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. LaSh4wn328
    Nov 20, 2021
    0
    The nicest thing I can say about it is that it makes me want to re-read the books again to wash the bad taste out of my mouth. Just totally bland and un-imaginative. I'm gagging to think what Amazon's take on Tolkien is gonna be like (get ready for lots of Hollywood-diverse elves)
  2. meskus123
    Nov 19, 2021
    2
    This show would be fairly good if it was made by itself, but as a series made based on a Wheel of time books it is total mess. Simply said this IS not Wheel of time. So much was changed from source material, even some basic ideas, characters and ground rules of Wheel of time universe, that it simply can not follow basic story of books. In the books even some minor details in world orThis show would be fairly good if it was made by itself, but as a series made based on a Wheel of time books it is total mess. Simply said this IS not Wheel of time. So much was changed from source material, even some basic ideas, characters and ground rules of Wheel of time universe, that it simply can not follow basic story of books. In the books even some minor details in world or characters have great impact later on. Even how characters, beasts or monsters look, talk or interact , minor things about their families or birth places figure heavily later on in story. Starting with breaking of a rule that only male can be Dragon reborn that undermines so much of basic source material mechanics and lore to totally destroy basic plot lines. Like the difference between male and female source of magic and reason for man going mad from using theirs. Trolocs are somewhat "wrong" too. Actors are actually good and filming is also ok, even more from time to time. For someone who didn't read Wheel of time, doesn't remember or mind its story and lore ( and they are overwhelming and complicated) to much its great . But as an adaptation of a legendary book series it's totally off. To much was changed from the start to allow for the story to follow story of the books in any meaningful way and stay logical or possible.… Expand
  3. enut_butter
    Nov 20, 2021
    0
    Way too diverse. Terrible writing. Neither faithful to the books nor different from them in a good way, just changes that are worse and make less sense for no apparent reason.
  4. samichsupernova
    Nov 19, 2021
    2
    As someone who grew up on Robert Jordan's book series, this poorly-written adaptation is not only wholly unworthy, it thinks that it can improve on some of the most well-thought-out lore in all of fantasy fiction. That it lacks faithfulness to the source material is not its only sin, however. The poor acting, poor action, shallow characterizations, eye-rolling misandrism, genericAs someone who grew up on Robert Jordan's book series, this poorly-written adaptation is not only wholly unworthy, it thinks that it can improve on some of the most well-thought-out lore in all of fantasy fiction. That it lacks faithfulness to the source material is not its only sin, however. The poor acting, poor action, shallow characterizations, eye-rolling misandrism, generic soundtrack, and a generally cheap look and feel really sink this ship. Amazon has more money than many small countries. They should have been able to do far better than this. I refuse to watch anymore of this crap. I can't get the mental image of Robert Jordan rolling in his grave out of my head. They should have brought Brandon Sanderson in as a script doctor. Fools!!!… Expand
  5. sebastiannymn
    Nov 20, 2021
    0
    Absolutely horrible. As a book reader this is bad. My wife hasn't read the books and she also thinks its horrible. Cliche junk. Acting is stiff. Dialogue is laughably bad. Season 8 of game of thrones seems like a masterpiece compared with this junk.
  6. pmacc
    Nov 19, 2021
    1
    What a complete failure. Just poor decisions all over and the special effects look like they were done by interns. One of the most important parts of a fantasy adaptation is capturing the audience in an immersive way. This will be cancelled in no time.
  7. BabeRuthless38
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    Horrifically bad and cheap-looking, do not watch. Pathetic attempt at stealing valor from the books.
  8. TomvanDK
    Nov 19, 2021
    2
    One of the worst adaptations I've had the displeasure of watching.

    The show has dumbed down its source material to the point that one almost wonders whether it's intended as a deliberate insult to the audience. Mustache-twirling villains are shown giving dastardly monologues, characters have been stripped of all sensibility, and the plot trudges forward without the slightest concern    One of the worst adaptations I've had the displeasure of watching.

    The show has dumbed down its source material to the point that one almost wonders whether it's intended as a deliberate insult to the audience. Mustache-twirling villains are shown giving dastardly monologues, characters have been stripped of all sensibility, and the plot trudges forward without the slightest concern for reason and logic.

