Critics’ reviews

Time Bandits (2024)

13 reviews from 13 publications. Critics’ score 68: 8 positive, 3 mixed, 2 negative.

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68
Positive
8
Mixed
3
Negative
2

Most critics come away pleased. The reviews lean positive, with eight of thirteen recommending the series as a good-natured family adventure that keeps the spirit of the original. The praise clusters almost entirely on Lisa Kudrow, whose deadpan, grumpy Penelope is named again and again as the reason to watch; several reviews also enjoy the playful historical settings and the bumbling new gang around her.

The reservations are about pace and nerve. More than one critic finds the opening episodes slow and routine, and some say the show never recovers the anarchic energy of the film. Empire goes furthest, faulting the gang’s flat chemistry and an overcomplicated plot, while Digital Spy finds the comedy too subdued and the characters too thin. The spread is wide, from the Guardian’s near-rave to Empire’s dismissal, though the Hollywood Reporter and Paste both say it finds its feet in the later episodes.

The Guardian
24 July 2024 · Lucy Mangan
90*

Mangan finds the series a confident, hilarious, family-friendly romp that preserves the original’s spirit. She especially praises Lisa Kudrow’s muttered asides and the many playful historical details.

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The AV Club
24 July 2024 · B+ · Meredith Hobbs Coons
83

The critic finds the premiere funnier than the original film and praises its sharp cast and improved handling of the story. She singles out Lisa Kudrow’s deadpan Penelope and the episode’s playful historical comedy as highlights.

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Evening Standard
24 July 2024 · ★★★★ · Martin Robinson
80

The critic finds the series a highly enjoyable, hilarious reboot that works for both children and adults. Lisa Kudrow’s comic performance as Penelope is singled out as especially funny.

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The i Paper
24 July 2024 · Ed Power
75*

The critic finds the remake an endearing, worthwhile caper that welcomes fans and newcomers alike. They single out its zinging script and Lisa Kudrow’s delightful performance as Penelope.

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Variety
24 July 2024 · Alison Herman
75*

Herman finds the series a worthy, giddy tribute to the original, though light on big emotions. She singles out Lisa Kudrow’s comic performance as its greatest strength.

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Radio Times
24 July 2024 · Tilly Pearce
70*

The headline and description present the series as a heartwarming family adventure. They single out Lisa Kudrow’s performance for praise.

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The Hollywood Reporter
23 July 2024 · Daniel Fienberg
65*

The critic finds the series slow and derivative at first, but says it becomes funny, clever and enjoyable in its second half. He especially praises Saffron’s character and Kiera Thompson’s performance for giving the show fresh energy and a stronger story.

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IndieWire
24 July 2024 · C+ · Ben Travers
63

Travers finds the series pleasant but routine, saying it lacks the boldness and imagination to fully engage either children or adults. He praises Lisa Kudrow’s performance and notes that Jemaine Clement’s later-season scripts show promise.

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Empire
24 July 2024 · Dan Jolin
25*

Jolin finds the adaptation disappointing, saying it fails to capture the original’s anarchic energy. He praises its broader historical settings but faults the gang’s low-energy chemistry and the show’s overcomplicated storytelling.

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Paste
23 July 2024 · 7.9/10 · Rory Doherty
79

Doherty calls the series a very good, winning adventure-comedy that finds its stride after a bumpy opening. He especially praises Lisa Kudrow’s comic timing and her ability to carry the emotional stakes.

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Consequence
23 July 2024 · Jonah Krueger
75*

Krueger finds the adaptation a hilarious, lovable romp that successfully reshapes the story for contemporary television. He especially praises the bumbling, good-hearted new band of characters.

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Collider
23 July 2024 · 6/10 · Tania Hussain
60

Hussain finds the series enjoyable but uneven, falling short of the original’s charm because of pacing, humor, and underdeveloped supporting characters. She praises Lisa Kudrow and Kal-El Tuck’s heartfelt dynamic, along with the show’s visually impressive historical adventures.

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Digital Spy
24 July 2024 · Janet A Leigh
40*

The review finds the series watchable but not yet compelling, with shallow characters and subdued comedy holding it back. It praises Lisa Kudrow’s more grounded, grumpy take on Penelope, while saying the show could improve by embracing bigger comic moments.

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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