The Wheel of Time

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Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 459 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 290 out of 459
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 459
  3. Negative: 148 out of 459
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  1. csdcpdx
    Sep 8, 2023
    8
    An imperfect adaptation of my absolute favorite piece of fiction of all time.

    The TV show struggles in places (the world feels smaller than it does in the books, the number of extras feels weirdly sparse, the sets feel like they're not lived in, the clothes seem to clean). On the other hand, I felt the sense of awe I was hoping for when I saw the Two Rivers brought to life. I loved    An imperfect adaptation of my absolute favorite piece of fiction of all time.

    The TV show struggles in places (the world feels smaller than it does in the books, the number of extras feels weirdly sparse, the sets feel like they're not lived in, the clothes seem to clean). On the other hand, I felt the sense of awe I was hoping for when I saw the Two Rivers brought to life. I loved this version of the White Tower. I'm intrigued by the portrayal of the Aes Sedai.

    It's not perfect, but it is solid TV and does justice to RJ's legacy.    … Expand
  2. RhandAltor
    Sep 5, 2023
    8
    Season 1 has some serious issues near the end, but up until that point it's a good series. Changes from the books are expected and necessary to adapt a story this size, but are hit and miss. Casting, costumes really good and the cold open to E7 is fantastic!
  3. Palanders
    Sep 3, 2023
    7
    This season was a surprising mix of clear strengths and weaknesses. I think the show has clear potential to improve into a great show - we'll have to wait and see with s2.
  4. Gutzu
    Sep 1, 2023
    10
    I Love it! Big fat Epic Fantasy!
    I Loved the Characters and the world building
  5. woollyshaft
    Jun 27, 2023
    8
    I'm so happy with how this turned out. I was worried that the quality would be lacking based on some of the previews, but they really did a great job with it overall.

    You know it's a good show, when the negative reviews focus on ethnic casting of characters they imagined as being white.
  6. mwilke13
    Feb 2, 2022
    8
    As a fantasy series this does not at all disappoint, however, for anyone looking for a faithful adaptation of Jordan's book this is likely to leave you wanting. The show is visually stunning, develops the characters in a compelling manner, and leaves you wanting more after each episode. If there is one critique the writers added some elements of social progressivism and certain feministAs a fantasy series this does not at all disappoint, however, for anyone looking for a faithful adaptation of Jordan's book this is likely to leave you wanting. The show is visually stunning, develops the characters in a compelling manner, and leaves you wanting more after each episode. If there is one critique the writers added some elements of social progressivism and certain feminist tendencies absent from the book. With that in mind purists may find themselves scratching their head at the 5 potential dragons rather than 3.… Expand
  7. bac2sq1
    Jan 30, 2022
    8
    I actually enjoy a good "fantasy" genre series and this one boasts to becoming one. The 1st season was entertaining, however I have yet to read the book versions so have nothing to compare it with. Typically, most series or movies originating from books rarely depict them verbatim as production oftentimes doesn't have the "time/budget" for everything and simply tries to focus on the moreI actually enjoy a good "fantasy" genre series and this one boasts to becoming one. The 1st season was entertaining, however I have yet to read the book versions so have nothing to compare it with. Typically, most series or movies originating from books rarely depict them verbatim as production oftentimes doesn't have the "time/budget" for everything and simply tries to focus on the more important story lines, that make the most sense in the telling. That said, if it could stand on it's own merits, and not in comparison to the book series, I'd say this series is watch-worthy!

    The acting is "believable" and the characters seem to blend well together, however the relationships can be a tad confusing at times. The series does occasionally lack "context" but overall, very watchable!    … Expand
  8. infin
    Jan 16, 2022
    10
    I read the books and really enjoyed the TV series. It's a shame it doesn't go into a little more detail, the books' details were always delicious.
  9. Exceladeogun
    Jan 9, 2022
    7
    The wheel of time

    High budget series with a composite universe. The action and special effects are delightful. I especially loved the performances from Rosamund Pike and Daniel Henney.

