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. Jenmlx
    Mar 1, 2016
    1
    Having read the books I greatly looked forward to this show. The first episode was not too bad. There were changes to be sure, but none unforgivable. I found it perfectly allowable to change a few things to get the action going faster than it did in the book. Then I watched the second episode. Things started to get bad. Every deviation from the original book had me wondering why. EveryHaving read the books I greatly looked forward to this show. The first episode was not too bad. There were changes to be sure, but none unforgivable. I found it perfectly allowable to change a few things to get the action going faster than it did in the book. Then I watched the second episode. Things started to get bad. Every deviation from the original book had me wondering why. Every time they changed course from the original source material it got cheesier. By the third episode I completely understood: There was no intention of following the books at all. Obviously the idea was to just use the books as inspiration and create a series that could be continued for as long as the show continued to make money.

    The dialogue and plot quickly became ridiculous and unforgivable.    … Expand
  3. Vixeneque
    Apr 2, 2016
    3
    Well I loved this show when it first started. But the last few episodes have left me thinking i may have to pass on watching it further. It started out so good too, but the last few episodes have been complete and utter crap. The acting was never great, but it was acceptable. But it seems that it is just getting worse as the season goes on. In fairness not all the actors are bad...but if aWell I loved this show when it first started. But the last few episodes have left me thinking i may have to pass on watching it further. It started out so good too, but the last few episodes have been complete and utter crap. The acting was never great, but it was acceptable. But it seems that it is just getting worse as the season goes on. In fairness not all the actors are bad...but if a script is poorly written, not even the best actor can save it. I had high hopes for this show when it first started. But now i will be extremely surprised if it gets a second season. Sad, because they could have done so much better.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. luczai
    Jan 26, 2016
    3
    Wow. I can't believe how dumbed down this is from the books. I really hope this doesn't discourage potential readers of this excellent series of books. So much is lost in making everyone older (even the kids in Fillory--presumably to set the stage for sex scenes with them in the future as there is no other plausible reason), better looking, and compressing the storyline to the point whereWow. I can't believe how dumbed down this is from the books. I really hope this doesn't discourage potential readers of this excellent series of books. So much is lost in making everyone older (even the kids in Fillory--presumably to set the stage for sex scenes with them in the future as there is no other plausible reason), better looking, and compressing the storyline to the point where you can't imagine what they're going to do if the series gets renewed. I was really looking forward to this and am very disappointed. If you haven't read the books, you might like it better than I did.… Expand
  6. Lecroan
    Mar 15, 2016
    1
    Not only are the character descriptions from the novels ignored completely, the magic system isn't even explained rendering the viewer mostly confused. The pacing of the story is terrible, the Chatwin kids aren't actually kids. The show is completely butchering the source material. They couldn't even get a tall Quentin, just the height is incorrect. Nothing to redeem this drab affair.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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..
  12. yass
    Jan 27, 2016
    0
    Watched the first two episodes. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Haven't read the books though so this review is purely about the show itself. The acting is nearly appalling. The special effects are quite good though. Will watch the next couple of episodes to see if it gets better.
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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!
  18. 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.
  19. Knighthawk81
    Jan 25, 2016
    3
    Maybe these books are cool, I don't know. I never read them. But I watched the pilot for this series when it had a sneak peak premier, and it was a hot mess. No thanks.
  20. 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.
  21. lisa2016
    Mar 7, 2016
    0
    The worst new show! Boring story, violent content, actors who can't act, bad editing with awkward timing... Just a bad copy of Harry Potter, I really want to erase my memory watching this show fro my mind!! I regret I even gave it a try!!
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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...
  30. 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
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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
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