• 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. Negative: 40 out of 298

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User Reviews

  1. 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. 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. Jul 7, 2022
    10
    Best new superhero/dysfunctional family new show. Enjoy it and treat yourself to a binge.
  4. 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.
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  5. 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.
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  6. Aug 17, 2020
    6
    The first year of "The Umbrella Academy" bothered me a little, the pace is terrible, the episodes are too long for little plot, the characters are underdeveloped (exceptions: Vanya, Klaus and Five). However, comic reliefs work very well in all areas that they are put into.
  7. 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.
  8. Aug 13, 2020
    3
    If you like to pause you TV show about 25 times in ONE SINGLE EPISODE and say to yourself out-loud, "How the F does that make any sense!!!" Then I guess you're going to love or at least tolerate The Umbrella Academy Season 2. And what I just stated is no exaggeration, because that's EXACTLY WHAT I DID for this season from start to finish. There are so many problems with this show, from farIf you like to pause you TV show about 25 times in ONE SINGLE EPISODE and say to yourself out-loud, "How the F does that make any sense!!!" Then I guess you're going to love or at least tolerate The Umbrella Academy Season 2. And what I just stated is no exaggeration, because that's EXACTLY WHAT I DID for this season from start to finish. There are so many problems with this show, from far left political agendas being crammed down your thought, to COMPLETE abandonment of characters. There are plot holes that disregard the point of the season 1 plot, and WAY more questions than answers. I swear, some of the events must have been directed by a six year old! There's just simply no logic in anything that happens in this show. For this review I'll just list most of the cons and the very few pros of this show.

    NOT A SUPERHERO SHOW- You better believe me when I say that this is nothing like the first season, and it's just NOT a superhero show since no one uses their powers AT ALL except for Five. I kid you not, there is only ONE scene in the WHOLE season where Luther, Diego, AND Klaus use their powers, ONE!!! And that's not to say that Allison or Vanya use their powers often, CAUSE THEY DON'T! There actually is one other scene in the entire season where Diego uses his super cool knife ability on an antagonist, but instead he MISSES! Um, what!?

    THE ANTAGONISTS SUCK!- The plot in this season is actually pretty similar to season 1, and they also have a small group of antagonists trying to kill the academy like Hazel and Cha Cha in season one. Only thing is, that they're NOTHING LIKE HAZEL AND CHA CHA in terms of personality. The simple fact is that they are completely lifeless literal walking manikins who never speak except in two scenes in the whole season. I did not care one bit about these weirdos, worst bad guys ever!

    Diego- Let me just say out right that if you liked Diego in season 1, then sorry, because the bad-ass we knew before is NOTHING AT ALL like the wimpy, stupid man we got in season 2. Diego makes some of the STUPIDEST dissensions in this season for the sake of moving forward the terrible plot, I can't count how many times I just had to pause the show and say to myself, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU IDIOT!!??"

    Alison and Politics- Much like Diego, Allison is absolutely NOTHING like she was in season 1. The problem with her is that they use her and the color of her skin as a far left political tool! I'm sure that you know that this season takes place in the 60's during the Civil Rights Movement. So if you have even just the slightest ounce of common sense, you already know where this is gonna go. I don't have a problem with her being in the 60's Civil Rights Movement, but I do have a BIG problem with the fact the director did NOT do ANY research about this topic. He literally just assumed that EVERY police officer (and white person in that time for that matter) were just PURE EVIL! Did you know that you have a higher chance of getting struck by lightning than having you home invaded by policemen without a warrant. I only reason I say that is because the director seems to think that police invading your home and then beating the s*** out of you just because they feel like it is something that's completely normal. There's also mentions of police killing black men on the streets, and even a scene where a police officer almost beats a black main character to DEATH! I'm aware that this kinda thing happened in some areas during this time but NOT in Texas. I did some research and found that there is no record of police brutality cases in Texas aside from ONE in 1977! These horrific police events in this show are completely made up! I thought this season was using real life events! Of course the only reason this is here is to advance a far left political agenda.

    Vanya- If Alison was used to cater to the racial politics, then Vanya is used to cater to the LGBT politics. Throughout the course of the season she finds a new FEMALE lover who is:

    A. Nothing like her
    B. An incredibly selfish character
    C. About 15-20 years older than Vanya

    All of this made me just not care for her new lover which made me not care about Vanya. There's really no rhyme or reason to their relationship except to push more politics. Also, Vanya was NEVER established to be gay, nor was her lover, so it just really comes out of know where which comes off as ac-ward.

