Penny Dreadful

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Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 442 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 378 out of 442
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 442
  3. Negative: 25 out of 442
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  1. Coonaros
    Nov 25, 2021
    9
    i will write a review for this season only and i can say for the lovers of supernatural is amazing and really good.The actors are amazing and all the photografy are stunning! Eva Green at her best !
  2. HannibalB
    Oct 24, 2018
    2
    This show is a heartbreaker. It looks good but the writing is so bad that it's impossible to like. The casting is generally bad too, especially that of Frankenstein's monster. I like the actor, but he's no monstrous. Nothing in this show really works at all. The characters all behave illogically, constantly do stupid things that don't fit with their character as established.
  3. Kojomon
    Jun 3, 2018
    0
    Absolutely insultingly terrible ending. What a waste of my time. They even had the audacity to pretend like they planned for the show to end at three seasons. AVOID.
  4. ViniciusBrito
    Feb 19, 2018
    7
    The show gained me right at the beginning, the visual is insanely good, the way they depict old london is greate, you can feel that place
    in many ways, the atmosphere is foggy and depressive, the color palette has been handpicked wisely, it makes sense with the environment and the hole situation, with the horror and the suspense. The score is another part that you love, it fits with the    The show gained me right at the beginning, the visual is insanely good, the way they depict old london is greate, you can feel that place
    in many ways, the atmosphere is foggy and depressive, the color palette has been handpicked wisely, it makes sense with the environment and the hole situation, with the horror and the suspense. The score is another part that you love, it fits with the scenes. As a tv show it does have some moments for future seasons, that doesn't have a lot of sense in that moment. The main story about the rescue of a person is simple, but the characters are a lot interesting and all of them have secrets, that intrigues you and make you want more about them. The show have a philosophical footprint, shakespeare have a lot of influence in this and is quoted several times.The little amount of action in it isn't very expressive, very simple and nothing memorable in this situation. The acting at most is very good, Eva Green carry the show at most doing a great and convincing job, her character is situated in different positions and some times wiht different personalities, she interprets more than one character in the same body here, the voice, the way that she uses her eyes and the body movement is impressive, the others actors and actresses are also good, some of them are just ok and i couldn't get along with all of them. That was a very good season, that is worth to watch it for sure.    … Expand
  5. JLuis_001
    Jan 25, 2018
    7
    I loved the whole concept, the inclusion of the characters like Frankenstein and Dorian Gray.
    Eva Green is excellent, Timothy Dalton and Josh Hartnett doing a good job, maybe the best they have done in years.
    A little is lost in the middle, the narrative becomes too slow for my taste but manages to finish well and with enough intrigue for what is coming.
  6. dripping
    Dec 4, 2017
    10
    One of the most dramatic and tear-shedding series I've ever had the pleasure of seeing! Really high quality stuff here. I actually think the actors are perfectly chosen for their part, the script is awesome and the photography is extremely impressive!
  7. Lukehat
    Jul 1, 2017
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Watchable background TV while I'm doing something else. Not dreadful but didn't draw me in.
    - The main plot is simplistic and is lacking depth. The main plot for the most part feels unrealistic, haphazard and ingenuine. Lot's of avenues are opened and not explained: Who is ripping around town and why is that not concluded? Surely werewolf saga for series 2. 100% of the recruits just happen to have impossibly unique secrets that get told in backstories, which doesn't help to make the story feel genuine. I did enjoy the Frankenstein backstory more than the main plot though.
    - Every one has sex with Dorian Grey...(including Josh Hartnett, despite not being gay) without explanation. This is the type of Tv show for profit filling time crap, that doesn't immalgamate well with the main plot. It feels like many other TV shows where there isn't an original written storyline, but instead different writer(s) make up episodes off the cuff.
    - The heroes seem to be impenatrable to any damage by multiple vampires (including bites). Especially unrealistic in the case of old geezer Sir Malcom, who wields some normally useless in battle silver pokey stick - he did buy a decent gun for the end battle though. Are vampires as weak as cats? Yet the master/Eva Green have such supreme power together that they manage to poltergeist a whole room in to a mess without touching anything.
    - It's a shame the story is inconsistent and weak because the acting was good quality, which is rare in a TV series. English actors were cast for English roles, which seems a rarity in american TV. Billie Pipers accent seems believable, but maybe a native Irish speaker would disagree. I wonder if she will keep her accent as Mrs Frankenstein: not sure that would make sense.
    I liked Harry Treadaway and Josh Hartnett, and Vanessa Ives does an ok job acting a very difficult part.
    - The screen play is quite literary it seems (the word 'ephemeral' is mentioned at least 3 times), and there are numerous quotes and literary links throughout, including the name of the series. All unimportant to me.    … Expand
  8. poetsofswift
    Jun 26, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So sad it got cancelled, I wish they gave us a REAL ending instead of killing off Vanessa Ives. Still, it's my favourite tv show and Eva Green is amazing in this.… Expand
  9. naveentalari
    Aug 6, 2016
    0
    Hi guys dis is naveen.In penny dreadful s01e05 there has been a racist dialouge by peter refering indians to 'filthy wogs' even though the series is about 1800's it is being directed and produced in 20th century and they are using these kind of racist dialouges this is not cool.British people they might have ruled India and they thieved so much from India but thats in the past.We IndiansHi guys dis is naveen.In penny dreadful s01e05 there has been a racist dialouge by peter refering indians to 'filthy wogs' even though the series is about 1800's it is being directed and produced in 20th century and they are using these kind of racist dialouges this is not cool.British people they might have ruled India and they thieved so much from India but thats in the past.We Indians are very humble people and respectful to others but we will not tolerate these kind of statements and dialouges.… Expand
  10. Morituri
    Jul 7, 2016
    9