    As someone who hasn't read the book, I can't draw comparisons between the book and the tv adaptation.
  10. magalimeydav
    Jan 6, 2022
    10
    I watched every episode about 2-4 times. I am going to binge it again a few times. I love the casting and I feel very happy with this adaptation of this book series I love so much. They had difficulty in the end of the season because of COVID but they did a great job to overcome it. I wish wewillhave more episodes per season!
  11. RationalNerd
    Jan 5, 2022
    10
    Great season! tEotW isn't the easiest book to adapt, and the Covid situation definitely impacted the last two episodes, but overall it gave us some very good basis for following seasons! Ep8 clearly sets up some plots points of TGH and TDR, characters were moving, Rosamund Pike is absolutely amazing...
  12. mikeyislost
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    This series gets better a few episodes in. I think it's a beautiful adaptation of the WoT books. I absolutely love it!!
  13. SequelHater
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    This show is so fun to watch and the characters feel human and relatale.
    Scenery is beautiful and attention to detail is masterful.
    Don't listen to the bad reviews, this adaptation is perfect regardless of if you read the books or not.
    It honors Robert Jordan.
    It adapts the books in a way that fits tv and is engaging to watch.
    Can't wait for season 2!
  14. silentsleeper
    Dec 11, 2021
    8
    Average acting by the young cast. Pike is great and carries the show when she is on. Direction is weak and the special effects are good but not great. The cinematography is beautiful. The story is too big to completely understand and since it's based on one of the largest book series I imagine the world building will continue for a few seasons. With that said, I think it's going to be oneAverage acting by the young cast. Pike is great and carries the show when she is on. Direction is weak and the special effects are good but not great. The cinematography is beautiful. The story is too big to completely understand and since it's based on one of the largest book series I imagine the world building will continue for a few seasons. With that said, I think it's going to be one of the best shows on TV in the future. Assuming they fix the acting, direction, and production/special effects with time and funding. Already I can see the improvements in the show with every episode. It's no GoT at least not yet. But it has a lot of potential.


    PS. I have not read the books.    … Expand
  15. svorcy
    Nov 30, 2021
    10
    Although I was initially worried about some of the changes, the show has managed to win me over completely. I must say that each episode is better than the last one, which is a really good sign of things to come. The landscapes, the cast, the music - everything works to recreate that sense of wonder and magic and adventure that I got while reading the books.
  16. aboutgeo
    Nov 30, 2021
    10
    I just have to post here quickly to counterbalance those unfair 1-star troll ratings. I read the books, I watched all four episodes out so far, some more than once. Consider me a fan. The show's fantastic!

    To the trolls: all that whining about the cast not being all white… speaks for itself, really. Go whine somewhere else.
  17. Polamawho
    Nov 30, 2021
    10
    Amazing story and getting better every episode! Can’t wait to discover more about the world and the characters.
  18. Sandman87
    Nov 30, 2021
    9
    A wonderful adaptation of the source material, if you love high fantasy you will love this show!
  19. Ublinque
    Nov 29, 2021
    10
    As a book reader that started almost 30 years ago I never dreamed that this giant fantasy series would ever get made and now that is here I am thrilled. While it needs to be pared down considerably from the books they have done an admirable job so far of keeping true to the heart of the series and characters. I hope it continues on this path and that all my fantasy nerds can band togetherAs a book reader that started almost 30 years ago I never dreamed that this giant fantasy series would ever get made and now that is here I am thrilled. While it needs to be pared down considerably from the books they have done an admirable job so far of keeping true to the heart of the series and characters. I hope it continues on this path and that all my fantasy nerds can band together to support and love fantasy as a genre in hopes of getting to see so many other amazing fantasy stories brought to television. It's still rare that we get something made just for us and I just hope we can all celebrate it.… Expand
  20. TSignus
    Nov 27, 2021
    10
    While not a scene by scene recreation of the legendary fantasy series, the Wheel of Time does a fantastic job translating the world and themes and characters to television. For all of the complaints about supposed "changes to core elements" of the mythology, I suspect these are people who aren't giving g the series enough time to play out. I am virtually certain that an in-show explanationWhile not a scene by scene recreation of the legendary fantasy series, the Wheel of Time does a fantastic job translating the world and themes and characters to television. For all of the complaints about supposed "changes to core elements" of the mythology, I suspect these are people who aren't giving g the series enough time to play out. I am virtually certain that an in-show explanation of mechanics such as Saidin/Sassari is coming in due time and that by the endnof the season, all of the concerns about the Dragon Reborn's identity will be resolved. It has imp r very with every episode and is already on a trajectory to surpass earlier fantasy shows such as The Witcher and Game of Thrones.… Expand
  21. Goobster
    Nov 26, 2021
    7
    A WoT show was always going to divide the fan base. Its a huge series, with 14 books and it's still at this point improbable to follow canonically with some of the pacing the books have.

