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. Morgan88
    Feb 16, 2019
    9
    The characters, the cinematography is amazing here so far. The usual slower pace in a Netflix series but it doesn't mean that this is not a good series. The music is amazing in this series, for comicbooksuperhero fans who wants something different than Marvel or DC this is a great thing to watch.
  2. zombiecharro
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    Production is top notch and great acting(IMHO), very funny too, music is awesome. really is an f-u marvel, we can do good without you. hope Netflix bet form more darkhorse ips totally worth it.
  3. Wawawa
    Feb 18, 2019
    9
    I have neither read nor know anything about Umbrella Academy before this series came out on Netflix but after being disappointed by Punisher S2 and Daredevil S2, I decided to give this one ago and man was I pleasantly surprised.

    The pilot episode was amazing and really set the tone for the entire series. The cinematography, coloring and pacing was superb. They're really starting to    I have neither read nor know anything about Umbrella Academy before this series came out on Netflix but after being disappointed by Punisher S2 and Daredevil S2, I decided to give this one ago and man was I pleasantly surprised.

    The pilot episode was amazing and really set the tone for the entire series. The cinematography, coloring and pacing was superb. They're really starting to cross the border of streaming show quality and full blown Hollywood films. There were slight times where it felt slow but I think that it was necessary to really set the mood and the stories which was unraveled throughout the series rather than one big chunk. The cast did a superb job and even Hazel and Cha-Cha provided enough humor to lighten up the mood at certain times.

    By the end of the season you get a full grasp of where they're going with it and how each of the characters play a key role as well as their abilities and powers. I'm very excited for Season 2.

    If you're on the fence about watching, just watch the first ep and see for yourself. It was definitely a treat.

    Please reread these 1-3 star reviews. They're utter garbage reviews. Make sure to click on their past reviews to see what they gave high ratings on, which makes me question whether they even finished the entire season or just came on to whine.    … Expand
  4. mrmonster
    Feb 16, 2019
    7
    A pretty good show. It's far from perfect, but it definitely has enough enjoy ability to watch if you're a superhero fan. The action is good, I can tell you that as a fact.
  5. Mrcool1989
    Feb 20, 2019
    9
    Umbrella Academy is one of Netflix’s best shows this year. The characters and plot were very compelling especially Klaus and number 5. Like every TV show or movie nothing is perfect. There were some dry moments, but nothing that would destroy your interest in finishing the show. Definitely will have to check the comic book out once I get a chance. Bring on season 2.
  6. crazyking321
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    Fun and interesting show that shows a lot of interesting ideas and reminds me of 2013's Utopia.
  7. Godrox20
    Feb 16, 2019
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i really enjoyed that show . It's very fun to watch. Ellen Page is really great and the others too. The only think i didn't like was the story about number 7 and everything that happens after we learned the big secret about her and who she is . But all of the others characters are great. Good job Netflix . Season 2 next year please.… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. Tyron820
    Feb 22, 2019
    9
    it is a really good show, after the lost of the marvel series, i think that this is a good start, even because they can bring other superhero underrated comic books to tv shows, start a universe about this.

    in general this is a pretty good tv show, with a solid story and charismatic characters, thpse who are really inspirated in real life, for me the most significant thing in this serie    it is a really good show, after the lost of the marvel series, i think that this is a good start, even because they can bring other superhero underrated comic books to tv shows, start a universe about this.

    in general this is a pretty good tv show, with a solid story and charismatic characters, thpse who are really inspirated in real life, for me the most significant thing in this serie is their carisma,is the primal pillar to this serie, especially for the lack of secundary characters.The trama also don`t run too much away from it`s porpouse witch is either a good or a bad thing depending on your point of view

    in the end is actually super fun and epic, but maybe it is just not that memorable.

    i am sorry for any gramar mistakes, i live in portugal and doesen`t know too much english ;-;    … Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. Elthor
    Feb 20, 2019
    10
    I don't like to give a 10 to anything. That suggests perfection. Yet as far as I'm concerned the first season of this show is perfect.

