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. delvi
    Nov 19, 2021
    8
    There are changes, some are good, some not so good, in my opinion it's solid fantasy tv series with great potential to be one of the best.
  2. Kraf
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    I love this series. If you love big high fantasy stories, this one is for you. As a fan of the books, I loved seeing so many scenes from the book onscreen and the characters and main story are there. Yes there are changes, but there had to be for modernization and visual media. Some fans hate on that, but really in the grand scheme they aren't big. I think the acting is pretty good withI love this series. If you love big high fantasy stories, this one is for you. As a fan of the books, I loved seeing so many scenes from the book onscreen and the characters and main story are there. Yes there are changes, but there had to be for modernization and visual media. Some fans hate on that, but really in the grand scheme they aren't big. I think the acting is pretty good with some standouts. I also do not get the complaints in VFX and other things… I have seen worse in many a Marvel movie. Anyways I am loving it!… Expand
  3. VinBin
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    First episode was a bit janky in terms of some of the effects and scenes. Also felt a bit rushed I feel like it would have been justified to have spent a full episode in Two Rivers before really diving in. That said I still enjoyed it and starting in episode 2 the Wheel of Time finds its footing. On book 9 currently and very happy with this amazon adaptation so far.
  4. Shendy
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    Wonderful although a few uncertain moments. As a book reader I accept that a straight to TV adaption would be really boring the changes that are here help the back story and set up the character story arcs for this epic adventure.
  5. AGrey
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    A strong start to what promises to be a great adaptation of Robert Jordan's massive epic fantasy.

    Episode 1 definitely could have been longer - the ending in particular feels rushed, but there isn't a moment wasted, and it sets a strong foundation for the series moving forward.

    This is fantasy that isn't afraid of being fantastical.
  6. Tonysteiner
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    I'm a big fan of the books, and think this show is well executed and really enjoyed watching it. There are some haters who will downvote because the show is feminine-focused (part of the story) and very diverse in its casting (also a plot point), but I never felt it was forced or caused poor quality. I think both fans of the books as well as new fans can enjoy the show. Just don't expectI'm a big fan of the books, and think this show is well executed and really enjoyed watching it. There are some haters who will downvote because the show is feminine-focused (part of the story) and very diverse in its casting (also a plot point), but I never felt it was forced or caused poor quality. I think both fans of the books as well as new fans can enjoy the show. Just don't expect it to be a copy of Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings (although the early story does remind of LOTR a lot). Casting is very strong, and I hope they can continue making more seasons because the story is great and I would love to see it told on television!… Expand
  7. LaurenGardner
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    Fantastic. Is it a 1:1 adaptation of the books? No. But does it feel like the books? Absolutely. The actors have their characters down to perfection. The Winternight sequence was everything I could ever have asked for. Even better, it's just a great show, books aside. Episode one admittedly has a rough start. My biggest fear is people drop it after episode one. Don't. It's better on aFantastic. Is it a 1:1 adaptation of the books? No. But does it feel like the books? Absolutely. The actors have their characters down to perfection. The Winternight sequence was everything I could ever have asked for. Even better, it's just a great show, books aside. Episode one admittedly has a rough start. My biggest fear is people drop it after episode one. Don't. It's better on a rewatch, and the incredibly strong episodes two and three (even on a first watch) more than make up for it. Keep going. You're in for a great ride.… Expand
  8. rnovaski
    Nov 21, 2021
    7
    It's not perfect but it's a begining. After a second viewing, the first episode gets better. Good acting. Decent VFX. Episodes 2 and 3 are better. I hope it keeps improving.
  9. Josmo10
    Nov 20, 2021
    7
    As someone who had read the entire series 4 times and listened to the audiobook 6 times. I will say if your expecting a faithful recreation of the books you will hate the series. However aside from the first episode which is admittedly bad the rest of what I’ve seen has been about what I could expect. I think the first season will get mixed reviews as the first book is not what made theAs someone who had read the entire series 4 times and listened to the audiobook 6 times. I will say if your expecting a faithful recreation of the books you will hate the series. However aside from the first episode which is admittedly bad the rest of what I’ve seen has been about what I could expect. I think the first season will get mixed reviews as the first book is not what made the series great. You can tell the writers are trying to fly through the fairly mundane first book to get to the tower Intrigue and politics that make up the majority the middle part of the books. I think there will be a lot of growing pains as the introduce a large cast of important characters and terminology. I enjoyed the first few episodes but have much higher expectations as the Sabine’s get more into the meat of this world. It’s definitely worth watching but requires a certain level of faith. For now it’s a decent effort but one that has steadily gotten better episode to episode… Expand
  10. acehawk
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Amazing high fantasy show based on the legendary books by Robert Jordan. Comparisons will be made to Game of Thrones (understandably), but this story is it's own entity and (if given the chance) will actually get stronger and stronger as we reach the end (opposite of GoT)

