, well-done but not-front-and-center action sequences (done on a shoestring budget, apparently), and interweaving plots all serving a relatively cohesive story arc.… Expand
  26. Mediawatcher
    Nov 21, 2017
    7
    Overall, a solid season, nothing spectacular but definitely a step in the right direction for Netflix, let’s hope that when season 2 gets green lit it’ll be better. There wasn’t as much action as you would expect, keep that in mind when you watch
  27. Elbobbo
    Nov 22, 2017
    7
    The character of the Punisher was introduced to the Marvel TV universe in 2016, during Daredevil’s second season—following three live-action films that failed to make him popular with mainstream audiences in 1989, 2004, and 2008, respectively.

    What made The Punisher so interesting in Netflix’s Daredevil was his antithetical nature to The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. While both characters    The character of the Punisher was introduced to the Marvel TV universe in 2016, during Daredevil’s second season—following three live-action films that failed to make him popular with mainstream audiences in 1989, 2004, and 2008, respectively.

    What made The Punisher so interesting in Netflix’s Daredevil was his antithetical nature to The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. While both characters had the same goal in mind - to rid Hell’s Kitchen of criminals - they had very different ways of going about it. As played by Jon Bernthal, Daredevil’s Punisher makes his intentions very clear from the start.

    Initially, in Daredevil, when gangsters are first being murdered all over the city, he’s mistaken for a paramilitary organization with exceptional force, but it turns out that he’s just one man, with a lot of weapons and an extraordinarily deadly aim.

    Punisher opens with Frank castle finishing of his “mission” from Daredevil after his beautiful wife and two innocent young children — gunned down when unexpectedly caught in the crossfire of a gang war in Central Park, shortly after he was discharged from serving in a mysterious black ops mission in Afghanistan—as a member of “Operation Cerebrus,” a group one soldier says has a reputation for being “the American Taliban.”

    In response, Frank, himself a former decorated Marine, committed himself to a one-man war against all crime in New York City… but in particular, the three gangs involved in that fateful shootout: the Irish, the bikers, and the cartel.

    The Punisher was a harbinger of a brutal era in comics, where heroes toting massive machine guns were suddenly the norm and the death’s-head logo emblazoned on his costume became a ubiquitous cultural symbol.

    Punisher opens with Castle finishing his crusade and then burning his regalia, you could almost say the fire represented his rebirth back into Frank Castle as he leaves that life of the vengeful Punisher behind.

    For Netflix, Frank Castle is that harbinger of death once again. Frank Castle, is the archetypal character of the retributive anti hero – one who makes his own rules and follows his own conscience – is a familiar figure in mass culture, appearing in film, television, video games, and comics. This character represents the frustrations of millions of people who feel powerless and who fantasize about striking back at their enemies, be they real or imagined.

    With all of Marvel’s works the Punisher follows the strict formula that Marvel has in place. The same style and themes creeps into every Marvel movie can be found within the Marvel television shows. And while this works in terms of getting audience and making money, it’s becoming stale and it’s not innovative anymore.

    The thing that has been lacking in both the Marvel cinematic universe and the Marvel televisions shows is the lack of an interesting villain. And that’s what's missing from the Punisher. What set Daredevil season one apart from subsequent shows was the dynamic that Vincent D'Onofrio brought as the Kingpin. That dynamic and power struggle was lacking when Daredevil and the Punisher faced off and is completely missing from the Punisher.

    It seemed the show didn’t know who to put in the Punishers crosshairs in a meaningful way. Due to Marvel setting up his motivation as retribution for his family’s death, we see that by the guilt of Castle’s failure to protect the only thing that mattered to him, his family, he has no other motivation. Tying Castle’s past to a secret military programme as the enemy within this show made no sense until you realise that they had a hand in, you guessed it, covering up the real reasons why his family was killed.

