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. RidiculousDeath
    Dec 31, 2018
    7
    One of the best series about magic. Must watch. Yeah, it has many flaws, but nonetheless now it's one of my favourite tv shows!
  2. xProjectZerox
    Mar 13, 2016
    10
    Favorite new show to watch. I love magic and fantasy. The character lineup is cliche but forgivable. Enjoying the show and look forward to every episode.
  3. TBJanowski
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    While the books were good,the changes they are making to the story really bring an interesting perspective. The effects are really good for TV, while the directing and cinematography are well thought out and not over the top.
  4. Charlemagne
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    Greatness! Finally! Utterly Inspired! Dark and menacing! Frighteningly Deep!

    Perhaps making long story arc TV series out of books is a good recipe. Where the books were written without the risk aversion (and accompanying lowest common denominator aim) of big budget movies or the short attention span that goes with movie time limits, truly great stories can rise in the less constrained    Greatness! Finally! Utterly Inspired! Dark and menacing! Frighteningly Deep!

    Perhaps making long story arc TV series out of books is a good recipe. Where the books were written without the risk aversion (and accompanying lowest common denominator aim) of big budget movies or the short attention span that goes with movie time limits, truly great stories can rise in the less constrained environment. And for TV format a whole season is still cheaper than a movie, and ideas can be tested with a cheap pilot and limited first season. And no expensive big name actors are needed to recoup the massive movie budget. So less risk = more experimenting = more creative.

    And so we get this shining gem of a show.    … Expand
  5. HAD
    Apr 20, 2016
    10
    Awesome show.I don't know what to say more . Great cast and effects. I fall in love with all of them . Hope this show will never be canceled because its great.
  6. proscriptus
    Feb 4, 2016
    8
    Maybe my expectations were low, but I'm enjoying the hell out of The Magicians. It's light entertainment about teenagers (played unconvincingly mostly by actors in their 30s) that doesn't ask too much of the audience, nor does it take itself over-seriously. It's a little bland in that respect, but it also doesn't try to hard. The sets and settings are small and intimate, which lets theMaybe my expectations were low, but I'm enjoying the hell out of The Magicians. It's light entertainment about teenagers (played unconvincingly mostly by actors in their 30s) that doesn't ask too much of the audience, nor does it take itself over-seriously. It's a little bland in that respect, but it also doesn't try to hard. The sets and settings are small and intimate, which lets the producers and actors work to build a nicely textured world. It's a young show yet, but there have already been some scenes which take risks you don't see in, say, Shadowhunters. If the producers are given some job security, it could blossom into something very interesting.… Expand
  7. Jospper
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    I was skeptical at first. The end of the two-premieres of the show made wondering if I'll continue to watch it. I'm glad that I did it. The following and the development of the story, of the characters are great. I didn't read to book, so I can't compare. I'm just taking this show as a dark magicians story and it's totally ok to me. I hope the show will continue into this way.
  8. MrWizerd
    Jan 26, 2016
    9
    This show obviously has a lit of growing to do however with that said the plot so far is engaging. While it seems to borrow, heavily at times, from some of my favorite fantasy and urban fantasy books it doesn't outright plagiarize or otherwise make it to cliche. At this point I really want to see where it goes. It seems that we have been dropped into the story running and because ofThis show obviously has a lit of growing to do however with that said the plot so far is engaging. While it seems to borrow, heavily at times, from some of my favorite fantasy and urban fantasy books it doesn't outright plagiarize or otherwise make it to cliche. At this point I really want to see where it goes. It seems that we have been dropped into the story running and because of that character development suffered in the first episode. Hopefully more episodes will rectify this and will be ten worthy.… Expand
  9. Ironjohn
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Enjoyed the books and think the changes they've made for the series have been smart. There's a lot to set up in the beginning and it's been well balanced. The series has and hopefully will stay true to the dark humor of the books.
  10. officialreprese
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    Incredible book, very happy they produced this. Seems slow moving but only because the books were long. Hope to watch season five!! Characters seems pretty relate-able.
  11. wggmn3
    Feb 14, 2016
    7
    Good but muddled.. I've seen Four Episodes of Season One.. I'm attracted by the theme of magic and the cast particularly Olivia Dudley (she looks great particularly in glasses...
  12. LordoftheDance
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    Read the books, enjoyed the pilot. I think it stays true to the heart of the story. Other than Penny, who is completely different from the book Penny, the actors are perfect (Penny in the books is an intentionally boring character, so it will be an interesting change I think). Very excited for the rest of the series; there's so much that they can do with the Magicians.
    For those that    Read the books, enjoyed the pilot. I think it stays true to the heart of the story. Other than Penny, who is completely different from the book Penny, the actors are perfect (Penny in the books is an intentionally boring character, so it will be an interesting change I think). Very excited for the rest of the series; there's so much that they can do with the Magicians.
    For those that haven't seen the pilot or read the books... just imagine Harry Potter crossed with Narnia, but incredibly dark and much more "real". Also, scary.    … Expand
  13. metabad
    Apr 23, 2016
    7
    I was hesitant to watch this, but in the end, I did and I didn't regret it.
    The first few episodes might not make you want more but when you stick with the show, the characters will grow on you and it'll become an entertaining show.
    There are of course some minor points of critique, some things are a little contrived, like many shows I've watched recently are. But there's not too much    I was hesitant to watch this, but in the end, I did and I didn't regret it.
    The first few episodes might not make you want more but when you stick with the show, the characters will grow on you and it'll become an entertaining show.

    There are of course some minor points of critique, some things are a little contrived, like many shows I've watched recently are.
    But there's not too much of them to get annoyed.

    I didn't like the ending, however. It was anticlimactic and too much of a cliffhanger.
    Sure, the plan is to make the viewers tune in to season 2.
    But if there's no season 2, shows like this will lead to an increasingly disgruntled audience,
    that will be less and less prepared to take the risk of getting emotionally involved into new tv shows,
    only to be disappointed.
    Maybe I'm exaggerating but please, stop these kind of cliffhangers. You don't want to come across as a soap opera.    … Expand
  14. Benbobob
    Feb 19, 2016
    10
    It's not Shakespeare, but it never set out to be. Can't say I like the main character, but I'll grant that maybe you're not supposed to. It's certainly entertaining! 10/10.
  15. Sammael7
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    I've watched this show through the third episode and I think it's one of the best new shows of the past couple of years. Right up there with the expanse in terms of general interest from me, but they are both on syfy which means they have a high chance of being cancelled by the second year... but I digress.

    I have not read the books, so I don't have the baggage and chip on my shoulder    I've watched this show through the third episode and I think it's one of the best new shows of the past couple of years. Right up there with the expanse in terms of general interest from me, but they are both on syfy which means they have a high chance of being cancelled by the second year... but I digress.

    I have not read the books, so I don't have the baggage and chip on my shoulder of comparisons to the prime work, but I find the world interesting to visit on screen. The effects are great so far, I like most of the actors and characterizations, and the idea that magic is dangerous on top of powerful comes through in spades.

    It really is an excellent show. I hope it finds an audience because this kind of show theme is incredibly rare to see on screen where the focus on primarily on magic users. The previous versions typically involved some form of witches mixed in with other supernatural creatures. The only real shows that were more heavily focused around magic were the secret circle and this one. And while I enjoyed the secret circle well enough, this world seems much more interesting and I want to see more. It really is like a more adult harry potter with more dangerous magic and consequences flying around.

    I gave this a 10 not because it is an absolutely perfect show for all people, but because it is the kind of show I look forward to MOST per week.    … Expand
  16. DRDoc
    Feb 10, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Magicians is an interesting mix of Hogwarts and the Craft. Good magic vs magic for evil use, while the evil users group are attractive to the magically abled but not Brakebills material because they advance them quickly through magical learning. Yet Brakebills has an ominous presence that is preying on their magical students. Does this sound familiar? While it is definitely engaging and lends a new twist to the Harry Potter like story and makes it more relevant for teens/adults, it still feels a bit slow at times and almost recycled, I will have to read the book to get a better insight. An enjoyable viewing experience all in all however if you are into fantasy and magic. Thank you Syfy for going back to your roots!… Expand
  17. mcgeehon
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    great new show with an interesting story line. Each episode so far has kept me waiting for the next. The special effects and acting are good. I have never read the books, but this show makes me want to pick them up and start the journey.
  18. adamdavis33
    Mar 1, 2016
    10
    I instantly fell into the show and wanted more. I started reading the books after I watched the first couple of episodes. I love both the books and the show, and grant that the show strays from the books, but in an interesting and acceptable way. TV is a different medium and if the story was told verbatim from the books then the show wouldn't be as entertaining to watch.
  19. Bazza007--
    Mar 13, 2016
    7
    Hi, I loved the first episode but wasn't sure about it after the next episode. I was comparing it to Luther and Ash v. Evil Dead, which are both 10/10 in my book, esp. the later. As good as Daredevil which is about to relaunch its 2nd season on the 18 March! So awesome. Now, I'll most definitely go back and start watching this series once I finish the first book of the series that thisHi, I loved the first episode but wasn't sure about it after the next episode. I was comparing it to Luther and Ash v. Evil Dead, which are both 10/10 in my book, esp. the later. As good as Daredevil which is about to relaunch its 2nd season on the 18 March! So awesome. Now, I'll most definitely go back and start watching this series once I finish the first book of the series that this show is based on "The Magicians by Lev Grossman". Now this book is BRILLIANT, I can't stop reading it and I'm loving it. I'm rapt there is another 2 books in the series already published. I know from reading it that the TV show has digressed majorly from the narrative in the book, which is often necessary with film and TV, I understand that. But if your a bit unsure like I was about whether your enjoying the TV show I recommend you pick up a copy of the Book or an eBook like Im reading and delve into it. The first 10 pages are a bit of challenge but after that, its nonstop enjoyment - an adults version of Harry Potter. And regardless of whether this then increases your enjoyment of the television show, your guaranteed to love reading the book. PS. I highly recommend watching both Luther (show about the devil having break on Earth) and Ash v. Evil Dead, quite honestly the best show I watched last year, was so novel, over the top and brilliant. Quite like Daredevil which I'm so looking forward to its 2nd season, starting on Netflix on the 18th I think it is.

    I know this is a bit of a lateral review. But hey, its where the TV Show took me. I hope it can help others.    … Expand
  20. tytalk
    Mar 16, 2016
    10
    New favorite show! It's kind of like X-men. Each student at the university has different powers, and everyone is trying to understand how to use them.
  21. Adjuna
    Mar 22, 2016
    8
    The first episode... I was amazed. I am trying to see where it is going, wich is good. I wasn't expecting the blood, witch i like! I do need more magic though. For me, at episode 09 now, i didn't get bored, it's a good sign. I like it.
  22. jenniferb
    Mar 28, 2016
    8
    Being a HUGE fan of The Magicians book trilogy i was more than a little excited to hear it was becoming a show and... being a HUGE fan of The Magicians book trilogy i have been more than a little disappointed with the show. I wanted to love it so bad but it leaves so much to be desired, i wonder if people who havent read the books are even keeping up with whats going on because i almostBeing a HUGE fan of The Magicians book trilogy i was more than a little excited to hear it was becoming a show and... being a HUGE fan of The Magicians book trilogy i have been more than a little disappointed with the show. I wanted to love it so bad but it leaves so much to be desired, i wonder if people who havent read the books are even keeping up with whats going on because i almost can't. The plot is moving waaay too quickly, so much so that i feel a lot has been left out concerning: 1) the magic in general 2) alice and quentin's relationship 3) the fillory books and the backstory (i.e the watcherwoman, ember and umber). also where is josh?? Quentin looks way too much like a jock than the depressed nerd he is supposed to be. they are cramming way too much extra crap in instead of sticking to the script of the books which were immaculate. i think if they wanted to stray from the books they should have done it in later seasons but i dont even know where they are going to go from here considering they've already gotten through pretty much the whole first book and 90% of the second. I am going to continue to watch it and i dont want it to end i just was wondering if anyone else had these thoughts??!… Expand
  23. EnglishMajor
    Mar 29, 2016
    9
    I've only ever watched one other show that instantly made me want to find out if it was a book and go buy it; Game of Thrones. This is a great story; I was saddened to see it labeled as derivative. What's not, though? Critics love fancy words to replace I don't like it. Enough critiquing the critic, I love the story and me thinks it good. Sorry, that was all I could do to not spoilI've only ever watched one other show that instantly made me want to find out if it was a book and go buy it; Game of Thrones. This is a great story; I was saddened to see it labeled as derivative. What's not, though? Critics love fancy words to replace I don't like it. Enough critiquing the critic, I love the story and me thinks it good. Sorry, that was all I could do to not spoil anything. I'm going to wait the season out, as of this there are only two episodes left in season one, and tear those books a new one. Give the show a try if you haven't, and if you don't like it, hmmm, oh well.… Expand
  24. baby2butterfly
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    Love this series. It really appeals to my bookishness and also to struggles with mental disorders. I can see where this is going to have a nice complete story arc that is developing into something beautiful with surprising twists along the way.
  25. Axios
    Jun 5, 2016
    10
    Потрясающе!!! Это 10/10 !!! Most have! Shut up and take my money. sale gardge. Просто сериал бомба!!! Такой сюжет, такие персонажи! А последняя серия вообще ахренеть какая! В общем-жду 2 сезон.
  26. atemcitirc
    Aug 22, 2016
    10
    I'm a massive fantasy fan and this film just does it for me, looking forward to the next season. .....................................................
  27. Bigchris27
    Jan 2, 2017
    7
    OK don't get me wrong here I love the show I find it fun action and suspence packed even humorous at moments but however I am NOT a big fan of the sexual content it's just too graphic and too often for my personal taste but as I mentioned before it is a well acted and decent show just really needs to tone down the sexual content
  28. Srice5350
    Dec 28, 2016
    10
    If you compare it to the books, you may not like it. But it's something else, just based on the books, not a direct "port". So on it's own it's something very special, but compared to something that it's not, it's like judging a fish by it's ability to climb trees.
  29. MissSparkle
    Jan 3, 2017
    9
    I have not read the books but am really getting into the show. It's nice to finally watch a show about magic where the main character is near my age. As a post college graduate it's great to see a mid 20's characters instead of a bunch of high school kids. I can't wait to see where this series goes, I won't lie some of the hand signs can be wonky but hey it's a new spin on things.
  30. emmitpenny
    Jan 10, 2017
    10
    I don't normally watch these types of TV shows. They are usually too pre teen. However, much to my surprise I found this show very entertaining. It held may interest after a somewhat rocky start and became like a good book you didn't want to put down . The character were each unique in their own ways and when lumped together made just the right amount of odd!!! I have to say I have onlyI don't normally watch these types of TV shows. They are usually too pre teen. However, much to my surprise I found this show very entertaining. It held may interest after a somewhat rocky start and became like a good book you didn't want to put down . The character were each unique in their own ways and when lumped together made just the right amount of odd!!! I have to say I have only seen season one on Netflix and don't know if there are any other seasons, but, I sure hope so because the end of season 1 sure ends with a big cliffhanger. If you looking for something interesting to pass the time on a rainy day. I recommend The… Expand
  31. SevenThunders
    Jan 18, 2018
    8
    I really like this genre, even though I'm no fan of Harry Potter. Season one had a nice tight plot line that kept me glued to my screen. My main complaints were the complete lack of morals promoted as "normal", by the typical Hollyweird freaks who run these shows. Many thin excuses were generated for multiple sex scenes, implied sex scenes, homosexuality and infidelity.

    I also    I really like this genre, even though I'm no fan of Harry Potter. Season one had a nice tight plot line that kept me glued to my screen. My main complaints were the complete lack of morals promoted as "normal", by the typical Hollyweird freaks who run these shows. Many thin excuses were generated for multiple sex scenes, implied sex scenes, homosexuality and infidelity.

    I also do not like the main character. He comes off as a spoiled whiny **** with no sense of self worth or conception of right and wrong, and the other characters are even more narcissistic if that were possible. Is this the new normal for millennials these days, or is it Hollywoods conception of them?

    What lifts this show is the actress who plays Alice. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous, but she plays a wonderful nerdy character that any male would instantly fall in love with; since she seems to be oblivious to her sex appeal.

