The Umbrella Academy

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 15, 2019
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 298 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 206 out of 298
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 298
  3. Negative: 40 out of 298

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User Reviews

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  1. Fixer84
    Mar 16, 2023
    7
    Overall, this first season really isn't all bad. But perhaps, among the three outings so far, it is the least successful one for many reasons, like Luther and Diego.
  2. JDDallas
    Jul 24, 2022
    8
    Footloose dance scene was genius IMO (is that really a spoiler?)..Klaus contniues to be my fav (just me or wouldn't he be perfect as the new Capt Jack Sparrow?)..but Ellen/Elliott Page gets top billing and is the WORST most annoying character in the show (again my $.02)..yeah OK, I get it you transitioned..cool..great..good for you..but you played Vanya as a girl for 2 years..and you're anFootloose dance scene was genius IMO (is that really a spoiler?)..Klaus contniues to be my fav (just me or wouldn't he be perfect as the new Capt Jack Sparrow?)..but Ellen/Elliott Page gets top billing and is the WORST most annoying character in the show (again my $.02)..yeah OK, I get it you transitioned..cool..great..good for you..but you played Vanya as a girl for 2 years..and you're an actor..so why not keep ACTING like your character is a girl..the whole explanation was too distracting and unnecessary.… Expand
  3. ion87
    Jul 7, 2022
    10
    Best new superhero/dysfunctional family new show. Enjoy it and treat yourself to a binge.
  4. UltanCombo
    Jan 10, 2022
    8
    Every now and again a show comes along your travels and it was everything you ever wanted in a series. You have no idea how you got here but a show like this has found you somehow. For me I was drinking whiskey on a random Thursday evening and in a drunken haze I clicked onto the Umbrella Academy cause Robert Sheehan was on the poster. Netflix said I might like this. They were right.

    I    Every now and again a show comes along your travels and it was everything you ever wanted in a series. You have no idea how you got here but a show like this has found you somehow. For me I was drinking whiskey on a random Thursday evening and in a drunken haze I clicked onto the Umbrella Academy cause Robert Sheehan was on the poster. Netflix said I might like this. They were right.

    I don’t think the characters are that appealing or the powers they have are even that cool. I don’t really fully understand that side of the lore but it’s so interesting. Five is the most interesting character and he’s played by a kid. The rest in my opinion are replaceable.

    I basically said I love this show in one paragraph but could pass on it in the next. But that’s just it. It has both good and bad elements mixed together perfectly and we get this gem. Try and have mustard on its own and tell me it’s candy but put it on a burger and we have a winner.