    Ends...    … Expand
  28. ComandanteCobra
    Nov 28, 2017
    6
    It looks great at first ....but soon ...frome episode 3 ....you'll be looking for something a bit better.
    The show is about the Punisher dealing with his past military life (in this tv version his background is different form what we see in the comics...moved up in time 4 example).
    Next to the main characther storyline we see four different subplots: One about Microchip (Punisher old    It looks great at first ....but soon ...frome episode 3 ....you'll be looking for something a bit better.
    The show is about the Punisher dealing with his past military life (in this tv version his background is different form what we see in the comics...moved up in time 4 example).
    Next to the main characther storyline we see four different subplots: One about Microchip (Punisher old sidekick); One about a young soldier struggling to adjust to civil life; One regarding a Homeland Security agent and the fourth about Billy Russo.
    There are too many sublots that steals a lot of screen time of the episodes, and unfortunatley the scripts of this subplots are very predictable.
    Almost every characters of this production are different from the comics book counterpart and not in a good way (particurally Jigsaw and Microchip) both in story, characterization and look.
    Action scene are scarces and often stealed from famous action movies of the 80's.
    The is almost no "Vigilante aspect" of the original work
    Most of the scene are about people speaking to cellphones.
    The main villain is very weak.
    Some unecessary fan service scene and silly jokes.
    Bernthal and Moss-Bachrach and Newman do a good job but other actors are almost without expressions.
    I liked the punisher apparition in Daredevil 2 a lot more.
    To sum up...better than Iron fist but worse than Defenders, Jessica Jones, Daredevil 1 and 2    … Expand
  29. nikblu1904
    Jan 15, 2018
    9
    Great actors. Great villains. Great fights. Great kills.

    But Mediocre Story.

    All in All very good.
  30. vatore
    Nov 19, 2017
    0
    A Punisher show where Frank Castle is NOT the Punisher for 5 episodes, at least??? That was all I could fast forward through. WHo's bright idea was it to START the show AFTER all the action?? AFTER Castle gets his revenge and kills all his enemies?? STARTING the show with burning the Punisher outfit?? What **** garbage, Marvel's movies may be great, but the TV shows SUCK!!!
  31. logele
    Dec 22, 2017
    9
    The first episode was really good but from there it went downhill. These long boring conversations between Punisher and Micro. The Punisher Is so simple that you always know whats coming next. Predictable.
  32. Mrcool1989
    Nov 22, 2017
    10
    Please let there be a season 2 Netflix get on it. This was the punisher a lot us of had been waiting to see for along time. They stay true to the character and that might be a understatement. This really is one of marvels best TV shows right here, and one last thing the last episode is....ok just see it damnit lol
  33. Hype2x
    Nov 20, 2017
    0
    Honestly my Expectation for Punisher was high, pretty high that i thought The Punisher can return the Marvel/Netflix brand to its early days, when they shinned with Daredevil Season 1.
    But nope, it was not only around that, but also another Mixed bag mediocre show that hasn't met the true potential of what Punisher show Can be.
    Despite that, Jon Bethernal is THE PUNISHER. His    Honestly my Expectation for Punisher was high, pretty high that i thought The Punisher can return the Marvel/Netflix brand to its early days, when they shinned with Daredevil Season 1.
    But nope, it was not only around that, but also another Mixed bag mediocre show that hasn't met the true potential of what Punisher show Can be.

    Despite that, Jon Bethernal is THE PUNISHER. His performance alone worth watching it.    … Expand
  34. Neth3rtwist
    Nov 23, 2017
    9
    Remember that the critics usually get one or two episodes to review, and then try to base a show's review score on those episodes. The Punisher is a show that does not find its footing until the second half. I have to say that through the first 5 episodes or so, I was truly disappointed- as a John Wick made-for-TV show it was not, and that was what I had been hoping for. Alas, now thatRemember that the critics usually get one or two episodes to review, and then try to base a show's review score on those episodes. The Punisher is a show that does not find its footing until the second half. I have to say that through the first 5 episodes or so, I was truly disappointed- as a John Wick made-for-TV show it was not, and that was what I had been hoping for. Alas, now that I think about it, John Wick for 10-13 episodes would probably have gotten really stale, even with all that frightening violence. What they did here is used the first half of the season to lay groundwork and narrative before upping the ante in terms of pacing and the amount of violence in each episode. If you are a little bored during the first half of the season, don't worry, because it gets much, much better. It definitely felt better to me, after the final episode, than Luke Cage or Iron Fist. Jon Bernthal is a man amongst boys when it comes to violent roles and he carries The Punisher better than anyone before him. Stick with this show and you won't be let down!… Expand
  35. Theninjew
    Nov 20, 2017
    8
    I have been a punisher fan for most of my life, and am thrilled to see him getting another shot at the screen. But like many other viewers, I think that there's just not enough material to fill in the 13 hours. If they'd condensed the entire season into the first 6 episodes, and set up a classic Frank vs. The Mob story arc in the 2nd half, it would have felt right. Bernthal isI have been a punisher fan for most of my life, and am thrilled to see him getting another shot at the screen. But like many other viewers, I think that there's just not enough material to fill in the 13 hours. If they'd condensed the entire season into the first 6 episodes, and set up a classic Frank vs. The Mob story arc in the 2nd half, it would have felt right. Bernthal is unbelievable, and so is Micro, but it's the writing that stagnates. There's so much artificial, unnecessary drama injected into the series just to fill the time that it borders on pulp TV territory. We could do with a few more 'Frank Castle vs. 100 people in 5 minutes' sequences just to remind us that he's actually The Punisher.… Expand
  36. Goo4you
    Feb 23, 2018
    4
    Slow, depressingly miserable to watch and this is exactly what I think Marvel was going for with it. While they get high marks for executing this--that doesn't make it something worth watching let alone good storytelling.

