The Wheel of Time

:

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
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. timeknight
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    This is a different turning of the wheel. There are no beginnings nor endings to the wheel of time. But it was a beginning.

    This is one of the better fantasy TV shows out there. The special effects rival, if not surpass, Game of Thrones. The acting is really spot-on, especially Rosamund Pike. This is the show that fans have been waiting for. Sure, there are some differences in plot    This is a different turning of the wheel. There are no beginnings nor endings to the wheel of time. But it was a beginning.

    This is one of the better fantasy TV shows out there. The special effects rival, if not surpass, Game of Thrones. The acting is really spot-on, especially Rosamund Pike. This is the show that fans have been waiting for.

    Sure, there are some differences in plot points, but honestly, how could anyone write a TV show in 8 episodes that adequately covers nearly 800 pages of plot? You can't. Some things just have to get cut as a result. What the writers have right now is a strong foundation for what I hope is many great seasons.

    Do yourself a favor and ignore the reviews from raging people who are only complaining that the casting isn't exactly as the character is in their head.    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. LukeCarter
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    The changes are —I believe— for the best and I love the overall tone of the series. It's perfect! Can't wait to see more of it in the weeks to come!!!
  4. 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.
  5. tamashy
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    I liked all the changes, because it adds depth to the characters right away. Great adaptation of the books
  6. 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
  7. 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!!
  8. MoviePsychic
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Amazing! A sure to be hit for years to come. The quality of production is on par with any epic fantasy adapted plus the use of magic. I can see this series Hitting it’s stride around episode 6 and the final 2 are sure to be a blockbuster!
  9. Scrotard
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Scratches the itch for fantasy in a way that most shows miss the mark these days.
  10. Rickist
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Love it! One of my favorite fantasies! I never read the books but now I am.
  11. Sevenom
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    An amazing job of adapting one of the best fantasy series on the planet. I can envision this adaptation being much better. It will differ from the books, but the core story and the core of who the characters are is very much intact. Well done!
  12. Stevie-e
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Really don't get the 'Game of Thrones clone' comments being made considering Robert Jordan wrote quite a few of the Wheel of Time books well before George RR Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice series... Nitpickers the lots of them... Amazing show so far
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. AnnieM90
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Really good start, hoping it can build and expand just like the original books did
  16. Semperi
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Really compelling beginning to a fantasy series. I’ll be watching the rest of the season!
  17. Tbeaty91
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    As a huge fan of the books, I went in expecting mediocre. If you are willing to accept the changes they made, I found it to be excellent.
  18. daneken
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    I thought they did a great job with the adaptation. I've read all the books. Some changes I don't like, but my expectations were still surpassed. My score is slightly pumped because some of these reviews are so ridiculously low for no reason.
  19. 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
  20. dreamgoat11
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    So so good. Been waiting two decades for this and it absolutely cleared expectations!
  21. Gutzu
    Sep 1, 2023
    10
    I Love it! Big fat Epic Fantasy!
    I Loved the Characters and the world building
  22. 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.
  23. omaracarn
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Great so far and the episodes are getting progressively better. Each of the main characters embody the book equivalent or even in some cases improve and enhance the familiar. The pacing of the first episode was a bit off, but all first three episodes taken together make for a great trajectory towards the Eye of the World in episode 8
  24. 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
  25. Jm65701
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    There are many people I see angry claiming the show is "woke" and not faithful to the books. As a book reader of the series I have found that this show captures the spirit of the books and does so in a way that makes me hungry for more.
  26. pedroenrico
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic, an excellent adaptation, the characters are completely faithful
  27. Tin_Foil
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    Long-time fan of the books. I’m excited for a new take on the classic story. The characters are shining through.
  28. crawfordje
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    It's not possible for a TV show to be exact to a book or book series, but I'm impressed with how smart and faithful this adaptation is, and if everyone gives it a chance they'll end up hooked
  29. alfredaden
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    First episode of the show felt rushed. But other episodes was magnificent. I havent seen a show that has so many good actors for a lobg time. The music is very good, the sets and atmosphere is great. I cant wait to see more episodes.
  30. 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.
prev
Page:

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]
See all critic reviews »