Station Eleven

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO Max
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 16, 2021
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 51
  3. Negative: 13 out of 51

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User Reviews

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  1. TheWayfarer73
    Dec 27, 2021
    6
    I'm on the third episode. First episode was great. Really took us in and we were waiting with baited breath for the next episodes. Then the non-linear storytelling began and ruined things for us. I wish they just told the story linearly. Jumping back and forth through time is risky unless it's done right. I am not sure if we will continue watching as the story is really going in aI'm on the third episode. First episode was great. Really took us in and we were waiting with baited breath for the next episodes. Then the non-linear storytelling began and ruined things for us. I wish they just told the story linearly. Jumping back and forth through time is risky unless it's done right. I am not sure if we will continue watching as the story is really going in a direction that is uninteresting.… Expand
  2. Jtburkh
    Jan 1, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The makers seemed to be building a fairytale story around a "diversity" checklist. However if you can look past that then it worked fairly well because the majority of the characters weren't necessarily leaning on their "diversity" as a crutch. The whole crew did a very good job. The only time I eye rolled wrt the forced diversity checklist was when the black guy and the corporate consultant beta white guy started making out. It was gross to see the old bearded guy making out with the black guy. It was sort of crunchy and cringey.

    Once you get past that nonsense then what you're left with is an interesting show about a bunch of thespians who are dealing with life after the flu kills everyone. They become hyper violent, as is their real nature, while also being soft and playful and ridiculing the alpha male stereotype...which is exclusively played by the group of mean old nasty white men. /yawn

    Obviously they kill them all in these stories with apparent ease...because the militia type guys are dumb and easy to kill. It's heart warming and touching how thespians (band kids, nor listeners, and actors) could easily kill well armed militia types who actively train with weapons and know how to operate explosive systems. It's like the writers didn't even watch the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and the video of how that kid vaporized the one pistol wielding guys bicep.

    Whatever though...if you can look past the obvious political commentary there is an interesting and compelling story here worth taking a look at. I'm looking forward to season two when the main character will Mary Sue her way out of being poisoned. Should be fun.    … Expand
  3. shoulderoforion
    Dec 16, 2021
    9
    Station Eleven is right up my alley, a true dystopian "after" world both crafted and expansive. I'm digging the first three episodes immensely, the cast is top notch (though I really could have done without the Laura Petty again), and the story is increasingly fascinating. Getting shades of The Stand and I'll be eagerly awaiting next weeks installment, wish I could binge the whole seasonStation Eleven is right up my alley, a true dystopian "after" world both crafted and expansive. I'm digging the first three episodes immensely, the cast is top notch (though I really could have done without the Laura Petty again), and the story is increasingly fascinating. Getting shades of The Stand and I'll be eagerly awaiting next weeks installment, wish I could binge the whole season right meow.… Expand
  4. UncleWillard
    Dec 16, 2021
    7
    So far, pretty good. The little girl who plays young Kirsten is great as is Miranda. I love the structure so far, it's a great way to tell this story. Only criticism thus far is the Postman-esque "symphony" and Lori Petty in general, but I'm banking on that being a part and not the sum.
  5. Blair1989
    Jan 23, 2022
    10
    Great show, a bit slow in places, but worth it in the end. Not for everyone, amazing acting from the cast. And some genuinely funny and moving moments in equal measure. Definitely rewards a second viewing of every episode if you engage with story as much as i did.
  6. OlivierPiel
    Jun 10, 2022
    9
    First two episodes are excellent. At long last a mature take on dystopia. Also it's a clever metaphor on collective but more interestingly personal neuroses...and how this morbid fascination can also help grow artistic natures.
    Sadly ep 3 doesn't keep up and falls into some clichéd, cringe-worthy musings on parasitic philistines vs "true to self" artists and very lame attempts on    First two episodes are excellent. At long last a mature take on dystopia. Also it's a clever metaphor on collective but more interestingly personal neuroses...and how this morbid fascination can also help grow artistic natures.
    Sadly ep 3 doesn't keep up and falls into some clichéd, cringe-worthy musings on parasitic philistines vs "true to self" artists and very lame attempts on intercultural open-mindedness (our Black protagonist pretending to speak some kind of Cantonese to business partners in... Malaysia -where everyone speaks English!!!. Note to Americans: There are -far- more Chinese able to speak foreign languages than you! ). What a way to ruin a show!