    Worse still, Amazon's Wheel of Time somehow manages to feel both overly hurried and overly slow at the same time, sacrificing character development and plot in favor of grand speeches that invariably turn out to be as dull as they are insipid.

    The tone, too, has taken a turn for the worse. Where Robert Jordan maintained a careful balance between danger and adventure in The Eye of the World, the show takes pains to excise every last bit of levity from the source material, leaving behind only bland self-importance and hokey dialogue.

    The only bright spots in this mess of a show are the actors, whose efforts to salvage the stilted lines they are given are admirable if ultimately fruitless.

    Perhaps the best thing that can be said about Amazon's Wheel of Time is that it is marginally better than the Shannara Chronicles adaptation, but even then, the gap is a frustratingly small one.    … Expand
  9. Perseus69
    Nov 19, 2021
    3
    The Human Resources team is now in control of casting and scripting, with no respect to logic, source material or acting skills. Most shows are now just politics for the consumption of adults with the brain of a 5 years old, with stories artificially restrained by the suffocating cage of non-offensive material. Add to the mix a bad director, and the result is Wheel of Time.
  10. 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.
  11. BarronOfDune
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    Was a big fan of the books in high school, this is a complete travesty, won't be watching any further
  12. GuapoGrande
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    Literally the only character who looks the way they should is Moiraine. Effects look cheap. Story doesn't work as a show. Get some new ideas hollywood!
  13. tylertylerbills
    Nov 19, 2021
    3
    This isn’t going to fill the fantasy void that GoT left us with when it went off the air. This show is geared towards a much younger audience. There is very little to like about the show. The hair and wardrobe is really bad. The way some of the fantasy elements are portrayed is downright cringe. There isn’t a lot of upside here. Would not recommend.
  14. academic
    Nov 19, 2021
    1
    Nope. If you have read the books then I can't imagine you will enjoy this. Even if you haven't read the books it all feels a little wooden. Many of the changes they made seem to be edgy only for the sake of edginess. I think they are trying to make it darker and more tragic in an effort to hook Game of Thrones fans. It just feels like they forgot the source material and createdNope. If you have read the books then I can't imagine you will enjoy this. Even if you haven't read the books it all feels a little wooden. Many of the changes they made seem to be edgy only for the sake of edginess. I think they are trying to make it darker and more tragic in an effort to hook Game of Thrones fans. It just feels like they forgot the source material and created something that feels rushed and low quality.… Expand
  15. 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
  16. Coyote_D
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    This show is The Wheel of Time in name only. Character names are the same, but virtually everything has been changed and not strictly for the purposes of abridging the story for television. Many of the changes were ideologically motivated because the showrunner found that the source material fundamentally disagreed with his personal worldviews. The acting was atrocious. Stradowski'sThis show is The Wheel of Time in name only. Character names are the same, but virtually everything has been changed and not strictly for the purposes of abridging the story for television. Many of the changes were ideologically motivated because the showrunner found that the source material fundamentally disagreed with his personal worldviews. The acting was atrocious. Stradowski's performance specifically was reminiscent of Hayden Christiansen in Attack of the Clones, The screenplay was bad, the dialogue was bad, the costuming was bad, the casting was bad, the scene direction was bad, the fight choreography was bad... It was very evident that Rafe Judkins had no experience with film production. Why on earth Amazon would give the keys to an inexperienced showrunner with the hubris to think he could "fix" Robert Jordan's masterpiece is beyond all reason and logic.… Expand
  17. Jexter
    Nov 19, 2021
    1
    Saw the first two episodes of the show. Not going to waste time on the rest. Here are my two cents. They changed the lore without any reason, just so that women can be dragons as well. It essentially changes the main conflict of the books. Lore be damned. This show is primarily made for women. This can't be made more obvious with the average and plain-looking female cast (sure, RosamundSaw the first two episodes of the show. Not going to waste time on the rest. Here are my two cents. They changed the lore without any reason, just so that women can be dragons as well. It essentially changes the main conflict of the books. Lore be damned. This show is primarily made for women. This can't be made more obvious with the average and plain-looking female cast (sure, Rosamund Pike used to be pretty hot, but she is old enough to be a mother to many watching the show) contrasted with handsome and hunky (but simpish) men. The battle at the end of episode 1 is a good example of a novice level of social engineering, where the weak men essentially run away from the fight, and brave women are left to fight the monsters. There are scenes where young capable men are running away leaving women to fend for themselves, which they do with great success of course. There is even a scene of feminist power fantasy akin to Avengers: End Game towards the end of this episode. It is there just to hammer the nail in case you are too dumb and/or oblivious to the message. If you still don't get it, you have already been conditioned. In that case, please enjoy the show, and don't forget to sip your soy latte.… Expand
  18. Dru419