    Think Misfits meets Preacher. Darkly comic and reveling in the crazy of its comic origin. It's full of complex and tightly woven plot lines. The acting is first rate. The action, design and effects are in no way lacking. If I had to give one    I don't like to give a 10 to anything. That suggests perfection. Yet as far as I'm concerned the first season of this show is perfect.

    Think Misfits meets Preacher. Darkly comic and reveling in the crazy of its comic origin. It's full of complex and tightly woven plot lines. The acting is first rate. The action, design and effects are in no way lacking.

    If I had to give one negative comment, Luther's prosthetic are just not believable. Yeah, that's it; the only thing I can find to criticize.

    Forget every Netflix Marvel series. Umbrella Academy is first rate and surpasses all of them.    … Expand
  13. BaronScarpia
    Feb 18, 2019
    8
    I don't have a clue about what this is based on, so I can't really talk about the adaptation.

    I feel there are a few plot holes (and even some unnecessary plot elements, Raiders of Lost Ark style - if you remove Indiana Jones from RotLA, the end result is the same). It's not bad, but sometimes the swiss cheese hits like a sledgehammer, with some lazy technics. Sometimes the acting    I don't have a clue about what this is based on, so I can't really talk about the adaptation.

    I feel there are a few plot holes (and even some unnecessary plot elements, Raiders of Lost Ark style - if you remove Indiana Jones from RotLA, the end result is the same). It's not bad, but sometimes the swiss cheese hits like a sledgehammer, with some lazy technics. Sometimes the acting dwindles into overacting and only one scene made me cringe editing-wise. That might sound bad, but for today standards it's good. Super-good. I wasn't expecting Breaking Bad (before the finale) quality, neither are you.