    I grew up reading The Punisher comics. Frank Castle's story was gritty, dark and sad. What made that work was frankly the medium it was in: Comics. Story Arcs could    Slow, depressingly miserable to watch and this is exactly what I think Marvel was going for with it. While they get high marks for executing this--that doesn't make it something worth watching let alone good storytelling.

    I grew up reading The Punisher comics. Frank Castle's story was gritty, dark and sad. What made that work was frankly the medium it was in: Comics. Story Arcs could be contained to a series. Plot was always there behind the scenes ready to rear its head when it was needed. The Writer's had moments of reprieve because of the release window and the creative control of just what and when things were taking place--crossover stories were perfect for this. There was room for more dimensional growth of Frank in the comics. On one hand he was scarred, his sense of justice broken by a system that no longer worked...yet at the same time revered a person like Captain America which was justice personified. Depth, the comics gave it, the show did none of it.

    We were instead left with a man suffering with PTSD on steroids, but with enough knowhow and training to take on entire small military forces on his own (or with a touch of backup). Simmering anger to outright rage and a depressive outlook on the world is not what the Punisher is. And if it is, it doesn't make for good storytelling in a show format; not at all for a standalone story. Watching this was like pulling teeth.

    By far the weakest of the Marvel/Netflix stories, and that's saying much because Iron Fist was a jumbled mess, but at least the lead was working towards something...what was Frank in the show?    … Expand
  37. brockcheese
    Mar 18, 2018
    6
    He does very little actual punishing. He mostly just mopes about his dead family in an arc that should have already been wrapped up in Daredevil season 2.
  38. Voodoo123
    Jan 3, 2018
    6
    There is some great material here, especially from the excellent cast. Punisher has dimension and is entertaining, but really suffers from poor pacing issues. The show delivers occasional moments of gruesome action padded with long scenes of dialogue and filler backstory for the various sub character plotlines. I strongly feel this particular batch of shows would benefit from culling 50%There is some great material here, especially from the excellent cast. Punisher has dimension and is entertaining, but really suffers from poor pacing issues. The show delivers occasional moments of gruesome action padded with long scenes of dialogue and filler backstory for the various sub character plotlines. I strongly feel this particular batch of shows would benefit from culling 50% of the side characters material into more concise 6-8 Punisher-focused action thriller episodes.

