History, rebellion, and legendary intrigue return to the small screen with “Robin Hood,” the bold new MGM+ series that launched with high anticipation on November 2, 2025. This ten-episode epic arrives not as another rote reboot, but rather as a razor-sharp, emotionally layered retelling that aims to peel back the familiar myth and expose the raw threads beneath. And while the title conjures images of archers lurking in the greenwood and coin purses plucked from the rich, MGM+’s “Robin Hood” has set its sights on more than just nostalgic adventure.
The show’s creators wasted no time announcing their intentions with a special two-episode premiere, hoping to hook viewers right from the start. Set just after the Norman invasion, the series thrusts audiences into a world of upheaval and conflict, where old loyalties clash with new power. Rob (Jack Patten), the gritty son of a Saxon forester, finds himself gutted by loss and injustice, while Marian (Lauren McQueen), daughter of a Norman lord, maneuvers through the treacherous corridors of power. Together, they plot and fight against a backdrop of royal corruption, and flickers of hope spark between them as they strive to restore justice.
On paper, it’s not just another round of “rob the rich, give to the poor.” Instead, MGM+ backs the tale with an impressive supporting cast. Sean Bean steps into the shadowy role of the Sheriff of Nottingham, his performance veined with menace and gravitas. Connie Nielsen brings sharp wit and icy resolve to Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. As the season unfurls, viewers get more than bows, arrows, and merry men — they get an examination of power lost, won, and wielded.
Key Positive Aspects
Let’s take a closer look at what critics — and audiences with a keen eye for detail — found most compelling about this bold new vision.
1. Historical Depth and Character Complexity
- The show carves out space for the hard realities of post-conquest England. Here, the Norman occupation is not just background color, but a ruthless force that shapes every character’s arc. Rob starts at rock bottom — a dispossessed Saxon, stripped of his birthright. The slow burn of his transformation from hunted outcast to outlaw leader resonates with uncommon emotional gravity.
- The characters boast layers rarely granted to legendary figures. Viewers watch as Rob stumbles, doubts, and bleeds — his journey is as much about inner rebellion as it is external battles. No easy victories, no cardboard heroes.
2. Strong Performances
- It’s risky to hand such iconic roles to new faces, but the gamble pays off. Jack Patten, in his breakout performance, quickly earns audience trust. He balances bristling rage with introspective silence, making Rob’s journey feel both epic and close to the bone.
- Lauren McQueen surprises, too. Her Marian isn’t just a love interest — she infiltrates, spies, and disrupts, refusing to blend into the background. Their partnership delivers chemistry and mutual respect.
3. Visual and Musical Excellence
- From the first candlelit frame, this series is a feast for the eyes. Cinematographer Esme Rutherford finds gold in nighttime scenes — torches flicker over damp stone halls, firelight bathes faces in warmth and danger. These visuals keep eyes glued to the screen, even in quiet moments.
- The series soars higher with Federico Jusid’s evocative score. Strings and drums underline heartbreak and triumph, swelling when needed but wisely letting silence speak just as often.
Key Negative Aspects
But, just as the greenwood of legend hides thorns among its leaves, “Robin Hood” isn’t immune to criticism. Several points drew the attention of viewers and reviewers alike.
1. Pacing Issues
- Not every episode strides forward with the same confidence. The middle episodes sometimes stumble, lingering too long on Rob’s band of outlaws as they debate, gather supplies, and hide. When the narrative dips into their domestic lives, momentum slows. Some viewers might find their patience tested, waiting for the next burst of action or plot revelation.
2. Underdeveloped Romantic Subplots
- At its heart, the central romance between Rob and Marian beats with authentic emotion. Unfortunately, not all love stories here receive the same care. Secondary romances — especially those featuring newly introduced characters — lean into steamy melodrama. Occasionally, these interludes distract rather than enhance. Critics point out that the focus on explicit relationships sometimes undermines the story’s intended feminist undertones, muddying the narrative with unnecessary distractions.
3. Comparisons to ‘Game of Thrones’
- Launching any medieval show after “Game of Thrones” is an uphill battle. “Robin Hood” borrows elements of political intrigue, espionage, and bloody retribution. But it struggles to carve its own identity in these areas. Interpersonal drama occasionally sags, and palace intrigue never quite achieves the sharp edge of its HBO predecessor. The show shines brighter in its intimacy and personal stakes, but falters when aiming for sprawling machinations.
Insightful Analysis and Flowing Storytelling
For viewers familiar with the tired cycle of repetitive reboots, this “Robin Hood” offers more than comfort food. It weaves together action, character, and a tangible sense of place — but not always in perfect harmony. The series works best when it treads familiar ground but isn’t afraid to muddy it — showcasing, for example, the raw, desperate measures Rob must take to build his resistance. The richer scenes aren’t always the loudest. A moment of whispered planning before a dangerous raid; a flash of longing in Marian’s eyes when she realizes her heart and loyalty are suddenly at odds. Even in the stillness, the stakes feel real.
And yet, there’s no denying that during the slower patches, the tension twitches instead of igniting. At times, what promises simmering intrigue or explosive twists defaults to drawn-out dialogue or repetitive campfire debates. Some episodes beg for editing with stronger scissors.
The cast, however, brings consistency. Patten and McQueen ground their arcs in emotional honesty, drawing viewers deeper with every raised eyebrow or clenched fist. If anything, their commitment makes the less refined portions of the script more tolerable.
Stylistically, director Maja Ivanov steers clear of knight-in-shining-armor clichés. Her camera loves mud, scars, worn boots, and torch-lit tension. Every episode feels visually distinct — a rare feat for a streaming show in this crowded era.
In the Company of Other Legends
Inevitably, “Robin Hood” is compared to its contemporaries and ancestors. But while it never quite recaptures the shock or scale of the very best fantasy dramas, it still stands as a well-crafted period piece. The balance between old legend and fresh narrative choices is delicate — sometimes inspiring, sometimes burdensome.
Those seeking straightforward adventure may find the moodiness daunting. Those hungry for deeper character drama will find much to feast on, though they might wish for sharper plotting in the back half. The boldness of its choices, especially in reimagining Marian’s role and giving her genuine agency, deserves praise.
Standout Moments
Highlights abound — a nighttime rescue, a chilling confrontation between Rob and Bean’s Sheriff, a sorrowful ballad sung over a friend’s grave. The world feels lived-in, with tension never entirely absent, even in quiet exchanges.
But the show also falters with subplots that fizzle, not sizzle. Some romantic pairings feel tacked-on, giving audiences little reason to care. Side characters wander in and out, leaving questions of purpose.
From a technical standpoint, the final edit would benefit from tightening. Pulling audiences through episodes should never feel like a slog, yet at times the greenwood grows thick and tangled.
Three Key Positives
- Engrossing historical setting and depth.
- Powerful lead performances, especially from Patten and McQueen.
- Visual and musical artistry, with memorable ambiance and score.
Three Key Negatives
- Dragging pace in middle episodes slows story momentum.
- Secondary romances lack depth, sometimes distracting or muddling themes.
- Comparisons to “Game of Thrones” highlight weaker intrigue and plotting.
Verdict: Robin Hood (MGM+, 2025) BRNG?
How does this “Robin Hood” fare in the all-important challenge: Is it boring? The answer rides a careful line. This reimagining thrills with its ambition and artistry, even as slower pacing and uneven subplots cause occasional drift. For fans of moody medieval drama and character-driven tales, this series offers plenty to savor. For those who crave relentless action or masterful palace intrigue, patience may be required.
Weighing up all facets, “Robin Hood” (MGM+, 2025) lands at a 6.8 out of 10 on the anti-boredom scale. It’s never jaw-droppingly dull, but it sometimes feels like it’s circling the clearing instead of charging through it. The destination remains rewarding — if you’re willing to walk a twisted, scenic path.