    Lila: Lila is a new character, but she is by FAR the worst in the show. When she's introduced she's actually ESTABLISHED as an annoying character. The show never gave me never one reason to like her so she just stayed as an annoying and absolutely TERRIBLE character throughout the end. I kinda relate to her Jar Jar Binks, she's annoying as hell, is only in the plot by accident, and makes you think about how much this show sucks every time she goes on screen.

    I really wanted to like this season since 1 loved season 1, but trust me, it's garbage.
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  9. 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
  10. Aug 9, 2020
    7
    Вполне неплохой и не глупый сериал про супергероев.Приятные персонажи,приятный сюжет,неплохая режиссура
  11. Aug 1, 2020
    5
    Fun to watch. Very flashy. Great Soundtrack...writing is really bad. Characters can be FUN! But boy! That plot isn't very good. Wish it was also more surreal. But aye, second season is better.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. May 15, 2019
    1
    Liked it better when it was called X-men lol. Show seems to think it's far more clever/quirky/original than it actually is. Was pretty eager to check this show out, but zzzzz it's kinda boring. Lost interest halfway through the first ep. Just too many options on NF alone, let alone elsewhere, to settle for something less than captivating. Now if I could only figure out a way to delete itLiked it better when it was called X-men lol. Show seems to think it's far more clever/quirky/original than it actually is. Was pretty eager to check this show out, but zzzzz it's kinda boring. Lost interest halfway through the first ep. Just too many options on NF alone, let alone elsewhere, to settle for something less than captivating. Now if I could only figure out a way to delete it off my Continue Watching lol... Expand
  15. May 14, 2019
    7
    Imagine The Royal Tenenbaums as The Watchmen. That's the vibe of this derivative tale.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. Apr 19, 2019
    0
    The worst TV show ever... Just full of inconsistencies and nonsense wich make it a pure waste of time...
  19. Apr 16, 2019
    6
    Here is the deal with this film, it was entertaining but it's not great. But it did get me to watch 10 episodes. Sure it could have used a bit more substance, but let me ask you this. If you don't like it, don't watch all 10. But if you do, don't bash it too hard, or I have to ask you why you stayed watching it that long.
  20. Apr 8, 2019
    6
    Watchable. Fairly weak acting paired with convoluted character motives made the first half difficult to watch. The second half gets better with more stake at hand. Difficult to care much about any of the characters. If you enjoyed the first season of Heroes, it might be worth your time to watch this show. Unfortunately, the dysfunctional family element of the show was interesting but neverWatchable. Fairly weak acting paired with convoluted character motives made the first half difficult to watch. The second half gets better with more stake at hand. Difficult to care much about any of the characters. If you enjoyed the first season of Heroes, it might be worth your time to watch this show. Unfortunately, the dysfunctional family element of the show was interesting but never utilized to its full potential. Some of the twists were too predictable. Expand
  21. Apr 1, 2019
    1
    - Many characters are made into disagreeable **** just for the sake of creating artificial drama because nothing is really happening in the show.
    - The scene where Diego beats Ben in a fist fight ruined the show for me action-wise (episode 1 so, so much for a good start.)
    - Klaus is that edge-lord that no one wants to be around, and script writers don't seem to understand that we don't
    - Many characters are made into disagreeable **** just for the sake of creating artificial drama because nothing is really happening in the show.
    - The scene where Diego beats Ben in a fist fight ruined the show for me action-wise (episode 1 so, so much for a good start.)
    - Klaus is that edge-lord that no one wants to be around, and script writers don't seem to understand that we don't want to spend time watching characters with whom we wouldn't want to spend time in real life.
    - Number Five is NightCrawler on crack, but when the two assassins attack him wearing masks, he decides to run instead of causing teleport-induced mayhem like he did in a previous episode against a dozen killers in a small doughnut place?!?
    - An Oscar-winning actress gets a role where she plays an emotionally numb person, so we get to see none of her nuance and range as an actress?!?! She was the one reason I started watching this, smh.
    - Everything Hollywood is now going the Guardians of the Galaxy route with music nostalgia, but this show just beats you in the face with it. Couldn't be less original if they tried.
    - It's been 3 episodes and there is no character I like in this. Not one! At least Doom Patrol gave Alan Tudyk the perfect role for his severely underrated talent.
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  22. Mar 29, 2019
    6
    Estando entre las mayores tendencias los super héroes "The Umbrella Academy" aparece como una extravagante opción entre las adaptaciones de cómics a ficción televisiva. El concepto puede ser difícil de atrapar pero en el momento en que te adentras a ésta serie le puedes agarrar el gusto.
    La historia trata sobre un grupo de superhumanos quiénes fueron adoptados tras un extraño suceso que
    Estando entre las mayores tendencias los super héroes "The Umbrella Academy" aparece como una extravagante opción entre las adaptaciones de cómics a ficción televisiva. El concepto puede ser difícil de atrapar pero en el momento en que te adentras a ésta serie le puedes agarrar el gusto.
    La historia trata sobre un grupo de superhumanos quiénes fueron adoptados tras un extraño suceso que hizo a varias mujeres quedar embarazadas instantáneamente y dieran a luz sin razón explicable a niños con habilidades únicas. Años después los chicos se reúnen en su adultez para despedir a su padre adoptivo e investigar su supuesto asesinato.
    Una de las complicaciones al ver ésta serie es que la información es avasallante porque recibes novedades constantemente sin tener una posibilidad de entender la trama hasta avanzada la serie, no sería una complicación si no quedaran incógnitas o fueran más regulares con la devolución de respuestas.
    El elenco funciona bien, hay muchas críticas sobre Netflix y su selección de actores, pero en éste caso puede haber diferencias con el material original pero funcionan para entregar un mejor drama. Una de las grandes virtudes de la tira es la coreografía en las escenas de acción, a veces son el único motivo que te hace seguir viendo la serie. Las peleas son frenéticas, y se dejan ver, hay mucha creatividad al momento de los disturbios.
    Si hay un punto negativo que destacar es la actuación, aunque sea a propósito, cada personaje parece tener una emoción como personalidad y hay algunos personajes demasiado acartonados. Complica mucho empatizar con los protagonistas cuando sólo uno o dos son los que brindan algo a la pantalla, Allison y Klaus.
    En general no es una serie para todo el mundo, si una interesante para quiénes tengan el gusto de ver tramas complicadas con desencadenantes inesperados. No es de lo mejor pero cumple entreteniendo, y tiene un cierre satisfactorio.
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  23. Mar 26, 2019
    4
    Well, this show does have some strengths, but it is overall disappointing. Some of the characters are undoubtedly interesting (Klaus, Vanya and Five, mostly), but the others are, quite surprisingly, fairly shallow. The show is also surely atmospheric, but it does not go much beyond this.

