Marvel's What If...?

:

Season 1
  • Network: Disney+
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 11, 2021
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 118
  3. Negative: 30 out of 118
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  1. TonyEnt
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    Maybe “What If…?” is not what some fans have expected. But stupid & unreasonable hate towards the show is a dead end. Just try to be fair and give it a try.
    The first episode was kinda too fast for me, but c’mon, we don’t have much time to waste! Captain Carter’s fascinating action sequences and Steve Rogers’s fair portrayal (even without the super-soldier serum he is that pure Brooklyn    Maybe “What If…?” is not what some fans have expected. But stupid & unreasonable hate towards the show is a dead end. Just try to be fair and give it a try.
    The first episode was kinda too fast for me, but c’mon, we don’t have much time to waste! Captain Carter’s fascinating action sequences and Steve Rogers’s fair portrayal (even without the super-soldier serum he is that pure Brooklyn guy) really levels the first episode up. Just don’t point your finger at Peggy’s feminism. Yep, she is a strong & brave woman, but hey, she’s not there alone. She fights alongside with her buddies, like Steve or Bucky. Try to give constructive feedback to this episode & the others!    … Expand
  2. setzer9
    Oct 14, 2021
    7
    Es increíble cómo la gente aquí le pone la nota a una serie de la que sólo han visto 1 episodio. Pocos se molestarán en cambiar la nota. Quizá unos pocos de los que le han dado buena nota.

    Aprovecho esta queja para subirle la nota aunque dándole la que yo considero. El primer episodio está muy bien. La animación es mejor de lo que me esperaba. Encima adaptan una versión alternativa    Es increíble cómo la gente aquí le pone la nota a una serie de la que sólo han visto 1 episodio. Pocos se molestarán en cambiar la nota. Quizá unos pocos de los que le han dado buena nota.

    Aprovecho esta queja para subirle la nota aunque dándole la que yo considero.

