The Shannara Chronicles

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Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 319 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 319
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 319
  3. Negative: 75 out of 319
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User Reviews

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  1. Safan
    Oct 13, 2020
    10
    What about season 3??? Season 1 and 2 its amazing. Im waiting for season 3 please accept my request..
  2. Pr0sper0
    Sep 22, 2018
    10
    Amaizing, for those who like sci-fi, like me, it was really really good. I hope we have the season 3 soon.
  3. andresmontoya
    Jun 26, 2018
    9
    The Shanna Chronicles is a show everyone would loved to watch! The acting is so good, the way they set the creatures like trolls and gnomes, that was a good job, so original and full of creativity. Ivana Baquero makes the show go like a shooting star, she's so good on being Eretria
  4. deaconfrost31
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    I really do enjoy this show. I started reading the books at a young age and was fascinated by the story telling. Terry Brooks continues his legacy as one of the greatest fantasy/science fiction writers of all time. While the show does not follow the books verbatim it does stay true to the narrative in my opinion and I really hope that it is allowed to continue for multiple seasons.
  5. gamerzx
    Oct 26, 2017
    8
    Good solid fantasy series. There are not many as good as this. The sets the costumes the backstory are all memorable. Could it be better , yes. Overall it was well worth watching. I caught the series online so I didn't have to suffer through the painful cut to commercials that must have been on MTV.

    The show itself seems to move along a little fast. It is covering Terry Brooks novels    Good solid fantasy series. There are not many as good as this. The sets the costumes the backstory are all memorable. Could it be better , yes. Overall it was well worth watching. I caught the series online so I didn't have to suffer through the painful cut to commercials that must have been on MTV.

    The show itself seems to move along a little fast. It is covering Terry Brooks novels which are thousands of pages. I think that for a TV series this set the standard. The Villains so far have been dark and twisted. The special effects for the villains are flat out the best that isn't Peter Jackson or HBO. The acting is made for the older teenager young adult audience of MTV. That is forgivable for such the large number of episodes that have been produced so far.

    Overall I enjoyed every episode. The few flaws in the series are easily forgotten when the characters enter a crafted set. The Villain in the first series was intense. I have seen the first 2 episodes of this season and I like what is happening. The switcheroos where one character has a knife to another then it reverses are overdone. The sets are superb and the costumes and characters stand out in a fantasy series. It is not as good as Spartacus, but it is great to see the actor that played Croesus show the same intensity with his character in Shannara.

    A little more cinematic maturity would add to the quality. Seeing this effort I have to feel fortunate that Terry Brooks and other writers literature can be brought to life. Fortunate if other good authors in this genre receive the same quality if brought to TV or Cinema.    … Expand
  6. hgjccghk
    May 8, 2017
    10
    Amazing show amazing characters. awesome mythology and world creatively setup by the writers and directed wonderfully :D would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy adventure and maybe a bit of romance!
  7. opindude
    Feb 27, 2017
    7
    The Shannara chronicles is a fun, fast-paced and visually pleasing ride, based on Terry Brook’s series of fantasy books. Drawing its ideas from various concepts – fantasy, RPG games, post-apocalyptic, steampunk – it is a must-watch for fantasy fans. Evidently aimed toward teenage audiences, however older suckers for fantasy stories like myself are easily drawn in. Although it lacks theThe Shannara chronicles is a fun, fast-paced and visually pleasing ride, based on Terry Brook’s series of fantasy books. Drawing its ideas from various concepts – fantasy, RPG games, post-apocalyptic, steampunk – it is a must-watch for fantasy fans. Evidently aimed toward teenage audiences, however older suckers for fantasy stories like myself are easily drawn in. Although it lacks the subtleties, depth and mesmerising dialogues of other fantasy stories like lord of the rings or game of thrones, it can certainly pass as an instant classic, due to its action-packed, true-to-the-source material and stunning presentation. It has a lot of production value, even if the acting is not top-notch but aims high. The only exceptions to this are Manu Bennett as the druid and John Rhys-Davies as the elf king who gave a solid, convincing performance throughout.
    The first 3 episodes were excellent but the rest faltered. 10 episodes provide for plenty of room for side stories, encounters and intrigue, but it feels that characters aren’t fully explored and the main protagonists remain shallow throughout the season. The love triangle between the main characters- a half-elf boy, an elf and human girls- is conceptually interesting but ultimately portrayed in a two-dimensional manner. Also, even though the tension towards the final showdown in the last episode was built well enough through season, it eventually failed to deliver and felt rushed.
    Overall, even for its shortcomings, the Shannara chronicles is highly recommended (for fans of the genre) and I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for season 2.    … Expand
  8. babylvsurgirl
    Jul 17, 2016
    10
    I really loved season one of this show. I've not read the books but now I really want to. I've always been a big fan of fantasy in general and this show brought fantasy into the world of humans in a way I've never seen done before. I don't know if they're going to get to make a season two but I really hope so!
  9. jpbenning
    Jul 4, 2016
    10
    I loved this series, its not perfect but its a great start and I hope they continue to improve upon everything with every episode. Too many shows are cancelled far too often without giving them enough time and exposure. I was happy to hear they ordered a second series :-)
  10. Roxylauren94
    May 17, 2016
    10
    The shannara chronicles is a great show and would love to see what happens next in a second season! I have heard that it is similar to game of thrones and plan on watching it also!
  11. HAD
    Apr 20, 2016
    10
    This is most definitely my new favorite show. It has action, romance, fantasy, a post apocalyptic world where faeries and other creatures of lore have taken over the earth, and the writing and cast are all beautiful. It is like a cross between game of thrones and the Lord of the Rings. It's simply amazing! I so hope they do a second season . I copied this review because guy who write thisThis is most definitely my new favorite show. It has action, romance, fantasy, a post apocalyptic world where faeries and other creatures of lore have taken over the earth, and the writing and cast are all beautiful. It is like a cross between game of thrones and the Lord of the Rings. It's simply amazing! I so hope they do a second season . I copied this review because guy who write this said all i needed to say about show !… Expand
  12. samsun27596
    Apr 18, 2016
    10
    This show is AMAZING! I seriously can't understand people who don't like it! it has action, romance and magic! i have fallen in love with the show, the characters, the plot and the 'everything' about this show. you must go and watch it, it is not a waste of time.
  13. Charlemagne
    Apr 15, 2016
    7
    A bit glam for fantasy but the soap opera looking cast has grown on me and is surprisingly likable.