    Dreadfull way to end a tv series, kill its hero so no more episodes can be made. Sod the loyal fans who watched this for three years. No sense in its ending at all. They could have end it more cleverly and let all creatures go about their business leaving it open to another season or not. This writers and executives obviously do not care about selling their box sets as I am sure theDreadfull way to end a tv series, kill its hero so no more episodes can be made. Sod the loyal fans who watched this for three years. No sense in its ending at all. They could have end it more cleverly and let all creatures go about their business leaving it open to another season or not. This writers and executives obviously do not care about selling their box sets as I am sure the dreadful ending will damage sales considerably. Lazy writing is behind this poor decision. Not as bad as the wonderful series called Carnival which last two season and it had reached its obvious conclusion after season two only for the last episode to create a new twist to carry it onto season three and then end it anyway. Sometimes those writers make stuff as they go along without a clear narrative ark, like the great Game of Thrones, which luckily is based on a series of novels. Goodbye Miss Ives, I shall miss you.… Expand
  11. Pooba
    Jun 13, 2016
    1
    Others have pointed it out, The show has lost all pretense as horror or drama. Is now a SJW primer for women's studies wannabees. Unless you're into pegging or femdom stuff give this crap a miss. Too bad, first season had some promise, that good will has been squandered.
  12. nahira
    Jun 13, 2016
    10
    Excellent and riveting series, can't wait to see where the story takes us..A journey into darkness.
    Anxiously awaiting for a season four renewal.....
  13. georgejcoles
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    An incredibly well directed and produced series. I would highly recommend this to anyone. I've just finished the first episode of season 3 and felt I had to jump straight on here are say I was truly blown away with some of the detail and scale of some of the sets and cinematography. This director has a great future ahead!
  14. GreenGoblin215
    Feb 4, 2016
    10
    Enticing, Satiable and Intriguing are the first words that come into my mind after watching the first season of this show. I absolutely love this show. I mean I generally enjoy anything horror with a Victorian setting but this just blew it out of the water. I will start with the story which takes place in 1890's London and delves into a story about a man trying to find his daughter alongEnticing, Satiable and Intriguing are the first words that come into my mind after watching the first season of this show. I absolutely love this show. I mean I generally enjoy anything horror with a Victorian setting but this just blew it out of the water. I will start with the story which takes place in 1890's London and delves into a story about a man trying to find his daughter along with numerous other side plots which all are very fascinating. I will move onto the acting which in my opinion is what this show is all about. I mean I have never seen a show that has had so many relatable characters as this show. I honestly couldn't pick a favorite. I mean you have Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Reeve Carney, Harry Treadaway, Rory Kinnear, Danny Sapani and Timothy Dalton who is a Beast. I couldn't have picked better actors and actresses who evoke so much emotion in the scenes that it creates such a palpable atmosphere. The action is Superbly crafted being as it was created by John Logan who is the writer known for the recent 007 movies as well as Gladiator and The Last Samurai. The executive producer is Sam Mendes who is the director of the past two 007 films as well as Jarhead. The action is on point with very gruesome and in your face fight scenes that are very visceral and extremely chaotic. I will now move onto the cinematography and the location which was shot expertly and they filmed in both London and Ireland which I was happy to see because the aesthetic is certainly there without a doubt. I will close by saying this is a Phenomenal show which I pray continues for many seasons to come and the third season is coming out in May,2016. I plan on watching the second season tomorrow so I will post my review for that as soon as I finish it. Penny Dreadful isn't a show that you want to miss and if you love dark and Victorian London settings with many famous characters then you will certainly be in for an entertaining ride.… Expand
  15. Susannah
    Feb 1, 2016
    2
    Dreadful is the operative word here. The series is replete with so much graphic, unnecessary sex scenes and gratuitous violence and gore, and animal cruelty, that the content and storyline is overpowered. It could have otherwise been an engrossing thriller. It is really a shame. Also, the directing could have matched noirish mood better.
  16. morgsy23
    Nov 8, 2015
    9
    This show is amazing. Eva Green is a dark goddess as Vanessa Ives, I think this is some of her best work. Especially loved Patti Lupone as the cut-wife. Highlight of the season watching the two of them together on screen.
  17. wash86
    Oct 12, 2015
    10
    Não sou dos maiores fãs de filmes e seriados de época, contudo, este seriado em questão me fez repensar sobre o o quanto meu preconceito e ceticismo deturpavam minha análise crítica sobre tal... um seriado bem produzido que traz uma mescla de terror clássico e drama, com uma boa dose de poesia e perfeita atuação do seleto grupo de atores que compõem o elenco tornando o seriado visceral,Não sou dos maiores fãs de filmes e seriados de época, contudo, este seriado em questão me fez repensar sobre o o quanto meu preconceito e ceticismo deturpavam minha análise crítica sobre tal... um seriado bem produzido que traz uma mescla de terror clássico e drama, com uma boa dose de poesia e perfeita atuação do seleto grupo de atores que compõem o elenco tornando o seriado visceral, emocionante e viciante com certeza.… Expand
  18. asmanraj
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    Even though season one is only the sixty-sixth best reviewed show of 2014, and I've seen 2014 shows that got better reviews (including season four of Game of Thrones), I found this show to be the most entertaining one of 2014 that I saw. Horror is my favorite genre, and this show has everything you could want in a supernatural horror series. I love the historical context of the show asEven though season one is only the sixty-sixth best reviewed show of 2014, and I've seen 2014 shows that got better reviews (including season four of Game of Thrones), I found this show to be the most entertaining one of 2014 that I saw. Horror is my favorite genre, and this show has everything you could want in a supernatural horror series. I love the historical context of the show as well. Finally, Showtime has a great horror series to fill the void left by the departure of the highly entertaining Masters of Horror. Eva Green's performance is award-worthy. The rest of the cast, especially Rory Kinnear, is excellent as well.… Expand
  19. CaraDavies
    Sep 6, 2015
    10
    John Logan’s criminally underrated series Penny Dreadful, pulls characters from gothic Victorian Fiction and creates a Justice League of literary heroes on a mission against Dracula and the devil himself. What could have been a cringe inducing bastardisation of canonical greats manages to pay homage to its influences, whilst creating a new and thrilling afterlife for them.