    The plot is fragile and mostly based on family conflicts which hardly go anywhere or do so very
    Well, this show does have some strengths, but it is overall disappointing. Some of the characters are undoubtedly interesting (Klaus, Vanya and Five, mostly), but the others are, quite surprisingly, fairly shallow. The show is also surely atmospheric, but it does not go much beyond this.

    The plot is fragile and mostly based on family conflicts which hardly go anywhere or do so very slowly, as the Hargreeves siblings seem incapacitated to speak clearly, coordinate or just to show some common sense. This is partly justified by their family story, but the script relies a bit too much on this. The result is that motivations behind the villains' action remain unclear while the Hargreeves family hardly accomplish anything.
    In addition to this, the show has a slow pace and wastes time in useless flashbacks or details, so I progressively lost interest.
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  24. 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
  25. Mar 26, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Before you read this review, it's filled with spoilers...

    First of all I love Ellen Page. But why make her look ugly for the whole season and then make her look hot the last 2 episodes.. She could've looked like that the whole season then make her look more bad ass the last 2 episodes.

    The plot was all over the place and things that happens throught out the show could've been written better. The movie lacked character building. I really wanted to like this show, but it was so annoying and frustrating to watch.

    #1 a dumb ass,
    #2 a dumb ass
    #3 is suppose to be the smart one, never uses her ability the whole season, semi dumb
    #4 a dumb ass, apparently time traveled back to the Vietnam war for a year and didn't gain any experience with fighting or using guns.

    #5 has been gone for a "long" time, came back as a kid, they used a kid actor to play an old man that's the best assassin in the future, supposedly a "legend", but all we get is an annoying little kid that can't take out a pair of assassins with no abilities.

    #6 the strongest of all of the characters, is already dead, they didn't really explained how he died. The only one that's not a dumb ass.

    #7 lived her life taking these pills she has no idea what it's for. Really? She plays the violin for an orchestra, but looks and dresses like Juno that just finished high school.

    Their dad that put all of them through intense training to maximize their powers was also a dumb ass, because none of them actually know how to use their powers! WTF!