    It’s an odd show. This is an odd review. Eight.    … Expand
  5. pur__0_0__
    Aug 18, 2021
    10
    I really like how superhero shows are finally getting more mature than the Arrowverse we were used to being fed with. The only problem I had with the mature superhero shows was the amount of cuss words they had. My parents don't have any problem with violence, but abuses and sex scenes are what ruins it for them. And I'm really glad The Umbrella Academy doesn't have either of them, so inI really like how superhero shows are finally getting more mature than the Arrowverse we were used to being fed with. The only problem I had with the mature superhero shows was the amount of cuss words they had. My parents don't have any problem with violence, but abuses and sex scenes are what ruins it for them. And I'm really glad The Umbrella Academy doesn't have either of them, so in case you are scared of watching it between your parents, you don't need to be.
    The Umbrella Academy is yet another example of the "What If" superhero shows. No, I'm not talking about that baby stuff MCU is making. There are four horsemen of "What If" superhero shows - What if superheroes were real (The Boys), what if superheroes were depressed (Doom Patrol), what if superheroes were amateurs (Titans), and finally here we have what if superheroes were incompetent.
    The story is about seven adopted brothers and sisters orn at the same time, each with superpowers. They were all adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves and made heroes as kids. Later in time they all grew up, stopped trusting each other and moved on to live their own lives. They were Luthor, Diego, Alison, Klaus, Five (he got lost in time-space continuum as a kid and returned back years later, so he never got a name), Ben (he's dead) and Vanya.
    Everything about this show is awesome. I'm not even going to complain. The CGI, the acting, the music, the story, the cinematography, the choreography, everything is to the perfection. I'm really glad I chose to watch this show and that I got a Netflix subscription just for this. It was expensive but definitely worth it. I just can't wait for the next season.    … Expand
  6. dc127
    Aug 15, 2020
    7
    The show is fun. The acting is pretty good with one exception, and I like the general vibe the show gives off. I thought it was a very enjoyable binge. The one thing I did not like is Ellen Paige. I don't think she is a very good actress. It may just be the material she was given, but ugh Vanya was a drain.
  7. manningn15
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    This is my 2nd favorite superhero show, my favorite Netflix original TV show, my favorite new show of 2019, and one of my favorite TV shows of all time. Robert Sheehan, Ellen Page, and Aidan Gallagher gave phenomenal performances, they gave emotionally powerful performances and Robert and Aidan are hilarious. Emmy Raver-Lampman, Jordan Claire Robbins, Tom Hopper, Mary J. Blige, DavidThis is my 2nd favorite superhero show, my favorite Netflix original TV show, my favorite new show of 2019, and one of my favorite TV shows of all time. Robert Sheehan, Ellen Page, and Aidan Gallagher gave phenomenal performances, they gave emotionally powerful performances and Robert and Aidan are hilarious. Emmy Raver-Lampman, Jordan Claire Robbins, Tom Hopper, Mary J. Blige, David Castañeda, John Magaro, Cameron Britton, and Sheila McCarthy gave pretty terrific performances. The visual effects were outstanding especially Pogo and the superpowers. The costumes are stupendous especially on Tom Hopper, Robert Sheehan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, David Castañeda, and Jordan Claire Robbins. The makeup and hairstyling was superb especially on Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige, David Castañeda, and Jordan Claire Robbins. The writing was fantastic, I loved how original it is. Also the soundtrack for this season is excellent, I loved the song selection they fit perfectly. This was an A+ first season.… Expand
  8. Valet90
    Aug 9, 2020
    7
    Вполне неплохой и не глупый сериал про супергероев.Приятные персонажи,приятный сюжет,неплохая режиссура
  9. Diptanshu
    May 17, 2020
    10
    Underrated Gem!Literally each and every scene and episode is worth experiencing.The music.the intro and specially the violin and violinist literally greatest soundtracks ever heard the scenes perfectly matched with used sounds it was astonishing!The screenplay was good right from 1st episode in to the Ride although after 2-3 episodes the vibe was little directionless but the way it ends itUnderrated Gem!Literally each and every scene and episode is worth experiencing.The music.the intro and specially the violin and violinist literally greatest soundtracks ever heard the scenes perfectly matched with used sounds it was astonishing!The screenplay was good right from 1st episode in to the Ride although after 2-3 episodes the vibe was little directionless but the way it ends it was literally most shocking and amazing.the visuals and fights were amazing songs used with punches it was amazing mix although some wire-work was noticeable.the acting was great each and every character was amazing literally right the first time i was connected to them the whole family all 7 members were having there own problems with family issue and love the mom's and Pogo they were amazing at the end i was literally shock at whats happen!the villain was great his journey and the way he used family against family.the time-travelling was awesome part of it love the 2 cop like hunters they were amazing the Vanya's journey was emotionally dark love the way each and every characters were explored upon there F@$#up life.the powers appearing scene was surprising so does the injury the first episode and last 2-3 episodes were literally excitement at peak.love the little jokes here and there.The ending was shocking and fun the violin concert and the apocalypse it was amazing although some scenes were emotionally at peak.the whole season is a Great start to Unique comic story its an entertaining,Fun,emotionally and musically satisfying season A Masterpiece!… Expand
  10. ArcanaThe4th
    May 25, 2019
    8
    Umbrella Academy is an odd take on the super hero genre that is just full of great music and cool characters. You might have to deal with more drama than what you might want from your super hero show and likely less fighting, but there is a degree of skillfulness to everything in this show.
  11. Ascospore
    May 14, 2019
    7
    Imagine The Royal Tenenbaums as The Watchmen. That's the vibe of this derivative tale.
  12. imaginetruIy
    Apr 23, 2019
    7
    Great and script, I loved the proposal of the series even with a theme not so unusual but that they managed to turn into something interesting and not a cliché, although some things seem obvious, I think the humor in some scenes of the series was unnecessary and made you lose the seriousness of something that should not be treated as if it were funny, some episodes sound tiresome, whichGreat and script, I loved the proposal of the series even with a theme not so unusual but that they managed to turn into something interesting and not a cliché, although some things seem obvious, I think the humor in some scenes of the series was unnecessary and made you lose the seriousness of something that should not be treated as if it were funny, some episodes sound tiresome, which is considerable, being that has a whole story to be told, but overall is a very good series does, i don't like much of this hero theme, superpowers and this was the first one I noticed I liked, the characters are great and I'm sure next season will further improve the few weaknesses that were visible in the first.… Expand
  13. ashlolcool
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    This was an amazing show and i am so actiouse to see whats next. Some of you might think it is a bad show but i is acually verry good and i could whatch it over and over again. this was an amazing show so far and it makes you screem "whats going to happen next". me and my best friend both whatched it together, i dont think it would be aprpriate for viewers under 9, but it is really good.
  14. kazuma7
    Mar 26, 2019
    10
    I think the show could've started a little bit faster. It only picks up on the third episodes. I thought most of the cast was memorable and two of them were extremely likable: Nr5 and Nr4. I thought the music choice was excellent. I feel like some of the bad reviews here are there mostly because of the tendency to compare it to X-Men, Marvel or DC. Ellen Page and her whole arc feelsI think the show could've started a little bit faster. It only picks up on the third episodes. I thought most of the cast was memorable and two of them were extremely likable: Nr5 and Nr4. I thought the music choice was excellent. I feel like some of the bad reviews here are there mostly because of the tendency to compare it to X-Men, Marvel or DC. Ellen Page and her whole arc feels dragged out and really depressive. Hazel Nr5 and Nr4 are the most driving characters to be honest.… Expand
  15. DrVulpes
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    Out of many shows, Netflix has put out throughout the years I can argue The Umbrella Academy is one of the best. From Stranger Things, One Day at a Time to Insatiable. The Umbrella Academy is a show not like any other. It focuses on seven people with unbelievable powers, whose intentions are to save the world. My favorite character being Klaus who is just a delight and makes the showOut of many shows, Netflix has put out throughout the years I can argue The Umbrella Academy is one of the best. From Stranger Things, One Day at a Time to Insatiable. The Umbrella Academy is a show not like any other. It focuses on seven people with unbelievable powers, whose intentions are to save the world. My favorite character being Klaus who is just a delight and makes the show hilarious. This show contains amazing acting, great music, and awesome special effects. If you enjoy Jessica Jones and Dare Devil you will absolutely love this!… Expand
  16. Mayfieldja
    Mar 10, 2019
    10
    The Umbrella Academy is outlandish, wacky, hilarious, and unbelievably charming. Gerard Way’s comic makes its way to the TV screen and does so in spectacular fashion. The music cues are fantastic and help to perfectly balance the action with emotional character threads culminating with an impressive finale. Klaus and Number 5 are the stars of the show but everyone brings something uniqueThe Umbrella Academy is outlandish, wacky, hilarious, and unbelievably charming. Gerard Way’s comic makes its way to the TV screen and does so in spectacular fashion. The music cues are fantastic and help to perfectly balance the action with emotional character threads culminating with an impressive finale. Klaus and Number 5 are the stars of the show but everyone brings something unique to the table which is one of the many reasons that this show works so well.… Expand
  17. BatmanFan4Ever
    Mar 10, 2019
    8
    This is a refreshing show with interesting, writing, story line, and adaptions from the comics. I was especially impressed with the acting of #5 played by teenager Aidan Gallagher. He was convincing as a 50+ year old in a teenager body! Looking forward to season 2.... can not say more without spoilers.
  18. Jamesdayz
    Mar 7, 2019
    7
    The season starts slow the side characters are kind of hard to give a **** about at times but the show keeps you going it was not terrible it is actually very enjoyable but if you are a fan of fx's legion you will notice some similarities in cinematography and more so beforehand I already kinda knew where the show was going because of this it's a watch all in all.
  19. Caste
    Mar 6, 2019
    9
    Cool show and nice setting.
    The cast is good, specially Number 5 (Aidan Gallagher).
    Some episodes are a little bit slow, but the show is solid.
  20. blawren4
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    Show was excellent. This is not like anything else out right now. All that needs to be said.
  21. Markini
    Mar 5, 2019
    10
    The Umbrella Academy is a great example of what a great comic book adaptation to a television series can be. The scripts, characters, writing, and direction are all superb. The way the director uses angles and shots, along with the music gives a sense of surrealism and realism that few comic adaptations, both film or tv rarely do.
  22. gmonster320
    Mar 3, 2019
    10
    Perfection! The show is super quirky. The characters, the cinematography, the fight scenes and the relationship between the siblings are all excellent. Ellen Page is wonderful as the tormented Vanya. Aidan Gallagher as Number Five is also a standout. There are rumors of a renewal but so far nothing official. I hope so. We desperately need more. "Umbrella Academy" are my new favorite superheroes.
  23. Negatic
    Feb 27, 2019
    7
    better than what the what most critics say it is, it's a pretty entertaining series with good acting and good production
  24. RaduA
    Feb 27, 2019
    8
    75/100