    The series    John Logan’s criminally underrated series Penny Dreadful, pulls characters from gothic Victorian Fiction and creates a Justice League of literary heroes on a mission against Dracula and the devil himself. What could have been a cringe inducing bastardisation of canonical greats manages to pay homage to its influences, whilst creating a new and thrilling afterlife for them.

    The series follows the adventures of Sir Malcom Murray (Timothy Dalton) and Vanessa Ives (Eva Green), as they attempt to rescue their respective daughter and friend, Mina, from the clutches of evil. Eva Green’s performance as the troubled and seductive psychic Vanessa Ives is enthralling, nuanced and one of the show’s greatest assets- it’s difficult to imagine anyone else being so committed to the role. While, Timothy Dalton brings a sense of gravitas to his morally ambiguous character and Josh Hartnett is surprisingly well cast as the sharpshooting, quick talking Ethan Chandler.

    Logan’s writing especially shines when he is exploring these characters motivations and relationships, which for a Victorian horror series are unusually complicated and sensitive. This especially shows in the careful handling of Brona Croft’s motivations for becoming a prostitute, Billie Piper is fantastic as the enigmatic Brona, though her Irish accent can be strange at times. The only character that falls short is Reeve Carney’s portrayal of Dorian Gray; though his lack of likability and camp brand of debauchery is true to Wilde’s novel, Carney really struggles to match the strong performances of his cast mates.

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    There are plenty of intertextual references throughout the show, for example when Dr Frankenstein proclaims he cannot get PB Shelley’s (husband of Mary Shelley) verse about death out of his head, you cannot help but feel a little nerdish glee. Plus the opportunity to observe old beloved characters in new scenarios, to imagine what happened after the end of the original books, is truly enjoyable and far better executed than previous poor attempts such as Lost in Austen.

