The Magicians (2016): Season 1

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 24 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 225 Ratings

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7.1

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7.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 225 Ratings

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The Magicians

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Season Details & Credits

SyFy | Season Premiere Date: January 25, 2016

Summary: High school senior Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) secretly loves the fantasy novels about the adventures of five children in a magical land called Fillory. He soon is accepted into an exclusive, secret magicians school called the Brakebills University in upstate New York in this adaptation of Lev Grossman's trilogy of books.

Creator: John McNamara and Sera Gamble

Genre(s): Drama, Fantasy, Horror

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E13. Have You Brought Me Little Cakes
Air Date: April 11, 2016
tbd
S1:E12. Thirty-Nine Graves
Air Date: April 4, 2016
tbd
S1:E11. Remedial Battle Magic
Air Date: March 28, 2016

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Tim Goodman

Jan 25, 2016

It’s a mere two episodes, but The Magicians provided enough evidence that it has enough talent and ambition to keep the surprises coming. Read full review

Jeff Jensen

Dec 16, 2015

The pilot is an effective introductory chapter to a story that speaks to a moment cluttered with both escapist fantasy and neo-gothic gloominess. It’s Harry Potter, distressed with a Heavy Metal acid bath.... The world and perspective of The Magicians is more immediately interesting than the characters. Read full review

Michael Slezak

Apr 6, 2016

The Magicians may not have perfected every incantation in its spellbook, but it’s worth a look for viewers intrigued by the idea of a Harry Potter-esque weekly fantasy series. Read full review

Sonia Saraiya

Dec 17, 2015

The Magicians tries to create three different worlds simultaneously--Quentin’s New York City, Fillory, and Brakebills, complete with different casts of characters and different sets of rules. It’s not as sloppy as it could be, but it’s hard to not feel rushed through the pilot. Read full review

Heather Schwedel

Jan 25, 2016

The show is at its worst when straining to be provocative and, in so doing, incorporating various Hollywood clichés (Hogwarts meets Gossip Girl, one review blared). But in terms of establishing a world and getting the plot going, the show’s first episodes are actually pretty promising. Read full review

David Wiegand

Jan 20, 2016

At first, Ralph seems a little old for the part of Quentin, but he skillfully personifies a postgraduate man-child. The show’s special effects are deftly executed and the script is nicely crafted with twists, turns and surprises to hold our attention Read full review

Rob Owen

Dec 16, 2015

There's little that's magical about the cold, poorly paced Magicians pilot. It takes 16 minutes until Quentin arrives at Brakebills and feels longer. The pilot is rife with drab colors and while the story has potential, it made me want to go find the book rather than watch more of the TV series. Read full review

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User Score

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7.1

User Reviews

adamdavis33

Mar 1, 2016

I instantly fell into the show and wanted more. I started reading the books after I watched the first couple of episodes. I love both the books and the show, and grant that the show strays from the books, but in an interesting and acceptable way. TV is a different medium and if the storyI instantly fell into the show and wanted more. I started reading the books after I watched the first couple of episodes. I love both the books and the show, and grant that the show strays from the books, but in an interesting and acceptable way. TV is a different medium and if the story was told verbatim from the books then the show wouldn't be as entertaining to watch.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

Almiir

Mar 18, 2018

Essa série é maravilhosa,o enredo é um dos melhores que se tem ultimamente.The Magicians é uma série viciante e acolhedora.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TBJanowski

Feb 3, 2016

While the books were good,the changes they are making to the story really bring an interesting perspective. The effects are really good for TV, while the directing and cinematography are well thought out and not over the top.

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

claxton24

May 14, 2017

Quetin and his childhood friends are very annoying with their arrogrance. The selfishnessof his friend is astronimcal. I almost turned it off because of her intensity. Other than that, I love the other characters especially the blond.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Letterdief

Mar 6, 2016

I starting watching this show with no expectations and an open mind. The pilot is clumsy and fast-paced. Most of the character are stereotypes and every single relationship feels meaningless and shallow. The main plot is interesting enough to keep me watching but everything else feels like aI starting watching this show with no expectations and an open mind. The pilot is clumsy and fast-paced. Most of the character are stereotypes and every single relationship feels meaningless and shallow. The main plot is interesting enough to keep me watching but everything else feels like a way to fill the show. I'v watched until episode seven because I really wanted give this show I fair chance. Bad scenes (most of them with Jade Tailor) and weak storyline in episode six and seven were the nail in the coffin. I tried to like the show but I've found out that I was trying to hard. I shouldn't try, a good show grows on a person and this one failed miserable.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

Knighthawk81

Jan 25, 2016

Maybe these books are cool, I don't know. I never read them. But I watched the pilot for this series when it had a sneak peak premier, and it was a hot mess. No thanks.

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

SomeGuy79

Feb 19, 2017

I have finished season 1, before I decide to write a review. This show I don't see going any farther than 2 season. The Main character that I feel drags the story down even slows it where its became annoying. Writers giving portrayed him as a Self destructive personality where his ignorantI have finished season 1, before I decide to write a review. This show I don't see going any farther than 2 season. The Main character that I feel drags the story down even slows it where its became annoying. Writers giving portrayed him as a Self destructive personality where his ignorant and lack judgment that pretty much give out selfishness. That doesn't work as a Story on a heroes journey. The main character lacks progress where from rest of the supporting characters pull more weight to cover Quentin's mistakes and self pity that leads to boring predictable story that viewers like my self gets bored knowing what to expect.
Yes! I know its not harry potter I didn't compare to him but if your were thinking that! Harry potter is a epitome of a dark horse where he knew what was wrong and build from it. Where Quentin just oblivious where his so called friends gets more damaged than he does but shows lack of gratitude. I am disappointed.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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