Updated October 12, 2026 · By Shivam Das
Quick verdict: Watch now if you enjoy darker literary adaptations and morally complicated characters. Wait if you want a faithful, breezy adventure—or prefer to binge a complete story before judging it.
MGM+’s six-part Treasure Island premiered in the United States on October 11, 2026. This version puts Jim Hawkins and his mother Bess at the center of the hunt for Captain Flint’s treasure, with David Oyelowo as Long John Silver. After Chapter 1, “The Admiral Benbow,” the key question is whether its bold reinvention feels fresh or strays too far from Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel.
Should you watch Episode 1 right away?
Watch now if you want to form your own opinion. The premiere makes clear this is not a straightforward page-to-screen retelling. It reshapes familiar characters into a more adult, politically charged drama, and that choice will likely decide whether it works for you.
Wait if you prefer to binge. Episode 2, “Great Britain,” is scheduled for October 18 in the United States. Waiting another week or two gives the story time to show whether its new character dynamics build toward a satisfying whole.
What early reviews are actually saying
The early critical response is mixed: reviewers can recognize a strong performance while questioning the larger adaptation. The Guardian was sharply critical of the show’s changes and tone, and RogerEbert.com also argued that the reinvention does not justify its expanded runtime. Ready Steady Cut highlighted David Oyelowo’s casting as a major reason to keep watching, while The Times praised the intensity he brings to Silver but expressed reservations about the series overall.
That is not a consensus that every element fails, nor is one standout performance proof that the season works. Treat the premiere as an ambitious adaptation whose success will be clearer as more episodes arrive. Review aggregators can update as new reviews are added, so check their live pages rather than treating an early score as final.
Three reasons to press play now
1. David Oyelowo gives Silver a different edge
Long John Silver is often portrayed as a colorful rogue whose charm makes his danger easy to overlook. Oyelowo’s version is more calculating and threatening. If you like character-led dramas where trust is a survival skill, his performance may make the premiere worthwhile.
2. Bess Hawkins has a much larger role
Hayley Atwell’s Bess is not simply a background figure waiting for Jim to leave home. The series gives her agency and places the mother-son relationship closer to the center. That may feel fresh to viewers who want a classic to make more room for its women; it may feel distracting to readers who believe Jim’s independent journey should dominate.
3. It makes adaptation itself interesting
A familiar title can be remade faithfully, playfully, or through substantial reinterpretation. This series leans toward the third option. Watching now lets you decide whether the changes add depth or make the story busier.
Three reasons to wait for more episodes
1. The tone may not match your idea of Treasure Island
Early reviews describe a darker, more intense version of the story, with heavier drama and substantial changes to the source material. If your ideal Treasure Island is a fast-moving swashbuckler with a sense of wonder, the premiere may not be the right fit.
2. The expanded story needs to pay off
Giving Bess more weight, introducing Aaron Graham, and adding a broader political context can make the world richer—but only if those threads connect to Jim’s choices and growth. One episode cannot prove that everything will come together. Waiting until Episodes 2 or 3 gives the show room to demonstrate its direction.
3. You may want to avoid premiere-week hot takes
Some viewers judge a reboot against the book; others assess it as a standalone drama. If you would rather watch without being influenced by debates over characterization, accents, or plot changes, consider muting the conversation and watching on your own schedule.
Who is this version best for?
- Period-drama fans: Try the premiere for its serious tone and complicated loyalties.
- David Oyelowo or Hayley Atwell fans: Their performances are a strong reason to sample the series.
- Readers who want a close adaptation: Go in knowing that major character and story choices have been reworked.
- Families choosing a show for younger viewers: Check the platform’s current rating and episode-specific guidance first; this version has been described as darker and more violent than a light adventure.
- Binge-watchers: Consider waiting until the season has progressed so you can judge its full arc.
Where to watch and what comes next
In the United States, Treasure Island is an MGM+ original that premiered October 11, 2026. The season is planned as six weekly chapters, with Episode 2, “Great Britain,” scheduled for October 18. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the series is available through Paramount+ on a separate regional schedule. Check your local service listing for availability and exact release timing.
Further reading: MGM+ · Rotten Tomatoes · The Guardian review · RogerEbert.com review · Ready Steady Cut premiere recap · The Times review.
Final verdict: Watch now or wait?
My recommendation: watch Episode 1 if you’re curious about the cast and open to a radical reinterpretation; wait if fidelity, tone, or bingeability matters more. There is enough here to make the premiere a conversation starter, but not enough evidence yet to declare the entire six-episode journey a success. Give the series one episode, then decide whether its choices feel purposeful. You do not have to agree with every change to find the experiment interesting—and you do not have to finish a season simply because a classic title is attached.
Frequently asked questions
Is Treasure Island on MGM+ worth watching?
It is worth sampling for viewers interested in darker literary adaptations and David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver. Reviews are mixed, so viewers who want a faithful or lighter adventure may prefer to wait.
How many episodes are in Treasure Island (2026)?
The first season is a six-part series, with episodes scheduled weekly.
When does Treasure Island Episode 2 come out?
Episode 2, titled “Great Britain,” is scheduled for October 18, 2026, in the United States. Regional release times can differ.
Is the new Treasure Island faithful to Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel?
Not entirely. The adaptation expands Bess Hawkins’ role and makes substantial story and tone changes, so it is better approached as a reimagining than a scene-for-scene adaptation.
Should I wait until all episodes are released?
If you prefer to binge-watch or want to judge the complete character arcs before committing, waiting is reasonable. If you enjoy weekly discussion and forming your own first impressions, start with Episode 1.
Editorial note: Release information and early-review references were checked on October 12, 2026. Review scores and availability can change as new reviews and regional listings appear.
