Netflix’s Cursed Was Overshadowed by Critic Scores

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The legend of King Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table has appeared in many films and TV shows, but each version offers a fresh take on the classic story. While most adaptations center around Arthur or Merlin, the Netflix series chooses to highlight Nimue, a powerful young sorceress who is fated to become the Wolf-Blood Witch and Queen of the Fey.

The Netflix series Cursed lasted one season with ten episodes and was inspired by the graphic novel of the same name, created by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler. While it didn’t receive great reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, many viewers still enjoyed it, proving that a show can resonate with audiences even if critics aren’t impressed. Despite some imperfections, Cursed is perfect for a quick fantasy binge – you can easily watch the whole season in a day.

Netflix’s Cursed Offers a Fresh Look at King Arthur

Many shows get lost in the shuffle, but Cursed suffered because its good qualities were downplayed while its weaknesses received a lot of attention. Critics particularly focused on issues with the show’s speed – some parts felt too slow, others too fast – and the visual effects. While the pacing wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t the worst, especially considering it only had one season.

Okay, so the special effects aren’t perfect – sometimes they really pull you out of the moment. But honestly, a lot of the show is beautiful to look at, which it really needs to be considering how much magic is involved. There’s this weird contrast though, because some scenes are done with really classic, well-crafted techniques, and others rely on those less-than-stellar effects. It’s almost charming, though! It actually makes you realize you shouldn’t overthink it, and instead just enjoy the parts that do work brilliantly, and even find the humor in the stuff that doesn’t quite land.

Okay, so Cursed isn’t going to blow you away with massive special effects – it doesn’t have that blockbuster feel. But honestly, what it does have is a ton of heart. It takes the familiar story of King Arthur and cleverly reframes it as a coming-of-age tale. It’s really about finding yourself and discovering your courage, and that makes the whole fantasy world feel surprisingly grounded and relatable. It’s not about knights and dragons, it’s about growing up, and that’s what really works.

The series is set before Arthur becomes king, focusing on his and Merlin’s developing relationship—similar to a coming-of-age story. This differs from Cursed, which centers on Arthur and Nimue. It’s an enjoyable, over-the-top show, like a campy horror movie, and perfect for a relaxed day when you can settle in for a binge-watch with plenty of snacks.

Shows Shouldn’t Be Judged Only on Their Rotten Tomatoes Score

While Cursed isn’t flawless – and few shows are – it’s actually more entertaining than its Rotten Tomatoes scores indicate. Relying too much on critics’ reviews can cause great shows to be missed by viewers who might otherwise enjoy them, simply because critics had different expectations. Often, these overlooked shows eventually end up being called hidden gems.

People often get caught up in what everyone else thinks is good and forget that the best show is simply the one you enjoy. What matters most is your personal enjoyment, no matter the reason, and that might mean ignoring what critics or ratings say.

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2026-04-18 17:36