The Magicians (2016)

:

Season 1
  • Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 25, 2016
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 2, 1
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 225 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 225
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 225
  3. Negative: 38 out of 225
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User Reviews

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  1. Letterdief
    Mar 6, 2016
    5
    I starting watching this show with no expectations and an open mind. The pilot is clumsy and fast-paced. Most of the character are stereotypes and every single relationship feels meaningless and shallow. The main plot is interesting enough to keep me watching but everything else feels like a way to fill the show. I'v watched until episode seven because I really wanted give this show I fairI starting watching this show with no expectations and an open mind. The pilot is clumsy and fast-paced. Most of the character are stereotypes and every single relationship feels meaningless and shallow. The main plot is interesting enough to keep me watching but everything else feels like a way to fill the show. I'v watched until episode seven because I really wanted give this show I fair chance. Bad scenes (most of them with Jade Tailor) and weak storyline in episode six and seven were the nail in the coffin. I tried to like the show but I've found out that I was trying to hard. I shouldn't try, a good show grows on a person and this one failed miserable.… Expand
  2. Keyyys
    Jan 25, 2016
    5
    The pilot episode for "The Magicians" felt more like a really long trailer what could have been at least half of an entire season. So many scenes felt disjointed and left massive gaps in the development of the story. Magic, which was supposed to be an incredibly difficult skill to learn, is mastered by the time we get halfway through the first episode, and the dramatic final scene of theThe pilot episode for "The Magicians" felt more like a really long trailer what could have been at least half of an entire season. So many scenes felt disjointed and left massive gaps in the development of the story. Magic, which was supposed to be an incredibly difficult skill to learn, is mastered by the time we get halfway through the first episode, and the dramatic final scene of the pilot could easily have taken place several episodes into the season.

    Story-wise, this show already feels like it's lurching in an uncomfortable way. The characters, however, are where "The Magicians" begins to redeem itself. True to Grossman's original story, the characters are clearly brimming with personal issues, and their interactions feel deeply human.

    Due to the show's complex character interactions, Syfy has the potential to break new ground in its tackling of societal issues like depression and, as the story continues, existentialism. However, if the pacing of the show doesn't smooth itself out, the story may be too convoluted and patchy to be followed except by only the most dedicated of fans who most certainly have read Grossman's trilogy and who will constantly be outraged by important omissions.    … Expand
  3. Thothdjehuti
    Feb 17, 2016
    4
    Though this show started off pretty good, it has taken a turn for the worst. The main character doesn't seem to have any real magic or that he's just to slow to get on the level of his school mates. He's extremely boring in that he always asking for help but rarely do they even show him do the most basic of magic. Its becoming a drag to have to wait and wait and wait for the TV producersThough this show started off pretty good, it has taken a turn for the worst. The main character doesn't seem to have any real magic or that he's just to slow to get on the level of his school mates. He's extremely boring in that he always asking for help but rarely do they even show him do the most basic of magic. Its becoming a drag to have to wait and wait and wait for the TV producers to actually say "wait!!! We are losing some of our audience. We need more action and more magic - and we definitely need to give the main character some visibly magical skills".

    His best friend is way more advanced than he is and she didn't get accepted into the school. 5 ep have aired and the main star still doesn't display any real magic. They are going to have to turn this around like super fast or this show is a bust. Give the main guy some magical abilities and stop making him look like he's always helpless. Enough is enough of the depressed guy with no real magical abilities.    … Expand
  4. AthanasiosT
    Mar 8, 2016
    6
    Too far from the books for my taste. The story got too sweet and the actors are too good looking to take seriously. If the books were characterized as "Harry Potter for adults", the series can be characterized as"the Magicians for models". Good FX though..
  5. ben_stcyr
    Feb 3, 2016
    5
    The first few episodes of The Magicians show a quirky young man who doesn't know magic exists until know. When he finds out, he attends a school to help teach him his trade. Unoriginal, but I digress. The main character, has a geeky persona that fits, since he is portrayed as a fantasy book lover. However, the acting is undeveloped from that standpoint. There are a lot of holes in the plotThe first few episodes of The Magicians show a quirky young man who doesn't know magic exists until know. When he finds out, he attends a school to help teach him his trade. Unoriginal, but I digress. The main character, has a geeky persona that fits, since he is portrayed as a fantasy book lover. However, the acting is undeveloped from that standpoint. There are a lot of holes in the plot development, but that is slightly understandable because it is a series that should develop accordingly. The filmography and CGI are done well and the "magic" is very vivid. For this, I would give it an A+, however it's the character and plot development that give the series a dull and slow feel.… Expand
  6. Deckz
    Aug 7, 2016
    4
    the thing that turned me away from this show was really Jason Ralph as the main character, he might be an ok actor, but not for this role, is he suppose to be 17?? he looks 40 and so out of place, seeing him trying to play a kid is cringe af. the story is ok, but not very well told.
  7. JDDallas
    Jan 6, 2017
    6
    The Pitch: Harry Potter & his friends go to college..w/ a YA slant.