    El primer episodio está muy bien.
    La animación es mejor de lo que me esperaba. Encima adaptan una versión alternativa de una de mis películas favoritas del UCM, Capitán América: El Primer Vengador. Y aunque se nota que es un resumen rápido de la película, está muy bien. ¿Os molesta que Peggy Carter sea una buena soldado? Entonces no os gustaría tampoco antes, porque ya lo era. El suero solo potencia lo que ya está ahí. Y si no te gustaba antes, vaya ganas de venir aquí a quejarse de que es una mujer y bla bla bla.    … Expand
  3. Luisalfredo3066
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    For the first animated series produced by Marvel Studios ... it was pretty cool.
  4. Kai82
    Oct 6, 2021
    8
    This was an interesting ride. It is however a bit mixed. You get homages, humor, serious topics, interesting ideas and character development. While I see no truly garbage episode not all are amazing and one is borderline. I saw many hating the episode and even while I who liked the humor found it a bit too cheesy. However it ends pretty amazing as the penultimate episode was an incredibleThis was an interesting ride. It is however a bit mixed. You get homages, humor, serious topics, interesting ideas and character development. While I see no truly garbage episode not all are amazing and one is borderline. I saw many hating the episode and even while I who liked the humor found it a bit too cheesy. However it ends pretty amazing as the penultimate episode was an incredible experience and got us hyped for the final. The final delivered and I say these two episodes increase my rating. The “What if” concept in Marvel comics is quite old and interesting as it gives ultimate creative freedom as you have not to take care of continuity, character behavior or expectations but could do it also if you want. The sky is the limit as all possibilities are open and there are countless good stories. As I said there is no overall theme here so I give you a small oversight about the episodes. The stories are told by Uatu the Watcher. He is part of an alien race that is highly advanced and does not interfere as this caused a great disaster in the past made out of noble intentions. Episode 1 asks what if Captain Carter were the first avenger. It is closely related to the first Captain America movie with twists and is a good start. Episode 2 What if T’Challa became Star Lord is an amazing homage to Chadwick Boseman. This is exactly what I wanted for a final role. It has also humor and twists that I really enjoyed. Some say it is an insult to Peter Quill but I disagree. What if the world lost its mightiest heroes is an excellent Whodunit with a great final that I want to see continued as it was amazing. Episode 4 ask what if doctor Strange has lost his heart instead of his hands. Amazing story, character study, development and a conclusion I did not think they would do something like this. Episode 5: Of cause they had to do a what if Zombies as the Marvel Zombies are quite popular and intense. Wont say more except that it is a good episode. Episode 6 deals with what if Killmonger rescued Tony Stark. I see this as hit and miss. It works well but I think they could do more with it. Sounds maybe to negative as it is definitely not bad. Episode 7 what if Thor was an only child is the borderline episode I spoke about. It has humor but left a bit of a bad taste. Feels also a bit out of place compared to the other episodes. Episode 8 what if Ultron won is amazing I wont spoil anything. It impressed everyone who I spoke to and is a highlight. The final episode which I will not even give the title is a well done final act. Overall this was enjoyable and I hope to see more. While not perfect it was entertaining and felt like a bit of fresh air and ideas.… Expand
  5. lennyi
    Sep 18, 2021
    9
    I was not expecting much, but WOW WOW WOW this is so good, and the fact that it could go on forever without getting repetitive is so good.
  6. DolphinReviews
    Jul 22, 2022
    0
    Horrendous. Just a pure awful show. It's the worst Disney + Marvel show yet.
  7. glock13
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    I loved the first episode, I think it gives you a very interesting look into an alternate reality. I don’t think Marvel is trying to accomplish anything amazing with this series, it’s just meant to be a place where they can share some cool ideas.
  8. cristinasavi98
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    It is quite a creative and fun series.
    I hope that Marvel Studios continues to bet on more series of this style.
  9. largablarg
    Aug 13, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first episode was garbage. It is not about Peggy being a hero, it is about her being a woman. A hollow theme delivered with forced writing that is at odds with the pre-Endgame MCU.
