Updated October 12, 2026 | By Shivam Das
Treasure Island has reached its UK launch day on Paramount+, following its U.S. debut on MGM+. The first critical verdicts are not unanimous: The Guardian delivered a sharply negative review, while Radio Times was far more enthusiastic about David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver. That split gives viewers a more useful starting point than treating one headline as a universal audience verdict.
Quick answer: what are the first reactions?
The early critical response is mixed rather than uniformly negative. The Guardian’s October 12 review, titled “Treasure Island review – this TV stinker does its best to ruin a literary classic,” criticizes the adaptation’s added plot devices, melodrama and handling of Jim Hawkins. Radio Times, by contrast, awarded the series four out of five stars and praised Oyelowo’s commanding performance. These are critics’ assessments—not a verified audience score or a representative poll of viewers.
Bottom line: if you want a faithful, tightly focused retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, the changes may be divisive. If you are open to a more expansive family adventure built around Bess Hawkins and Long John Silver, the cast may be the draw.
Why the UK premiere is drawing attention
The six-part drama reimagines Stevenson’s 1883 novel. Hayley Atwell plays Bess Hawkins, Tom Sweet plays Jim Hawkins, David Oyelowo plays Long John Silver, Jack Huston plays Aaron Graham and Tomer Capone plays Billy Bones. The story follows Jim and his mother after they obtain Captain Flint’s treasure map and set out aboard the Hispaniola, where shifting loyalties turn the search into a dangerous contest.
Paramount+ lists October 12 as the UK and Ireland launch date, with episodes releasing weekly through November 16. The U.S. release began on MGM+ on October 11. Availability can vary by territory and subscription.
The main point of disagreement: a classic, or a reinvention?
The Guardian’s review objects to elements that move the story away from the lean adventure readers may expect, including an unusually heightened version of Jim, elaborate plot additions and soapier family drama. Its central concern is not simply that the adaptation changes the book; it is that the changes may weaken the clarity and momentum that made the original story endure.
Radio Times sees a different strength: Oyelowo gives Silver presence and menace, helping the show feel like a traditional adventure drama. Both responses point to the same practical question for viewers: does the adaptation’s focus on character and spectacle make the story richer, or does it crowd out Jim’s coming-of-age journey?
What the performances bring to the series
Oyelowo’s casting as Long John Silver is one of the adaptation’s most discussed choices. His performance is a major positive in the Radio Times review, even as the Guardian argues that a strong lead cannot fully rescue a script it finds misguided. Atwell’s Bess is also positioned as a more central force than in many familiar versions of the story, shifting the emotional centre toward the mother-and-son relationship.
That shift can be a meaningful update if Bess’s agency gives the familiar plot a new perspective. It can also frustrate viewers who want Jim to remain the unmistakable centre of the story. Neither reaction needs to be mistaken for proof that all audiences feel the same way.
Watch the official trailer
Before deciding whether the show’s tone is for you, the official trailer offers a direct look at its visual style, cast and action. The trailer below is from Paramount+ UK & Ireland.
Where to watch Treasure Island in the UK and U.S.
In the UK and Ireland, the series is available on Paramount+ from October 12, 2026, with new episodes scheduled weekly. In the United States, it is available through MGM+, which began its release on October 11. Check the relevant service for current availability and subscription terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is Treasure Island getting bad reviews?
Some critics are negative, but the early reviews are split. The Guardian published a critical assessment of the adaptation, while Radio Times gave it four out of five stars. These reviews should not be confused with an aggregate audience rating.
What did The Guardian criticize?
The review criticized the adaptation’s plot additions, melodramatic tone and treatment of Jim Hawkins, while also noting David Oyelowo’s strengths as Long John Silver.
Who stars in the 2026 Treasure Island series?
The main cast includes Hayley Atwell as Bess Hawkins, Tom Sweet as Jim Hawkins, David Oyelowo as Long John Silver, Jack Huston as Aaron Graham and Tomer Capone as Billy Bones.
When did Treasure Island premiere in the UK?
The series launched on Paramount+ in the UK and Ireland on October 12, 2026. Its U.S. release on MGM+ began on October 11.
Are social media reactions representative of all viewers?
No. Individual posts can show what particular viewers think, but they do not establish a representative audience consensus. This article relies on identifiable published reviews and official release information rather than presenting unverified social posts as public opinion.
Sources and further reading
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: Treasure Island guide and release information
- The Guardian: Treasure Island review, October 12, 2026
- Radio Times: Treasure Island review
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: official trailer
Editorial note: This article compares published critical reviews and official release details. It does not claim to measure overall audience sentiment or provide a verified social-media poll. Image rights and availability remain with their respective publishers and rights holders.
