Top 10 TV Shows That Divided Hardcore Fans
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for tv adaptations that fans loved and hated. Beware of major spoilers ahead. Did you love or hate these shows? Let us know in the comments below!
#10: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2024-)
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Eyebrows were raised when Netflix announced that they were giving “Avatar” the live action treatment. When it finally premiered, it polarized everyone. While half of the crowd believed it was a good adaptation, the remaining viewers thought that it fell flat. Praise was nearly universally given to the special effects and action sequences. However, fans were more divided on the acting, storytelling, and the changes that were made to both the plot and characterizations. The changes to Sokka’s personality and early inclusion of a mid-series main character Azula in the debut episodes were a few of the most cited complaints. Since there are two more seasons on the way, the show will have more opportunities to either win over or further alienate its viewers.
#9: “Elementary” (2012-19)
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Controversy overshadowed “Elementary” before iT began. The show was released just two years after the BBC network debuted its take on the detective. As a result, “Elementary” was accused of “copying” the earlier show. “ Despite the bad press, “Elementary” was met with a positive critical reception. Both the writing and skillful lead performance from Jonny Lee Miller were complimented. But not everything was as beloved. The depictions of Mycroft and Moriarty, a move from London to New York, and the police procedural setup all came under fire. Only Sherlock could solve the mystery of how “Elementary” made it to seven seasons while towing the line between love and hate.
#8: “Fallout” (2024-)
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This video game franchise is incredibly dense and filled with years of lore. For some, that’s why they’re having trouble getting into the live-action series. Unlike other shows that are straight adaptations, “Fallout” is considered canon with the games and takes place within the shared world. It even continued various storylines. So while many praised the show, some hardcore “Fallout” fans took issue with the way certain characters were portrayed. There were also supposed breaks in continuity and established lore. Fans of “New Vegas” were especially critical of the liberties the series seemingly took with that story. While not without its detractors, a strong debut guaranteed that the show would get a season 2.
#7: “The Witcher” (2019-)
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Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” was once one of Netflix’s shiniest crown jewels. It was based on a fantasy saga whose video game adaptations have sold millions of copies to date. At first, the action and fantastical lore pulled people in. Universal praise was also given to Henry Cavill’s tough yet vulnerable performance. Unfortunately, those positives couldn’t distract fans from some bigger issues. Diehard fans of the franchise weren’t happy with how the series majorly deviated from big plot points. The non-linear storytelling of the debut season also threw fans off. And after news broke that Cavill would leave the show before the fourth season, some fans wrote the show off altogether. It would take a number of spells to heal the show’s damaged reputation.
#6: “The Last of Us” (2023-)
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Naughty Dog’s video game is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made. For the most part, HBO’s post-apocalyptic adaptation lived up to the hype. Lots of fans loved the show. Its accuracy to the game, cinematic filmmaking, and emotional power all received acclaim. However, others still found the series to be overrated. Hardcore fans felt that certain scenes and moments simply played better in the source game. Others disliked that certain action sequences were left out and that the infected humans from the game didn’t get more screen time. When the show brings the events of the controversial second game to life, the series will likely divide the fan base further.
#5: “Ms. Marvel” (2022)
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This miniseries was tasked with appealing to diehard fans of both the original comic and the greater MCU. Did it succeed? Well, that depends on who you ask. Many loved the show’s inventive visuals and cultural representation. Iman Vellani’s lead performance was universally beloved. While she was receiving accolades, the show got flack for having a lighter tone than most MCU projects. But the biggest complaint was reserved for Kamala’s powers. While Ms. Marvel historically has stretchy and shapeshifting powers in the source material, she got hard light powers on the show. Some argued that this change caused metaphors about body positivity and acceptance to be lost. Although Vellani’s future as Ms. Marvel seems secure, it's doubtful the show will ever be expanded upon.
#4: “Star Trek: Picard” (2020-23)
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Was Jean-Luc Picard’s return a fun bit of fan service or a painful reminder of better days? That’s the question at the heart of “Star Trek: Picard. Throughout the series run, it captured the hearts of many fans and critics. Its third season received particular acclaim. Additionally, its timely themes were considered interesting, it was well-shot, and everyone liked seeing Patrick Stewart again. (xref). But it was criticized for its dour tone, slow pace and on-the-nose metaphors. Many disagreed with the deconstruction of Stewart’s legendary character. While “Star Trek: Discovery” also received criticism, “Picard” arguably got more heat. The show’s acclaimed third season was seen as a desperate attempt to right a sinking ship.
#3: “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” (2022-)
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Fans have been very protective of “The Lord of the Rings” over the years. Since the seminal novel and Peter Jackson’s groundbreaking films were both masterpieces, the show had hobbit sized shoes to fill. The show’s production values and depiction of new aspects of Middle Earth gave viewers reasons to celebrate. To others, the show was an absolute disgrace that stomped on Tolkien’s legacy. Criticisms ranged far and wide, including major lore deviations, controversial portrayals of certain characters, and metaphors that felt heavy handed for some. Deviating from Tolkien’s work was always going to be a risk. Time will tell if the show can keep bringing in old fans while taking new turns.
#2: “The Walking Dead” (2010-22)
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When “The Walking Dead” first began, it followed its acclaimed source material quite closely. Many comic fans loved the show, claiming that it was an accurate adaptation that beautifully captured the characters, tone, and story beats. The megahit did occasionally get flack for the slow pacing of certain episodes and arcs. Additionally, characters like Andrea barely resembled their more competent comic book counterparts. While the show seemed bulletproof for a while, the controversial resolution to season 6’s cliffhanger angered fans. It also didn’t help that Carl Grimes was killed on the show despite surviving to the end of the comic. These radical decisions and more led certain fans to shamble away. However, the flagship show still pulled in millions of viewers until the grand finale.
#1: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
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Even before the unanimously hated eighth season, not everyone in the fandom loved “Game of Thrones”. To be fair, most fans praised the first four seasons. Not only did they adapt the source material well, but the episodes were well shot and full of towering acting performances. But the tide started to turn around season five. Since the showrunners ran out of material to adapt, they had to use the limited information they had to keep the show going. This approach caused fans to wonder if the showrunners got the characters wrong. Outside of new plot points, fans disliked how the show adapted the “Sand Snakes” and more. The series continued to split fans until everyone came together to resent the much loathed finale.
