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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. quietstorm
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    Love it,like lord of the rings!One of my favorite shows right now! so much fun! A must watch!!Like d&d for tv!!Can't believe its on Mtv of all places, but a excellent show! Give a try and keep a open mind and you might be surpriseed like me
  5. demelo
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    I've been enjoying this new series, the acting is great, love all the unique characters, the special effects are top notch and I especially like the story line. Keep up the great work
  6. vizard00
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    This show is sure awesomeness from acting to fashion and music , forget about the 100 or that teenager who run this an awesome production , and every episode amaze me by the magical environment and the music , its like you will watch lord of the ring every week . TNX MTV
  7. 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
  8. rsheehan
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    Okay, it's been 30+ years since I read the book so I have forgotten a lot of the original details from the book. Yes, MTV has MTVed it with sexiness and language not found in the book (expected). Yes the story has changed some. However, the show is great. My daughter and wife, who have never read any of the Shannara books, both love the show. In spite of the changes I mentioned above, I amOkay, it's been 30+ years since I read the book so I have forgotten a lot of the original details from the book. Yes, MTV has MTVed it with sexiness and language not found in the book (expected). Yes the story has changed some. However, the show is great. My daughter and wife, who have never read any of the Shannara books, both love the show. In spite of the changes I mentioned above, I am thoroughly enjoying it myself. I hope they keep it going for at least 5 seasons.… Expand
  9. McGraw
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    MTV Scared me... I thought this was going to be some cheap, crap show.. I was SO surprised, it has AMAZING actors! The quality of the show was crisp, the effects dead on. Some of my old memories of the book flooded back, and they stay pretty true to the story line. I hope this goes on for awhile and they do the whole series, it will be part of my collection if they do!

    GOOD JOB MTV!
  10. Speyeral
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    This show is great. I love how it feels just as much for adults as for teens. It doesn't seem watered down at all. Possibly the best TV show ever on Cable visually. Plus the story is great.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. waynehjr1
    Jan 10, 2016
    10
    I think this is a BIG Hit. Great actors and depth, bringing the quest (RPG style etc.). This also has a new and different look for some of the older troll / gnome gender. The graphics and scenery are comparable to other big time shows /movies like Game of Thrones with a twist of the Hobbit. I haven't read the books yet, but considering the author himself has stated he likes the way thisI think this is a BIG Hit. Great actors and depth, bringing the quest (RPG style etc.). This also has a new and different look for some of the older troll / gnome gender. The graphics and scenery are comparable to other big time shows /movies like Game of Thrones with a twist of the Hobbit. I haven't read the books yet, but considering the author himself has stated he likes the way this show has been adapted is definitely a bonus.

    This is definitely compelling, having you wanting to see the next episode (well at least me anyways!).    … Expand
  14. arundeepakrj
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    visually stunning... and definitely worth watching...
    elves...druids...humans...drolls...demons...SHANNARA...
    its like a lord of rings in tv series... the casting is youth full and the actresses are eye candies... handling of magic and humors are xtremely fyn compare to other fantasy series... simply its definitely not going to disappoint neither book fans nor fans of this show...    visually stunning... and definitely worth watching...
    elves...druids...humans...drolls...demons...SHANNARA...
    its like a lord of rings in tv series... the casting is youth full and the actresses are eye candies... handling of magic and humors are xtremely fyn compare to other fantasy series...
    simply its definitely not going to disappoint neither book fans nor fans of this show...
    simply stunning    … Expand
  15. celehman
    Jan 27, 2016
    10
    The Shannara Series is amazing. Its actually a little disappointing they are doing the original trilogy, when the latter ones have been so much better.
  16. abs88888
    Jan 28, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To me this is a great show! I watch it with my dad every tuesday. I really like erentraya because in the first few episodes she was bad. But then one of those evil guys turned into her and almost killed that blond and she was sent to jail and that got me mad because i felt bad about what her dad was saying and i new she was good and she is so pretty. I really love that tattoo thing on her forehead. Amberly i really like especially with those close that only cover one sleeve amberly is so pretty to i just ordered the hole book series and am exited to read them… Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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...
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. 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 :-)
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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.
    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.
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