The Tick (2017)

:

Season 1
Season #: 2, 1, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 91
  3. Negative: 12 out of 91

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User Reviews

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  1. cynicle
    Aug 26, 2017
    8
    Well done Amazon Prime. This is so much better than Luke Cage or Antman...

    The Tick's deconstruction of the stereotypical superhero trope provides an interesting meta in a genre which has shown so much potential over the recent years. Serafinowicz makes the show as the big, colourful, humourous, oddball, namesake Tick; Unfortunately his "sidekick" Arthur is less interesting, outlasting    Well done Amazon Prime. This is so much better than Luke Cage or Antman...

    The Tick's deconstruction of the stereotypical superhero trope provides an interesting meta in a genre which has shown so much potential over the recent years. Serafinowicz makes the show as the big, colourful, humourous, oddball, namesake Tick; Unfortunately his "sidekick" Arthur is less interesting, outlasting the audience's patience with episode after episode of cliché 'hero rejects calling and responsibilities' ****

    Overall the show does well, getting close to the level of Jessica Jones however the short season, infrequent but present acting goofs and intentional, yet somewhat misguided over the top storyline let the show down for the top scores. Still a rating of 8/10 demonstrates my high opinion of the mature, yet goofy entertainment I garnered from watching The Tick.

    In honesty I gave it an extra point as it was a stellar inaugural debut for Amazon Prime into the superhero TV field (well as far as I know anyway. Hey I'm not paid to watch TV and write reviews! (which is also why I'm ending this before it gets too long)).    … Expand
  2. OMGmyFACE
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    It captured the spirit of the cartoon while achieving what the live action project from Fox couldn't - come up with clever **** instead of banking on the quirks of the main cast, which are played by the right people. Check the credits for familiar names from almost all The Tick projects in the past, it's clear they enjoyed making it and I have to agree with another reviewer - it's the bestIt captured the spirit of the cartoon while achieving what the live action project from Fox couldn't - come up with clever **** instead of banking on the quirks of the main cast, which are played by the right people. Check the credits for familiar names from almost all The Tick projects in the past, it's clear they enjoyed making it and I have to agree with another reviewer - it's the best show Amazon has produced so far.… Expand
  3. Bertoflyingfox
    Aug 25, 2017
    8
    A very subtle start for the first 2-3 episodes but the quirky heroes and villains really grew on me. I'm sad that it's only 6 episodes at 30minutes each but still fun.
  4. shoulderoforion
    Aug 26, 2017
    8
    The Tick was great, funny, dark, violent, biting social satire, shot in matter of fact anyman on the street New York City. It's not an easy watch, but it's well worth the effort. Look forward to season 2.
  5. LizO
    Aug 31, 2017
    4
    Missed the mark. Too much Arthur, too little humor, not enough about the Tick or crime solving. Cartoon was way better: funny, great characters. Don't understand why it needed violence and bad language- shows lack of ideas or creativity.
  6. Ankhthiel
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    This is really good so far. I didn't expect it to mix serious tones with the comedy like they did. This was really fun to watch and as a fan of the old show i was wary this might be another soulless reboot but i was surprised. The only down is its a short season but hopefully people love it and the next one can be more.
  7. Ittiaces
    Sep 15, 2017
    10
    Hahahahahahaha...AWESOME! It's fun, it's funny and already a classic in my book. In fairness, I know very little about the cartoon or the old tv show, so respect to the original fans and their opinions, but it works for me.
  8. msstorey
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    I really enjoyed the darker tone, played out in this iteration of The Tick. I've always enjoyed my hero's a little darker, so if you're looking for more of the light-hearted tone from the 90's cartoon, you might be disappointed in the new direction. The humor and goofiness still exists, just within a more grounded version of reality.
  9. insickness
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    This might be the best show currently on Amazon. Everything works in this show: the fun, cartoony characters, the action sequences, the plot. The only annoying thing is the main character's cowardice. But it's a necessary plot element. The casting for the Tick himself was excellent.
  10. robpricer
    Oct 3, 2018
    1
    Episode 1 was good and even "clean", suddenly episode 2 had tons of cursing that didn't aid in the story. Amazon has this problem with their shows. They offer a pilot that's really good and then try bait and switch in the actual series. They did the same with "Sneaky Pete." The writing is uneven, episodes inconsistent and if it had retained the good qualities of the previous shows itEpisode 1 was good and even "clean", suddenly episode 2 had tons of cursing that didn't aid in the story. Amazon has this problem with their shows. They offer a pilot that's really good and then try bait and switch in the actual series. They did the same with "Sneaky Pete." The writing is uneven, episodes inconsistent and if it had retained the good qualities of the previous shows it would be a winner...as it is there's a long way to go for a good show.… Expand
  11. HJRodrigo
    Sep 8, 2017
    1