    Edit: The rest of the show, besides the clichés of movie stardom and jealousy of also-rans, is almost flawless. Really refreshing take on Hamlet and a beautiful musing on ....musing!    … Expand
  7. jrocknyc
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    first episode was fine, shows the collapse juuuuuust starting

    second episode is 20 years in the future, in the woods the whole time (does ANYONE like "woods" episodes?)

    third episode is years BEFORE the apocalypse, so who cares?
  8. QUAID300
    Dec 30, 2021
    9
    Well directed and edited, captivating story and a strong lead. I really enjoyed the way a graphic novel about a mysterious space man was connected to the story and characters, it very surreal and intriguing. The first 7 episode have been great!
  9. enut_butter
    Dec 27, 2021
    0
    HBO has really lost the plot with their original series. Failure after failure, and now this. Yet another toothless, overly-diverse, vaguely propagandistic production that leaves the viewer feeling like they’ve seen this all before.
  10. truerock
    Jan 21, 2022
    6
    Interesting take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Some of the casting and acting was good.
    Mackenzie Davis turned out a very good performance and was well cast for her role.
    Other casting was like the budget overran and they had to go cheap - yet any high school drama club has better actors... so, always very strange why that happens. Clearly casting, acting and writing did not align in    Interesting take on the post-apocalyptic genre. Some of the casting and acting was good.
    Mackenzie Davis turned out a very good performance and was well cast for her role.
    Other casting was like the budget overran and they had to go cheap - yet any high school drama club has better actors... so, always very strange why that happens. Clearly casting, acting and writing did not align in many places.

    Episode 5, The Severn City Airport, is my favorite episode... I almost always enjoy David Wilmot's acting.

    Daniel Zovatto is an interesting casting choice as "The Prophet" and he does a very good job. I wouldn't have thought to cast him in the role - but, it really works in an interesting way.

    I was thinking of rating this a 7 (or even an 8) - but, just too many bad actors strangely cast in minor roles. Perhaps casting directors think minor roles are not important so they carelessly cast the minor roles?

    I'm going to go read the professional reviews for some possible insight as to what was going on.

    ***************************************************

    Having thought about it for a while...

    I think a major problem with Station Eleven was Himesh Patel as Jeevan Chaudhary (the audience member who takes care of Kirten the night of the pandemic and for the next several months). Himesh Patel fulfilled the role at an acceptable level. It is just that it was a critical role, and it should have been cast differently with a better actor. I think Himesh is fairly good actor - but, he messed up the series - in my humble opinion.    … Expand
  11. jp_chgo
    Jan 26, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First 40 minutes were unbearably confusing and annoying. Maybe it got better after the plane crashed into Navy Pier.… Expand
  12. ILikeEyeBalls
    Feb 10, 2023
    9
    A little difficult to follow but this is a great show. Every episode was captivating.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best TV Season of 2021
42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Jan 31, 2022
    80
    Station Eleven is a slow burn. The first few episodes look beautiful but move at a stately pace. If you can stick with it, you will be rewarded.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Anita Singh
    Jan 31, 2022
    60
    If you dislike multiple timelines, then steer clear. It moves back and forth, starting with the outbreak and moving to 20 years after, then hopping back to one year after, or one day, or 43 days. In short, it requires commitment.
    Read full review
  3. Empire
    Reviewed by: Al Horner
    Jan 25, 2022
    80
    Its stately pace and pandemic subject matter won’t be for everyone, but Station Eleven is an achievement of the tallest order, full of tenderness, experimentalism and captivating design.
    Read full review
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