    Nov 19, 2021
    3
    I can’t believe people on here are giving this show 10s!! WOT was one of my favorite fantasy series growing up, I have read and reread most of the books probably 5 times. As much as I wanted to love it, or at least like it, this adaptation was crap. Special effects belong on an episode of Power Rangers. Seriously, those Trollocs are awful. Really? That was the best you could do? Buffy TheI can’t believe people on here are giving this show 10s!! WOT was one of my favorite fantasy series growing up, I have read and reread most of the books probably 5 times. As much as I wanted to love it, or at least like it, this adaptation was crap. Special effects belong on an episode of Power Rangers. Seriously, those Trollocs are awful. Really? That was the best you could do? Buffy The Vampire Slayer had better looking monsters. The sword fighting? W. T. H. I couldn’t wait to see a heron blade master in action…until I did. Again, reminiscent of power rangers. Don’t even get me started on the Aes Sedai. Ageless and graceful, my butt. The acting? Wouldn’t cut it on a CW show. You want to watch a great adaptation of a great series? Go watch The Witcher, or the first 6 seasons of GOT.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. GhostMaker1
    Jan 5, 2022
    2
    I was excited about this adaptation of my favorite fantasy series of all time. However this show is a train wreck. Does not address thr main world building themes at all in order to not offend. There are key elements that have to be maintained or the heart and soul of the series is lost and this series is dead. It is only Wheel of Time in name and character names. The charactersI was excited about this adaptation of my favorite fantasy series of all time. However this show is a train wreck. Does not address thr main world building themes at all in order to not offend. There are key elements that have to be maintained or the heart and soul of the series is lost and this series is dead. It is only Wheel of Time in name and character names. The characters themselves barely match what is found in the books. It is as if the writes attempted to make their version of WoT better than the original creator Robert Jordan. Game of Thrones and The Witcher are so much better done it is pathetic in comparison. If you have never read the Wheel of Time and truly want an epic fantasy series please buy the books or borrow them from your local library, but this TV 'adaptation' is a poor attempt at bringing this world to life and I wish anyone else would have made it instead of Amazon amd its awesome writers amd Show Runner., I have no doubt they would have made a more true to the original adaptation.… Expand
  21. Zmey
    Dec 21, 2021
    1
    Terrible adaptation.
    This is an example of how to take a gem a turn it into poop.
  22. masatrim
    Dec 23, 2021
    2
    Not a good adaption of the novels.
    Lazy writing
    Plot holes
    Some terrible costumes
    CGI for the sake of CGI
    Weak characters
    2/10 a weak fantasy world.
    At least they got some good drone landscape footage.
  23. Starkkid
    Dec 31, 2021
    2
    Very poorly written. Full of inconsistent dialogues, no fantasy rules, no world building, poor lightning, no stakes, loose plot, focus, and no immersion.
  24. internetporn
    Jan 1, 2022
    0
    Super disappointed - it's clear that Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan's widow were not involved in this. The hubris of the showrunners to think that they will make a better story than Robert Jordan. So many changes which at first were acceptable to maybe streamline the story a bit, became truly unacceptable changes whose repercussions are inevitable. What a waste of talent and money and time
  25. DasBearJuden
    Jan 2, 2022
    1
    1. Bad editing.
    2. Awful casting (Why is Matt 30?! They're like 17 in the books for good reason!)
    3. Completely don't grasp fantasy. Why is Rand's hair cut and styled? He's a peasant farmer. 4. Woke garbage. Why is there a hard feminist agenda present immediately? Especially since the female characters in the story are already kick-ass awesome! Don't shove the feminist crap down    1. Bad editing.
    2. Awful casting (Why is Matt 30?! They're like 17 in the books for good reason!)
    3. Completely don't grasp fantasy. Why is Rand's hair cut and styled? He's a peasant farmer.
    4. Woke garbage. Why is there a hard feminist agenda present immediately? Especially since the female characters in the story are already kick-ass awesome! Don't shove the feminist crap down our throat.
    5. Not at ALL faithful to the source material. Perrins wife?!! Are you @$@#! crazy?!    … Expand
  26. cmurray1357
    Jan 4, 2022
    0
    The book series was amazing. Amazon's show is not a faithful adaptation whatsoever. Absolute garbage. It's like they hired Rafe Judkins to neuter all male characters, "empower" all the female characters and try to copy Game of Thrones as much as possible. There are so many liberties taken, book scenes removed, characters removed, and changes that don't make sense. You can no longer callThe book series was amazing. Amazon's show is not a faithful adaptation whatsoever. Absolute garbage. It's like they hired Rafe Judkins to neuter all male characters, "empower" all the female characters and try to copy Game of Thrones as much as possible. There are so many liberties taken, book scenes removed, characters removed, and changes that don't make sense. You can no longer call this The Wheel of Time.
    This show has no hope of coming back on track and being anything close to Robert Jordan's original series. Too far gone.    … Expand
  27. LordBelrick
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    Very disappointed in the casting, writing, acting and overall execution. This project was run by a super woke crowd that does not understand what true fans want. True fans want the story to be faithfully followed. Stick to the source material with casting and story line and you will have a success story here instead of.......whatever the hell this is.