    It's a weird season. I respect that they wanted to do something different and not generic but at the half of the season it lost me. There were too many story lines. What I liked was the CGI, the music and the actors. They did a pretty good job.
  25. thecritic78
    Feb 26, 2019
    8
    You can't say this was perfect, because it wasn't. It's imperfections can be fixed with tighter episode plots, stronger super powers, better writing and further character development. You also can't say you wouldn't watch a season 2, because this is very watchable television. I know I can't wait and I know the writers and director will get it right the second time around. Keep up the good work!
  26. shoulderoforion
    Feb 26, 2019
    9
    What a great new series. Was wary of yet another Young Persons Comic fantasy offering, having seen so many lukewarm series in the last 5 years, this was a pleasant and gritty surprise. Top notch stuff. Eagerly awaiting a second season.
  27. ComandanteCobra
    Feb 26, 2019
    8
    Unusual, good acting, nerdish but in a good way, retro, good visual, improve with story progression.
    it should improve some aspect of production here and there : story is a little confusing, some repetition, bad guy easy to spot...but It's not a big deal.
    Hope in a sequel! I' didn't read the comics so I can't compare..but it gets my attention and i'll try to find some volumes of the    Unusual, good acting, nerdish but in a good way, retro, good visual, improve with story progression.
    it should improve some aspect of production here and there : story is a little confusing, some repetition, bad guy easy to spot...but It's not a big deal.
    Hope in a sequel!
    I' didn't read the comics so I can't compare..but it gets my attention and i'll try to find some volumes of the original comics.    … Expand
  28. NovastreamAU
    Feb 25, 2019
    8
    Gone are the days of tights and cowls. Today, superheroes have evolved to become: emotionally unstable with a lot of daddy issues. What might this look like? Well, The Umbrella Academy of course.