    So in the end, like daredevil, luke cage, jessica jones, iron fist and defenders, with Punisher, Marvel Television have once again disrespected the viewers time, taking the 'super' from the hero and diluting the core character identity from the colourful panels of a comic book to the now familiar 13 episode 'gritty', side character heavy reality based format (thriller/drama/soap opera - akin to sopranos/the wire).    … Expand
  39. Romanvs
    Mar 18, 2018
    6
    Fraco, de todos os Punishers que eu já vi o mais fraco no quesito personagem, muito chororo do Castle, nada a ver com a cegueira de ódio que ele teve na segunda temporada do demolidor, fui com expectativa alta me arrependi, a história é muito cliche, me perdoem mas ja assisti prision break, e esse negocio de militarismo, agencias governamentais fazendo açoes secretas ja deu ne? DeveriamFraco, de todos os Punishers que eu já vi o mais fraco no quesito personagem, muito chororo do Castle, nada a ver com a cegueira de ódio que ele teve na segunda temporada do demolidor, fui com expectativa alta me arrependi, a história é muito cliche, me perdoem mas ja assisti prision break, e esse negocio de militarismo, agencias governamentais fazendo açoes secretas ja deu ne? Deveriam ter explorado o lado italiano do castle, mafia matando, e ele matando a mafia, inclusive o retalho era um assassino da mafia nos quadrinhos… Expand
  40. NavyBean
    Dec 21, 2017
    9
    I'm through 4 episodes and I like it a lot. The dude who plays Punisher is perfectly cast and the rest of the performances are solid. I really like the Middle Eastern CIA agents mom. She is so classy looking and elegant. It just takes my mind in the naughtiest places. You know it's always the elegant ones who are the wildest in the bedroom. And yes, she's not a young woman, but just thinkI'm through 4 episodes and I like it a lot. The dude who plays Punisher is perfectly cast and the rest of the performances are solid. I really like the Middle Eastern CIA agents mom. She is so classy looking and elegant. It just takes my mind in the naughtiest places. You know it's always the elegant ones who are the wildest in the bedroom. And yes, she's not a young woman, but just think how much experience she has with her mouth and her nether zones and she is not afraid to pop a finger in you if the situation calls for it.… Expand
  41. imthenoob
    Jan 21, 2019
    5
    Jon does a fantastic job as the Punisher and the rest of the cast does solid as well. The action scenes are fantastic but sadly, They're the only source of entertainment with this show. The main plot and subplots are both predictable and boring. They fail to add any interest or excitement to the show and I think that is what really brings down this season.
  42. JPG127
    Nov 20, 2017
    10
    This is dark, gritty and brutal. They picked a great actor for Punisher. Gave him a flushed out story and has a decent amount of action. It's a shame the critics could not appreciate this.
  43. Danil
    Mar 13, 2019
    10
    All around brilliant show. Honestly, It is in the same league with Breaking Bad, The Wire and Game of thrones. The writing, the acting, action sequences - everything is top notch. It might seem a bit stretched to some people, but I didn't feel bored for a second. It is beyond my comprehension why on Earth the critics tried to sink this masterpiece. Yet another proof you can't trust them at all.
  44. marc5477
    Oct 15, 2018
    8
    Surprisingly good. The show is able to maintain a good balance between suspense and action and does not go over the edge on unbelievable action. It is there, it is a comic book after all, but its not as prominent as other shows which actually makes this better. By keeping action limited to times when you actually need it, rather than filler to draw an infants attention, I actually enjoyedSurprisingly good. The show is able to maintain a good balance between suspense and action and does not go over the edge on unbelievable action. It is there, it is a comic book after all, but its not as prominent as other shows which actually makes this better. By keeping action limited to times when you actually need it, rather than filler to draw an infants attention, I actually enjoyed it when it happened. There is a lot of character building in this show and unlike others like PMS Jones, the brain-dead Fist or Dumbdevil, the villains are much better written and acted. You genuinely dislike them by the time Frank gets his hands on them and he definitely punishes them in fairly satisfying ways.

    If you are looking for mindless action and no story feel free to look up the other marvel (or DC) shows. They are all awful except maybe Luke Cage and season 1 of Gotham. The Punisher however was excellent and I hope they can continue at this level for season 2.    … Expand
  45. MeiLongDong
    May 28, 2019
    8
    I'll sum my up opinion and review the best I can. If you're a fan of John Wick then this is probably your cup of tea. The atmosphere is John Wick like, but just way better imo. Where John Wick is a fun shoot em up/bullet ballet, Punisher is a slow burn but a good one. I was hooked from episode one. The best games I've played and the best movies I've watched have always hooked me in fromI'll sum my up opinion and review the best I can. If you're a fan of John Wick then this is probably your cup of tea. The atmosphere is John Wick like, but just way better imo. Where John Wick is a fun shoot em up/bullet ballet, Punisher is a slow burn but a good one. I was hooked from episode one. The best games I've played and the best movies I've watched have always hooked me in from the start and I couldn't stop till I finished it I couldn't get through one episode of Iron Fist, but this grabbed my attention and held it to the end. 13 episodes went by and it felt like a movie. It's better than any cop show or detective CSI crap I've ever seen. Good writing, characters you care about, and an overall feel that passion went into this.

    BTW The original critic score of 7.8 was more fair and accurate than the current 5.4. No way. It deserves better.    … Expand
  46. DudeFromIceland
    Nov 24, 2018
    9
    After watching season 2 of Daredevil I was very excited to see the continuation of Jon Bernthals's portrayal of Frank Castle/Punisher, and he does not disappoint. Ben Barnes is also fantastic as Billy Russo.