    This product does not follow the    Very disappointed in the casting, writing, acting and overall execution. This project was run by a super woke crowd that does not understand what true fans want. True fans want the story to be faithfully followed. Stick to the source material with casting and story line and you will have a success story here instead of.......whatever the hell this is.

    This product does not follow the books with any credibility. Don't waste you time with this garbage, Read the books instead, its time well spent.    … Expand
  28. dkamanae
    May 5, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Could have been it's own ok action fantasy show, but is a poor adaptation of the book series. The actors are almost universally great, but the writing and story structure can't be fixed by that. Yet another generic "mystery" box story where the so-called mystery is actually just hiding information from the audience. Showing different edits/fx of prior scenes in later episodes as flashbacks or skipping parts of pov characters' stories until a flashback do not a mystery make.
    I was still holding out hope that they would turn things around, until the final episode, which is the worst of the season.    … Expand
  29. ncsuandrew
    Jun 11, 2022
    2
    Completely butchered the worldbuilding and story of the books. Assassinated or butchered most of the characters. Schizophrenic pacing. Good Trolloc/Myrddraal designs ruined by lighting, atmosphere, and cinematography. One of the worst season finales in history.

    Incredibly annoying omnipresent "music" vocalizations. Terrible sound mixing. Seems to demonstrate active hatred for many book    Completely butchered the worldbuilding and story of the books. Assassinated or butchered most of the characters. Schizophrenic pacing. Good Trolloc/Myrddraal designs ruined by lighting, atmosphere, and cinematography. One of the worst season finales in history.

    Incredibly annoying omnipresent "music" vocalizations. Terrible sound mixing.

    Seems to demonstrate active hatred for many book characters and themes beyond basic incompetence.

    Actors are generally competent, and some of the sets are notable. But the costumes are mediocre and the direction, writing, and editing are mind-numbingingly bad.    … Expand
  30. LunaticInk
    Dec 22, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Since Metacritic is now deleting negative reviews at Amazon’s behest I will repost. This show is absolute garbage from the first episode through episode 7. I have continued to watch this train wreck purelu out of morbid curiosity. It is nothing more than the the Shannara Chronicles 2.0.

    Without getting too deep into spoilers: they destroyed Perrin’s and Matt’s backgrounds, made Rand’s relationship with Egwene some cheap sexual tryst, weakened Alan, and turned Moiraine into a weak shadow of what was portrayed in the novels. This thing stinks to high heaven and watches like YA fiction.

    If you enjoy shows like Twilight you might like WOT. Otherwise stay far away.    … 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.
    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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