Watchmen (2019)

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 20, 2019
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 504 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 279 out of 504
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 504
  3. Negative: 185 out of 504

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  1. Gts08
    Nov 7, 2022
    8
    Not gonna be everyone's series, but for me, it is a masterclass of bending imagination, blending style with substance perfectly, ambitiously creating a world, telling a non-linear story from many perspectives, spiced up with loads of creativity and a first-class music & editing taste. Watchmen will remain Lindelof's unique work for the ages, which, while being a fabulous adaptation of theNot gonna be everyone's series, but for me, it is a masterclass of bending imagination, blending style with substance perfectly, ambitiously creating a world, telling a non-linear story from many perspectives, spiced up with loads of creativity and a first-class music & editing taste. Watchmen will remain Lindelof's unique work for the ages, which, while being a fabulous adaptation of the even better graphic novel (written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons) and an Orwellian sci-fi mystery, succeeds as one of the top-notch cinematic performances from the 2010s. 85%… Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 22, 2021
    8
    Amazing TV show. Super high production quality, incredible complex and interesting story, fascinating to see an alternative history play out, definitely makes you think. btw that episode ''a god walks into abar'' is one of the best episodes I've seen in my life
  3. pur__0_0__
    Apr 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Initially it was a bit confusing, but it picked up pace slowly. And that's exactly what's so good about this serial. It doesn't rush at any point. It goes slow, elaborating everything in detail, even the boring parts (which later turn out to be a big plot part). Earlier I wasn't able to understand the whole Ozymandias part, till the Dr Manhattan episode, and as soon as I understood my mind was blown. Same goes for Angela's husband. He seemed kinda annoying and unnecessary, but the moment it was revealed he was Dr Manhattan, my opinion about him took a complete U-Turn.

    The action scenes, the visual appeal, the story, the message, literally everything about this movie is amazing. A recommended watch for all 18+ audience who can appreciate dark stories.    … Expand
  4. geewah
    Feb 9, 2021
    10
    An ambitious follow up to the Watchmen story but pulled off with aplomp while staying true to the stylings of the graphic novel.
    One of 2019's best shows.
  5. Bertaut1
    Nov 15, 2020
    9
    Exceptional in every way; thematically rich, aesthetically breathtaking, and emotionally devastating

    Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen (1986) is well-known for its deconstruction of the superhero genre, dismantling and interrogating virtually every generic trope so as to question the very purpose of such stories. At the same time, its depiction of Cold War    Exceptional in every way; thematically rich, aesthetically breathtaking, and emotionally devastating

    Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen (1986) is well-known for its deconstruction of the superhero genre, dismantling and interrogating virtually every generic trope so as to question the very purpose of such stories. At the same time, its depiction of Cold War paranoia and condemnation of right-wing idolatry are front and centre without ever seeming forced. Created by Damon Lindelof (co-creator of Lost and The Leftovers), the most significant thing about this adaptation is that it isn't an adaptation; it's an original story set 33 years after the events of the comic. And is it any good? It's not as good as The Leftovers (what is?), but it is an exceptional piece of work. The acting is immense, the writing is challenging, the aesthetic is stunning. All in all, Watchmen is that rarest of beasts – a show which lives up to the hype.

    Familiarity with the plot of the original isn't a requirement so as to appreciate the sequel, as you're given all the world-building back-info you need, but it can certainly help you get the most out of Lindelof's intricate narrative and thematic tapestry, especially in the earlier episodes. The world of Watchmen is a slightly different version of our world, in which the 1930s saw the rise of "costumed adventurers"; ordinary people who took to the streets to fight crime. The show is set in Tulsa, OK in 2018. White supremacist groups have been on the rise, and police are now allowed to wear masks and remain anonymous. In essence, the story follows the fallout from a murder, which is soon discovered to be much more complex than originally thought.

    Lindelof has stated that he wanted to tackle whatever socio-political issue that was to 2019 as the Cold War was to 1985, and to him, it "felt like it was undeniably race and policing". Politically then, the show does much the same thing as the comic did – it deploys a real-world socio-political problem in a not quite 1:1 fictional milieu. In Reagan's America, it was apocalyptic Cold War paranoia, whereas in Trump's Divided States, it's the rise of right-wing extremism.