    A very entertaining and dramatic story that goes deep into the life and struggles of Frank with plenty of action along the way and a satisfying conclusion. Season 2 can't come quick enough.
  47. JulianIncen
    May 5, 2019
    6
    The photography in certain parts is out of the "Marvel mold" and that is quite appreciated. In general the story is good and Jon Bernthal's performance was brutal.
  48. SrPepe
    Jan 13, 2019
    9
    Punisher es una serie impresionante, con unas escenas de acción espectaculares y un Frank Castle más violento que nunca. Casi al nivel de Daredevil, es de lo mejor que hizo Netflix, muy recomendable.
  49. rocgni161803
    Feb 21, 2019
    7
    The critics got this one wrong. This MCU adaptation surpasses Jessica Jones and Daredevil. The acting doesn't seem forced or inauthentic. Visually it looks great. And for someone unfamiliar with the story it really plays well.
  50. TheSpideyReview
    Dec 17, 2017
    8
    Simple, Straightforward, and Tense. Instead of wasting time on the Punisher's Revenge storyline, they talk about Frank Castle's military past catching up to him.
  51. offthewall
    Feb 6, 2022
    9
    I don't have time to watch all the shows I'd like to, but I am able to catch some, and of course, I choose the ones I think look interesting. True Detective season 1 is an all-time favorite, and I liked season 2 as well, although some people didn't. Anyway, The Punisher season 1 is right up there with TD. When I saw a season 2 of The Punisher was released, I decided to rewatch season 1 forI don't have time to watch all the shows I'd like to, but I am able to catch some, and of course, I choose the ones I think look interesting. True Detective season 1 is an all-time favorite, and I liked season 2 as well, although some people didn't. Anyway, The Punisher season 1 is right up there with TD. When I saw a season 2 of The Punisher was released, I decided to rewatch season 1 for the 3rd time and then go on to season 2. Well, once again I enjoyed season 1 immensely and saw things the 3rd time around I'd forgotten. If you like slam-bang action, and interesting characters with heroes and villains, in a show that never gets boring, and keeps in touch with reality (mostly) and isn't some weird fantasy piece, then this show is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it all 3 times I watched it from episode 1-13. And now I look forward to season 2. I guess I'd already reviewed this once, (I'd forgotten, I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached), and given it a 9. Well, it's stood the test of time so I'm bumping it up to a 10. And the critics, well, they will gush over some artsy, boring movie and then turn up their noses at a show like The Punisher. I can appreciate any movie or show that is done well and interesting, but apparently, some critics can't. Whatever, life goes on.… Expand
  52. potench
    Dec 18, 2017
    10
    Jon Bernthal plays unhinged, unstoppable, can't-tell-if-they're-bad-or-good so well. The show really plays around with the Punisher as an anti-hero - he's somehow super likable but consistently brutal, cruel, and exacting. As a fan of The Punisher I really enjoyed this show, a lot; but it's not going to be for everyone - mostly because it's insanely violent.
    The supporting cast was great    Jon Bernthal plays unhinged, unstoppable, can't-tell-if-they're-bad-or-good so well. The show really plays around with the Punisher as an anti-hero - he's somehow super likable but consistently brutal, cruel, and exacting. As a fan of The Punisher I really enjoyed this show, a lot; but it's not going to be for everyone - mostly because it's insanely violent.
    The supporting cast was great - especially Micro who helps keep the show balanced, fun, and frequently light-hearted.    … Expand
  53. RaduA
    Jan 25, 2019
    9
    I really liked it. The first season was better but... this one is pretty good.
  54. Grachechkovski
    Feb 14, 2019
    10
    The most brutaly and bloody show that I've ever seen in this category. It has realistic scenes with really motivation and actions and one of main soldie's problems after them army's life. The storytelling is good and has logical and marvelous culmination. I'm glad to know that watched it in my century
  55. Lucas565
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    Uma das melhores séries que eu já assisti eu recomendo ela é maravilhosa mesmo
  56. GarethB
    Oct 21, 2018
    8
    I really enjoyed this series, it went deep into franks past and successfully showed the conflict within him. Some people complain there's not enough action, but the mix of tension, action and plot are just right for me.
  57. Arcypresher
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    Great writen Characters
    For me very nice Punisher one but some times it's just boring
    But still nice to watch
  58. vikingo
    Jan 22, 2019
    9
