The Stand
User Score
3.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 35
  3. Negative: 19 out of 35
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User Reviews

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  1. truerock
    Dec 17, 2020
    7
    The Stand was a novel written by Stephen King in 1978. There was a TV mini-series based on the novel in 1994. So, I have to clear those past experiences with the material out of my head so I can appreciate the latest 2020 version. I've only seen the first of 9 episodes. I may return and update my review.

    The first episode does not have a linear time line. Just he opposite, the time    The Stand was a novel written by Stephen King in 1978. There was a TV mini-series based on the novel in 1994. So, I have to clear those past experiences with the material out of my head so I can appreciate the latest 2020 version. I've only seen the first of 9 episodes. I may return and update my review.

    The first episode does not have a linear time line. Just he opposite, the time line skips around a great deal. I would say that approach to the material is reasonably interesting and I think it works. Nevertheless, individuals, as a whole, do not deal well with change. Probably almost all who are familiar with the original novel will not like the new take on the non-linear time-line. Also, this type of story telling approach requires that you assimilate the entire plot and are required to wait to the end of the episode so that the different time-pieces fall into place. Most individuals are not able to do that.

    Owen Teague as Harold Lauder is the best performance - partly because it is the most interesting role and otherwise because Teague does an excellent job of acting.

    You only see Whoppi Goldberg briefly in her role as Mother Abagail. I do not consider Goldberg to be a good actor and she apparently does not have a good interpretation of her Mother Abagail role. She will probably be detrimental to the series. Goldberg should stick to talk-shows where her naturally engaging personality is interesting to watch.

    Obviously I'll need to watch the entire 9 episodes before I can render a final judgement.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed TV Season of 2020
87
#87 Most Shared TV Season of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: Ian Freer
    Sep 20, 2021
    60
    Stephen King’s magnum opus is possibly too big in narrative scope and thematic aspirations to find a proper home in visual storytelling. But it is a perfect fit for the times, and this current adaptation gets off to a solid, if not spectacular, start.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 4, 2021
    50
    Handsomely and dutifully produced. ... Ponderous and bloated parable of good vs. evil. [4 - 17 Jan 2021, p.7]
    Read full review
  3. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Dec 18, 2020
    40
    This plays out as a bunch of survivors played by a raft of talented people taking a long time to get to the point of it all and making unnecessarily dunderheaded mistakes as they flail about.
    Read full review
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