    This is drastically different from the cartoon series I enjoyed as a kid. I was hoping for a new version of the show that could be shown to a new generation of kids, unfortunately it is a show targeting adults that is not kid friendly... Surprisingly humor falls flat and is simply lame, uninspired, and at times juvenile (Odd considering it is targeting an an adult audience). I assume theThis is drastically different from the cartoon series I enjoyed as a kid. I was hoping for a new version of the show that could be shown to a new generation of kids, unfortunately it is a show targeting adults that is not kid friendly... Surprisingly humor falls flat and is simply lame, uninspired, and at times juvenile (Odd considering it is targeting an an adult audience). I assume the show is targeting the now grown youths that originally watched The Tick as kids in the 90's.… Expand
  12. howhaveyouben
    Aug 27, 2017
    1
    I always liked the tick. I loved the cartoon. I have the cancelled fox show on dvd. and i was excited when the reboot was announced. this version doesnt have a single comedian in it. the entire premise of comedy and parody has been dropped and it just seems like a copy cat of other **** super hero shows... im willing to bet amazon bought the rights because its the only existing superheroI always liked the tick. I loved the cartoon. I have the cancelled fox show on dvd. and i was excited when the reboot was announced. this version doesnt have a single comedian in it. the entire premise of comedy and parody has been dropped and it just seems like a copy cat of other **** super hero shows... im willing to bet amazon bought the rights because its the only existing superhero that isnt owned by dc or marvel... and they got someone involved with the dark knight thinking that the film was successful for any other reason than christopher nolan... and nerds are defending it because theyre afraid that if its not successful nothing nerdy will ever get made... stop justifying mediocrity.. this show is not entertaining... they took something great and **** all over it because amazon streaming is a ghost town... if you want to watch the tick go on youtube and watch the cartoon or go on crackle and watch the cancelled fox version... i genuinely hate amazon now… Expand
  13. Dark_Dragen
    Oct 28, 2017
    0
    People hate Marvel Inhumans, but like this?? WTF people, this has even worse acting, dialogue, costumes and the action is worse, and I find it even an inch funny.
  14. royledesma90
    Apr 15, 2018
    10
    this is really really good s**t, one of the best superheroes seria ive ever seen.
  15. ourtimehascome
    Aug 28, 2017
    8
    Written by the original creator, The Tick is a wonderful breath of fresh air for the stale superhero genre. Every once in a while, I count on The Tick to appear and show us just how ridiculous our fascination with superheroes has become, and now that time is here. Peter Serafinowicz does an excellent job as the titular character, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed his delivery. TheWritten by the original creator, The Tick is a wonderful breath of fresh air for the stale superhero genre. Every once in a while, I count on The Tick to appear and show us just how ridiculous our fascination with superheroes has become, and now that time is here. Peter Serafinowicz does an excellent job as the titular character, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed his delivery. The humor shines here, as well as the production and well thought out plot.… Expand
  16. Zachcinct
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    This show is super funny and its a great parody of the super hero genre and for the parents who. Complain that this not child friendly as the cartoon. This isn’t your cartoon. It’s something greater
  17. imthenoob
    Apr 17, 2019
    8
    Great to see such an awesome character back in live-action. The cast is great, It's seriously funny many times throughout and it maintains your interest. It more than lives up to the legacy the Tick has had built up over the years.
  18. Frogacuda
    Feb 26, 2018
    9
    It's very different from past version of The Tick, but this version feels right for this moment. Where the original comic and cartoon played on the classic superhero tropes, this re-imagines The Tick for the modern era of superhero films and TV. It's straight-faced parody, with all the melodrama of Netflix Marvel, but the same great humor (albeit sprinkled in a bit less generously thanIt's very different from past version of The Tick, but this version feels right for this moment. Where the original comic and cartoon played on the classic superhero tropes, this re-imagines The Tick for the modern era of superhero films and TV. It's straight-faced parody, with all the melodrama of Netflix Marvel, but the same great humor (albeit sprinkled in a bit less generously than past versions). This time there's a serial story and some actual attempts at character development. Arthur, in particular, takes center stage and is a much more three-dimensional character. The increased emphasis on story means the laughs are spaced out a bit more, but it still compliments the humor for its deadpan delivery of its jokes. This won't replace the 1994 or 2001 series, but it sits alongside them on its own merits.… Expand
  19. marc5477
    Apr 3, 2018
    8
    Its intentionally over the top on the acting and comedy but the dialog is smarter than most shows and the acting is good. Arthur reminds me a lot of the Raimi Spiderman which was, by far, the best of the bunch. Arthur, the main character, plays a nerdy sidekick to the Tick, an imbecile of superhero who is smart enough to realize that he needs to team up with someone that can think. BothIts intentionally over the top on the acting and comedy but the dialog is smarter than most shows and the acting is good. Arthur reminds me a lot of the Raimi Spiderman which was, by far, the best of the bunch. Arthur, the main character, plays a nerdy sidekick to the Tick, an imbecile of superhero who is smart enough to realize that he needs to team up with someone that can think. Both are very likable and other characters tag along to create a silly drama with a serious background (death of Arthurs father to supers). The directing is good, the music is ok, and unlike almost every show today, they dont fill the episodes with cheap distractions (violence & nudity) to keep you watching. This is not a Michael "brain-dead" Bay production, its the polar opposite and a great relief after watching the terrible season 2 of Jessica Jones.