    The Punisher is a character that takes justice into his own hands. He's not superhuman, but is super committed to putting an end to bad guys. This character is the John Wick of the Marvel Universe. It's difficult not to sit at the edge of your seat and cheer him on as he sanitizes the city of murderers, perverts, and those that find other ways to prey on others. This show is a winner soThe Punisher is a character that takes justice into his own hands. He's not superhuman, but is super committed to putting an end to bad guys. This character is the John Wick of the Marvel Universe. It's difficult not to sit at the edge of your seat and cheer him on as he sanitizes the city of murderers, perverts, and those that find other ways to prey on others. This show is a winner so long as the character is left to do what he does best!… Expand
  59. geewah
    Jan 6, 2021
    8
    A brutal and entertaining show that stays true to the vigilante come anti-hero comic book.
  60. iCampoRamil
    Dec 13, 2022
    7
    El personaje de Frank Castle, es decir, Jon Bernthol, es lo mejor de la serie, pero de largo, sin él nada de esto sería posible, ni la serie tendría el carisma que desborda, esa chulería con la que camina, me flipa, es super característica de él.
    La banda sonora, otro de los grandes destacados, parecía que iba a ser algún tema puntual, pero esas bases punk-rockeras me gustan, aunque    El personaje de Frank Castle, es decir, Jon Bernthol, es lo mejor de la serie, pero de largo, sin él nada de esto sería posible, ni la serie tendría el carisma que desborda, esa chulería con la que camina, me flipa, es super característica de él.
    La banda sonora, otro de los grandes destacados, parecía que iba a ser algún tema puntual, pero esas bases punk-rockeras me gustan, aunque flojean en ciertos momentos, mantiene un buen hilo por toda la serie.
    El arco argumental de Micro es lo que me hizo pegarme a la serie, a excepción de Frank, evidentemente, pero considero que esa es la mejor trama que tiene la temporada, la relación con Micro, con su mujer, etc.
    Ay, Billy Russo, se venía venir, lo pintan con esos aires chulescos, pero no chulescos como Castle, chulescos de pijo elitista, y se veía venir, no voy a spoilear el qué.
    Sí es verdad que a veces la trama se hace muy lentorra, algunos capítulos sobre todo, quizás esto de extender las series de este estilo a los 13 episodios perjudicó un poco a The Punisher, podrían haber quitado algunos capítulos para darle mayor ritmo a la narración.
    Me esperaba más del final, la verdad, solo voy a decir eso, la trama es una genialidad, pero se va apagando cuanto más se acerca al final, a pesar de que los capítulos van en ascenso todo el rato.
    Concluyendo, lo que mola de la serie es el personaje de Punisher, a parte de la actuación, que van de la mano, contando con algunos detallitos y guiños a los comics y demás. ¿Lo malo? Depende mucho narrativamente de Daredevil, si no estás en el universo y te quieres ver The Punisher individualmente, se te van a ir muchos detalles y tramas secundarias que se tratan en la serie del demonio de Hell's Kitchen. Por último, el cambio de directores entre episodios, aunque parezca que no, a simple vista, se nota bastante, por eso de que algunos episodios sobran. Pero en general, si os molan las series de crimen-acción, es una bastante buena serie.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Nov 20, 2017
    60
    All too often it’s a plodding slog. Bernthal’s performance somehow finds energy in Frank’s pain. ... Lightfoot’s breadth of storytelling is gratifying--he wants to do more than give the cultural landscape another killing machine to idolize. It makes The Punisher less uncomfortable to watch than it could be amid so many outbreaks of extreme gun violence. But it isn’t an easy ride.
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  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Lorraine Ali
    Nov 17, 2017
    50
    The show is well-written and Jon Bernthal ("The Walking Dead") is fantastic as Castle, the Afghanistan war veteran turned vigilante. ... But the story itself isn't dynamic enough to punch through all the cultural baggage this show is unfairly (or as some believe, justifiably) saddled with. It doesn't help that the burly character's superpower isn't a superpower at all. It's old-fashioned rage, coupled with special ops training.
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  3. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Allison Shoemaker
    Nov 17, 2017
    50
    Better too rich than too thin, to be sure, but “The Punisher” casts its net so wide that almost none of these stories get a fair shake. When they do, it’s usually the acting that closes the gap — Woll and Bernthal are so good together that it almost doesn’t matter that their scenes get snapped out quickly — but it’s hard to escape the feeling that, in giving us all that story, “The Punisher” doesn’t have much time for substance. It’s simultaneously too much and not enough.
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