    Even if you are not a fantasy-inclined viewer, stick with it; there are so many relevant and complex themes this    Amazing high fantasy show based on the legendary books by Robert Jordan. Comparisons will be made to Game of Thrones (understandably), but this story is it's own entity and (if given the chance) will actually get stronger and stronger as we reach the end (opposite of GoT)

    Even if you are not a fantasy-inclined viewer, stick with it; there are so many relevant and complex themes this show will explore (Is pacifism actually wrong if your people are being killed and abused? Is ending suffering a justification for destroying everything? Should females seek gender balance instead of dominance?)

    Do yourself a favor and check it out, you won't regret it!    … Expand
  11. wakasm
    Nov 19, 2021
    8
    The Wheel of Time's adaptation is not perfect. The creative direction sometimes splits too far from it's source (and from my imagination) at times and a lot of characters I've known from reading the books seem to be a lot more broody/angry then they were in the original narrative I grew up with, but overall, I'm happy with the adaptation. It captures the spirit pretty well, if not spedThe Wheel of Time's adaptation is not perfect. The creative direction sometimes splits too far from it's source (and from my imagination) at times and a lot of characters I've known from reading the books seem to be a lot more broody/angry then they were in the original narrative I grew up with, but overall, I'm happy with the adaptation. It captures the spirit pretty well, if not sped up and darker than the original.

    Overall, I wish it was a tad bit more light-hearted. At least for the first season or at least the opening episodes in the Two Rivers with our main characters. Some time to know them before their adventure would have been well earned in my opinion.

    There are some standout casting - specifically, so far I really enjoy Thom and Tam's casting. There are some questionable ones that I still have to grow with... but nothing is so dislikeable that ruins my experience.

    I completely understand some of the arbitrary plot-change complaints. I can name a few that feel like they didn't need to change from the source material - but perhaps they pay off later in the show. There were a couple of good ones though, especially Perrin's

    Ultimately, I would have preferred much slower pacing for the show. I'd rather have the plot of the first two episodes have been spread across four and allow the characters in their hometown to build up some personality. and banter and live inside their innocence a bit longer than the show allowed.

    Once they split up, they could have then sped up the show and cut out a ton of filler.

    Beyond that - there are much worse adaptations out there and I think that this adaptation does the series justice for what it is. This might not be the best NEXT thing but it's certainly the best for a beloved series and prefer this to over no show at all.    … Expand
  12. Lukerion
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    I am a long time fan of the books. After the first episode I was apprehensive, but by episode 3 I was thoroughly enjoying it, and I am looking forward to watching more.

    This show is NOT like Game of Thrones, and it is also not really like Lord of the Rings. It's a classic fantasy tale, following a bunch of young people on an adventure. Yet the world is more complex than LotR. The show,    I am a long time fan of the books. After the first episode I was apprehensive, but by episode 3 I was thoroughly enjoying it, and I am looking forward to watching more.

    This show is NOT like Game of Thrones, and it is also not really like Lord of the Rings. It's a classic fantasy tale, following a bunch of young people on an adventure. Yet the world is more complex than LotR. The show, like the books, takes the notions of good and evil at face value. There is a dark ultimate evil, there will be a savior for humanity. The books give them depth and interesting wrinkles, but if you want the cynical approach of Game of Thrones then this is not for you. If you want the very simple (yet very compelling) contrast of Lord of the Rings, then this show is also not for you. If you are interested in exploring the in between spaces, then you might like this.

    Some things on the show in particular:

    - the first episode goes by at breakneck speed, this subsides as the show goes on
    - cgi is very good but has moments of notable wonkiness
    - acting is on point, but can come across as very understated, pay attention to the details    … Expand
  13. Robd
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    Excellent job so far. I am a big fan of the books and was worried this adaptation wouldn't live up to them. The visuals, the acting, the casting, etc. All brilliant.
  14. Hunting
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    Better than the critics are giving it credit for. First episode pacing is breakneck and it hurts the story, but episodes 2 and 3 slow the pace a bit and really get to work.

    Note: There’s a minority of the fan base that are upset about the PoC casting choices and they’re letting that color their entire (negative) reviews, maybe these people would be better served by reading Terry Goodkind    Better than the critics are giving it credit for. First episode pacing is breakneck and it hurts the story, but episodes 2 and 3 slow the pace a bit and really get to work.

    Note: There’s a minority of the fan base that are upset about the PoC casting choices and they’re letting that color their entire (negative) reviews, maybe these people would be better served by reading Terry Goodkind instead of Robert Jordan is all I can say.

