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. 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!
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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!
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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!
  16. 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!
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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!
  24. 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.....
  25. 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!
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. Ravens1294
    Aug 23, 2014
    9
    I really love this show. It was a huge surprise for me because I don't care for these kind of shows. The show is very interesting and the plot moves rather slow, but it's perfect that way. The acting is exceptional by all the actors especially Eva Green. The characters are complex and very compelling. Each character is shrouded in mystery and that really bodes well for this show. The storyI really love this show. It was a huge surprise for me because I don't care for these kind of shows. The show is very interesting and the plot moves rather slow, but it's perfect that way. The acting is exceptional by all the actors especially Eva Green. The characters are complex and very compelling. Each character is shrouded in mystery and that really bodes well for this show. The story lines are very well laid out. The best part about this show are the characters. I loved almost all of the characters throughout the season. The best scenes are with Eva Green because her character is possessed and she knocks it out of the park. The action could have been improved, but the possession sequences are great. Also, I love the opening credits to the show. Great music and scenes. Overall, the show was really good and a pleasant surprise.… Expand
  30. 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!
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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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