Critics’ reviews

Supacell (2024)

8 reviews from 8 publications. Critics’ score 79: 8 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative.

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79
Positive
8
Mixed
0
Negative
0

The reviews are unanimously favourable and agree on why. Most critics praise the South London setting first: the estates and front rooms are described as lived-in rather than dressed, and the dialogue as authentic. The cast is widely admired, and Variety in particular singles out the tenderness of Michael and Dionne’s relationship. The consensus is that the series works because it grounds its superpowers in ordinary pressures, and that this gives it a distinctiveness the genre has been short of.

The reservations are mild and consistent. The Guardian finds the central threat weak and the action infrequent; Empire has similar trouble with a framing subplot. Several reviews say the series takes time to get going and that its many storylines can drag. The Hollywood Reporter is the most measured, finding the superhero plotting familiar while admiring the setting, and Den of Geek is irritated by how long the plot keeps its secrets. The spread is narrow, from good to very good, with nobody against it.

Empire
25 June 2024 · Alex Godfrey
85*

Godfrey finds the series propulsive, compulsive viewing, despite a weaker framing subplot. He praises its vivid South London setting and the authenticity of its characters and dialogue.

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The Guardian
27 June 2024 · Leila Latif
85*

Latif finds the series ingenious, distinctive and hugely enjoyable, despite a weak central threat and somewhat infrequent action. She praises its nuanced characters and the compelling way their everyday struggles shape their responses to superpowers.

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Evening Standard
27 June 2024 · ★★★★ · Vicky Jessop
80

Jessop finds the series engaging and successful, though it takes time to get going. She praises its cast and well-executed action sequences, while noting that the many separate storylines can drag.

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Variety
26 June 2024 · Aramide Tinubu
80*

Tinubu finds the series a bold, distinctive contribution to the superhero genre, despite some familiar themes and implausible story beats. She especially praises its thoughtful exploration of Black experiences and the tenderness of Michael and Dionne’s relationship.

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Radio Times
25 June 2024 · Tilly Pearce
70*

The available blurb presents the series as a gripping, addictive drama. It singles out its South London superhero premise, but the full review is inaccessible.

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The Hollywood Reporter
25 June 2024 · Daniel Fienberg
70*

Fienberg finds the series familiar in its superhero storytelling but sees ample potential in its distinctive South London setting and characters. He especially praises the lived-in neighborhoods, the cast, and the way the series explores Black British experiences.

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Digital Spy
24 June 2024 · Janet A Leigh
85*

The critic calls Supacell an intelligent, unique series that should cure superhero fatigue. They especially praise its authentic South London setting and the way it grounds the story in Black experiences.

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Den of Geek
25 June 2024 · ★★★★ · Chris Farnell
80

The review finds Supacell engaging and says its grounded stories make it compelling beyond its superhero premise. It praises the writing, cast, and vivid portrayal of South London, while noting occasional frustrating plot secrecy.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate