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. Kamamura
    Jun 27, 2019
    2
    It started nicely enough like another light escapist fantasy show about magic, however, it went downhill quite sharply since then.

    It seems that from time to time, all the characters are possessed by a single, malevolent, misandrist entity that starts spewing feminist propaganda, while completely dropping out of character and forgetting the ongoing plot. "Kick the patriarchy in the    It started nicely enough like another light escapist fantasy show about magic, however, it went downhill quite sharply since then.

    It seems that from time to time, all the characters are possessed by a single, malevolent, misandrist entity that starts spewing feminist propaganda, while completely dropping out of character and forgetting the ongoing plot. "Kick the patriarchy in the nuts!" exclaims n-th latino-semi-asian-african half lesbian woman who is hated by the world because of here genius level inteligence apparently inherent to her gender.

    Fine. Every author has some agenda, but if you neglect the plot and the character development for it, people will likely go watch something actually enjoyable. Which is happening to many feminism-infested movies and shows today.    … Expand
  2. 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?
  3. 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!
  4. 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!
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 :(
  9. night4
    Jan 27, 2018
    3
    "Emo Harry Potter" sums it up perfectly.

    If you ever were watching Harry Potter and said to yourself, "you know, this is great and all, but it'd be even better if magic only came from pain and suffering. And while we're at it, let's remove most of the magic and maybe, MAYBE show one or two spells for a couple seconds per episode." Then, yes, this is the show for you.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Moirahas
    Mar 2, 2017
    0
    This is one of those series that you can't watch.Actors need to go back to acting school because even a toddler would be better than any of them and the plot is beyond silly.
  15. bkrz
    Feb 28, 2017
    2
    I read the first book in this series and watched the show, of which I've completed 11/13 episodes. This show is greatly flawed. They burn through 1/3 of an already fast paced book in the first episode (by skipping what was actually fun about that portion of the book), and fill up the remainder of the season with new material, which was shallow and spoils the realism of the series. TheyI read the first book in this series and watched the show, of which I've completed 11/13 episodes. This show is greatly flawed. They burn through 1/3 of an already fast paced book in the first episode (by skipping what was actually fun about that portion of the book), and fill up the remainder of the season with new material, which was shallow and spoils the realism of the series. They made it much less believable and I don't feel they built the magical world well, with just snippets of class noise in the background to try and explain how complicated and difficult magic is in this universe. They ruin every surprise there is in the book because, rather than have it remain a surprise, they insert it into the series so we can watch it happen step by step, which just makes it so much more boring. They explained "traveling" so very poorly as well.

    Above all, though, I just hate how they represented Alice. The actress looks nothing like her. She doesn't act much like her either, and I felt like her acting was forced in a lot of scenes. She seems like a weak character when I felt she was very strong in the books. It changed the entire dynamic of the story and has me eye-rolling at every scene she's in (which is most).

    Overall, these issues make me feel the entire story line is poorly put together and shallow. Not a series you can really fall in love with. Just one to tolerate.    … Expand
  16. SomeGuy79
    Feb 19, 2017
    0
    I have finished season 1, before I decide to write a review. This show I don't see going any farther than 2 season. The Main character that I feel drags the story down even slows it where its became annoying. Writers giving portrayed him as a Self destructive personality where his ignorant and lack judgment that pretty much give out selfishness. That doesn't work as a Story on a heroesI have finished season 1, before I decide to write a review. This show I don't see going any farther than 2 season. The Main character that I feel drags the story down even slows it where its became annoying. Writers giving portrayed him as a Self destructive personality where his ignorant and lack judgment that pretty much give out selfishness. That doesn't work as a Story on a heroes journey. The main character lacks progress where from rest of the supporting characters pull more weight to cover Quentin's mistakes and self pity that leads to boring predictable story that viewers like my self gets bored knowing what to expect.
    Yes! I know its not harry potter I didn't compare to him but if your were thinking that! Harry potter is a epitome of a dark horse where he knew what was wrong and build from it. Where Quentin just oblivious where his so called friends gets more damaged than he does but shows lack of gratitude. I am disappointed.    … Expand
  17. kuehnau
    Jan 29, 2017
    0
    The Magicians is based on a series of books by Lev Grossman. The books were kind of like a more adult oriented Harry Potter series. While not al that amazing, the books are an intresting read.

    With that being said, the TV series is almost nothing like the book series. People who have never read the books will most likely enjoy the series, but fans of the written books will no doubt    The Magicians is based on a series of books by Lev Grossman. The books were kind of like a more adult oriented Harry Potter series. While not al that amazing, the books are an intresting read.

    With that being said, the TV series is almost nothing like the book series. People who have never read the books will most likely enjoy the series, but fans of the written books will no doubt dislike this adaptation.

    When will writers and producers start to realize that fans of a book want a faithful interpretation and not a reimagining? A series is popular because the fans of the series makes it popular, so they should be the focus when writing or producing a spinoff.    … Expand
  18. ganglio
    Jan 27, 2017
    1
    The good:
    - Probably the basic story. I will read the books
    - Keeps up interest over a lonely evening - Indian sidekick - Elliot character The bad: - Quentins acting - Teeny love dramas (why do you teach kids that everything should be complicated?) The ugly: - The one constant same expression of Alice as if she had been beaten - SJW **** such as in episode 11 when they talk    The good:
    - Probably the basic story. I will read the books
    - Keeps up interest over a lonely evening
    - Indian sidekick
    - Elliot character

    The bad:
    - Quentins acting
    - Teeny love dramas (why do you teach kids that everything should be complicated?)