    Fantasy? Sold! It is a bit of fantasy soap opera though and could be better.
  14. Christseeker
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    I've only seen the long pilot episode so far, but the graphics and scenery were absolutely incredible! I saw several people say the actors were bad, but I haven't seen that so far. I love fantasy shows, movies, and books, so I'm truly hoping this show makes it for the long run. It's good to see that they haven't had strong sex bullcrap. (Which is why I don't watch GOT) So far I think it'sI've only seen the long pilot episode so far, but the graphics and scenery were absolutely incredible! I saw several people say the actors were bad, but I haven't seen that so far. I love fantasy shows, movies, and books, so I'm truly hoping this show makes it for the long run. It's good to see that they haven't had strong sex bullcrap. (Which is why I don't watch GOT) So far I think it's great! Can't wait for the DVD release!… Expand
  15. cheritrigg
    Apr 6, 2016
    8
    I loved the Shannara Chronicles. It swayed off track mid season, but resumed to it's course, and finished out. It could have used mid season tumblers to make the ending more compelling. For a one season show, it was great!
  16. djgue
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    This series although not completely following the book allows us to live in the world visually , it makes up for its lost little moments from the book. It really adss suspense, and through the combination of great effects, costume design and charachter development it allows us to be attatched to the charachters we live through thier actions. Maybe its not hbo fashion and a little pg butThis series although not completely following the book allows us to live in the world visually , it makes up for its lost little moments from the book. It really adss suspense, and through the combination of great effects, costume design and charachter development it allows us to be attatched to the charachters we live through thier actions. Maybe its not hbo fashion and a little pg but its a great show. I hope there are more seasons.… Expand
  17. skykappah
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    As a person who's never read the books, I really like this series. The first episode was really well done, almost to a movie quality and it doesn't really run out of steam. It's a good antidote to the miserable slap that seems to be all the rage.. So watch The Shannara Chronicles when you need to unwind, it's guilty pleasure territory.
  18. Saulsamson
    Mar 10, 2016
    10
    There's nothing more that I could've asked for out of The Shannara Chronicles. This is a beautiful looking show with a great story that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you're looking for that big fantasy/sci-fi series to get into to this is it.
  19. zRavenlord
    Mar 5, 2016
    10
    Although the series my not strictly follow the book's, it stays close enough to be true. All in all I love the show and as a long time fan of Terry Brooks works, I have yet to be remotely disappointed in the show. Anyone that doesn't realize that these books are fairly huge, and that certain dramatic elements must be used in a show meant to capture the story without reading you the book isAlthough the series my not strictly follow the book's, it stays close enough to be true. All in all I love the show and as a long time fan of Terry Brooks works, I have yet to be remotely disappointed in the show. Anyone that doesn't realize that these books are fairly huge, and that certain dramatic elements must be used in a show meant to capture the story without reading you the book is silly. I think it should be expected when converting to television.… Expand
  20. THEGHOSTOFCHAOS
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    To me This Was A great show i love the way they had set that the elves, demons, druids etc were all set in the future instead of the past like many other shows, films were set just shows that the producers had a different tactic in gaining their audience showing a desolate human world overrun by many types of mystical creatures as well as humans alongside them to me this was a great showTo me This Was A great show i love the way they had set that the elves, demons, druids etc were all set in the future instead of the past like many other shows, films were set just shows that the producers had a different tactic in gaining their audience showing a desolate human world overrun by many types of mystical creatures as well as humans alongside them to me this was a great show and would like to see it go on for as long as it can oh and i love violence and the killing of demons… Expand
  21. Jurassic14
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    This is such a great show. MTV have really picked up their games when it comes to their TV shows. Both Teen wolf and The Shannara Chronicles are written and produced in a way that leaves you wanting more. there is never an episode that isn't produced to the best. This is one show that should not be missed. Absolute legends
  22. gypsygraver
    Mar 2, 2016
    10
    This is most definitely my new favorite show. It has action, romance, fantasy, a post apocalyptic world where faeries and other creatures of lore have taken over the earth, and the writing and cast are all beautiful. It is like a cross between game of thrones and the Lord of the Rings. It's simply amazing! I so hope they do a second season...
  23. lambo
    Mar 2, 2016
    10
    MTV had done a great job because Is a nice show well for me was great , interesting and i will suggest everyone to watch it and i hope we will get a season 2
  24. Zyemeth
    Mar 1, 2016
    10
    Not terribly true to the books but hell for an MTV show this is fantastic. Acting tolerable, effects decent, and only a few goofy writing flaws here and there. (Such as swords conveniently falling off of their belts despite that being against the entire reason to wear one or a zippo lighter ex-machina). I am excited to see a second season as it could only get better from here. Strange thatNot terribly true to the books but hell for an MTV show this is fantastic. Acting tolerable, effects decent, and only a few goofy writing flaws here and there. (Such as swords conveniently falling off of their belts despite that being against the entire reason to wear one or a zippo lighter ex-machina). I am excited to see a second season as it could only get better from here. Strange that they started with book 2 instead of the first one though.… Expand
  25. Tony_Sing
    Feb 26, 2016
    7
    Since when was the Shannara Trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic world full of beached oil tankers, downed helicopters etc. I read these books many years ago, and thought that it was a great story in the style of LOTR. What we are being served up is something more akin to Planet of the Apes!