    The show revolves around the return of a powerful villain who was responsible for the death of Arthurs dad when he was young. The Tick shows up and with his over the top voice, hands Arthur a super suit and asks to team up believing Arthur was some sort of detective genius. Of course, Arthur is probably just an average Joe with obsessive compulsive disorder. Eventually Arthur takes up the mantle, not so much by his choosing, and the show revolves around them doing all sorts of stuff around the city while trying to find the bad guy.

    Its a fun ride and worth a shot if you have not seen it. Made by a much smaller studio than Marvel (Disney) and DC, its a refreshing take on the superhero spoof genre.    … Expand
  20. Michael_Forman
    Sep 2, 2017
    8
    Intelligent, creative dialog peppered with subtle, dry humor, the writing in the first season held my interest. The actors are well cast, the most critical being the Tick, played by Peter Serafinowicz. He delivers on the Tick's childlike wonder and excentism without overacting. The villains are well done in that they are not caricatures of evil to be reviled but instead are likeableIntelligent, creative dialog peppered with subtle, dry humor, the writing in the first season held my interest. The actors are well cast, the most critical being the Tick, played by Peter Serafinowicz. He delivers on the Tick's childlike wonder and excentism without overacting. The villains are well done in that they are not caricatures of evil to be reviled but instead are likeable characters themselves just with different (antisocial) interests.… Expand
  21. Muzwon
    Apr 28, 2019
    9
    The Tick does everything right! Such a funny show with outlandish but identifiable characters. Each character is well developed and leave you wanting to get to know them better. Not too heavy, but with enough subtle under current to be meaningful. All in all a great show worth your time.
  22. Cinemaphile
    Aug 30, 2017
    8
    This incarnation of Ben Edlund's The Tick, with the help of Barry Sonnenfeld, is part Wilfred, part Maron, part shameless DC Comics ripoff / parody. Funny, quirky and fresh. Spooooooooooooooon!
  23. bigbro29
    Aug 31, 2017
    9
    I have watched a few episodes of this show and I am happy with what the outcome has been I have laughed long and hard over this show the tick himself is really quite child like and charming the action keeps you interested and the humor keeps you rolling on the floor laughing I highly recommend this one even to tweens its not that dirty
  24. MrNonono
    Nov 19, 2017
    9
    Highly recommendable and bingable. It makes fun of many aspects of the superhero genre like Deadpool did before, but more quirky with intentionally bad suits, bad lines and bad stereotypes.
  25. Spydar71
    Sep 15, 2017
    8
    I liked this version of the TICK a lot. Still waiting to hear him yell "SPOOOOON". Overall, I like how the camp is turned down compared to the last live action version. The only thing I hate is how it is being delivered. I watched the pilot last year, waited for 5 more episodes and now have to wait until next year in Jan to watch the rest of season one. Unfortunately, I kindda hateI liked this version of the TICK a lot. Still waiting to hear him yell "SPOOOOON". Overall, I like how the camp is turned down compared to the last live action version. The only thing I hate is how it is being delivered. I watched the pilot last year, waited for 5 more episodes and now have to wait until next year in Jan to watch the rest of season one. Unfortunately, I kindda hate Amazon on the whole and will not be renewing another years subscription and will miss the last half of season one. Sorry guys, but two shows (The Man in the High Castle and The Tick) are not enough to get another year long subscription out of me. Not worth it. Netflix and Hulu are all I need.… Expand
  26. routier1642
    Nov 24, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm very torn about the new TV series incarnation of The Tick. I *want* to like it, because I love the whole Tick setup. I'll keep watching it, but its flaws seem to be getting in the way of my enjoyment. I didn't have this problem with previous incarnations.
    The animated series was superb. That's it.