    After 4 episodes i give it an overall 7. However, that 7 comes with a caveat. The first episode is a solid 4. I think they opened the series wrong. It needed to open with the Dragon breaking the    A WoT show was always going to divide the fan base. Its a huge series, with 14 books and it's still at this point improbable to follow canonically with some of the pacing the books have.

    After 4 episodes i give it an overall 7. However, that 7 comes with a caveat. The first episode is a solid 4. I think they opened the series wrong. It needed to open with the Dragon breaking the world.. And I think there is too much emphasis on Morraine. And the trollocs look horrible.

    However, every episode its getting better. There is a some divergence from the books, but overall reasonably faithful, The divergence gas a lot to do with hastening the pacing

    I still don't know if they will make it to the last battle. There is so much in between the beginning and end, every character is important and even with the pacing they are keeping, it will still take 10 seasons.    … Expand
  22. Bolezhinkov
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Really enjoying the show. So many of the critiques can be dismissed by just watching more of the show, or using the extras feature in the Amazon Prime video app/UI x-ray section. I enjoy that the series isn't trying to handhold the audience through the first couple of episodes and trusts the audience to pick up what they're putting down.
  23. LieberD
    Nov 25, 2021
    9
    I have read the book series and thought it was fine, if a bit derivative. That said, there is enough going on in the books that they kept my attention for 13(?) books. I'm three episodes in and this tv show seems to have distilled the books down to what makes them good. We'll see how the show continues, but at this point is a actually say the show is actually better than the books. TheI have read the book series and thought it was fine, if a bit derivative. That said, there is enough going on in the books that they kept my attention for 13(?) books. I'm three episodes in and this tv show seems to have distilled the books down to what makes them good. We'll see how the show continues, but at this point is a actually say the show is actually better than the books. The Santos capture the characters and dynamic well. Excluding Perrin's huge initial deviation from the book character, most of the deviations from the book seem to serve the show well.… Expand
  24. gevlion
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    The show manages to keep the main themes of the books, while also making interesting changes that use the advantages of the visual medium. The landscapes are breathtaking and the music does a wonderful job of setting the atmosphere. All of the actors are doing a great job, with Rosamund Pike at the forefront. For me, the stand-outs from the younger cast were Barney Harris as Mat and ZoeThe show manages to keep the main themes of the books, while also making interesting changes that use the advantages of the visual medium. The landscapes are breathtaking and the music does a wonderful job of setting the atmosphere. All of the actors are doing a great job, with Rosamund Pike at the forefront. For me, the stand-outs from the younger cast were Barney Harris as Mat and Zoe Robins as Nynaeve. All in all, an imaginative fantasy series, that has only scratched the surface of the expansive world of Robert Jordan. I can't wait to see the rest of story unfold.… Expand
  25. animus920
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    An extremely good start to an already excellent book series.
    I am looking forward to rest of season 1
  26. Asmodeus10
    Nov 23, 2021
    9
    I'm currently on my third read through of the books, and while I am very much a fan, I don't believe the books are infallible. The overarching story and characters are wonderful, but it's also needlessly long with plot lines that drag on and dozens of superfluous characters. My main hope for the show was that they'd maintain the core plot elements and characters while they condense theI'm currently on my third read through of the books, and while I am very much a fan, I don't believe the books are infallible. The overarching story and characters are wonderful, but it's also needlessly long with plot lines that drag on and dozens of superfluous characters. My main hope for the show was that they'd maintain the core plot elements and characters while they condense the rest out of necessity. I knew that was going to require changes, and I expected I wouldn't agree with all of them. Through three episodes, my expectations were correct. However, none of the changes so far have diverged from the central story I want to see brought to life.