    The theme of white and black comes up time and again throughout the series. For example, in "An Almost Religious Awe", a member of the KKK offshoot, Seventh Kavalry, asserts that "white men in masks are heroes. Black men in masks are scary," whilst in "See How They Fly", another member of the group proclaims, "it is extremely difficult to be a white man in America right now". In the same episode, speaking of the President, who has introduced a system of reparations, it's stated, "first he took our guns. And then he made us say sorry. Over and over again. Sorry. Sorry for the alleged sins of those who died decades before we were born. Sorry for the colour of our skin."

    Another major theme is how racial tensions are manifested in law enforcement. As the show begins, we're watching Trust in the Law, a 1921 Oscar Micheaux film about Deputy Bass Reeves, aka The Black Marshal (Bass Reeves was a real marshal and Micheaux was a real director, although Trust in the Law is not a real film). Here, the bad guy wears white (and is white) and the good guy wears black (and is black), thus inverting assumptions. The first scene set in 2018 does something similar as a menacing black cop pulls over a nervous white driver. These two scenes form a beautiful bit of visual story-telling, establishing the centrality of racial tensions, conveying that such things are often more complex than they appear. The show's aesthetic, especially, the cinematography and editing, is also worthy of praise. "This Extraordinary Being", for example, is shot primarily in black and white, and takes place in the 30s and 40s, with the cinematography employing the odd bit of colour here and there within the black and white photography to focus our attention on particular objects. As for "A God Walks Into Abar", if you're interested in learning about editing, watch this episode. Cut by Henk Van Eeghan, it essentially tries to give a visual representation of how Doctor Manhattan experiences time – with every moment in his existence happening all at once, so he can 'remember' things that haven't happened yet. It's a spellbinding exercise in stylistic control, with flawless time jumps that fold organically into one another to form a single cohesive template.

    Watchmen is an exceptionally good show. There will be fans of the comic who'll dislike it on principle. There will also be those who accuse it of pandering to a liberal PC agenda, and there'll be those who simply don't like the idea of a Watchman TV show with a black woman at its centre. Make no mistake, however, this show has been put together by people who know, appreciate, love, and understand the comic. Thematically complex, aesthetically breathtaking, brilliantly acted, Watchmen is an exceptional piece of television.    … Expand
  6. JRjr
    Sep 28, 2020
    8
    Really enjoyable show, would have given 9/10 but for the old woman playing agent Blake being really annoying. The rest of the casting was spot on. Regina King and Jeremy Irons were particularly good.
  7. metachirrup
    Jan 26, 2020
    9
    One of the best series out there at the moment. Some of the best twists through re-contextualisation I've seen in any series. Great acting, diverse characters and great music. Regarding the bad reviews... regretfully this outstanding series seems to be caught up in the hyper-sensitive, anti-woke and polarised culture. It isn't pushing an agenda. It is just good story telling.
  8. rob_vz
    Jan 13, 2020
    8
    The politics are definitely black and white, with lots of sinister white people and angelic black heroes, but the film-making is superb, awesome sound design, and it builds to a great finale.
  9. Neil_D_Forrest
    Jan 12, 2020
    10
    A powerful and engaging series taking the watchmen universe into new territory.
    Great performances, visually stunning and my favourite show of 2019. I hope they make many more.
  10. GrimChaos
    Jan 7, 2020
    9
    Surprisingly, it was really good. I was a little worried when I saw the trailer. I'm a big fan of the comic and I feel like it was a worthy sequel. Was it perfect? No, but still worth a watch.
  11. PedroMorgan1234
    Jan 4, 2020
    10
    This show its to much good,Hbo created one of the best show about hq of all time,so this is MY OPINION
  12. The3AcademySins
    Jan 2, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am going to make a bold claim and say that HBO's first season of Watchmen is one of the best sequels I have ever had the pleasure of watching. It's also an incredible return to form for HBO after the complete misfire of Game of Thrones Season 8 and the let down that was Euphoria Season 1. Damon Lindelhoff is an absolute genius to find everything that he does in the original text of Watchmen and adapt it for the screen. There are some fanciful elements near the end of the show that do stray from the original message of the Watchmen comic, and it is important for me to note that this is a true sequel to the Watchmen graphic novel, NOT the movie. I can't stress enough how intelligent this show is, but if you haven't read the comic, you will probably be pretty lost. Also, the first episode of this show is a real life racist detector, and all these reviews that trashed the whole series after the first episode definitely failed that racist detector. Watchmen was already woke back in the 80s, some of these reviews are just mean.… Expand
  13. cgrossi
    Dec 26, 2019
    10
    One of the best new series I've seen.Not what I expected and took me a bit to get into but it was really well done.
  14. moothemagiccow
    Dec 22, 2019
    8
    The show starts out very confusing, even if you have read the comic book that it is a sequel to. The start is still entertaining and interesting. It starts to make sense around episode 3 and your patience pays off big time in the last four episodes. You should definitely read the comic book before you watch this show.
  15. Philympia5280
    Dec 20, 2019
    9
    This show is two things: a very entertaining and smart use of source material, and Damon Lindelof’s best show. I loved the Watchmen books and the show is not the show I expected to watch. It turned out to be fresh, smart, surprising and able to subvert and exceed all expectations. Much like the Last Jedi, it will tick off the type of fan who have already written a sequel in their mind.This show is two things: a very entertaining and smart use of source material, and Damon Lindelof’s best show. I loved the Watchmen books and the show is not the show I expected to watch. It turned out to be fresh, smart, surprising and able to subvert and exceed all expectations. Much like the Last Jedi, it will tick off the type of fan who have already written a sequel in their mind. However if you are not a closed door to Watchmen IP then this show is brilliant. My only real complaint is I wish there were more episodes.… Expand
  16. Klebart
    Dec 20, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SPOILERS: Thought it was different. It was good but missing something. You can't kill Dr Manhattan as he has copies of himself everywhere and also in time. Thought Ozymandias was murderously insane which was a nice touch, but he was a side story and I thought he would have made the story more interesting. No Owl man which stunk. Silk was also a let down. Hooded Justice story was interesting I guess. Even if they make a season two (which they may not do) I'm not sure I can get behind someone else as Dr Manhattan. Even in season 1 it was hard to see him in another form. I feel like I need to watch more, but I don't think it will help.… Expand
  17. TacoSalad
    Dec 17, 2019
    10
    I knew before I came here to rate this show, that the ignorant and intolerant would be here. Most low or 0 votes seem to be from racists that are not voting for the shows merit, and voting with their xenophobic ideology. The Watchmen might me the most interesting and well crafted stories I have ever seen. It’s so layered and complex, at the same time the complexity is easily digestible.I knew before I came here to rate this show, that the ignorant and intolerant would be here. Most low or 0 votes seem to be from racists that are not voting for the shows merit, and voting with their xenophobic ideology. The Watchmen might me the most interesting and well crafted stories I have ever seen. It’s so layered and complex, at the same time the complexity is easily digestible. The story evolves into a tale that I was never expecting. This is refreshing. Most story arcs these days can be figured within the first few episodes or first half of a film. This show is simply worth your time. 10/10.… Expand
  18. luster
    Dec 16, 2019
    9
    ignore the legion of predictably triggered Trumpists lurking in the comments - they're obviously outraged at a show having black protagonists and depicting white nationalism (the biggest domestic terror threat in the US today should never be depicted or criticized creatively according to them I guess). The setting remains faithful to the setting of the graphic novel (more than the movie).ignore the legion of predictably triggered Trumpists lurking in the comments - they're obviously outraged at a show having black protagonists and depicting white nationalism (the biggest domestic terror threat in the US today should never be depicted or criticized creatively according to them I guess). The setting remains faithful to the setting of the graphic novel (more than the movie).

    High production values and very good acting, placed in an intriguingly similar-but-different real world setting. The plot is exciting while also thought-provoking. The first few episodes are hard to follow, but as more is revealed you realise how deep the writing really is. They've done a good job of incorporating real world issues, such as racism and white nationalism, without being too didactic or literalist.    … Expand
  19. johngodfrey
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    Watchmen isn't only the best show of 2019—it may just be the best show of the decade (sorry, Better Call Saul). Alan Moore fanboys need to grow up and get over themselves and evaluate the show based on its own merits, which are epic. This is astonishing television.
  20. angrymax
    Dec 9, 2019
    10
    Best show on TV!! The story is amazing, and it will blow your mind! A must watch!
  21. Shin0bi12
    Dec 9, 2019
    10
    People complaining that the show is too politically driven and then say that they love the original comic are just clowning themselves, Watchmen was always based around political strife surrounding the era it takes place in, now in a modern day setting it'll obviously be based around today's political environment. At its core Watchmen is supposed to be about moral ambiguity and conflictPeople complaining that the show is too politically driven and then say that they love the original comic are just clowning themselves, Watchmen was always based around political strife surrounding the era it takes place in, now in a modern day setting it'll obviously be based around today's political environment. At its core Watchmen is supposed to be about moral ambiguity and conflict between moral absolutism, and that's what this show precisely gets.… Expand
  22. ptea
    Dec 8, 2019
    10
    I think many of the users who gave this series low score haven't watched it past the fourth episode. That's all I'm saying.
  23. Bone-Thugs
    Dec 8, 2019
    10
    anyone giving a low score def hasnt watched it and are calling it 'woke" all because some neo nazis are one of the antagonists. great show worth watching
  24. Vilen
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    This show has been great so far! I really enjoy going through the Peteypedia after episodes.
  25. qualifiers
    Dec 1, 2019
    7
    I am fascinated by the world explored in this show, but worried the show writers will keep piling on mysteries at the expense of coherence. The show's set in an alternate universe where Robert Redford has been president for 30 years and instituted reparations (all of this is revealed in the first episode). I like how the show takes time to explore the consequences of reparations – good andI am fascinated by the world explored in this show, but worried the show writers will keep piling on mysteries at the expense of coherence. The show's set in an alternate universe where Robert Redford has been president for 30 years and instituted reparations (all of this is revealed in the first episode). I like how the show takes time to explore the consequences of reparations – good and bad – instead of hitting listeners over the head with moral lessons. This truly does feel like a fully fleshed out alternate world, with politics that are just as messy and complicated as our own. I also love the show's tense atmosphere. The show has a slow pace and often stops to linger on things that look slightly unsettling or out of place. However, there are certain storylines that seem designed to be stylish mystery boxes and nothing else. There are so many characters that very few get any real development, and some exist only to further the plot and hint at big reveals. I worry that, like "Westworld," this show will spend too much time trying to surprise and shock viewers with complicated plot twists at the expense of actually developing the characters or resolving anything. Still, the first 5 episodes intrigued me and I intend to keep watching and hope for the best.… Expand
  26. carlito000
    Nov 29, 2019
    9
    Loved the movie. Don’t know anything about the comic. Very very ambitious opening episode. Excellent so far. But it needs to be noted: Lindelof shows are not for everybody!! The main reason I’m posting this review is a lot of the low scores almost seem to be from the same person or posters with the same collective ideology. All bleating on about liberals, the left and using the phraseLoved the movie. Don’t know anything about the comic. Very very ambitious opening episode. Excellent so far. But it needs to be noted: Lindelof shows are not for everybody!! The main reason I’m posting this review is a lot of the low scores almost seem to be from the same person or posters with the same collective ideology. All bleating on about liberals, the left and using the phrase “woke”. This has undoubtably lowered the true “user rating” of this show on Metacritic. Not the first time I’ve seen this liberal bashing score lowering phenomenon on this site.… Expand
  27. pit7
    Nov 29, 2019
    10
    Have an open mind and enjoy pure graphic novel bliss. I've read the original twice and think Lindelof takes great care to further the deep seeded themes into the 21st century. What a time to be alive.
  28. Ascospore
    Nov 26, 2019
    9
    A genius sequel to novel. Watchmen for here and now. Intricate and faithful interpretation of the limited series with awesome new credentials. Those butthurt fools that rushed to tear Lindelof a new one after watching the pilot are secretly tuning in each week.
  29. southernsun
    Nov 25, 2019
    10
    Amazing TV show. Super high production quality, incredible complex and interesting story, fascinating to see an alternative history play out, definitely makes you think. Honestly no clue what all the negative reviews are about beyond the fact that they don't like that the white supremacists are the bad guys???
  30. fmancheno42
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    It might resent some of the original fans, but Watchmen (the show) builds on the moral complexities of the comic book that preceded it. It adds new layers of social issues, puts its focus on a more diverse cast of characters, and creates an eerily accurate allegorical parallel of an America that's still uneasily navigating its history into the beginning of the 21st Century.
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best TV Season of 2019
3
#3 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
70
#70 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. The Times
    Reviewed by: Carol Midgley
    Jan 7, 2020
    80
    Weird, weird, weird, but definitely not boring.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 3, 2019
    80
    It is a bravura series that interrogates power, storytelling and the former embedded in the latter. It has a (still unusually) diverse cast, writing team and cohort of directors in terms of both sex and class, and, even as it strays from Moore and Gibbons’ original content, it honours their underlying ambition: to deconstruct our legends and our myths, ask where they come from, what purpose they serve; and to make us think and think again about who tells us what, why – and why they are the ones who get to do so.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Nov 6, 2019
    70
    You may not always be sure what you're watching, but good luck taking your eyes off Watchmen. [28 Oct - 10 Nov 2019, p.8]
See all critic reviews »