Twisted Metal

:

Season 1
  • Network: Peacock
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 27, 2023
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 5 out of 22
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Critic Reviews

  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Kathryn VanArendonk
    Jul 28, 2023
    30
    Its general mode of operating is to put in whatever seems cool and fun and silly and sick and leave out anything that does not meet those parameters. Yes to: guns, cars, sardonic needle drops, wisecracks, blood, sex, flash, grime, the sound of tires on pavement, shit that looks dope. No to: quietness, finicky world-building, thinking too hard about the limitations of the human body, complex motivations, depth, taking stuff too seriously, man.
  2. Time
    Reviewed by: Judy Berman
    Jul 27, 2023
    30
    It’s shallow enough to feel disingenuous, and the flatness of the characters doesn’t help. A horrific, ’80s-set origin story for Sweet Tooth becomes just another excuse for gratuitous gore.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Alison Herman
    Jul 26, 2023
    30
    “Twisted Metal” is not flawed because it’s a game adaptation. Its flaws still speak to why “The Last of Us” was an exception to an otherwise ironclad rule, and how copying that show’s playbook is not a surefire formula for success. The story of “Twisted Metal” is thin and packed with tropes.
  5. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Nick Schager
    Jul 26, 2023
    30
    An aggressively unfunny adaptation of a one-dimensional decades-old PlayStation franchise that few still care about, Peacock’s R-rated action-comedy breaks down from the start and never recovers.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Steven Scaife
    Jul 27, 2023
    25
    John and Quiet squabble in painfully contrived fashion, resulting in reheated monologues about trust and vengeance that would play poorly in any context but are particularly galling here, padding the runtime of an otherwise interminably wacky series.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed TV Season of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 73
  3. Negative: 18 out of 73
  1. Darrenblack35
    Jul 27, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Twisted Metal is a wild ride of explosive action, dark humor, and twisted characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show is based on the popular video game series of the same name, where drivers compete in a deadly demolition derby using vehicles armed with weapons and gadgets. The show follows John Doe (Anthony Mackie), a mysterious driver who joins the Twisted Metal tournament to win a chance to have his wish granted by the sinister Calypso (Michael Sheen). Along the way, he teams up with Robyn (Stephanie Beatriz), a rebellious mechanic who has her own reasons to enter the competition.

    The show is a blast from start to finish, with amazing stunts, spectacular effects, and creative car designs. The show does not shy away from the violence and gore of the game, but also balances it with witty dialogue, hilarious moments, and surprising twists. The show also explores the backstory and motivation of each driver, giving them depth and personality.

    The chemistry between Mackie and Beatriz is one of the highlights of the show. They have a great dynamic as they bicker, banter, and bond throughout their journey. Mackie brings charisma and charm to his role as John Doe, while Beatriz delivers sass and sarcasm as Robyn. They are both badass and likable, and you can't help but root for them.

    Twisted Metal is a must-watch for fans of the game and anyone who enjoys a good action-comedy. It is one of the best video game adaptations ever made, and a refreshing addition to the genre. I give it a 10 out of 10 rating, and I can't wait for season 2.    … Full Review »
  2. Gumdrop
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    No, it's not the most faithful adaptation of Twisted Metal and no, it's not wall-to-wall cart combat. But it's still a really fun show.
  3. UncleWillard
    Jul 28, 2023
    7
    I remember playing this on the PS1, I think the last PS I had (might have gotten a 2), and loving it. It was simple, arcade fun. The showI remember playing this on the PS1, I think the last PS I had (might have gotten a 2), and loving it. It was simple, arcade fun. The show embraces that spirit. Reminds me of other post-apocalyptic shows, but with more humor. Anthony Mackie is perfectly cast. I'm having fun with it and they releases all the episodes as it should be.… Full Review »
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