Netflix has a new eight-episode fantasy series that critics are loving – it has a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is ideal for a weekend of watching! The enduring popularity of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Angel, The X-Files, and Supernatural proves there’s a real appeal to this type of story. There’s something uniquely captivating about following compelling characters as they battle evil, investigate mysteries, and navigate the supernatural in the present day.
For years, streaming services like Netflix have been trying to recreate the success of popular network television shows. They sometimes manage it, as seen with the 2023 series Lockwood & Co. This eight-episode show, based on Jonathan Stroud’s books, takes place in a London where ghosts are real and haunt the city at night. However, there’s a twist: only children and teenagers can see, hear, and fight these ghosts, putting themselves in danger while adults remain protected.
Lockwood & Co. centers around Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle, and George Karim – three gifted young detectives who run a small ghost-hunting agency. They’re working hard to succeed in a competitive field dominated by larger, more established companies in the UK. The series masterfully combines spooky horror with a complex plot and engaging characters, proving how well a book can be adapted for television.
Lockwood & Co. Is One Of Netflix’s Best Book Adaptations
Joe Cornish did a fantastic job bringing Jonathan Stroud’s books to life on screen. The show creates a genuinely creepy and immersive atmosphere, and the storylines are expertly crafted – they stay true to the original books while also working well as a fresh, new adaptation. The Netflix series smartly blends the plots of the first two Lockwood & Co. novels, expanding the world and creating a uniquely imaginative and haunted London.
The show does a great job of immediately immersing viewers in its world. We experience London and Lucy’s new job alongside her, after a difficult event during a previous mission. It successfully blends the charm of classic British shows like Doctor Who and Merlin with the high production values of modern streaming fantasy. The special effects are genuinely frightening, the sets are beautiful and feel realistically lived-in, and the acting is strong.
The actors Cameron Chapman, Ali Stokes, and Niamh Hadji-Heshmati perfectly embody the characters from Lockwood & Co. Chapman is especially impressive as Anthony Lockwood, capturing his charm, sadness, and tendency to take risks. It’s remarkable that this was Chapman’s first acting role – they play the lead with incredible skill! The natural connection between Chapman and Stokes makes their on-screen relationship believable, while Hadji-Heshmati shines as George, the team’s witty and dedicated paranormal investigator.
Lockwood & Co. Deserved Another Season
Unfortunately, Netflix has canceled Lockwood & Co. after just one season. This is happening to many shows lately, like The Society, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, Daybreak, I Am Not Okay With This, First Kill, Teenage Bounty Hunters, The Irregulars, and others. It’s frustrating when Netflix ends a series before it has a chance to gain popularity.
Despite being a well-made show with a compelling story, the cancellation of Lockwood & Co. felt particularly unfair. It likely only needed another season or two to wrap up key plot points – like what’s behind the locked door at Anthony’s house and why the ghost problem is getting worse. Three years after it ended, fans are still actively trying to revive the series, with a Change.org petition having gained over 50,000 signatures, including one added very recently.
Even though Lockwood & Co. was unfortunately cancelled, it’s still a fantastic show. If you’re left wanting more, you can find answers in Jonathan Stroud’s original five-book series (and a bonus novella focusing on Anthony). The show complements the books beautifully, staying true to the story while also offering a new take. It’s no surprise Lockwood & Co. received such high praise – a 100% rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics and a 94% audience score! Now is the perfect time to give it a watch.
2026-07-25 15:08