    Yeah, OK..not quite..but close..maybe more like what would happen if the 90210 kids suddenly found out they were witches The Bad: 1) much like Harry Potter the scripts are nothing but silly stupid cut outs to hang the eye candy of the production on 2) the budget for said production values are way WAAYYY below that    The Pitch: Harry Potter & his friends go to college..w/ a YA slant.

    Yeah, OK..not quite..but close..maybe more like what would happen if the 90210 kids suddenly found out they were witches

    The Bad:
    1) much like Harry Potter the scripts are nothing but silly stupid cut outs to hang the eye candy of the production on
    2) the budget for said production values are way WAAYYY below that of the HP films
    3) the male lead is the dooshy-est, wussy-est guy I've ever seen headline a TV show but yet still be considered our "hero"..PLEASE find a way to kill him off..the Indian "sidekick" is far easier to root for..I even find the token gay guy more of man than QUENTIN COLDWATER (FYI when even you're own Dad nicknames you "Curly Q"..sumpins wrong there

    The Good:
    1) despite the lack if funds..they do OK with what they have..sets are decent..dialogue, clothes and content tries to be Hep
    2) heavy on the premise of if we're gonna have stupid scripts and limited funds let's make sure every chick on the show is SMOKIN HOT..and wearing the skimpiest outfits we can muster whilst still never showing you a single frame of nudity. Seriously, the blonde lead is centerfold material..the moody girl has the most amazing eyes/legs/hair..the girl on the outside is sexy minx who'll do ANYTHING for a magic "fix"..and just for good measure they throw in Rose -the hottest chick EVER on Game of Thrones- to be a counselor??!!
    3) Rinse & repeat of #2

    SyFy is giving Season 1 to Netflix in an attempt to get traction for season 2..personally this could actually work if Netflix could run it and let it be the mindless R rated skin flick it so desperately wishes it could be

    ..to let me see these female hotties in all their glory whilst u spin me a weak sauce Harry Potter script

    ..yeah I could come home from a hard day's work..flick that on, check my mind at the door & veg out to THAT

    ..but this show as it stands? *Meh*

    The "Meh":
    1) altho we can't show skin we CAN all swear like sailors and not let 15 mins go by without a fully clothes sex scene of no left to imagination reference to such    … Expand
  8. michaelinperson
    Feb 19, 2019
    5
    It's really a shame. The last two episodes of The Magicians were simply marvelous. Why couldn't it have carried so much potential to begin with?
  9. hunybunybun
    Jan 31, 2018
    5
    if it wasnt for margo and eliot i wouldve left this show long ago. Julia and Alice are just annoying. Julia have that tense swollen-eyes look since season 1. Alice got irritated and rude like 24/7 now. That Quentin actor have zero acting talent, that nervous shaky voice of his were done too redundantly even when theres only a tiny problem arises. Cringey :(

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
32
#32 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Michael Slezak
    Apr 6, 2016
    75
    The Magicians may not have perfected every incantation in its spellbook, but it’s worth a look for viewers intrigued by the idea of a Harry Potter-esque weekly fantasy series.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 28, 2016
    70
    It promises to be a wild ride. [1-14 Feb 2016, p.19]
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jan 25, 2016
    80
    It’s a mere two episodes, but The Magicians provided enough evidence that it has enough talent and ambition to keep the surprises coming.
    Read full review
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