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. TheQuietGamer
    May 27, 2014
    8
    One of the most unique new shows on television. With it's excellent cast and compelling universe, there's an incredibly high level of quality on display here. That being said the show does have it's slow moments and unfortunately has yet to scare me in any way despite the creepy tone it has established, which is a pretty big flaw for a horror series like this one to have. Still I amOne of the most unique new shows on television. With it's excellent cast and compelling universe, there's an incredibly high level of quality on display here. That being said the show does have it's slow moments and unfortunately has yet to scare me in any way despite the creepy tone it has established, which is a pretty big flaw for a horror series like this one to have. Still I am invested in it. After three episodes it does sometimes look like it's teetering on the edge of being something serious or something goofy thanks to some of it's characters (the inclusion of Frankenstein worried me for a bit) and some plot elements (the devil and demon plot could go either way), but as of right now it looks like a lot of concerns are unwarranted. This is a show that is often dark, disturbing, and even disgusting at times, but it is always deep and compelling. So yeah, as of right now I say this is a show worth watching. If my opinion changes as the series progresses than I'll update my review. As of right now consider this my final review.… Expand
  2. AthanasiosT
    May 20, 2014
    10
    Top horror show with great acting, effects and plot. I think it's slightly better than American Horror Story, because of the excellent twisting and mixing of various horror stories and archetypes.
  3. Windolicker
    Jun 15, 2014
    10
    Fantastically dark and sophisticated. It moves at an intellectual speed that says, "If you can't keep up, get lost." Very rarely do I find a show or film that is as macabre as this...and it is so very satisfying.
  4. jennt23
    Jul 6, 2014
    10
    At first, I was pretty skeptical about this show. I admit, the first episode is that typical type of first episode in which the plot is laid out, all the characters are introduced, and everything is so very formulaic. Things are explained and there are several 'What the **** do you people do?' statements peppered in generously in accordance with the genre. I have yet to watch aAt first, I was pretty skeptical about this show. I admit, the first episode is that typical type of first episode in which the plot is laid out, all the characters are introduced, and everything is so very formulaic. Things are explained and there are several 'What the **** do you people do?' statements peppered in generously in accordance with the genre. I have yet to watch a supernaturaly themed show without some variation of those words in the script. I have to say, I'm very glad I watched the second episode because that's where it really gets going. The characters are well-defined and interesting. The references to literature aren't wasted on those with even the lightest knowledge of Victorian fiction. The costumes match the show perfectly and firmly underscore each character. It's not a visually stunning sort of series and the visuals can be a bit dreary in accordance with the subject matter. The show prefers to gain your interest on a more auditory and emotional level. The poetry throughout is breathtaking in true Victorian fashion. The show delivers haunting monologues on life, death, and the isolation suffered by those who are different through the lenses of characters who couldn't be played more convincingly by any of the actors involved. The storytelling is sometimes eclipsed by the amount of time given to character development, but it's not a big issue. It makes some things quietly apparent and leaves you to draw your own conclusions about others. The show is as deeply emotional as the floweriest of poetry, gory like the best Gothic horror story, and full of steamy scenes and emotional payoff like the best romances. It's not for everyone, but I'd recommend it to fans of the supernatural genre, fans of Victorian literature, and fans of classic monster tales like Frankenstein's monster and Dracula. It's also good if you just like hearing lovely accents. There are plenty of those to go around with a mostly British cast and the lovely Josh Hartnett doing his best Southern drawl.… Expand
  5. abdutt
    Jul 24, 2014
    10
    I always had a thing for Gothic , Horror, Suspense which was a miss from many TV shows that i have seen lately but then comes Penny Dreadful with an eerie of horror and spectacular character building.Eva Green is Gorgeous and bring that extra something to the plot .The music sets the tone whenever required.
    I would rate this show a 10. I hope they keep the same flow with the second season.
  6. Nathonas
    Jun 26, 2014
    9
    Great show. Excellent setting with really good atmosphere. I like the use of supernatural stories all thrown together - Frankenstein, vampires, Dorian Gray, Egyptian mythology, etc. The characters are all really interesting and defy stereotypes - even the character of Ethan Chandler who at first appears to be a simple hired-gun, smooth-talking badass but becomes a lot more. The dialogue isGreat show. Excellent setting with really good atmosphere. I like the use of supernatural stories all thrown together - Frankenstein, vampires, Dorian Gray, Egyptian mythology, etc. The characters are all really interesting and defy stereotypes - even the character of Ethan Chandler who at first appears to be a simple hired-gun, smooth-talking badass but becomes a lot more. The dialogue is also excellent, although maybe at times a bit lengthy. The references to poetry and history show a lot of research to make the show really rooted in its time period.

