'Robin Hood' 2025: Is the New Show About the Legendary Hero Worth Watching?
This is a simple, sometimes too naive, story that is perfect for a light, relaxing watch.
The new Robin Hood series immediately attracted attention thanks to its star-studded cast, including Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and its promise of a fresh take on the ancient legend.
But did the creators offer viewers anything more than another adaptation of a familiar story? The answer is not so straightforward.
What Is 'Robin Hood' About?
The story is set in 12th-century England, where the Norman conquerors oppress the local Anglo-Saxon population. Robert Locksley, the son of an impoverished lord forester, lives in poverty with his family.
After his kindhearted father becomes a victim of the new lord of their lands, the Earl of Huntingdon, Robert loses everything and vows revenge.
His journey to becoming a champion of the oppressed will be filled with challenges: he must confront his identity, survive his first murder, gain allies, and fall in love with his enemy's daughter, Lady Marian.
'Robin Hood' Tries to Be a Serious Drama Like 'Game of Thrones', but It Doesn't Work Very Well
Clearly, the creators aimed to create a dark and brutal historical narrative in the spirit of Game of Thrones. However, the project falls short.
Furthermore, Robin Hood makes several liberal assumptions for the sake of the plot. The most notable example is the depiction of the Anglo-Saxons as pagans who are forcibly converted to Christianity by the Normans. In reality, England was a Christian country long before the Norman conquest.
The mystical plotline involving Godda, the patroness of the forest, adds a touch of fantasy. These decisions, coupled with numerous behavioral anachronisms, create the feeling of a romanticized and simplified view of the era.
If You Overlook the Details, 'Robin Hood' Can Provide a Couple of Evenings of Good Entertainment
Despite its flaws, Robin Hood has its charm. Its dynamic plot and classic story of revenge and justice are captivating – after each episode finale, you'll be eager to start the next one.
Newcomer Jack Patten holds his own confidently in the lead role, and Sean Bean is as convincing as ever in his signature style as the stern sheriff. Lauren McQueen and Lydia Peckham also deliver memorable performances.
Setting aside the criticisms, Robin Hood can be seen as a captivating – albeit naive – adventure tale.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Robin Hood'?
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Robin Hood has 77% from critics and 79% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.3/10.
Where to Watch 'Robin Hood'?
Robin Hood is available to stream on MGM+.
