By Shivam Das | Updated October 12, 2026
Quick answer: It is too early to say whether the 2026 Treasure Island series deserves a second season—or whether it will get one. The six-part adaptation has only just launched in the UK, and early reviews are not a reliable measure of audience demand. A renewal would depend on viewing performance, completion rates, costs, and whether the creative team has a compelling story beyond the first voyage. No official second-season renewal announcement was identified in the sources reviewed for this article.
What the first reviews actually tell us
The clearest early warning sign is the gap between the scale of the reinvention and the emotional pull reviewers expect from a classic adventure. In its October 12 review, The Guardian gave the series two out of five stars. Reviewer Sarah Dempster questioned whether added elements—including Jim Hawkins’s unusual photographic memory and a larger role for his mother, Bess—strengthen the story or distract from the young hero’s journey.
That is a specific criticism, not proof that viewers have rejected the show. A review reflects one critic’s judgment; a renewal depends on a wider set of commercial and creative signals. The distinction matters on premiere day, when audience data may be incomplete or not publicly disclosed.
The A.V. Club also published a negative assessment, arguing that the adaptation’s fresh ideas do not consistently justify the changes. The show also has recognizable strengths: a classic literary title, a six-episode format, and a cast led by Hayley Atwell, David Oyelowo and Tom Sweet. The question is whether those strengths can turn curiosity into sustained viewing.
Why a second season is not a simple yes-or-no decision
1. A famous title can attract a first click—but not guarantee a return
Treasure Island arrives with built-in recognition from Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel. That can encourage viewers to sample the premiere, including people curious about how the series changes the book. But a recognizable title only opens the door. Episode completion, repeat viewing and week-to-week retention are stronger indicators of whether the show has built an audience that wants more.
2. The adaptation needs a clear reason to continue
The series is presented as a six-part reimagining, following Jim and Bess Hawkins from the Admiral Benbow Inn toward the Hispaniola and the hunt for treasure. A second season would need a credible next chapter—not simply a decision to stretch a story designed to reach a conclusion. Producers would need to show that the characters and world have enough narrative room for another season.
3. The cast may be a strength even when the script divides critics
The Guardian singled out David Oyelowo’s performance as Long John Silver as a standout, even while criticizing the wider story. Strong performances can keep viewers invested, but they cannot automatically solve pacing, characterization or tonal problems. If audience feedback echoes the praise for the cast while asking for a tighter script, a future season could have a clear creative brief.
4. Platform strategy and production costs matter
Paramount+ UK & Ireland announced a weekly release schedule running from October 12 through November 16, 2026. The show is described as an MGM+ and Paramount+ original production. A distributor’s decision can depend on regional performance, licensing arrangements, production costs and how the series fits its wider programming slate. Public reviews alone cannot reveal those internal calculations.
What would make a second season worth watching?
A renewal would be easier to defend if the creative team addressed the clearest concerns raised in early reviews. Jim needs to feel like the protagonist of his own adventure, not a witness to other characters’ decisions. Bess can remain a major presence without flattening Jim’s coming-of-age arc. The series also needs to balance modern additions with the danger, mystery and moral ambiguity that make pirate stories compelling.
That does not mean every adaptation must follow the novel scene by scene. Reinterpretation is part of adapting a well-known story. The test is whether a change creates stronger drama, reveals something meaningful about a character, or gives the audience a fresh reason to care. A new season should earn its place through storytelling rather than treating the familiar title as a guarantee of interest.
How to judge the series before episode two
For viewers deciding whether to continue, three questions are more useful than renewal speculation: Does Jim make consequential choices? Do the added storylines deepen the central treasure hunt? And does each episode build momentum rather than interrupt it? The answers will become clearer as the weekly release continues.
For now, the fairest verdict is that Treasure Island has a creative challenge to overcome, not a confirmed cancellation or renewal. Negative reviews can shape conversation, but they do not disclose actual viewing figures. The season’s release is scheduled to continue weekly through November 16, according to Paramount+ UK & Ireland’s official guide.
Watch the official trailer
The official trailer gives viewers a direct look at the series’ tone and cast.
Frequently asked questions
Has Treasure Island been renewed for season 2?
No official second-season renewal announcement was identified in the sources reviewed for this article as of October 12, 2026.
Why are early reviews criticizing the new Treasure Island?
The Guardian and The A.V. Club have criticized aspects of the adaptation’s added plot elements, characterization and pacing. These are critical opinions, not audience ratings or viewing figures.
When does the first season finish airing?
Paramount+ UK & Ireland says the six-part series is scheduled to release weekly from October 12 through November 16, 2026.
Where can viewers watch Treasure Island?
The official release guide lists Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland. The series is also described as an MGM+ and Paramount+ original production; availability varies by territory.
Do negative reviews mean the show will be canceled?
No. Reviews are one part of the picture. Streaming performance, completion rates, costs, regional distribution and producers’ plans can all influence a renewal decision.
Sources and further reading
- The Guardian: Treasure Island review
- The A.V. Club: Treasure Island review
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: Official series guide and first-look images
- TV Insider: Cast interview on changes from the book
Editorial note: This article distinguishes published reviews from audience data. No unverified viewer counts, social-media consensus or renewal claims are presented as fact. Promotional image credits belong to Paramount+ UK & Ireland.