    On one fateful day in 1989, over 43 children were born to women who had previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Seven went on to be adopted by billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, six of which    Gone are the days of tights and cowls. Today, superheroes have evolved to become: emotionally unstable with a lot of daddy issues. What might this look like? Well, The Umbrella Academy of course.

    On one fateful day in 1989, over 43 children were born to women who had previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Seven went on to be adopted by billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, six of which turned out to have extraordinary abilities. One of these six didn’t reach adulthood, another disappeared as a child. And the seventh was nothing exceptional.

    After their father’s death, five of the children return home only to be confronted by their lost brother who doesn’t look to have aged a day. What’s more, he comes baring news of the world’s demise.
    In short, The Umbrella Academy is a warped view of what the X-men would have become if Charles Xavier wasn’t a humanitarian but an apathetic father.
    The characters have been superbly cast and maintain a strong chemistry throughout the series. And this chemistry doesn’t stop at the adopted brothers and sister but continues to two Time Assassins that often steal the show.
    Cha-Cha (Mary J. Blige) and Hazel (Cameron Britton) are the best at what they do, but it doesn’t always mean they like it. The pair deliver an amazing dry sense of humour based on Hazel’s disenchantment with the job while also creating some intense fight scenes and wild arson trips. They’ve taken the mundane nature of every day work and crammed it into this high-stake environment which leaves the audience equally entertained by their work related squabbles and gun slinging job.
    But it’s the children from the Umbrella Academy that are the real focus of this series. They were: Number One aka Luther (Tom Hopper), Number Two aka Diego (David Castaneda), Number Three aka Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), Number Four aka Klaus (Robert Sheehan), Number Five (Aidan Gallagher), Number Six aka Ben (Justin H. Min), and Number Seven aka Vanya (Ellen Page).