    But above all I like the plot. You never know exactly what is going to happen. This show defies typical storytelling of the horror/supernatural genre.    … Expand
  7. SlyckNickChick
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    Penny Dreadful a Supernatural show based on fictional characters dated from the late 1800's and early 1900's, ranging from the Ripper, Dr. Frankentstein, Van Helsing, Dorian Gray, Vampires (Dracula) and even Possession; Offering an astounding variety of episodes . From what I have seen so far it's absolutely BRILLIANT, there is no other show like it! It's a must watch that's howPenny Dreadful a Supernatural show based on fictional characters dated from the late 1800's and early 1900's, ranging from the Ripper, Dr. Frankentstein, Van Helsing, Dorian Gray, Vampires (Dracula) and even Possession; Offering an astounding variety of episodes . From what I have seen so far it's absolutely BRILLIANT, there is no other show like it! It's a must watch that's how enjoyable it is. The writing, directing, acting, special effects, everything as a whole is absolutely AMAZING! It has received excellent ratings and mostly positive reviews and has already been renewed for a season 2. If you haven't watched it you're definitely missing out!… Expand
  8. Funinsd
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    Best gothic horror show of all time. Great performances and just enough special effects to keep it reasonable. Eva Green you make horror sexy and Josh Hartnett your just sexy!
  9. 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.
  10. 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!
  11. SkullBoy92
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    After watching 2 episodes 10/10 . Climate , actors and scenery are phenomenally .
    If you need something fresh in tv here is it heavy , dark and give some questions you need to answer before yourself.
  12. jazzythechef
    Jul 8, 2014
    4
    i really wanted to like this show, but it seems a real chore to get through. filled with unnecessary scenes that i quickly forget about. some great acting and attractive sets tied together by, well nothing really. another reviewer said the show gets bogged down by it's own greatness, i believe that to be a very apt observation.
  13. minerva1961
    May 21, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Watched episode two last night with my two late teenage boys - and for the first time ever they put their iphones down and actually watched the screen - yes it was that good, especially when Eva Green did the séance scene, she deserves a Tony, Bafta, Oscar and every other gong going for that scene (although the F in C did help!)… Expand
  14. 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.
  15. hamchuck
    Jul 20, 2014
    9
    First couple of episodes were tremendous. Fast and shockingly scary moments. Nice, crisp acting and script.. I absolutely love this show and I am looking forward to season 2.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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!
  19. AvantGuardian
    May 18, 2014
    8
    Penny Dreadful's premise/plot is hard to describe, but I will do my best.
    It is sort of like, a darker, "Sanctuary", set in England, in the 19th century.
    The series follows a group of interesting characters with unique traits and dark pasts as they explore the horrific world of the supernatural as it creeps into their regular lives. The show is artistic, dark, well-scripted and acted    Penny Dreadful's premise/plot is hard to describe, but I will do my best.
    It is sort of like, a darker, "Sanctuary", set in England, in the 19th century.
    The series follows a group of interesting characters with unique traits and dark pasts as they explore the horrific world of the supernatural as it creeps into their regular lives.

    The show is artistic, dark, well-scripted and acted and does a fantastic job taking preconceived literary marvels and making them fresh and interesting again, reintroducing us to the classic characters we love to hate or fear.

    So far, my only issue with Penny Dreadful is that it is slightly confusing and a bit cryptic. Additionally, I'm not sure the events of each episode are relayed in the order that would feel the most cohesive. It jumps around between characters and their situations sort of like the typical soap opera, making the show feel slightly like Frankenstein -- stitched together rather than one smooth flowing story.

    As this is a "Showtime" series, there is lots of completely pointless, unnecessary sex that has nothing to do with the plot and lots of prostitutes. I could do without both.    … Expand
  20. jordan_ddrchs
    May 27, 2014
    8
    Beautiful to watch and intelligently written without being haughty. Let's have less Dorian Gray, keep the camp to a minimum (RE: Episode 2, final scene) and pray for a long run. Anyone comparing this to the garbage that is 'Once Upon a Time' needs to take a second look. Similarities exist only in the two's most basic premise. That is; 'modern' examination of public domain, literaryBeautiful to watch and intelligently written without being haughty. Let's have less Dorian Gray, keep the camp to a minimum (RE: Episode 2, final scene) and pray for a long run. Anyone comparing this to the garbage that is 'Once Upon a Time' needs to take a second look. Similarities exist only in the two's most basic premise. That is; 'modern' examination of public domain, literary characters. Rest assured, Penny Dreadful does not pander to the masses or beg for a prime-time spot next to Desperate Housewives. It has no f***s to give about keeping your children up at night.… Expand
  21. Spaff
    May 12, 2014
    10
    I watched both episodes and if you like sex, violence, horror and a nice period series atmosphere you will like this show. I liked all the main characters and it will be fun to watch the various monsters and villains integrate in future episodes. As for the critics, most have it right; yet a few of them want to kill a promising series before it gets up and running. This is a fun TV series,I watched both episodes and if you like sex, violence, horror and a nice period series atmosphere you will like this show. I liked all the main characters and it will be fun to watch the various monsters and villains integrate in future episodes. As for the critics, most have it right; yet a few of them want to kill a promising series before it gets up and running. This is a fun TV series, the real horror show is going on in Washington, so if you want to vent negativity you should have more than ample material there if you, or you employer have the guts to cover it.… Expand
  22. Dobian
    May 30, 2014
    5
    So far this show has been all style and no substance. It's like a monsters greatest hits with Frankenstein, Dracula, Jack the Ripper, and Dorian Gray all getting tossed into the pot. There's no compelling story so far, no real reason to root for any of the characters, who are very flat and wooden. For a horror show it's not very scary, it's actually kind of dull. The recently cancelledSo far this show has been all style and no substance. It's like a monsters greatest hits with Frankenstein, Dracula, Jack the Ripper, and Dorian Gray all getting tossed into the pot. There's no compelling story so far, no real reason to root for any of the characters, who are very flat and wooden. For a horror show it's not very scary, it's actually kind of dull. The recently cancelled Dracula on NBC had its issues, but it had some great character development, an interesting plot, and it was way more entertaining than this. I do like Billie Piper, I remember her from Secret Diaries of a Call Girl and she brings life to the show in her scenes. I'll keep watching for now, but they need to develop some decent story arcs.… Expand
  23. BogKid
    Jul 1, 2014
    9
    Initially, I thought "Penny Dreadful" was a bit ridiculous in its combining of literary characters from the Victorian era. As the initial season developed, this became one of my favorite shows. The writing is a little lurid, but really quite good. The level of acting was, I think, excellent. The slow, but deliberate, development of the plot served the show very well and served to keepInitially, I thought "Penny Dreadful" was a bit ridiculous in its combining of literary characters from the Victorian era. As the initial season developed, this became one of my favorite shows. The writing is a little lurid, but really quite good. The level of acting was, I think, excellent. The slow, but deliberate, development of the plot served the show very well and served to keep me fascinated through the very end. That's my current problem. I just watched the last show of season one and I miss "Penny Dreadful" already.… Expand
  24. Nightling13
    May 19, 2014
    10
    The cynic in me is dead. Long live Penny Dreadful! I do not want to sound like I am giving you a lot of hyperbole but it's difficult not to. I have not liked a show this much since I first discovered Dark Shadows when I was thirteen-years-old.

    Penny Dreadful begins with a slow burn pace but by the end of episode 2 everything had kicked into gear. I cannot put into words how well this    The cynic in me is dead. Long live Penny Dreadful! I do not want to sound like I am giving you a lot of hyperbole but it's difficult not to. I have not liked a show this much since I first discovered Dark Shadows when I was thirteen-years-old.

    Penny Dreadful begins with a slow burn pace but by the end of episode 2 everything had kicked into gear. I cannot put into words how well this show has taken my breath away. I would like to fully apologize for the doubts I had toward it upon seeing the early preview clips. I was utterly wrong. Nothing is what it seems and this show is the best Gothic Horror TV series I have seen in years.

    After dealing with the mediocre and pandering likes of Bitten and NBC's Dracula I had all but given up hope on my favorite genre of fiction but Penny Dreadful salvaged my faith in creativity.

    Penny dreadful is named for the 19th century slang term for a cheap pulp novel or serial such as Varney The Vampire or other Gothic classics that were originally often published in installments. Most of these works of literature dealt with terrifying and morbid premises and so were "dreadful" and obviously only cost a penny.