    The 2 assassins have killed so many people without a blink of an eye, but act as if they are Team Rocket from pokemon, so it was hard to believe that they are "top tier" assassins, but they were.

    Also, very bad acting from Mary J Blige.

    The use of music was cool at first, then it became worse as the season went on. Some of the music just didn't match the scene.

    The use of the "Umbrella Academy" umbrella seemed outta place as well.

    That one scene where they found out #1 wasn't a virgin anymore and #3 got all mad, like wtf? She has an X husband and a kid and she's mad at #1 for getting laid? STFU.

    I forced myself to watch it until the end, because maybe.. just maybe the ending will make me understand why everything was so stupid.

    OF COURSE NOT! It got even stupider! 8 guys with automatic machine guns shooting at 5 people in the bowling alley misses as they run into the lanes to the back of the building. THEY ALL MISSED! These guys are top assassins from the "community bs". The same assassins came again in the theater and shot feets away from the characters who were hiding behind folding chairs and the chairs blocked all the bullets!

    Anyways, they could've time traveled from the get go, but they waited until the end when everything failed..so...

    I gave this a 3 because at least they tried and there might be potential to redeem themselves.
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  26. 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
  27. Mar 17, 2019
    5
    There's some interesting characters and a nice twist to the tired superhero genre, but in the end it's way too slow and convoluted. It focuses too much on the more boring protagonists, and the plot lurches from the satirical to the ridiculous. It's like the X-Men meets Jimmy Neutron. The ending is also a major letdown.
  28. Mar 12, 2019
    4
    Just when I put my foot down and swear off superhero movies/TV, someone finds a way to entice me back in (my apologies to Al Pacino and Little Stevie Van Zandt for that terrible impression). This looked to be a comic version of the X-men and in the first few episodes, that's what it was. Then it got too corny for me. I gotta say that the big drawback was Ellen Page. I'm just not a fan. IJust when I put my foot down and swear off superhero movies/TV, someone finds a way to entice me back in (my apologies to Al Pacino and Little Stevie Van Zandt for that terrible impression). This looked to be a comic version of the X-men and in the first few episodes, that's what it was. Then it got too corny for me. I gotta say that the big drawback was Ellen Page. I'm just not a fan. I think she did one thing good once and has been dining out on her performance in Juno ever since. And why not just make that character gay? Of all the unacceptable artistic freedom networks seem to be taking with source material, this is easily one that we can all get behind. Nope. I couldn't finish the season and I'm back to my boycott of superhero movies. The four stars is for getting me back on track. Expand
  29. Mar 10, 2019
    3
    While the concept is intriguing (exploring the after-effects of being not only superheroes, but kid superheroes), so many things did not work here.

    Storytelling: Even for a Netflix show, the pacing is terribly slow. Many elements were not covered or depicted properly, going back to the issue of throwing "Show, Don't Tell" out the window. The show relies heavily on dialogue, but it's
    While the concept is intriguing (exploring the after-effects of being not only superheroes, but kid superheroes), so many things did not work here.

    Storytelling: Even for a Netflix show, the pacing is terribly slow. Many elements were not covered or depicted properly, going back to the issue of throwing "Show, Don't Tell" out the window.

    The show relies heavily on dialogue, but it's bland, unoriginal and we either don't feel invested in what's going on (because not much is going on anyway) or we find it hard to believe in characters making certain choices or acting that way.

    I've seen some reviews comment that they were tired of all the bickering, and I'm inclined to agree. Where was the camaraderie? The complicated love-hate relationships that's so common among siblings?

    From what I've observed, siblings who grow up in such a tough environment tend to form even more of a close bond where they look out for each other and understand what each other has gone through (as no one else can), but we see none of that here.

    Acting: The lack of chemistry and the one-dimensional characters made it hard to care about the characters, and the acting felt like most of the actors were bored of their own characters. Even and especially Ellen Page!

    Score: The choice of songs was predictable and at times detracted from scenes instead of enhancing them. Surprising considering Gerard Way was on the production team.

    All in all, the show is painfully slow, without offering any worthwhile payoff for all that waiting. And I did not care about any of the characters, much as I wanted to.

    I also think that most fans would expect quite a bit more action from a superhero show. Very disappointed that this turned out to be more of a gloomy and dull soap opera than anything else, and for the life of me, cannot understand why it's gotten such positive reviews.

    I enjoyed Netflix's Titans much more than this, and that's not a particularly strong show either.
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  30. 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
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.