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. joshuab
    Jan 7, 2016
    8
    I've only watched the pilot but I found this show completely engaging, entertaining and at times, gripping. Those who are seeking something to be on the level of Game of Thrones will probably find themselves disappointed, but for a fantasy show, and on MTV of all channels, it's fantastic and I will definitely be keeping up with it.
  2. Bruny
    Jan 7, 2016
    0
    No, can't go on watching this. If this is Shannara i'm Gandalf the jedi. It has nothing of the books aside some background, the elves seems taked directly from jersey shore, in the worst cases.And their king is gimli. no. nope. no.
  3. Sammyghhg
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    Further down contains spoilers, but the book has been out 40+ years, so get over it.

    My review: Horrible The idotic critic reviews I mean. If this is that bad, then Force Awakens is only marginally better. The show is AMAZING! I was watching my regular schedule of tv this week - now shows are back on - and I completely forgot that this came out. Then, just before I called it    Further down contains spoilers, but the book has been out 40+ years, so get over it.

    My review:

    Horrible

    The idotic critic reviews I mean. If this is that bad, then Force Awakens is only marginally better.

    The show is AMAZING! I was watching my regular schedule of tv this week - now shows are back on - and I completely forgot that this came out.

    Then, just before I called it a night, I spotted in a corner of my browser a promo for this. I immediately logged into MTV and began watching. First two episodes done, and CLIFFHANGER. Oh no! What happens next? I really was actually freaking about the end of an episode. And that continued for about 20 minutes. AND THAT hasn't happened since the season 5 finale of Game of Thrones.

    For those who watched it, I know that you know that it's pretty much the most obvious answer in the plot, but the cut was amazingly done. And moments after I calmed my **** I realised that THIS IS A GREAT SHOW.

    Strangely, despite all the dumb "Fresh Faced" comments, (I didn't really get this. Most of the cast imo aren't amazingly attractive, even Manu isn't the stud that people seem to rave over.) they fit the roles they are supposed to.

    Manu is the grizzled Allanon, a druid born centuries before and tasked with keeping the world safe.
    Wil Ohmsford a practical and empathetic young guys trying to find his way in the world and caught up in crazy ****.
    Amberle is a spoiled rich girl trying to prove her value to her father in a world of men and a class structure that values strength over intelligence.
    Eretria is the crazy girl next door: rebellious, desperate to prove her value to anyone who shows her affection yet vulnerable due to her size. She prizes her intelligence and silver tongue to get what she wants.
    King Eventine: A bluff and quick to anger king who is mourning the loss of his eldest son, overlooking the virtues of his children in his depression, yet wise to his role as King.
    The Two Princes: Both annoying in their own way. The younger is attentive but indulgent of his young neice, while the elder is in a pissing contest with King Eventine over what to do next.

    All great characters and all superbly played by the actors. At no point did I dislike them when they were meant to be likable, nor did I love them when they were bitter and twisted... and for me, that's enough.

    Manu as an actor tho.... holy **** I really feel for Allanon... not aging through the lives of those he cares about means he's gotta sacrifice his emotions on the altar of the greater good. And the pain he endures through magic use... damn. Even Wil ohmsford isn't bad (I initially thought he had been miscast but he fits the role perfectly). He doesn't really come into his own as a super enjoyable character until maybe late in the second episode.

    The premise is great. Elfstones is a book that I haven't read, but I have already sent away for the hardcover... ty amazon.

    The Shannara Chronicles (Not just this story) has huge potential if properly supported by MTV and fans to eventually become something that could compete with Game of Thrones for viewership and I-Tunes sales.

    Really don't understand the hate. Most of it seems to be centered around the way the elves are portrayed, and how "pretty" they are.

    Duh... elves... most people are convinced of their beauty. Even in Pratchett, elves mask their ugliness behind their glamour.... kinda makes sense from a creative standpoint now dunnit.

    It isn't gritty enough.... well... yeah, I guess, but have they really done anything that requires a bunch of dirt? Not really. Eritrea had access to a bath, will HAD a bath, then took a swim in a river. Amberle swans about a palace 90% of the film, and the 10% she does something dope she gets all kinds of dirty. purr.

    Every show has bad casting calls that are re-worked.... remember Dario from GoT? yeah... they messed that one up, but it's easily forgiven by the same mute brain dickhead critics that slam stuff because they saw other people's reviews before posting their own.... biggest herd mentality ever.

    IMO the casting is pretty good for the audience that enjoys fantasy. If you're in your thirties and forties and upset that this isn't the dreamed story you remember... cool. I'm in that age bracket too.... I get it.

    You gotta turn off your bull**** meter, allow your brain to enter escapism mode and just sit back and enjoy it. Turns out that once you do, it's gonna be one of the best shows on TV.