    Peggy gets flattened as "just a girl" half a dozen times at least. Her general says she's lucky to "be in the room"...twice. One minor character, in a thirty minute show and he is already tripping over himself to drive home the writers room message that women "need to be in the room" in order to be heard. It’s stupid but hey, it is the forties, maybe some men did behave like that so let’s allow it. Then two of The Howling Commandos make sexist comments within seconds of meeting Peggy, including Bucky. Name one example of Bucky being sexist in all other movies / TV shows. Why throw your own characters under the bus to hoo-rah a female character in a cheap way? Then for the cherry on top Marvel again throws an established hero (Steve) under the bus for no reason. Peggy flawlessly saves Bucky where Cap couldn’t. Of course.
    Peggy’s only character trait on display is that she won’t be oppressed as a woman because she’s practically perfect in every way. As a result she is the definition of boring, removing all oppressors with zero tension. Was Steve instantly throwing cars around? Did he ever throw cars around? Why is post serum Peggy jacked in a masculine way? Why wasn’t post serum Karli Morgenthal from Falcon and the Winter Soldier jacked in a masculine way? What is the point of these noisy action scenes? Why is there such a difference between Peggy and Steve's intelligence when it comes to handling science at a level that would not be familiar to career soldiers. Steve, when faced with technology he had no exposure to in The Avengers says “It appears to be powered by some sort of electricity”. Peggy, when faced with technology she has limited exposure to corrects the designer, saying “You mean transpose the polarity and reverse the suction”.
    Marvel. Everyone likes strong female characters like Gamorah, Black Widow, The Wasp, Scarlet Witch and Pepper. People that struggle with tasks and finding their way to fit into a team. No one wants female characters that exist to prove they are better than well loved characters, often at their expense. I was hesitant to say Marvel was losing it but after the Endgame girl power scene, Captain Marvel, cutting out Dr. Strange from Wandavision because white males can’t help their female friends in crisis and now this? Marvel needs to return to less agenda driven talent. Or, you know, they could continue watching the audience scores slip below the critics scores, box office results drop and their biggest stars launch lawsuits - seems like they know what they’re doing. Bring on Shang Chi and The Eternals!!    … Expand
  10. Ahlgren
    Aug 15, 2021
    0
    Im just going to say : Dont waist you´re time with this ####.
    Look at the trailer and you see that Disney/Marvel just putt a women's head on a male body.
    IS that what you have to do to make a strong women character today, make them into a man?
  11. bertobellamy
    Aug 11, 2021
    6
    Not terrible, but I didn't anticipate it to be that childish. First episode has a lot of action, but it's not that exciting. Will keep watching only to stay up to date with the MCU.
  12. MetacriticOnur
    Oct 6, 2021
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  13. Beradws
    Aug 12, 2021
    3
    It would have been at least a bit more entertaining if it had not tried so hard to focus on the woman are equals message. How about just have the story play out to illustrate that fact instead of making it the centre point of the whole episode.
  14. 61215kiki
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This work feels like it's pushing against feminism, but if you look at it with your head empty without thinking about it, there are many expressions that can only be done with animation, and you can experience something different from the mcu so far !!… Expand
  15. Reelen
    Aug 21, 2021
    0
    I tried to give it a chance. EP1 was just okay. The story wasn’t even compelling. I don’t care what race/gender is portrayed if you have a good story. That’s not what is prioritized. It’s pushing a narrative instead that has nothing to do with these characters. I stopped watching midway through EP2 and won’t watch anymore of this trash.
  16. Fursnake
    Aug 18, 2021
    5
    I rolled my eyes and shook my head so many times I lost count during the first episode; I quit watching the second episode about halfway through. This show is just not for me. The animation is decent, but some of the characters just look...'off'. The writing is the major turnoff, to me it feels like poorly written fanfiction for kids and I can't tolerate it. The dialogue comes off as cornyI rolled my eyes and shook my head so many times I lost count during the first episode; I quit watching the second episode about halfway through. This show is just not for me. The animation is decent, but some of the characters just look...'off'. The writing is the major turnoff, to me it feels like poorly written fanfiction for kids and I can't tolerate it. The dialogue comes off as corny at times as well. In both episodes the writing seemed to try and make the What If versions so much better than the original characters and I also didn't acre for that.