    Penny Dreadful is a dark and twisted delight: the mixture of sardonic humour, anti-heroes and gruesome ghouls makes for compelling and entertaining viewing. The first season has mainly focused on establishing the characters and their back stories, though the main story arc has developed nicely and has left audiences with plenty of questions for season two to answer. For horror fans this series will be an absolute diamond in the rough of the usual monotone, pretty vampire shows.    … Expand
  20. Qishere
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    This show is a masterpiece of horror. It is one of the best, if not the best, horror series to grace our Summer television circuit. Very, very rarely do you find the excellence in production values that regale you with this show's literate script writing and brilliant acting. Each of the "monster" characters are so balanced with loving heart and tragic horror that you will always be on theThis show is a masterpiece of horror. It is one of the best, if not the best, horror series to grace our Summer television circuit. Very, very rarely do you find the excellence in production values that regale you with this show's literate script writing and brilliant acting. Each of the "monster" characters are so balanced with loving heart and tragic horror that you will always be on the edge of fascination and repulsion for what happens next. The sets which are really an other character that creates this vivid Victorian world, will take your breath away. Not once, was I able to predict how any one character would react/survive the twisted trauma all are subjected to----and I happily enjoyed every moment of this brilliant manipulation of my emotions!! I don't remember when a Summer Series was able to attract the kind of talent of the amazing Broadway actress, Patti Lupone, and cast her as a loathsome witch who you grow to love and respect as she interacts with Vanessa (Eva Green) for only one episode. Trust me, it is a short, but unforgettable experience. This show is an emotional roller coaster you should take… Expand
  21. Elkyko
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    All this came with a surprise.

    I was hoping for a horror show but it came to me really fast that it wasn't. My disappointment was overthrown by splendid acting skills of the parts of Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Billie Pipper and the rest of the crew. The Horror part is majorly about the atmosphere. But rest assured, the plot is good, acting skill splendid and a lot of vintage creatures    All this came with a surprise.

    I was hoping for a horror show but it came to me really fast that it wasn't. My disappointment was overthrown by splendid acting skills of the parts of Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Billie Pipper and the rest of the crew. The Horror part is majorly about the atmosphere. But rest assured, the plot is good, acting skill splendid and a lot of vintage creatures unleashed.

    It is not one of those flashy series that we are used to and this is what it make it so special. People will complain about the lightning of the scenes, but you will remark that it is its particular flavor.There are many characters and a lot of sides of them. We see some of them most in the first season but discover more in the second. They all have a major impact in the story even if we see little of them in some episodes.

    By my opinion this is a must see serie.    … Expand
  22. Soulshocker
    Jun 15, 2015
    6
    I love the show, especially as the story centres around Vanessa Yves and the characters in her orbit. This season is already better than the last. Eva Green and Josh Hartnett are really great in the show. But I must say that the Dr. Frankenstein story arc is not working, especially when 'the creature - john clare' part. I just cannot care about this character, he is neither likeable,I love the show, especially as the story centres around Vanessa Yves and the characters in her orbit. This season is already better than the last. Eva Green and Josh Hartnett are really great in the show. But I must say that the Dr. Frankenstein story arc is not working, especially when 'the creature - john clare' part. I just cannot care about this character, he is neither likeable, interesting nor a threat, but the show insists on pitting him against Frankenstein. I skip any scene concerning Dr. Frankenstein and him. Brona Croft was an interesting character that added to the story, but now that she has been sucked into the Frankenstein-Creature story I don't care about her anymore.… Expand
  23. Alexlee
    Jun 2, 2015
    10
    classic novels and legendary masterpieces mashed up into one fully thrilling and astonishing TV show.
    and Eva Green is one big plus for the show. Her acting for the role is as if it's coming deeply from thing inside her. the plot is good. the background musics and SFX placement are good. overall, 'tis a good TV show for fantasy thriller fans or a Victorian London geek.
  24. Bgrod
    Jun 1, 2015
    4
    It looks awesome and the acting is top notch but there is something severely lacking in Penny Dreadful such as a coherent story or characters which compel me to care about them or stay interested. Sadly, I don't find it the least bit scary or spooky, either. The beautifully spoken Shakespearean-like dialogue does makes Penny at least a little less dreadful of a series to endure.
  25. ozennymous
    May 27, 2015
    10
    Excepcional! La ambientación, la fotografía, el ritmo. Realmente impecables. Las interpretaciones son, sin excepción, perfectas y, en algunos casos, impresionantes. Eva Green y Rory Kinnear, quizás por el "peso" de sus papeles son realmente extraordinarios.
  26. TokyoParisLondo
    Apr 2, 2015
    6
    I truly wanted to love this show, and although it starts off as hugely compelling, it quickly gets sickly and irritating. The absolutely non existent lighting is a huge bone of contention. It's like the producers are so keen to point out "hey this is a DARK and EDGY show about SHADOWY things" that they just go completely over the top.

