1,471 reviews
I never like to compare a remake to the original, at least not as a shortcut to determining its quality. But sometimes it is hard not to, especially when you are a fan of the original.
I always liked the original "Charmed". It was just campy enough. The actresses were engaging. And the mythology within the series was fairly creative.
This new version of the series, however, is marked by moments of faux scaring punctuated by loud sounds (you know how you are watching a film and there is a moment of suspense when the character senses something is on the other side of the door and then a cat launches itself into view with a loud screech to scare the audience) and a needless proclivity to dwell on political correctness and politically-charged story elements that detract from the real story.
What we have are some good actors stuck in a bad dream. They are saddled with dialogue that is sometimes silly, sometimes annoying. One reason I checked out the pilot was the inclusion of Sarah Jeffery as sister Maggie. She did a fine job as Jennifer Lopez's daughter in the recently wrapped "Shades of Blue". And actor Rupert Evans, who I was not familiar with, succeeds somewhat in rising above this vehicle.
But in the end, this is a series that really lacks, well... charm.
I always liked the original "Charmed". It was just campy enough. The actresses were engaging. And the mythology within the series was fairly creative.
This new version of the series, however, is marked by moments of faux scaring punctuated by loud sounds (you know how you are watching a film and there is a moment of suspense when the character senses something is on the other side of the door and then a cat launches itself into view with a loud screech to scare the audience) and a needless proclivity to dwell on political correctness and politically-charged story elements that detract from the real story.
What we have are some good actors stuck in a bad dream. They are saddled with dialogue that is sometimes silly, sometimes annoying. One reason I checked out the pilot was the inclusion of Sarah Jeffery as sister Maggie. She did a fine job as Jennifer Lopez's daughter in the recently wrapped "Shades of Blue". And actor Rupert Evans, who I was not familiar with, succeeds somewhat in rising above this vehicle.
But in the end, this is a series that really lacks, well... charm.
They took something that was brilliant and just destroyed it. I'll watch another episode or 2 just in case but unfortunately I don't think its going to improve. Shame on the CW, i'll stick with the original.
- peteromalley01
- Oct 14, 2018
- Permalink
Really, my headline says it all.
The backgrounds of the characters could work out to be interesting and they could do a lot more with the magic effects than the original so that could be awesome to see but right now, they're focusing on the wrong things.
Yes, be current and with the times but don't shove it down people's throats like it's buzzword day at the office. It loses all meaning and makes people roll their eyes instead of think and digest.
I really don't like the use of the angry lesbian/feminist trope, especially when you're trying to push a feminist show. Counterproductive writing.
- Belle_LeBeau
- Oct 24, 2018
- Permalink
The original Charmed was so special. So ubercool. It's coolness has stood up to decades of time. It left you with such a warm feeling at the end of every episode. You could and still can watch it and it lifts you up, even if your having a hard time. It is pure magick.
I get that this is a reboot or reimagining or some crap. But it lacks any soul. It is just like countless other teenage trite shows. Mindless drivel and forgettable. The people responsible for making this show totally missed the essence of the original. I wish they had never used the Charmed name in this way.
It has NO magick.
I get that this is a reboot or reimagining or some crap. But it lacks any soul. It is just like countless other teenage trite shows. Mindless drivel and forgettable. The people responsible for making this show totally missed the essence of the original. I wish they had never used the Charmed name in this way.
It has NO magick.
- latte-55902
- Oct 14, 2018
- Permalink
I´m really not the type of person that just critics but in what concerns this one i have to be fair to the original series and actresses... Just saw the episode and the whole thing just felt forced and full on cliché... as for the original was natural this was the tottal oposite... or you give some sense of direction and change where you´re going with this or you will push the audiences aways...
To me this felt like bring it on meets charmed.. somewhere along those lines... histerical teenagers find out they have powers...
Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, Rose Mcgowan and Shannen Doherty we truly miss you....
- cmeirinhas
- Oct 18, 2018
- Permalink
- krucker-34251
- Oct 14, 2018
- Permalink
I had very low expectations of this version of charmed. I was a faithful watcher of the original Charmed. I was very pleasantly surprised. I'm enjoying it very much.
- TerryThePhotographer
- May 23, 2019
- Permalink
I'm like 1/3 through and I don't get what this even is. The writing and dynamics of characters are weird, don't even get my started on the writing. Why did I give it more than one star? I'm not sure. I guess I like the the open explanation of why each person got powers.
- tiffanynflynn
- Oct 21, 2018
- Permalink
- hutchingsbj
- Nov 21, 2018
- Permalink
I, Like many others, grew up with Charmed. This reboot is a fresh take featuring actresses that look like me and issues that matter to me. It's definitely a more left-leaning show and I'm okay with that. I would say that this version of the show is a little more friendly to a younger demographic and I'm also okay with that, because the identity issues need to be talked about. This is one of the first, if not the first, major television shows to cast all Latina/afro-Latina lead roles and touch on indigenous brujera and spiritual practices in a positive way (or at least, not in an offensive way). I appreciate that they have an actual bruja on the production team.
I feel as long as you're not expecting a total rehashing of the original, you can appreciate the new take that the reboot brings.
I feel as long as you're not expecting a total rehashing of the original, you can appreciate the new take that the reboot brings.
The original and this reboot should not be compared as they are vastly different programs. The reboot is more cheesier and less serious and whilst isn't quite up there with the original it is a fun and entertaining tv show in its own right. The demon of the week is great and also the actors are very good. Occasionally they'll be cringe dialogue and stupid plot points but it is worth watching. Just don't put it on a pedestal next to the original they're very different type of shows.
- moribundheart
- Apr 5, 2019
- Permalink
Okay, i just shortlisted it, i dont want to cramps my hand to type.