    Season 2 has an entirely different feel to it. It has literally become a comedy, with the character who plays the primary villain, the "beast", providing a lot of the humor. I didn't read the books, so I'm not sure, but I'm guessing it's a deviation from the original plot line. The villain has lost his mystery and the show is kind of turning into a millennial version of Buffy the vampire slayer. Not that that's a bad thing; I'm still entertained, but I'm guessing they could have done better.

    In the end a solid 7 or 8 out of 10 for me.    … Expand
  32. HealYouOom
    Dec 5, 2018
    10
    One of the best shows every created merging comedy, action, fantasy and 4th wall breaking. This show thinks exactly like you! Plot twists, occasional musical numbers and each character with different deep moral conflicts within themselves every season have made me an emotional wreck, and I'm loving it. Can't wait for season 4!
  33. Almiir
    Mar 18, 2018
    10
    Essa série é maravilhosa,o enredo é um dos melhores que se tem ultimamente.The Magicians é uma série viciante e acolhedora.
  34. Lolpert
    Apr 3, 2017
    10
    Любимое новое шоу, чтобы посмотреть. Я люблю магию и фэнтези. В линейке персонаж-клише, но простительно. Наслаждаясь шоу и с нетерпением ждем каждую серию.
  35. claxton24
    May 14, 2017
    7
    Quetin and his childhood friends are very annoying with their arrogrance. The selfishnessof his friend is astronimcal. I almost turned it off because of her intensity. Other than that, I love the other characters especially the blond.
  36. Metacritic420
    Jan 11, 2018
    7
    Dark Fantasy Sci-Fi Horror with Adult Themes (possibly triggering). A guilty pleasure to watch - left me anticipating each new series.

    Enjoyable, funny, well acted & developed characters. Good plot/storyline(s) with some not so good screenplay but very good/surprising cliff hangers & plot twists (I have not read the books so can't compare.) Graphics/visuals of magic are nicely done    Dark Fantasy Sci-Fi Horror with Adult Themes (possibly triggering). A guilty pleasure to watch - left me anticipating each new series.

    Enjoyable, funny, well acted & developed characters. Good plot/storyline(s) with some not so good screenplay but very good/surprising cliff hangers & plot twists (I have not read the books so can't compare.)

    Graphics/visuals of magic are nicely done although the hand gestures can seem silly/overdone. "Monsters" scary/funny with odd but good/original looking style/costumes.

    Good acting & characters - The best being Hale Appleman as Eliot & Summer Bishil as Margo who are excellent and fun to watch. They complement each other in their acting style & character personalities.

    Could be better but good fun to watch, ignore any issues to just enjoy the crazy ride.    … Expand
  37. VeryAtomic
    Apr 4, 2018
    8
    Like too many shows nowsdays this show starts slow and if you aren't willing to see where it's going for at least 2 more episodes you may come away unimpressed.

    If you are willing to stick it out, you'll find it becomes a near epic modern fantasy story, that is quite adult.
  38. HopDoubleScotch
    Apr 6, 2018
    8
    There's surely no way this show could've moved past the first season, I was shocked when I saw it had been renewed halfway through its first year. But 2 seasons later (With a fourth swiftly approaching) i'm happy to say I'm a fan. It's not perfect, but it gives a few solid one liners and topics of conversation. Some may say the progressive approach is a bit heavy handed, I firmly disagree.There's surely no way this show could've moved past the first season, I was shocked when I saw it had been renewed halfway through its first year. But 2 seasons later (With a fourth swiftly approaching) i'm happy to say I'm a fan. It's not perfect, but it gives a few solid one liners and topics of conversation. Some may say the progressive approach is a bit heavy handed, I firmly disagree. The characters take on their own light and anyone with half a brain could identify with some aspect of their lives.

    The favorite thing of mine about this show is that magic isn't just 'a thing' as it would be in harry potter, It's something that, to quote Elliot "Is not unlikely to kill you," And must be taken very seriously. It's something that is taken for granted because it is the solution to most problems, but it also creates so many at the same time. There's a few moments in the first and second season where I'm reminded that i'm indeed watching a show about fantasy, but it's balanced proportionally with the anger and horror I feel for the characters being put through such events.

    I'd recommend this to anyone looking for something to hold on to for a few seasons, but also read the source material, as the show has strayed from it and is heading in its own direction for the most part.    … Expand

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
See all critic reviews »