    I wanted to like this show, but I don't.    … Expand
  17. ScienceAdvisor
    Aug 20, 2021
    1
    Pure distilled virtue signalling. Cringe-enducing gender and race swapping, a metric tonne of "tell do not show", and the main characters being Mary/Marky Sues since swapping means you lose ALL weaknesses.
  18. TudorPopescu
    Oct 7, 2021
    10
    I'm a huge Marvel fan and I also like alternate reality stories, so I really enjoyed this series. It has some very cool action scenes and I also like the overarching story. And it's also canon!

    Does it feel rushed at times and would it benefit from longer episodes? Definitely, but it is what it is. Really excited about season 2, that's when we'll also get the missing Gamora episode.
  19. PhoenixReveiws
    Feb 27, 2022
    7
    Original- 7/10: It's an average start, the first episode was nothing special. It was good, but not much to talk about or get excited about yet.

    Finished Show: The first episode was probably the worst and just the most boring, but after seeing all of the others, this show was honestly great. I loved the Zombie one and hope to see a part 2 of that one in season 2. However I feel like for    Original- 7/10: It's an average start, the first episode was nothing special. It was good, but not much to talk about or get excited about yet.

    Finished Show: The first episode was probably the worst and just the most boring, but after seeing all of the others, this show was honestly great. I loved the Zombie one and hope to see a part 2 of that one in season 2. However I feel like for a Marvel property its art style was severely lacking, They have the budget to make an amazing-looking one and I get they were trying to go for a more comic book-like look, but it just didn't look very high effort. Other than that really worth the wait and glad it became a chronological story.    … Expand
  20. Pedro350
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    Una serie muy interesante y demasiado original con su premisa.
    Ya van solo 3 capitulos y esta superando mis expectativas, creo que esta dejando lo mejor para el final.
  21. brocktarogar
    Aug 11, 2021
    0
    Well, for cel-shaded animation it looks surprisingly OK visually. Normally cel-shaded animation is so void of any sort of detail it becomes utterly coma-inducing to watch, but this at least is barely sytlized enough to be somewhat of a spectacle.

    Unfortunately, What commits the worst crime possible for a show that is supposed to be about super heroes: it's boring. Practically no story,    Well, for cel-shaded animation it looks surprisingly OK visually. Normally cel-shaded animation is so void of any sort of detail it becomes utterly coma-inducing to watch, but this at least is barely sytlized enough to be somewhat of a spectacle.

    Unfortunately, What commits the worst crime possible for a show that is supposed to be about super heroes: it's boring. Practically no story, and not even the real-life actors lend their voices.    … Expand
  22. jonyyfhi
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    The series is great so far. the animation grew on me, it was amazing especially in action sequences.
  23. Kobet
    Aug 12, 2021
    6
    interesting, but isn´t a good being start because is a little boring see the same history of captain america
  24. GTXMike
    Aug 21, 2021
    1
    Absolutely awful and boring, wouldn't recommend it to anybody really. Avoid avoid avoid.
  25. brockcheese
    Aug 11, 2021
    7
    So far this show seems pretty good. The pacing is honestly trash and it doensn't deviate as much from the plot as I would like, but the animation looks great and there is still a lot of life in this.
  26. MathiasBS
    Aug 23, 2021
    5
    The first two episodes, have been pretty lackluster.

    The stories are a bit confusing, and don’t match the tone and humor that the MCU has perfected over the years. Also, tge animation is not for me, and I find the characters have very few facial expressions. Other than that, I guess some people might find some enjoyment here, but to me, it’s all pretty barebones. I mean, it’s by no means    The first two episodes, have been pretty lackluster.

    The stories are a bit confusing, and don’t match the tone and humor that the MCU has perfected over the years. Also, tge animation is not for me, and I find the characters have very few facial expressions. Other than that, I guess some people might find some enjoyment here, but to me, it’s all pretty barebones.
    I mean, it’s by no means terrible but it could just have been so much cooler, especially with a different animation style (maybe even for each episode!).    … Expand
  27. SabharishG
    Oct 7, 2021
    6
    What If...? review U/A
    Starring Jeffrey Wright,Chadwick Boseman,Samuel L Jackson,Benedict Cumberbatch.
    Rating=3/5 Positive 1.Storytelling 2.3RD,4TH AND 8TH Episode is outstanding 3.Decent 9th episode and 7th episode. 4.Cinematography 5.Visuals 6.Unpredictable Thinkings 7.Clever Writings Average 1.Average 2nd and 5th episode 2.Music Negative 1.Lag 2.Awful 1st and 6th episode    What If...? review U/A
    Starring Jeffrey Wright,Chadwick Boseman,Samuel L Jackson,Benedict Cumberbatch.
    Rating=3/5
    Positive
    1.Storytelling
    2.3RD,4TH AND 8TH Episode is outstanding
    3.Decent 9th episode and 7th episode.
    4.Cinematography
    5.Visuals
    6.Unpredictable Thinkings
    7.Clever Writings
    Average
    1.Average 2nd and 5th episode
    2.Music
    Negative
    1.Lag
    2.Awful 1st and 6th episode
    3.Direction could have been better.
    4.Predictability
    5.Logic Mistakes
    Verdict=Despite its flaws,What If...? is a watchable webseries but still, Loki is the best marvel series.
    What If...?=Good thinkings
    Sabharish G
    Sypnosis:
    Exploring pivotal moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and turning them on their head, leading the audience into uncharted territory.
    Watchable!    … Expand
  28. KyleS
    Aug 26, 2023
    9
    This is great. I think it's my favorite thing Marvel has ever produced. The stories and animation are great and convey things live-action couldn't possibly do.
  29. Isteffy
    Jul 21, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A mix of good episodes and bad episodes. If you are a person who is not into mainstream 'wokeness' being shoved down your throat, a number of episodes here will make you cringe your face off.