1. More Science, less magic.
2. Crappy script leads to crappy characters.
3. Lame storyline, leads to lame series
development.
4. Bad pilot, bad follow up episode.
5. Too much political@social agenda, less
fantasy drama.
6. Too much hate from the fans from the
beginning, the ending will be worsen until
you cannot stand it.
7. All i can say.... Just CANCEL it Already, this IS NOT CHARMED....
- rickysayet
- Oct 16, 2018
- Permalink
I would've rather see a spin off of charmed with their kids or something, rather than a completely different show claiming to be charmed.
- staplese-24280
- Mar 28, 2020
- Permalink
I thought I had heard it was not good, and then saw this list that said it was one of the best shows of the season. Maybe it might have rated better if it had not been named Charmed, but when you take the name of an existing show, you take on the baggage. Hard to feel any empathy for any of the "Charmed Ones.", nor any attraction. How could they have gotten the characters so wrong. Everyone one who was responsible for this show actually airing should be fired and never involved in another show.
- francescobrosolo
- Oct 20, 2018
- Permalink
This is not Charmed. This is pure crap. The original series was so powerful, so heartbreaking and so perfectly written and amazingly played by the great Holly, Shannen, Alyssa and Rose. This is just a very poor remake. Cheap, badly written and played. And let's not forget that this new Charmed said to be feminist, but that's an insult to the Original Charmed. Because that show was truly feminist and powerful! Especially in those days!
- leroyhenzen
- Oct 19, 2018
- Permalink
I really don't know on where to start ...
I grew up with the original Charmed and seeing this just makes me pure angry
What I don't understand is what CW really thought of this when they ended filming this like they just threw in the Night King from GoT and other stuff you see on The Originals on a daily basis
The Plot was WHACK there where no connection between the sisters no real expression in everything they did and don't let me start with the acting even my non existent dog can act better than those actresses smh
This show needs to be cancelled ASAP!!!!!
The show isn't bad at all, actually, it's pretty good! The first episode is a bit too much, the LGBTQ rights, feminism etc., but I got addicted from about the third episode. You all say you gave the show a chance; giving a chance isn't watching only one episode, and that with the presumption that it HAS to be bad because it's not the old "Charmed". Please, people, be objective.
- mirka-tvd-snuff
- May 25, 2019
- Permalink
First episode is horrible. The next few are awkward. If you manage to make it through these first few episodes, it gets REALLY good.
- sirwilliam-97512
- May 6, 2019
- Permalink
Being a strong fan of female empowerment, Its unfortunate to see it become less about self empowerment and positive education,, and more about dis-empowering anyone that doesn't fit your background.
Politics in current feminist movements aren't always the same definition as the term feminism itself. At least this is maybe the only valid point the Charmed reboot made to me..
Just because you reference hashtags and trends on twitter doesn't give you any sort of character development. That is what happened here, nothing funny or fierce for me, just dull and aggressive. Being gay or an activist inst exactly groundbreaking character traits, being gay myself I must say its quite presumptuous to simply compare gay to a single character trait or personality.
The CW simply pushes into radical power words that almost make it sound like its fake vegan lesbian actresses on FOX News to gather right wing support. They openly disrespect the original charmed, and arrogantly try to force the fans to embrace this reboot for its trendy "originality".
Self empowering by trying to make everyone else look like the worst version of a possible cliche is not self empowerment., its more of an insecurity, and kind of immature. Clearly this is maybe meant for a more narrow or younger audience.
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Politics in current feminist movements aren't always the same definition as the term feminism itself. At least this is maybe the only valid point the Charmed reboot made to me..
Just because you reference hashtags and trends on twitter doesn't give you any sort of character development. That is what happened here, nothing funny or fierce for me, just dull and aggressive. Being gay or an activist inst exactly groundbreaking character traits, being gay myself I must say its quite presumptuous to simply compare gay to a single character trait or personality.
The CW simply pushes into radical power words that almost make it sound like its fake vegan lesbian actresses on FOX News to gather right wing support. They openly disrespect the original charmed, and arrogantly try to force the fans to embrace this reboot for its trendy "originality".
Self empowering by trying to make everyone else look like the worst version of a possible cliche is not self empowerment., its more of an insecurity, and kind of immature. Clearly this is maybe meant for a more narrow or younger audience.
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This is my new favorite show. I love the cast and the way it's written. they are taking the show in a new direction so don't expect a carbon copy of the 90s show. I absolutely love their magical associates and Macy's career intertwining with their missions. I'm so glad it's renewed. Each episode gets better and better
The *only* criticism I have is the way whitelighters orb. It's...unsettling. Oh and I'm not a fan of the evil being called "the darkness, the evil side, and demons" If the writers are sticking with pagan non Christian magic calling the evil side demons makes no sense.
The *only* criticism I have is the way whitelighters orb. It's...unsettling. Oh and I'm not a fan of the evil being called "the darkness, the evil side, and demons" If the writers are sticking with pagan non Christian magic calling the evil side demons makes no sense.
It is a pity that they simply did not continue where the original Charmed ended. It looks like an attempt to re-do the original series which is a big mistake. There is missing this unique human touch with deep bond between sisters that was in original one.
Even setting aside the original and attempting to like it for itself , this is trash.
The acting is awful , the plot is terrible, the effects are pretty bad.
The most interest I had in the whole thing was wondering how that giant house had that little nook for a kitchen ? The attic has 40 foot ceilings but the kitchen is 10x4?
Yes. That's how bored I was watching this. It's teally bad
The acting is awful , the plot is terrible, the effects are pretty bad.
The most interest I had in the whole thing was wondering how that giant house had that little nook for a kitchen ? The attic has 40 foot ceilings but the kitchen is 10x4?
Yes. That's how bored I was watching this. It's teally bad