Sean Bean leads a Gritty New Take on ‘Robin Hood’ – Is the Series a Hit or Miss?
The sheer volume of streaming content makes it easy for promising shows too slip under the radar. Currently trending on Amazon Prime Video via MGM+, the new series Robin Hood is one such offering, reimagining the classic legend with a notable cast and a darker tone.
the 10-part adaptation, which premiered on November 2, stars the legendary Sean Bean alongside Australian actor Jack Patten, and presents a fresh spin on the well-known tale set during the Norman invasion of England. Bean,66,takes on the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham,while Patten embodies the titular hero,known as “Rob.” Lauren McQueen portrays Maid Marian in this new iteration, penned by Ironclad writer Johnathan English and American screenwriter John Glenn.
The series unfolds weekly, with the season finale scheduled for December 28. The storyline centers on rob, a Saxon outlaw, and Marian, a Norman noblewoman, who join forces to combat injustice following the Norman conquest. According to a synopsis, Rob leads a rebel group while Marian works undercover within the corrupt court, both striving for justice and peace.
Percival observed the series to be “sympathetic.” He likened it to Game of Thrones in its complexity, finding it “sporadically entertaining” despite not fully hitting its mark. “ther’s just something about robin Hood that doesn’t work for me,” he admitted, suggesting a clash between fantastical elements and historical accuracy might be to blame.
The Robin Hood series stars Jack Patten as ‘Rob’ (Picture: Aleksandar Letic/MGM+)
The series has sparked debate among viewers. TV critic Lucy Mangan of The Guardian described the show as “terrible” by objective measures, but confessed to finding it surprisingly enjoyable. “I suspect [my experience of having fun] will be the same for anyone who goes into it with the right attitude. If it’s not for you, fine,” she stated.
Social media platforms like Reddit reflect this sentiment. One user, F1del1us, agreed with Mangan’s assessment, while another, JockFist5000, quipped, “Sometimes you just want slop. Lotta people eat fast food.” Ricker888 expressed appreciation for the show’s production value and cast, stating, “I’m not going to nitpick. Keep this genre coming.”
Here’s a quick guide to the series:
- Created by: Johnathan English, John Glenn
- Main cast: Jack Patten, Lydia Peckham, lauren McQueen, Sean Bean
- How many episodes? 10
- Where to stream: MGM+, Amazon prime Video
However, not all viewers are convinced.The series currently holds a score of 6.0 out of 10 on IMDb, based on 355 user ratings, with many citing historical inaccuracies as a deterrent.Despite this, Reddit user DarkChiles expressed intrigue and a willingness to continue watching “historical inaccuracies be damned.” Another user, BruceLee51, praised the first episode, noting the “fresh faces with some old school stars.”
Whether Robin Hood will be renewed for a second season remains to be seen. Currently, viewers can stream the series on MGM Plus via Amazon prime Video.
A previous version of this article was published on November 3, 2025.