    The first few scenes were, frankly, not very good, which is unfortunate as it will likely create a negative first impression for many viewers, myself included. Thankfully, every element of the show improves from that point on. By the third episode, the show hit its stride, and I was convinced of its potential. While it's not perfect, I am relieved that the writing, acting, and production value are good enough to make the show watchable even when I disagree or question some of the creative choices. I would have watched every episode regardless and watching something you don't enjoy is quite the slog. ;)

    9/10 for now based on what I've seen and for its potential.    … Expand
  27. georgius77
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Glorious adaption to Jordan's books! perfect? no but certainly good that is to say well acted great SFX and full of potential, watched the first three episodes and cant wait for more!
  28. jongzach
    Nov 22, 2021
    9
    Long term fans of this series are blasting it for not being a word-for-word adaptation. Since I am a long-term fan, I encourage you to give it a shot! It is a beautifully shot, fast-paced epic adventure with incredible performances by the lead actors. It is still coming into its own and laying the groundwork for later, but still shines leagues above similar fantasy shows in their earlyLong term fans of this series are blasting it for not being a word-for-word adaptation. Since I am a long-term fan, I encourage you to give it a shot! It is a beautifully shot, fast-paced epic adventure with incredible performances by the lead actors. It is still coming into its own and laying the groundwork for later, but still shines leagues above similar fantasy shows in their early episodes. A must watch for me!… Expand
  29. qhgisj
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There are flaws here - the pacing on the first episode is rough. Amazon, you're building an entire universe, replete with culture and history and religion and mythology. It takes time, please give your showrunners enough of it to explain things while still breathing.

    As it settles into its worldbuilding, though, it's more solid! Time will tell if it's great. What it's certainly not, though, is any kind of insult to Jordan.

    The core of Jordan's worldbuilding is that this is a world built from the ashes of a united, diverse global society - one that was shattered 3000 years ago by events that literally tore apart the earth itself. After 300 years of that, nations formed from the remnants. Then, 2000 years ago, 300 years of war scattered the population again. Then, 1000 years ago, an empire united the continent, shuffled everyone around again, and collapsed into another 100 years of continent-spanning war. Then more nations emerged, succeeded or failed, grew and shrunk, warred and revolted, taking us to the start of the story.

    Apparently, some people read that history - which even that summary oversimplifies - and thought a town that was moderately isolated for a few hundred years would be entirely homogenous? Not how genetics works - or even how Jordan wrote it. He's pretty vague about what people from the Two Rivers look like other than dark hair and eyes - but it's clear that there's diversity within that, both by caveats on descriptions ("seldom have such skin") and by characters that range from probably black (Cenn Buie) to plausibly having white-passing children (Tam Al'Thor).

    None of which is a review. First episode, it's hard to catch your breath and absorb things. It gets significantly better from there.

    There are changes; most are less significant than a lot of book-reviewers seem to think. Book-Mat steals to survive post-Whitebridge, show-Mat steals to survive earlier on. It mostly makes him more relatable. The core characters are aged up, but mostly in portrayal rather than actual age. (Rand's 19 at the start of the books, Jordan just writes him and the other boys in a way that reads younger.)