    Although the cast indeed worked wonderfully together, there were varying levels of skill in their performances. It was Ellen Page, Robert Sheehan, and Aidan Gallagher who all proved themselves as formidable actors and although the other siblings were admirable, they lacked the captivation that these three delivered.

    Gallagher, who is currently 15, spends the majority of the series portraying a 50 year old stuck in an adolescent’s body. But the young actor does such a convincing job that the audience doesn’t bat an eyelid at him blending up an icy cocktail or commandeering a van to stalk a doctor.

    Then there’s Robert Sheehan who was born for the scallywag role (which we’ve already seen him accomplish in Misfits). But as the series progresses we see that he has the potential for so much more. He starts as the family’s black sheep, addicted to drugs and stealing from his deceased dad to fund the habit. But the perfect and slow peeling away of his character reveals a torturous past and a lonelier present. Sheehan pulls the audience into the character’s grief and before you know it, the laughter at Klaus’ antics turn to hearth break.

    The last character dissection worthy of note is Ellen Page. She plays the unextraordinary seventh child named Vanya. While growing up she was excluded from lessons and games, and as an adult she is near completely isolated. The simple lack of confidence at the series’ beginning is very evident, only highlighted more by her gradual progression towards confidence throughout the series. In an attempt to not spoil the plot, you can rest assured that Page has helped develop a very intriguing character.

    The story itself does deviate from the comics but, in the page to screen transition, the changes have been for the best. Gone are the evil orchestra and Luthor head-transplant. Instead we get super serums and a more realistic evil. Well, as realistic as you can make super powers.

    However, the story isn’t quite perfect. Each Member of the Umbrella Academy has their own intentions and goals which are all, to an extent, pulled together by the series end in their attempt to stop the apocalypse. During their adventures, they occasionally come together to contemplate a mystery that is often solved by Pogo conveniently strolling in with the answer. It’s this convenience, which happens more than once, that annoys me. There’s so much build up of mystery with the audience trying to pull together the puzzle pieces only to be given the answer by a character who had always been in the know. In short, it creates a pointlessness to the journey and undermines the value of each character’s conflict.

    The design of the show seems to pull from a style between Gotham and Legion where turtlenecks are cool, no one has a mobile, and a dance number could happen at any moment. It’s a difficult style to keep a handle on, and unfortunately The Umbrella Academy doesn’t stay consistent    … Expand
  29. JLuis_001
    Feb 24, 2019
    7
    Although I understand that they are two very different media, the comic book and the series, I wasn't very happy with the changes in the narrative, especially with two important characters such as Hazel and Cha Cha but somehow it works.
    The cast is nice, especially number 5. Honestly I enjoyed it, it's very entertaining and it certainly leaves you quite interested in a second season.
  30. Ellessar
    Feb 24, 2019
    7
    It’s an enjoyable show. The story is decent, there’s some really clever characters, and there is some good action as well. I absolutely hated Ellen Page’s character, but that might have been the point. I’d watch seasons 2 if they make one. It’s definitely a show you can binge.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    The Umbrella Academy is a reminder caped crusader adaptations can be delightful and insightful along with punch-drunk and deafening. It’s as bonkers as anything – but a brolly good show to boot.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Catherine Gee
    Jan 3, 2020
    60
    As a production, it is incredibly stylish. Clearly a fair bit of money has been spent here. And there are enough good ideas in its multifaceted story to please some fans of the comic book – and comics in general. But if it does return for a second run, it would be nice to see some more genuinely fresh ideas – without the over-reliance on tried, tested and tired tropes from years past.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Dec 30, 2019
    50
    Too much of the series, though, suffers from the same grey emotional palate and cement pacing that have afflicted every other Netflix superhero show. ... Ellen Page is utterly wasted until the season’s last two episodes, by which point Umbrella Academy has squandered most of the goodwill its occasional bursts of stylistic inspiration have generated.
    Read full review
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