    The ugly:
    - The one constant same expression of Alice as if she had been beaten
    - SJW **** such as in episode 11 when they talk about creepy men, patriarchy and privileges. Such obviously slanted US-election allusions make me want to vomit    … Expand
  19. 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
  20. Yolrey
    Jan 8, 2017
    3
    The Magicians is a low budget Harry Potter knockoff with a million plotholes. The characters are underdeveloped and riddled with cliches, the acting is terrible, and the main plot seems to be at a complete standstill (just like Once Upon a Time). Like Hogwarts, this school has each kid sorted into houses but this time they are sorted based on their magical ability instead of theirThe Magicians is a low budget Harry Potter knockoff with a million plotholes. The characters are underdeveloped and riddled with cliches, the acting is terrible, and the main plot seems to be at a complete standstill (just like Once Upon a Time). Like Hogwarts, this school has each kid sorted into houses but this time they are sorted based on their magical ability instead of their personalities which would make much more sense if they actually expanded on these abilities. Instead, the series seems to slip over a lot of their magical development in place of drama. I understand that the SyFy channel doesn't produce large budget series but the magical effects look only slightly better than M Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender. If you want a good SyFy channel show to watch, go watch Dark Matter.

    I can't understand why this is rated so high. The only time I watch this series is when I am busy doing something else and I want some background noise.    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. Shambala
    Jan 1, 2017
    0
    The Magicians is a wonderful series of books - unique, groundbreaking, a fantastic, grown-up spin on some of the beloved books of our childhood. This TV adaptation is pure garbage. It ruins key plot points in the first 10 minutes. The writers take liberties and make changes all over the place, and each decision is a terrible one. It is cheap - not even B-movie quality. It takes goldThe Magicians is a wonderful series of books - unique, groundbreaking, a fantastic, grown-up spin on some of the beloved books of our childhood. This TV adaptation is pure garbage. It ruins key plot points in the first 10 minutes. The writers take liberties and make changes all over the place, and each decision is a terrible one. It is cheap - not even B-movie quality. It takes gold material and spins it into a pile of vomit. The writers should be banned from TV. If you like anything at all about this show, you'd be so much better off turning it off and reading the books instead. They are wonderful.… Expand
  25. 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.
  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. dc127
    Aug 18, 2016
    3
    Original Review: I have read all three books and went into watching the TV show with mixed expectations. The books have a lot going for them, but I could see how it would be hard to adapt them for TV. As others have pointed out the pilot is clumsy with a bit too much filler going on in the background. There are a lot of deviations from the book that I just don't get. It helps to view theOriginal Review: I have read all three books and went into watching the TV show with mixed expectations. The books have a lot going for them, but I could see how it would be hard to adapt them for TV. As others have pointed out the pilot is clumsy with a bit too much filler going on in the background. There are a lot of deviations from the book that I just don't get. It helps to view the show as a unique stand alone rather than compare it to the books. So far I have found the series enjoyable but flawed. Alice to me is the stand out on the show so far. Elliot also has his moments. Most of the other actors really aren't that likeable. Both Quintin and Julia strike me as selfish, narcissistic jerks at times. I loathed Julia's character in the novels, and so far I still don't like her in the show. Hopefully as I make it into the back half of the season her story gets better.

    Updated: Well I have now finished watching the entire season. I have to say I am very disappointed. Instead of fixing the problems that popped up early they got progressively worse. Quintin is just a whiny **** In the books he has self esteem problems, but is a very competent magician who demonstrates bravery and loyalty to his friends. In the show he is just a depressed wet paper sack. There are a ton of deviations from the book that just make no sense. If you can't identify with Quintin what is the point of the story?

    He is the MAIN CHARACTER of the entire series. In the show they have made him secondary to highlight Julia and even Alice's skills as magicians and strong women. The only white males in the show are a sad sack who is completely emasculated (Quintin), gay comic relief (Elliot), or the villain (Martin). On the other hand they made Penny Indian, and made both female characters much stronger and more important that in the books. This is just sloppy writing that serves no actual purpose other than some identity politics. Also aging the characters up so that they are in graduate school rather than college makes no sense. It would be much better if they were 19-20 and still ****    … Expand
  28. 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.
  29. lazy_davey
    Jun 11, 2016
    0
    Is this a prawn directors first attempt at making a TV series? The soft focus scenes all seem to have this air about them. It's as if the action is about to kick off, but then it disappoints by staying in bland TV friendly territory on a par with charmed or Buffy the vampire slayer. One of the lead actresses Stella Maeve is like a down market Remy Lacroix with those awful wrist tattoosIs this a prawn directors first attempt at making a TV series? The soft focus scenes all seem to have this air about them. It's as if the action is about to kick off, but then it disappoints by staying in bland TV friendly territory on a par with charmed or Buffy the vampire slayer. One of the lead actresses Stella Maeve is like a down market Remy Lacroix with those awful wrist tattoos that young ladies are getting these days.

    Olivia Taylor Dudley puts me in mind of Alex Grey, especially in that naked tying each-others wrists up scene with Jason Ralph.

    I have no idea what is going on from scene to scene, they may as well just be random scenes leading into a prawn shoot. At least Buffy and Charmed story lines made sense from episode to episode.

    If you've bothered to read the books I hear this garbage is based on, you're probably just better off keeping to your bookish ways.    … Expand
  30. 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.
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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 »