    Some episodes posed some very interesting scenerios, like of Killmonger was to save Tony. However multiple episodes made anyone who is white and male to be stupid, evil, or outwardly hates women to the point of cringe and characters feeling one dimensional. It's just tiresome to see Disney, who were once the crowned kings of making racist or sexist content, now pointing the finger at us in their messaging.

    The most interesting part by far is how the show concludes in the last two episodes. Without spoilers, it brings it all together.

    Still, skip the 'thor only child' which is better names 'white males are stupid pigs and #girlsgetitdone'. Also skip the first episode which should be named 'you can't do it because your a girrrrrrl! #girlsgetitdone'

    The show tries so hard to make you like Captain Marvel and prove to you that she is sooo much stronger than your favorite Marvel characters who are all either stupid or sexist. To rub it in your face even more, she kicks the ass of thor, who in this world is a stupid white male womanizer.

    It's a 6 because the good episodes and that's bumped to a 7 for a good finale.    … Expand
  30. AKthaBeast
    Feb 5, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Thought after the first couple episodes it was a decent take on different timelines in the comic universe but wow to have everything tied up and then introduced as cannon in the mcu...this is probably the most important show in Phase 4 of the MCU… Expand
  31. SimboTheKing
    Oct 6, 2021
    6
    Unfortunately, it is a bit too inconsistent to really be considered a good watch. By my count there's three episodes that are very good and the rest are mid. To be totally honest though, I'm not really dissapointed per se as it is kinda what I expected 'What If...?' to be like. I maybe hoped for a bit more imagination but ultimately it is sort of par for the course. I feel like I've saidUnfortunately, it is a bit too inconsistent to really be considered a good watch. By my count there's three episodes that are very good and the rest are mid. To be totally honest though, I'm not really dissapointed per se as it is kinda what I expected 'What If...?' to be like. I maybe hoped for a bit more imagination but ultimately it is sort of par for the course. I feel like I've said this before, but ultimately only really worth watching if you're a marvel fan (which, unfortunately, I am).… Expand
  32. Diptanshu
    Jan 28, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mind-blowned by the end!
    the watcher journey was awesome,
    It was dull at start and satisfying at end, the starting 2 episodes and stark's episode was dull but other episodes were fun and entertaining, the 3rd episode was brilliant the killing of avengers and all it was amazing from 3rd episode the show got better and better, The thor's episode was fun and entertaining and so does the zombie's one in it the scarlett witch apperance was awesome and vision's exisitence as a robot in zombie apocalypse it was amazing although the ending with thanos waiting in wakhanda it was brilliant, love the references of other movies and jokes in those episodes they were awesome, the dr strange's episode was surprise and it was amazing, until 8th episode it felt like each and every episode was its own and not connected but then 8th episode and 9th episode i was literally at edge of the seat. the 8th episode was mind-blowing the 30mins went just like a minute it was engaging and awesome. the ultron taking over planet and killing the thanos like banana slice it was literally shocking and then the Watcher's twist at end it was mind-blowing and dr-strange coming to resue at last it was hyped then at last episode the payoff with multiversal battle it was satisfying end to the season! Overall The animation was amazing and the soundtrack too. with few dull and decent episodes and some mind-blowing too it was a awesome Season!    … Expand
  33. Onlyclassicvg1
    Oct 26, 2021
    7
    La serie animada explora el concepto de multiverso de Marvel con escenarios alternativos de lo que se vio en las películas de MCU, como Peggy Carter tomando el suero de súper soldado.
  34. iCampoRamil
    Nov 8, 2021
    7
    Idea más que interesante, todo el mundo quería que ocurriese, no se podría haber hecho de otra forma, y funciona como toma de contacto de cara a las historias más interesantes para el público.
    Muy buena animación y doblaje.
    Hay historias que interesan más y otras que no interesan, es entendible, pero en general es un acierto. · Cosas buenas: El concepto, la estética es sublime, las    Idea más que interesante, todo el mundo quería que ocurriese, no se podría haber hecho de otra forma, y funciona como toma de contacto de cara a las historias más interesantes para el público.
    Muy buena animación y doblaje.
    Hay historias que interesan más y otras que no interesan, es entendible, pero en general es un acierto.