    The older live-action series had its good points; Patrick Warburton had the physical presence, and, in the beginning, the demeanour, though he ruined it later by deciding to play the Tick as dumb and sleepy (like Puddy from Seinfeld) rather than misdirected and manic. Arthur was likeable enough, and Captain Liberty and Bat Manuel, though no American Maid and Fledermaus, did grow on you through good writing and engaging performances. The main problem with this incarnation was the show runner's decision to make it mainly about conversations in between super-heroics, rather than absurd super-heroics themselves, so it wasn't completely satisfying.
    The newest, Amazon version of The Tick is a weird jigsaw puzzle. Peter Serafinowicz doesn't convince me in the title role; after 6 episodes I still don't buy it. He doesn't have the physical bulk or presence of Warburton, the costume has gone in the wrong direction twice (an insect-looking suit in the pilot, a modern armoured look in the series - WTF does the Tick need armour for??), he looks too old, the manic smiles look fake, and he seems like someone *playing* the Tick for Halloween, rather than *being* the Tick. He doesn't seem to be convinced himself that he's the Tick, so how are *we* supposed to believe it? Arthur is overall pretty unlikeable, and his continued resistance to the idea of being a superhero is getting very annoying after 6 episodes. Move on, guys. On the other hand, the villains are great; the new version of The Terror is played by Jackie Earle Haley (he was Rorschach in The Watchmen) with a manic random glee, and comes across as the kind of crazy senile old uncle who might have a chainsaw hidden behind his back ready to give you a haircut! Miss Lint (Yara Martinez), frustrated by the side-effect of her own powers, is my favourite character. Ramses is a good villain in the Batman TV series type mould, and the vigilante Overkill is interesting and well played. It's an odd show where the villains are more interesting and likeable than the heroes.
    The new, darker backstory and overall darker tone works well, and is well thought out. Dot's criminal involvement is a nice twist. The mental illness angle sometimes gives the show a bit of a Wilfred (US version) vibe, although the Tick is shown to be real enough.
    The biggest problem I have is that the show just isn't funny enough. I watched 6 episodes and maybe laughed out loud 3 times. It was entertaining most of the time; just not that funny. I'm still trying to figure out why. Maybe I'm so annoyed by the show's imperfections that it's getting in the way.    … Expand
  27. CoKronakan
    May 9, 2018
    7
    It's a very good watch for those who didn't see the cartoon. The characters are great, but it's somewhat cliche, and the humor is pretty mediocre. So on that note it's not as good as it set out to be. But production wise, and content wise: the plot is amazing, and there are even a few 4th wall breaks, which are always welcomed in my book. Anyway, overall this a pretty decent TV series.
  28. geewah
    Dec 30, 2020
    7
    I didn't mind this show. Serafinowicz is great as the tick but the shows style does wear thin.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best TV Season of 2017
42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
84
#84 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Aug 25, 2017
    80
    Edlund’s latest run at the big blue lunkhead and his nebbish sidekick Arthur isn’t quite a “dark and gritty” reboot, thank jumping Jehoshaphat, but it’s tonally and structurally unlike any other.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Darren Franich
    Aug 25, 2017
    91
    There’s an exploration of bureaucracy in the world of superheroes that implies a whole separate David Simon-worthy spinoff. There’s Serafinowicz, a true delight. And just when I was starting to get bored with how every episode ends on a cliffhanger, episode 6 ends with someone yelling “CLIFFHANGER!”
    Read full review
  3. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Aug 25, 2017
    58
    There are just too many notes and written in the wrong key. Arthur’s denial becomes tiresome after a few episodes and creates an adversarial relationship with The Tick. The two will likely get along by the end of Season 1, but that’s too much time wasted watching Arthur create his own obstacles to a better life. Worse yet, it bogs down a show that doesn’t listen to its own inspirational narrator.
    Read full review
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