Quick answer: As of October 12, 2026, it is too early to say whether viewers agree with critics about MGM+’s new Treasure Island. The Guardian published a two-star review criticizing the adaptation’s added plot elements and treatment of Jim Hawkins, while Rotten Tomatoes’ season page currently lists zero critic reviews and zero audience ratings. That means there is not yet a meaningful, verified audience-versus-critic score comparison.
By Shivam Das · Updated October 12, 2026
The first question after a sharply negative review is often whether viewers share the critic’s verdict. With the new six-part Treasure Island, the answer is not yet clear. The Guardian’s review is a real critical response, but a single review is not a consensus—and an empty audience-score panel is not evidence that audiences disliked the show.
What do the critics say so far?
The Guardian published its review on October 12 and awarded the series two out of five stars. The review objects to the adaptation’s departures from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, including an unusual photographic-memory trait for Jim, a larger role for his mother Bess, and additional plot machinery that the critic felt distracted from the central adventure. It also criticizes the dialogue and direction, while acknowledging David Oyelowo’s work as Long John Silver.
That is one critic’s considered judgment, not a measured score for every reviewer. The distinction matters: headlines can summarize a review’s tone, but they cannot turn one publication’s rating into a universal verdict.
Is there an audience score yet?
At the time of checking, Rotten Tomatoes’ season page showed zero critic reviews and zero audience ratings. Its broader series page also showed no average audience score. Those figures can change as reviews and user ratings are submitted, so readers should check the live pages rather than rely on a screenshot or an old number.
What that means: there is currently no reliable numeric basis for saying audiences rate the series higher or lower than critics. Social-media reactions can reveal specific points of debate, but posts from a small or self-selected group do not represent all viewers.
Why the book-to-screen changes are driving the debate
The adaptation places Bess Hawkins closer to the center of the story and gives Jim a distinctive memory ability. It also introduces Aaron Graham, played by Jack Huston. These choices create a different balance of characters and motivations from the 1883 novel.
For some viewers, changing a classic is part of the point: a new adaptation can explore characters who had little space in the original and bring different historical perspectives into the story. For purists, the same changes can feel as though they push Jim’s coming-of-age adventure into the background. Neither position can be declared the audience consensus before representative audience data appears.
What is the strongest early comparison?
Rather than comparing a real critic score with an audience score that has not appeared, the most useful early comparison is between the review’s specific criticisms and the series’ stated creative aims.
- Character focus: the Guardian argues that Jim is weakened as the story’s center; the expanded role for Bess is one of the adaptation’s most visible changes.
- Originality: added abilities and new characters may offer a fresh angle, but they can also make the story feel less like the familiar adventure.
- Performance: even the negative Guardian review singles out Oyelowo’s Long John Silver as a strength.
- Audience evidence: until a meaningful number of viewer ratings is available, claims that fans have reached a settled verdict remain premature.
Watch the official trailer
The official Paramount+ UK trailer gives viewers a direct look at the series before they decide whether the new interpretation works for them.
Where and when can viewers watch?
Paramount+’s UK and Ireland announcement says the six-part series premieres on October 12, 2026, with episodes scheduled weekly through November 16. Availability varies by territory; viewers in the United States should check their local MGM+ listing rather than assume the UK release schedule applies to them.
What to watch for next
The comparison will become more useful as professional reviews accumulate and audience-rating platforms collect enough responses to show a pattern. Check the date on every score, note how many reviews or ratings support it, and distinguish a platform’s critic score from its audience score. A percentage based on very few responses can swing quickly.
For continuing coverage, see our Treasure Island MGM+ coverage for reviews, adaptation changes, cast details and episode updates.
Frequently asked questions
What score did The Guardian give Treasure Island (2026)?
The Guardian gave the series two out of five stars in a review published October 12, 2026.
Does Treasure Island have a verified audience score?
At the time of checking, Rotten Tomatoes listed zero audience ratings for the season, so a meaningful audience score was not available there.
Is the Guardian review the same as the overall critic score?
No. It is one publication’s review. An aggregate critic score requires multiple eligible reviews on a scoring platform.
Why is the new series different from the book?
The adaptation expands Bess Hawkins’ role, gives Jim a photographic-memory ability and introduces Aaron Graham, among other changes. Those choices are part of the current debate about how freely a classic should be reworked.
Where can I watch Treasure Island?
Paramount+ announced the UK and Ireland premiere for October 12, 2026. