User reviews

At first I thought'meh?' Then as it progressed it got better and better Great fun to watch tenant is truly gifted Highly recommend this all round series destined to be a family classic.

I'm seeing lots of criticism for this show for not living up to the originals, but coming from someone who hasn't ever seen them, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It doesn't have to be identical to the original to still be a really good series, you just have to look at it for what it is.

David Tennant is phenomenonal throughout and the supporting cast is very good. Okay, it's not a perfect series but what is? I'd highly recommend watching if you want some adventure!

I've noticed on IMDB there seem to be a lot of people that start to cringe at the slightest hint of something being "woke, political correctness" etc etc and will just punish the show with their rating.

Well, sorry if for those reviewers that want to live on a crappy planet and feel pained by modern sensibilities. In the meantime, this was just an enjoyable series, great scenery, fantastic acting and it was around the world in 80 days.

The key word here is adaption - this show is not the book, nor is it an attempt to represent the book in a methodical translation from page to screen - it's an adaption. That allows for some creative license and rejigging in its retelling of the original story.

For me, this was a successful retelling of a classic story. There was dramatic tension between the three protagonists - who go on the adventure - and the antagonists were suitably nasty and conniving. It seemed clear to me that one of the main themes of this version of the tale was the particular journey of Phileas Fog (David Tennant). His transformation from upper class man of leisure and suspended animation, who doesn't really care for anything anymore beyond his own comforts, into someone who eventually finds a part of himself and can begin to live, to be involved in his life.

This aspect of Fog's transformation plays out against the interesting main story arc of the 'romp' around the world in 80 days - an at times cavalier and hair raising journey that is quite entertaining - requiring some suspension of disbelief to be sure, but what classic heroes journey (within the realms of entertainment) doesn't.

This show is supposed to entertain rather than enlighten - and I think it does that very well.

A nice modern take on the classic story. When read today the original book was definitely showing its age, this seems to modernise it nicely for a modern audience, although the inclusion of a woman in the main cast seems to have annoyed a certain type of viewer.

I have not read the book and saw some reviews here before watching the series.

It's exciting and funny. Was not bored a minute.

Don't mind these book readers. It's worth watching in my point of view.

A fun series so far, with some good performances and touching moments.

Tennant is very good in the lead role, as is his supporting cast. An adaptation is just that: a version of a previously told story. That doesn't mean it has to, nor really even should, follow the identical path.

The low scores are clearly some orchestrated attempt by some to paint this as a rewrite of their history. It's not - it is just a TV series, updated for modern audiences. However there are no heavy-handed finger wagging regarding the British Empire or anything of the sort.

I absolutely loved watching this. After a slightly slow first episode (do stick with it ) it really grabbed me and I got totally invested in the characters.

I thought the cinematography was really artistic in some places more than I would expect from a mini series like this so that was a real bonus.

The story really highlighted the bond of friendship forged through adversity and despite the social shackles of that era.

Really looking forward to the next series.

Only two episodes in and I'm enjoying the whole cast, especially watching a timid Fogg man up.

Those calling the new series "too woke" don't seem to understand what the terms "diversity" and "inclusion" mean, or prefer to ignore their existence.

Let's see what the next episodes bring. Perhaps I'll lower my rating, perhaps even bump it up.

Just a quick review as I found more than a few negative write-ups. It is a departure from Verne's book. However, it stands on it's own two feet very well. There are some darker moments but not overly so and as such remains family viewing. It has a sense of fun. We meet some interesting characters along the way. We have satisfaction in Fogg's journey and good reasons for the trip beyond the obvious. Light hearted character development for the trio travelling the globe and a down to the wire ending that had me smiling.

I thought this one of Tennant's best roles. I am fond of his work. Especially characters such as The Doctor and Crowley. Here I felt a lot of the emotion he plays and found myself swept up in the story as a result. This is helped immensely by Leonie Benesch as Fix. I've not seen any of her work but her confidence and bubbly nature was engaging and an absolute pleasure to watch. I'll be keeping an eye out for any future appearances. Ibrahim Koma rounds out the three main travellers and although I've also never watched any of his work he did a fine job as the somewhat shifty but loyal Passepartout.

All in all a really fun show. So much so that I immediately researched a follow up series and to my joy found the BBC has already confirmed another outing for Fogg and company. I cannot wait.

So far, this program looks pretty good. However, its disappointing to find that this program is nothing like the book and that becomes clear after the first episode. I also think that it starts outbland, but gets better after about episode 3.

Well the "wokeness Police" have been out in force - if you don't like, don't watch; but why do these clueless ignorant people expect adaptations to be a facsimile of what they watched years ago - there be boring and unchallenging - if these idiots knew anything about culture they would welcome new interpretations and castings. Shakespeare has been reinterpreted for 500 years - sometimes brilliantly, sometimes badly, but reflecting the times the interpretation was made in. Suspect they hate the European element?

Two episodes in this is interesting, brilliantly acted and excellent production values. Suppose the idiots hate reading subtitles and having central female characters?

I can't help but think a lot of the negative reviews are from people who gave up early on, as the first episode or two were not particularly strong, and unbelievable at times. However, the character development is quite strong and the story really picks up a few episodes in and we ended the series really enjoying every moment.

Not flawless television, but really good fun, and suitable for all the family.

Im almost done. Its not a perfect bit what show is. I think all three of of the primary characters are enjoyable and do a good job. Its a bit over the top at times and like a lot of shows you just have to accept the unbelievable. Hey, its make believe, have fun and don't take it too seriously. Is good entertainment.

There's a stack of negativity in the reviews here thus far (10 Jan '23)... mainly based on the way this TV adaptation differs from the book and from prior filmed versions. Well that's a kind of so what moment for me, I'm totally comfortable with re-imagining a classic and fir me this works well. I'm one episode from the S1 finale and have thoroughly enjoyed the piece so far, the actors are believable in their roles and I find myself accepting Tenant as Fog (not seeing Dr Who). There are some genuine moments of jeopardy and the pace is a canter rather than a gallop. I recommend that you take it at face value and enjoy or hate on its own merits not by comparing against the past.

I have watched the first 4 episodes and have not read the book. I like this show. The actors, especially Tennant, are doing a great job. It is a good story line with great cinematography. Can't wait to watch the rest. 8/10.

You always get the predictable comments from people who like to take offense but if you don't have chips on your shoulders it's a very entertaining series with a typically excellent performance from David Tennant. The story is brilliant as we all know but no it's not "too woke" as some would have you believe. I find those accusations frankly ridiculous and I am well aware that woke culture has taken some things much too far. All of the characters are interesting well acted and backed by a classic story with some nice tweaks.

I really don't understand how a well-made show can be rated low purely because it doesn't match the original. Forgive me for not being a fan of science fiction at all, I read Verne's novel only to feel the plot twists and turns but did not feel any personal charm of the characters, people like a tool to complete the adventure, no explanation of the causes and consequences, each choice made does not fit the character. The adapted version makes up for the lack of the original, all the decisions made reasonable, and as the adventure progresses the characters are growing, this is the real adventure story, a journey about courage and love and exploration of self. In addition to spouting political correctness again will only seem to lack the heart of their own reflective hope that some people can shut up.

It's fun, exciting escapism and very well acted. Get a grip people and just enjoy it for what it is. A breath of fresh air in this dreary saturated world of crime thrillers😁

It's so annoying to view reviews that complain this adaptation is not like the book.

It's not a valid criticism. If you don't know what adapting a story is, then check it out on google.

I enjoyed it for what it is. Well acted, great cinematography and mise-en-scene. Interesting stories adapted for a 21st -century viewer embodying viewpoints prevalent at this time.

Fantastic version of the classic story, with great cast, brilliant sets and a funny script too. Also if you've ever had any sense of adventure - not just ticking places off a bucket list but actually going off the beaten path and finding yourself - then you'll enjoy it even more. Bon voyage!

So many series now are only 6 to 8 episodes in total it's disappointing to us viewers that are thoroughly enjoying these PBS shows. This one could have easily been 12 or more episodes, it seems he scurried across Europe and the United States where they could have added more story line. I looked forward to Sunday nights to watch a show like this and Creatures Great and Small only to see them end as they just seem to begin. I'm sure it's all due to budget restraints but then why even do such a grand story then to let us down so quickly. I really loved the time period, costumes and sets, and could watch shows of this caliber every Sunday all year long.

Not sure why others found it boring?

As with most other Masterpiece Theatre productions, it was thoroughly enjoyable. It starts out a little slow, but then becomes suspenseful and you find yourself looking forward to the next episode. Wonderful characters and cinematography....a pleasure to watch!

I hope there is a 2nd Season!

"Unwatchable"?! Really?? I will admit I was a bit dubious during the first episode, but I stayed with it. And now I am so very glad that I did because I'm really enjoying it. Don't try to compare it to other versions you may have seen. This one is very watchable and one becomes very close to the lead characters and appreciates the ones whom you only see during one episode. Take Jane Digby, for instance. Or the episode when they are in India. There is human drama all around (and plenty of suspense) and well worth a look. Stick with it, and you won't be disappointed.