    The TV series Penny Dreadful pits the likes of Victor Frankenstein, his creation, the immortal Dorian Gray (from the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde) and the characters of Dracula all in the same late nineteenth century setting.

    The show has managed to surprise me already within it's first two episodes and it keeps me guessing.

    The show is well acted with impressive and realistic production values. It also bears detailed and clever writing. Subtle nods to other works of classic literature are scattered through out in delightful Easter Egg quotes and references. Also so far I have not caught a single glimpse of computer generated monster effects. No. Everything I have seen thus far has been done with skillful and realistic practical effects so that everything feels real and tactile. There is no cheap, cartoonish or watery CG to draw me out of the story.

    I cannot put into words how much I love this show and hope that the third episode continues to impress me as the first two have.    … Expand
  25. Lisa24
    May 13, 2014
    8
    I think it is perfect - perfect cast, rich settings, smart and mysterious storytelling. It is what I was hoping American Horror Story would have been. I was hooked immediately and cannot wait to watch the next episode!
  26. hermanysobral
    May 11, 2014
    10
    Penny Dreadful é sem dúvidas para mim a estreia do ano, com um episódio piloto excelente com uma boa história, fotografia, atuação e atratividade excelentes com um toque bem cinematográfico,vem com certeza assumir-se como uma verdadeira série de terror, caracterizada pelos sustos e ótimos efeitos além de claro destacar e rebuscar todos os monstros tão conhecidos por nós de LondresPenny Dreadful é sem dúvidas para mim a estreia do ano, com um episódio piloto excelente com uma boa história, fotografia, atuação e atratividade excelentes com um toque bem cinematográfico,vem com certeza assumir-se como uma verdadeira série de terror, caracterizada pelos sustos e ótimos efeitos além de claro destacar e rebuscar todos os monstros tão conhecidos por nós de Londres Vitoriana, era o que eu estava buscando em uma série de terror, espero que continue sempre assim!!!!Nota 10… Expand
  27. funkeedeeva
    Aug 27, 2014
    10
    This is an awesome series. It combines all the dark characters I grew up with. Timothy Dalton adds regality to the show. I simply cannot wait for the 2nd season. 3 thumbs up!
  28. Ixoziel
    Jun 4, 2014
    5
    I really wanted to like this show. The theme and style are fantastic, I love the vibe and atmosphere that the show gives off. However, the direction of the show leaves a lot to be desired. A lot of things simply don't make sense. For example, I went for three episodes without realizing that the lead female character (Vanessa Ives) actually wasn't named Penny Dreadful (it's theI really wanted to like this show. The theme and style are fantastic, I love the vibe and atmosphere that the show gives off. However, the direction of the show leaves a lot to be desired. A lot of things simply don't make sense. For example, I went for three episodes without realizing that the lead female character (Vanessa Ives) actually wasn't named Penny Dreadful (it's the stereotypical name of a horror tabloid).

    There are a lot of scenes that just don't make a lot of sense. There's multiple scenes that jump to Ives praying, where we see spiders coming out of the walls (likely a hallucination). The fact that Ives and Malcolm trust random strangers off the streets to protect them seems a little dubious, as well. I don't mind suspending disbelief for fantasy elements, but suspending disbelief for how some of these characters behave is just a little too much for me.

    It seems like the show is trying to focus on too many different characters at once. The parts with Dr. Frankenstein are brilliant. The actors that play his creations are great as well. However, when it starts dealing with Dorian Grey, the show kind of loses its voice. He doesn't really seem to belong in the type of sci-fi dealings that are going on.

    The show can't really figure out whether it wants to be a drama, a horror show, a sci-fi show (Frankenstein and his science), or a soft porn flick (Dorian). True Blood worked because it never took itself too seriously, but I"m not sure where this series will go.    … Expand
  29. HighPriestesa
    May 17, 2014
    9
    I love it, I love it, I love it! Great characters, deep. It's easy to connect. And all the blood, and the flesh, and the blood and the flesh was awesome! They've already killed my favorite character, though :/ :(
    But this could be something realy special!
  30. igorviegas
    Aug 13, 2014
    10
    I watched all the episodes and I have to say that 'Penny Dreadful' had my attention from the first minute untill the last one. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing. Eva Green has done a perfect role. A Masterpiece!
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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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