    For some reason, it works. It works a lot better than some things that fail to meet high expectations on Netflix and TV. Some actors give compelling interpretations and it's really interesting visually (it's worth mentioning that the first scenes on the first episode are way above the rest when it comes to photography). I would say high entertainment value, interesting storytelling (feels like too many hands messed with the script, tho) and definitely worth watching. There is inclusion, but not that kind of in-your-face, artificial, inclusion that looks more like a race for social points (like a famous show that ended in 2018 on Netflix), which is a solid net positive. I ended up enjoying it more than I enjoyed some critically acclaimed Netflix productions. Unlike some popular shows, It's worth watching this one.    … Expand
  14. 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.
  15. Kenmei
    Feb 19, 2019
    8
    A decent attempt to try and deviate from the Marvel Superhero formula, The Umbrella Academy mostly works but can be bogged down by a few too many characters and some under developed characters from some of the more important ones within the story. But wonderful acting by a couple of cast members really delivers a strong attempt for Netflix to show it can do superheros without having toA decent attempt to try and deviate from the Marvel Superhero formula, The Umbrella Academy mostly works but can be bogged down by a few too many characters and some under developed characters from some of the more important ones within the story. But wonderful acting by a couple of cast members really delivers a strong attempt for Netflix to show it can do superheros without having to rely on Marvel.
    While the story is your typical superhero fanfare, its wonderfully done and moves along pretty good because of a few standout characters. Aidan Gallagher and Robert Sheehan as Five and Klaus, respectively, carry pretty much any scene they are in and, the few times they are in the same scene together, are some of the best moments of the show. You really felt for them in each of their respective storylines and how they struggled to overcome their weaknesses. Cameron Britton as one half of the assassin's that followed them throughout the show was great too, mostly because his character was allowed to develop overtime, unlike his partner who stayed very one note the entire show. Most of the hero group itself, however, were very underwhelming. I'm especially disappointed in Ellen Page here who was the star of the show and seemed so bland the entire series. She was extremely forgettable for such an important character to the show. Along with a few of the most notable characters, like Luther and Diego, who got a lot of screen time but never seemed to really do anything with it.
    It also probably didn't help that each scene of every episode could suddenly change tone, as if it switched genre's for that one scene and goes back to the regular story elsewhere. It's not every episode but can happen multiple times in one episode and its extremely jarring when it does happen. Almost like the subject matter of the story (time travel and stopping the apocalypse) might have been keeping people from paying attention so they spiced it up for a bit to keep the viewer interested. It also didn't help when those moments were involving some of the most boring characters involved in doing stuff they would never do otherwise. It was extremely weird at times to see.
    But somehow they make it all work. There are some bumps in the road, and some plot holes that weren't addressed, but the story works out fairly well. Which will be a big bonus for Netflix once they finally get away from the Marvel TV shows that didn't exactly live up to standards, except for a couple notable exceptions. I'm very interested in seeing how things go from here as they've set themselves up for another season in an interesting manner. They've got some work to do but these are things that can be fixed in upcoming seasons.    … Expand
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. ScienceAdvisor
    Feb 19, 2019
    8
    While not as action packed as it should have been, it has more than enough high points to overcome the parts where it drags on. In the end it works, partially carried by the strength of the cast. Sure this is a comic adaption, replete with plot holes (time travel) and some lackluster dialogue, but it is fun and ends the first season on a high note. Together this results in a NetflixWhile not as action packed as it should have been, it has more than enough high points to overcome the parts where it drags on. In the end it works, partially carried by the strength of the cast. Sure this is a comic adaption, replete with plot holes (time travel) and some lackluster dialogue, but it is fun and ends the first season on a high note. Together this results in a Netflix show that is actually worth another season, bucking last year's depressing trend.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. Valet90
    Aug 9, 2020
    7
    Вполне неплохой и не глупый сериал про супергероев.Приятные персонажи,приятный сюжет,неплохая режиссура
  21. 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
  22. blawren4
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    Show was excellent. This is not like anything else out right now. All that needs to be said.
  23. Masterplanner64
    Feb 21, 2019
    9
    The first couple episodes alone are worth it. It seems a bit too crazy because the world this universe resides in doesn't give you a whole lot that would allow you to make sense of it. That I think is the biggest detraction from the otherwise solid and original take on the genre. But I'm hoping by next season some basic rules and world building are fleshed out. Overall I found it to be aThe first couple episodes alone are worth it. It seems a bit too crazy because the world this universe resides in doesn't give you a whole lot that would allow you to make sense of it. That I think is the biggest detraction from the otherwise solid and original take on the genre. But I'm hoping by next season some basic rules and world building are fleshed out. Overall I found it to be a well conceived story that played off the disfunction very well, naturally funny and emotionally accurate to each characters disposition and story arch.… Expand
  24. atorado
    Feb 21, 2019
    7
    If it were not for Hazel, number 5 and Klaus this show would be a sleeping pill.....sorry, Pogo it`s not your fault they decided to bring us 10 chapters instead of...let`s say...7 !!
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. Ascospore
    May 14, 2019
    7
    Imagine The Royal Tenenbaums as The Watchmen. That's the vibe of this derivative tale.
  29. 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.
  30. WizardOfCoke
    Feb 18, 2019
    7
    The Umbrella Academy has many elements I find extremely entertaining but overall I find myself frustrated at various different points and it usually relates to Ellen Page's performance I just find it dull and boring, a character that should create empathy should not lead to me switching off and checking my phone for any other her scenes but because of her pantomime style of performance IThe Umbrella Academy has many elements I find extremely entertaining but overall I find myself frustrated at various different points and it usually relates to Ellen Page's performance I just find it dull and boring, a character that should create empathy should not lead to me switching off and checking my phone for any other her scenes but because of her pantomime style of performance I just find myself cringing at the awkwardness of all her scenes they feel so far from genuine and it frustrates me. The majority of the characters have faults that make them relatable and understandable the yet, the one character that has these essential faults to make them understandable plays the role so over the top and stupid that I couldn't care less.

    The show also has various interesting points of cinematography and editing, at points I think they could've gone further with their stylistic qualities especially in comparison to other scenes. Another point is the CGI at points looks awful and it really took me out of it.

    Overall I enjoyed my experience 70% of the time hence the 7/10, but was mostly let down by one of its leads.    … Expand
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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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