    That's probably true of many aspects - things which    I truly wanted to love this show, and although it starts off as hugely compelling, it quickly gets sickly and irritating. The absolutely non existent lighting is a huge bone of contention. It's like the producers are so keen to point out "hey this is a DARK and EDGY show about SHADOWY things" that they just go completely over the top.

    That's probably true of many aspects - things which start off as really appealing, quickly become a constant source of irritation. Why can't Eva Green clear her throat and speak without that gravelly, hoarse voice for once? (She's meant to be seductive. WE GET IT). Why can't the writers actually get around to advancing the plot rather than shoving more and more characters into the mix?

    Dorian Gray's character is so over the top that I spend all his screen time wanting to punch him in the face for being such a simpering ****

    There are a few saving graces. The costumes are exquisite. Billie Piper seems to be the only character with any comic wit, and she plays it well. Her accent is not the worst I have ever heard. Frankenstein's monster is wonderful. Truly wonderful. In fact, the Frankenstein side story is the most well done - even though everyone knows the final traditional outcome, I suspect many hope the story will deviate from the original, and he will FINALLY get his bride (note: the book has been out for nearly 200 years. This is NOT a spoiler!)

    In summary I'd say it's a show with more atmosphere than any real substance, but you'll probably watch the whole thing just to check whether the writers ever bothered getting back to the plot at all. Or, you know, get the plot to make any sense.    … Expand
  27. manofthemoon
    Mar 10, 2015
    5
    A mess with only the writer to blame, "Penny Dreadful" throws everything already seen in Victorian horror stories into the mix in the hope that we'll buy old cliches warmed up as new ideas for your attention. High style fails to paper over the cracks of a weak series undeserving of a second season. The real pity is that Eva Green and Timothy Dalton, amongst others, are excellent. One ofA mess with only the writer to blame, "Penny Dreadful" throws everything already seen in Victorian horror stories into the mix in the hope that we'll buy old cliches warmed up as new ideas for your attention. High style fails to paper over the cracks of a weak series undeserving of a second season. The real pity is that Eva Green and Timothy Dalton, amongst others, are excellent. One of the biggest disappointments on TV.… Expand
  28. deathweeper
    Jan 10, 2015
    1
    Penny Dreadful is a chick flick down to its bone. It provides mysteries, and horrors than are specifically catered towards women but this is harder for most people to realize since it is classified as a horror and not a romantic comedy. Overall the show is boring, yes their are some monsters but you only see them for a few seconds and the rest of the season is about the charactersPenny Dreadful is a chick flick down to its bone. It provides mysteries, and horrors than are specifically catered towards women but this is harder for most people to realize since it is classified as a horror and not a romantic comedy. Overall the show is boring, yes their are some monsters but you only see them for a few seconds and the rest of the season is about the characters fighiting against imaginary personal problems like how they're bored, or crazy or hallucinating. Their are no good guys in this show, instead everyone is just a grey mess. This is one of those shows where you would be very happy if the main characters died.… Expand
  29. Rapunzel
    Nov 2, 2014
    10
    I was sure that better television series "American horror story" nothing and never will be, but "Penny Dreadful" surpassed all my expectations and beat American horror story "! Eva Green and Josh Hartnett is awesome! Well done!
  30. CelticView
    Oct 9, 2014
    9
    Great acting, fabulously atmospheric, wonderfully weird, and... filmed in my native Dublin. The 2nd series should grow the 1st as Penny Dreadful is as good as anything on display at the moment.
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Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Best TV Season of 2014
26
#26 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
17
#17 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    May 16, 2014
    63
    As the season goes on, the narrative grip will (one hopes) tighten and grow as richly decadent as the surrounding production--or Eva Green. [26 May 2014, p.39]
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    May 12, 2014
    75
    There were moments when I wanted to give up on Penny Dreadful. Then there is the ending of the second episode--a horrific jolt that changes everything you thought you knew about one character--and, well, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    May 12, 2014
    80
    The elegance of its production and mostly measured pace, though it may confound those who prefer the supernatural served fast and furious, keeps the drama persuasive.
    Read full review
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