    The gender politics have had a dust off for a less '90s audience, though the show still has a delicate path to thread between essentialism and grrl power. So far, it doesn't feel preachy, just like we're meeting people in a society shaped in a very direct and ongoing way by an original sin that's inherently male. Some rebel against societal norms, some take advantage of them, some simply try to live their lives.

    For all the pacing of the first episode, we're getting the accessible version of lore/magic initially, much as we do in the early books. This is a fantasy with one of the highest burdens of worldbuilding in a genre known for its worldbuilding. There’s a lot to learn, but an ending that’s one of the most cathartic in the genre.

    The acting is absorbing, even when taking shortcuts to establish relationships/history. I connected most to Mat and Egwene, but all of the core cast are solid. Some of the background performances are lackluster, but everyone with more than a couple of lines feels convincing. (And Dana, Thom, Tam, Valda and Liandrin? Lots of great secondary performances here.)

    The dialogue has high notes (someone writes Mat far better than Sanderson did) and low notes (Moiraine has a lot of exposition to do, it shows).

    The CGI is decent CGI. The practical effects are top-shelf. Neither should shock you out of immersion, unless you were expecting Amazon to cast actual trollocs.

    I have mixed feelings about the costuming and the set. Both are pretty, and do a good job establishing that this isn't just medieval Europe with magic. But, as happens when you ask someone to create clothing/architecture that feels genuinely otherworldly, it can feel a bit designed rather than lived. It's not really jarring, but my eye was constantly caught on something I'd never seen before - which, on one hand: excellent establishing of a unique world; on the other: sometimes more distracting than intended?

    Finally: this ain't Game of Thrones, it's not trying to be. The books have a core of horror, which is more obvious in the visual format than in the written word - but there's a core belief that it’s possible to aspire to being a better person. There’s more DNA in common with Lord of the Rings - but while the first episode matches Jordan's homage to Tolkien, from there the books depart rapidly. If the show gets this close to right – and maybe it won't, but it won't be for the knee-jerk reasons so many reviews are full of - we're in for a slow-burn exploration of just how soul-destroyingly hard it is to save the world without losing yourself. Given I already want to give half the characters a blanket, a mug of hot cocoa and a long hug, I'd say it's off to a good start.    … Expand
  30. TheSpiralAim
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
    From the first three episodes, I find myself enjoying it quite a bit. There are changes made that feel as if they were made for brevity. This is not really a bad thing considering how stale and stiff a show about this world would feel if it went book page by book page. They also only plan on doing 8 seasons, something my husband informed me of. They will definitely have to shorten thingsFrom the first three episodes, I find myself enjoying it quite a bit. There are changes made that feel as if they were made for brevity. This is not really a bad thing considering how stale and stiff a show about this world would feel if it went book page by book page. They also only plan on doing 8 seasons, something my husband informed me of. They will definitely have to shorten things down to get it into the small episode count vs content. Remember folks this book series is NOTICABLY longer than G.R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. I'd like to note by Episode three things feel a bit more in-swing. Another thing to remember is that the Wheel of Time turns and these variations are absolutely possible if this is a different cycle than the ones from the books.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. i
    Reviewed by: Emily Baker
    Dec 3, 2021
    40
    For such a potentially rich series, The Wheel of Time is curiously flat. Little time is spent on character development or exploring the politics, social hierarchy and cultural touchstones of its world. Instead, there are many beautiful, but unnecessary, sweeping shots of scenery and overdramatic, overextended fight scenes.
    Read full review
  2. Slate
    Reviewed by: Rebecca Long
    Dec 2, 2021
    85
    Wheel of Time succeeds in retaining the earnestness and hope that characterize the novels, and which Game of Thrones lacked. But it also offers viewers something new. ... Wheel of Time is more soft touches and sweeping landscapes.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Nov 22, 2021
    50
    While the lavish first season is eventful, it's burdened with clunky exposition, a deficit of whimsy and wonder, and thinly developed characters. [22 Nov - 5 Dec 2021, p.9]
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