    As a book reader myself there are a ton of small details this adaptation gets right, even if some plot lines have had some changes made to adapt the story for the screen. I feel all the changes still keep the characters and story intact. Adapting the first book will be one of the biggest challenges of the series and the show runners have struck a good balance here of speeding up some of the slow pacing from the books (not flawlessly though, see my point above) while keeping the meat of the story there.

    The casting choices in my opinion are phenomenal, the only negative thing I have to say about it is that Barney Harris won’t be back as Mat for the second season. Harris departed the show for unknown reasons and a new actor (Donal Finn) has already been cast for the role of Mat.

    It’s obvious they’ve made this adaptation with a lot of love of the source material and I’m excited to see the awesome, epic moments from the books brought to life in this and future seasons.    … Expand
  15. ZebroGodilla
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    It nails the feel, and despite a clunky start to the series, it gets better as it goes. The attention to the underlying story and the condensing of materials, paired with some good changes and wait-and-see ones makes me very excited. It's also quite stunning to look at, and the X-Ray Wheel of Time Origins lore shorts (must watch!) and BTS mini-documentaries are really well done too! IIt nails the feel, and despite a clunky start to the series, it gets better as it goes. The attention to the underlying story and the condensing of materials, paired with some good changes and wait-and-see ones makes me very excited. It's also quite stunning to look at, and the X-Ray Wheel of Time Origins lore shorts (must watch!) and BTS mini-documentaries are really well done too! I can't wait to see it all unfold!… Expand
  16. Barrjos
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Huge fan of the series, have read it multiple times through. Loved this adaptation! Different from the books? Absolutely. True to the soul of the story, and most changes seem right for TV. Don't love them all, but it is great to watch and still have the ability to be surprised when I feel like I have this story memorized.

    Ton of negativity surrounding pretty minor things, and I    Huge fan of the series, have read it multiple times through. Loved this adaptation! Different from the books? Absolutely. True to the soul of the story, and most changes seem right for TV. Don't love them all, but it is great to watch and still have the ability to be surprised when I feel like I have this story memorized.

    Ton of negativity surrounding pretty minor things, and I really can't understand it. It's different, but it's good. Acting is real, effects are incredible, and it should only get better. Book 1 was one of the slowest of the series in terms of character development and action, and they did it justice. Can't wait to see this unfold on screen!    … Expand
  17. Ctnapier
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    A few growing pains here or there in the first episode give way to an expansive series.
  18. AnnieM90
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Really good start, hoping it can build and expand just like the original books did
  19. tamashy
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    I liked all the changes, because it adds depth to the characters right away. Great adaptation of the books
  20. LiquidPony
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    The opening is a bit clunky but it really heats up after that.

    Excellent acting. Beautiful cinematography. Gorgeous costumes and set design. Absolutely amazing practical effects.
  21. Hijii
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Rocky cold open may put first-time watchers off, however the character writing and acting is spot on. The performances of the main cast carry the first episode on their shoulders, from episode 2 on the show really comes into it's own and starts to shine.
  22. dreamgoat11
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    So so good. Been waiting two decades for this and it absolutely cleared expectations!
  23. TheJDog
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    I read the books a few years ago, but based on what I remember of the story I think they’re doing an impressive job adapting it. The cast is great and the acting is strong. The only issue I have, so far, are some of the special effects seem off to me. I’m hoping people will watch the series because I know Amazon is spending major $$$ on it. I don’t want to see it cancelled. So, pleaseI read the books a few years ago, but based on what I remember of the story I think they’re doing an impressive job adapting it. The cast is great and the acting is strong. The only issue I have, so far, are some of the special effects seem off to me. I’m hoping people will watch the series because I know Amazon is spending major $$$ on it. I don’t want to see it cancelled. So, please watch it!!! … Expand
  24. x-thorin
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    This is a pretty good adaptation of Robert Jordan's beloved series. The casting is incredible and they all bring to life their characters. The show manages to introduce audiences to a very wide, complicated world without relying too much on long info-dumps. There are some changes that may upset some book purists, but nothing excessive, in my opinion. The show does have some pacing issuesThis is a pretty good adaptation of Robert Jordan's beloved series. The casting is incredible and they all bring to life their characters. The show manages to introduce audiences to a very wide, complicated world without relying too much on long info-dumps. There are some changes that may upset some book purists, but nothing excessive, in my opinion. The show does have some pacing issues (especially the first 20 minutes of episode 1 and the first 10 minutes of episode 3).
    Overall, the show is much like the first book: at times can feel derivative but it's good enough to get us hooked. Wheel of Time readers will know that the series really becomes amazing sometime between books 2 and 4. Let's hope the show follows through with its own promise of greatness.    … Expand
  25. Semperi
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Really compelling beginning to a fantasy series. I’ll be watching the rest of the season!
  26. ATL70
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    While it's not perfect and first episode was maybe 8 out of 10 rather than 9 it really seems to pick up from there. They have captured the essence of the story well and there hasn't really been any notable changes that have significantly bothered me.
  27. Dragonmag170
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    I think a lot of the fans going up in arms over the changes that have been made forget how characters were in book 1. The only characters with any real depth were Rand, Nynaeve, and Perrin. Rand was the main viewpoint so you got to see all of his internal struggles. Perrin was "the quiet one" until you got to his chapters, and ALL of his development is internal. Characters literallyI think a lot of the fans going up in arms over the changes that have been made forget how characters were in book 1. The only characters with any real depth were Rand, Nynaeve, and Perrin. Rand was the main viewpoint so you got to see all of his internal struggles. Perrin was "the quiet one" until you got to his chapters, and ALL of his development is internal. Characters literally comment at one point toward the end of book 1 that Perrin has gotten *more* quiet than he was before. And the only reason Nynaeve didn't come off as just "that angry lady" is because her first viewpoint chapter is literally a giant exposition piece about her backstory and motivations, which explains precisely why she acts the way she does.