    · Cosas buenas: El concepto, la estética es sublime, las escenas de acción muy bien llevadas, y tiene capítulos realmente buenos.
    · Cosas malas: No es tan impactante como se esperaba, y se echa en falta más narración, al igual que hay capítulos muy buenos, hay algunos que flojean.
    · Conclusión: Es interesante de ver, se disfruta un montón, y habrá episodios que te mole más, y los habrá que te molen menos, aún así, el computo general es para bien, y funciona.    … Expand
  35. Pablorafael
    Oct 31, 2021
    8
    Alguns episodios realmente ficaram aquem das expectativas mas a maioria e bom, otimo ou excepcional(caso dos eps Tchalla Star Lord, Doutor Estranho e os 2 ultimos!)
  36. Fixer84
    Mar 15, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The series should be taken for what it is. It has a task: to show alternative universes without the events that follow going too much to influence those of Earth-616. And, in some ways, it's even better this way. A non-canonical series that if you watch or don't watch it doesn't add anything and, automatically, you don't lose anything. But a fun weekly date, that without a doubt.… Expand
  37. NoahsNexus
    Apr 6, 2023
    10
    Marvel's What If...? Season 1 is a thrilling and imaginative animated series that explores Marvel's multiverse concept with alternative scenarios of what was seen in the MCU films. Each episode takes a different twist on a popular storyline and offers fans an opportunity to see their favorite characters in unique and exciting ways.

    The animation is top-notch and the voice acting is    Marvel's What If...? Season 1 is a thrilling and imaginative animated series that explores Marvel's multiverse concept with alternative scenarios of what was seen in the MCU films. Each episode takes a different twist on a popular storyline and offers fans an opportunity to see their favorite characters in unique and exciting ways.

    The animation is top-notch and the voice acting is superb, with the return of many fan-favorite MCU actors lending their voices to the characters they made famous. The series' attention to detail and respect for the source material is impressive, making it a must-watch for any Marvel fan.

    "What If... Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?" was my favorite episode of the season. The episode takes a dark and emotional turn, showcasing the lengths that Doctor Strange would go to in order to save the love of his life. The episode's stunning visuals and heart-wrenching storyline make it a standout among the already fantastic season.

    Overall, Marvel's What If...? Season 1 is a phenomenal addition to the MCU and an outstanding example of how animation can be used to tell unique and compelling stories. With its blend of humor, action, and heart, it's a must-watch for any fan of the Marvel Universe. I give it a 10/10.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Radio Times
    Reviewed by: Huw Fullerton
    Dec 2, 2021
    80
    Overall What If…? offers an entertaining new take on Marvel continuity that will fill the gap between the main Disney Plus series.
    Read full review
  2. Empire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travis
    Sep 20, 2021
    60
    Marvel Studios’ first animated series is a stylish narrative experiment with fun twists and surprises — nothing more, nothing less. For the uninitiated, it’s impenetrable.
    Read full review
  3. Decider
    Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Aug 12, 2021
    80
    What If…? is a fun exploration of alternate versions of the MCU, with animation that does a good job of conveying the action that’s baked into the MCU recipe.
    Read full review
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