    Nice effects, but don't pretend that this series has anything more than a tenuous link to the    Since when was the Shannara Trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic world full of beached oil tankers, downed helicopters etc. I read these books many years ago, and thought that it was a great story in the style of LOTR. What we are being served up is something more akin to Planet of the Apes!

    Nice effects, but don't pretend that this series has anything more than a tenuous link to the Shannara world!    … Expand
  26. Peop7
    Feb 25, 2016
    9
    I've been a Terry Brooks fan since reading the Sword of Shannara back in high school. I do enjoy the video adaption to his great work. The television adaptation shows and even greater depth of what has become of the post-apocalyptic society in the world of Shannara. Though it has been updated to connect better with today's more modern society it keeps to the plot very well.

    The    I've been a Terry Brooks fan since reading the Sword of Shannara back in high school. I do enjoy the video adaption to his great work. The television adaptation shows and even greater depth of what has become of the post-apocalyptic society in the world of Shannara. Though it has been updated to connect better with today's more modern society it keeps to the plot very well.

    The television series has made the female characters more empowered in an equalist movement. It's a bit corny how both main female characters are in love with main male character. The trio do work far better together and do better acting after the third episode.

    The televised series is including real world locations to help connect to this world of fantasy much better then simply letting on a generic post-apocalyptic world of fantasy.

    The Dagda Moor and other demons do look great beside "The Reaper" far more dangerous in the book. The first season is ending at episode 10. I do hope for them to finish this book adaption and adapt others with as much detail.    … Expand
  27. EduardoLGuti
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    It didn't disappointed me at all, one of the great series of the 2016 so far. The fantasy world is beautiful, I love that is a futuristic fiction, it makes me watch even more episodes, The fight scenes are the best, giving women the opportunity to prove that they are strong and independent it was makes me appreciate this series too.
  28. grampusdei
    Feb 18, 2016
    7
    I was extremely reluctant to watch this considering some of the reviews(a 50 on Metacritic, though I find their collective assessments a little too harsh sometimes and generally take a lot of it with a grain of salt) and the fact that it was on MTV in the first place which led me to believe it was going to be a lot of teeny bopper trash I needed to avoid. Anyway I was half right. AlthoughI was extremely reluctant to watch this considering some of the reviews(a 50 on Metacritic, though I find their collective assessments a little too harsh sometimes and generally take a lot of it with a grain of salt) and the fact that it was on MTV in the first place which led me to believe it was going to be a lot of teeny bopper trash I needed to avoid. Anyway I was half right. Although the entire enterprise is clearly directed squarely at that specific demographic, and the acting was so bad I couldn't decide if I was more embarrassed for them or for me for watching it, the backgrounds and scenery were eye poppingly beautiful and a few of the more veteran thespians were still keeping the whole thing rolling albeit slowly. Then something magical happened. As the series wore on I became more and more intrigued by the characters and the story because it was apparent that the people involved cared deeply enough for it that they were willing to grow and improve as time went on(something that was sadly lacking in the Star Wars prequels btw). So, as of right now, I wouldn't say I was chomping at the bit for the next episode, like I am for Beowulf and/or the next season of GOT but at least I am not afraid I will be cringing at any moment from the display at hand.… Expand
  29. TeeeNTeee
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    Since I haven't read the book yet I don't have much to compare here but I truly love this series, it's got a lot of depth with it the characters, they add purpose to the show and they all play there parts well I believe they are doing a great job and I just want to watch them for as long as possible. I'm enjoying watching this love triangle and when watching the show I get goosebumpsSince I haven't read the book yet I don't have much to compare here but I truly love this series, it's got a lot of depth with it the characters, they add purpose to the show and they all play there parts well I believe they are doing a great job and I just want to watch them for as long as possible. I'm enjoying watching this love triangle and when watching the show I get goosebumps thinking about what is next. They really put you on the edge with all the characters and drama it's make me feel so happy when watching this cause I'm so entertained and wanting to know what's gonna happen next. Great show. Great actors. I will have to read the books to get a full opinion though, but for now I'm loving this series and this is a well deserved rating of 10 from me.… Expand
  30. in_obsession
    Jan 31, 2016
    7
    The graphics are cheap, the acting isn't the best, but god as my witness, I LOVE IT. MTV does young adult stuff really well and four episodes in, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as attached to this as I am with Teen Wolf.

    Let's start off with the negatives. The leading cast of younglings are...kind of green around the edges. I find this especially interesting in relation to Manu    The graphics are cheap, the acting isn't the best, but god as my witness, I LOVE IT. MTV does young adult stuff really well and four episodes in, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as attached to this as I am with Teen Wolf.

    Let's start off with the negatives. The leading cast of younglings are...kind of green around the edges. I find this especially interesting in relation to Manu because it almost seems as if he's over-acting at times. It doesn't seem to happen when he's in a scene with John Rhys-Davies, so I take it as the younglings aren't quite at his caliber. But, to be honest, I don't quite see this as a red mark. They'll get better with experience. It's always this way with junior shows like this and if you're leaving for that alone, I'd say...please come back I want a second season hahaha.

    The story is interesting though, and although there are a few times when I question the cinematographic choices, it is far from a bad looking show. Soundtrack is amazing, especially that opening! Wow. It tickles me to have John Rhys-Davies as an Elf because he's an even more famous Dwarf. So this is what happens to good Dwarfs who cross over the Sea, is it?

    Also...is it just me or is there way too much chemistry between the main girl and her uncle???? Because it can't just be me.

    I see lots of potential and to be honest, I think that it'll live up to all my expectations in the coming weeks. Can't see this one dying down any time soon (at least I hope...)!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
18
#18 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 4 out of 15
  1. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Apr 6, 2016
    91
    First rate production value, interesting characters and an intriguing story make for a world well worth escaping to.
    Read full review
  2. Collider
    Reviewed by: Adam Chitwood
    Jan 21, 2016
    80
    Some of the romantic elements are a cheesy, and the exposition is really clunky at times, but for the most part the show is continually compelling and complex.
    Read full review
  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Ned Ehrbar
    Jan 5, 2016
    50
    Fantasy fare like this generally has a pretty low bar to clear and a pretty forgiving target audience, but the heavy-handed jargon, pointy elf ears and brooding self-seriousness of The Shannara Chronicles might be too much for even those fans. It doesn’t help that the characters seem to be allowed to switch from talking dour fantasy-novel heroes to bored millennials whenever the mood strikes them.
    Read full review
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