    Mat is "that funny guy who gets a knife and becomes a jackass" and Egwene is "the love interest."

    Book 1 was by far the weakest of all 14 books, and most fans know that. Every time I tell people to read the books I always mention "hey, book 1 is a little weird, and isn't actually super indicative of the rest of the books, so keep going even if it starts to feel weird."

    So while changes were made, I completely understand them. Mat now actually has a character, and that character 100% nails who he is in the other books, even if it isn't completely accurate to who he starts as. Perrin actually has on-screen motivations and isn't just "the guy who broods in the corner" for no reason, now. His storyline has a good start for where it goes, and he desperately needed that for an on-screen adaptation. Rand is the most book-accurate, and my non-book reader GF thought he was the least interesting of the main cast. I didn't think any of the performances I saw were bad.

    The CGI is generally pretty good. I understand what they are going for, but there were a couple of shots where I thought it didn't quite look good, and one where I thought it just looked bad. The channeling portrayal is spot on though, that's been done really well.

    All in all, if you're not an insane purist about the books, I think this is an adaptation to be happy about.    … Expand
  28. roim
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    This adaptation is great, especially for books that are so hard to represent visually. I loved the photography and environments.

    The first few minutes felt rushed since there was so much to cover, but by end of first episode the pacing was fixed already. The cast is great and matches book descriptions better than other adaptations. I’ve seen people complain about details such as skin    This adaptation is great, especially for books that are so hard to represent visually. I loved the photography and environments.

    The first few minutes felt rushed since there was so much to cover, but by end of first episode the pacing was fixed already.

    The cast is great and matches book descriptions better than other adaptations. I’ve seen people complain about details such as skin color—Jordan doesn’t describe the characters skin color often, and if you look at the few times he does, casting is on point even on that.    … Expand
  29. JamesB454
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    I genuinely enjoyed the first few episodes of The Wheel of Time. As a book reader, the changes made for functionality of the show does not bother me at all. I have a few small criticisms but I honestly think they will be addressed by the end of the season and I am more than willing to tone patient and let the show runner tell Robert Jordans story on tv. It is an adaption and if you reallyI genuinely enjoyed the first few episodes of The Wheel of Time. As a book reader, the changes made for functionality of the show does not bother me at all. I have a few small criticisms but I honestly think they will be addressed by the end of the season and I am more than willing to tone patient and let the show runner tell Robert Jordans story on tv. It is an adaption and if you really think about translating the book to the screen, things need to be changed. I am pleasantly surprised so far! Can't wait for more!… Expand
  30. timblacksparrow
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    This is a different version of the story than the one in the books. A different turning of the Wheel, if you will. But the core of the characters and the story is there, and they got the feel right. This is no small accomplishment. Also, the changes make it feel fresh to fans of the books.

    The only problem is that 8 episodes in a season is too little space to tell such a huge story.    This is a different version of the story than the one in the books. A different turning of the Wheel, if you will. But the core of the characters and the story is there, and they got the feel right. This is no small accomplishment. Also, the changes make it feel fresh to fans of the books.

    The only problem is that 8 episodes in a season is too little space to tell such a huge story. Thankfully, they up the pace instead of watering it down. But it still feels like a lot of plot in a short amount of time, especially in the first episode. It gets better after that (and dare we dream of an extended edition?).

    All in all, could have been so much worse. Relieved and excited to see where this show goes next.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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.
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  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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