    So yeah. This is the Obama of tv right now... Did they do everything 100% correct... no. But hell, at least they did something amazing and really went for it. In my opinion it shows. Good work MTV prez!    … Expand
  4. Hammnugget
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    Awesome program. Good story, effects and romance. Check it out if you enjoy fantasy!! Very cool characters. Fast paced and interesting. This story was written before Game of Thrones. Good to know because this series definately influenced the writing of Thrones.
  5. ExarKun
    Jan 6, 2016
    9
    I've been a fan of the books for 20+ years. I had high hopes for this after seeing the trailer. I enjoyed it. Beautiful scenery, architecture and costumes. I liked the casting with the exception that a few characters should have been older. Although I understand MTV has to try what sells or the show wouldn't exist. They adapted the books well knowing of course that TV can't match theI've been a fan of the books for 20+ years. I had high hopes for this after seeing the trailer. I enjoyed it. Beautiful scenery, architecture and costumes. I liked the casting with the exception that a few characters should have been older. Although I understand MTV has to try what sells or the show wouldn't exist. They adapted the books well knowing of course that TV can't match the detail or length of the novels. Some fans will dislike the changes but overall I'm impressed. I look forward to the episode.… Expand
  6. EludiumQ36
    Jan 6, 2016
    5
    Agree with "Doxide" in large part, but let me add that while the production values are sick the fact that almost everyone is a clean, fresh faced 25yo Disney-channel alum with 21st century coifs/makeup is what's depressing. This series could've been SOOOOO much better with actors that had real gravitas. Instead, at its start, this series only rises to guilty pleasure which means I'm on theAgree with "Doxide" in large part, but let me add that while the production values are sick the fact that almost everyone is a clean, fresh faced 25yo Disney-channel alum with 21st century coifs/makeup is what's depressing. This series could've been SOOOOO much better with actors that had real gravitas. Instead, at its start, this series only rises to guilty pleasure which means I'm on the FF button more than Play.… Expand
  7. Ekras
    Jan 6, 2016
    10
    AMAZING! A really well done adaptation to one of histories greatest series of novels. Fans of the books may have some valid gripes about changes, but the source material is a masterpiece and this adaptation is worth seeing - especially for those who've never read the books.
  8. FullStop
    Jan 6, 2016
    3
    The scenery is REALLY breathtaking. Its like movie quality! LOVE never seen anything in a series before.
    The story is even if u havent read the book predictable - and i mean PREDICTABLE!
    The MODEL(actors) are not utterly bad but not really good either. All this hip beautiful youngster actors take away the seriousness of the story. Should have gone for a more natural cast. But then mtv    The scenery is REALLY breathtaking. Its like movie quality! LOVE never seen anything in a series before.
    The story is even if u havent read the book predictable - and i mean PREDICTABLE!
    The MODEL(actors) are not utterly bad but not really good either. All this hip beautiful youngster actors take away the seriousness of the story. Should have gone for a more natural cast. But then mtv would have lost their image maybe!? ....I dont know.
    all this things like boy holding girls hands while running away is not just slower or just stupid but in a sence sexist. Let the girl be her own woman and run for herself AND FIGHT FOR HERSELF!
    the "fight" scenes at least with manu bennett in it are nice and bloody - I like!
    but the rest of the fights are like High School schoolyard fights without the nutkicks.
    So what you get is teendrama which can be good but isn`t really the case here.
    Some characters you instantly hate because they are profiled young eager and knowitalls - like the prince. #eyerolling
    or the women's rights fighting but then backing down in a real fight princess #eyerollingagain.
    (I really hate that writers dont give female protagonists more ...."balls").
    Its made for younger audiences ore people who read the book and are fans.
    The series will get really good scores I can see why but if you really go down into details and are not between 12 and 25 years old this series is not made for you. You want something deeper and better.    … Expand
  9. Doxide
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    The perfect guilty pleasure show! Yes it has gorgeous young actors spouting groan-worthy lines. Yes it has cheesy romantic sub plots and teen angst. But none of that matters if you're in the mood for some fun casual entertainment.

    The fantasy world is beautiful to look at. You'll be scratching your head, wondering how MTV bankrolled the effects department. The story moves at a good    The perfect guilty pleasure show! Yes it has gorgeous young actors spouting groan-worthy lines. Yes it has cheesy romantic sub plots and teen angst. But none of that matters if you're in the mood for some fun casual entertainment.

    The fantasy world is beautiful to look at. You'll be scratching your head, wondering how MTV bankrolled the effects department. The story moves at a good pace and is fairly intriguing. And plus: MANU FREAKING BENNETT. This guy is an awesome actor. He was great in Spartacus, great in Arrow, and he's even better here as the druid Allanon.

    The only serious negative about this show is the character of Wil. I don't know if it's the kid's acting, or if it's the lines that were written for him, but watching him on screen is like nails on a chalkboard. He's clumsy, stupid, sarcastic (not in a good way-in an obnoxious way), and his acting range is comprised of two or three "deer in the headlights" looks.

    But other than that one gripe, I was pleasantly surprised by Shannara. It was basically fun eye-candy and it left me wanting more. I will definitely be watching the rest of the season.    … 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

All reviews »
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.
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  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.
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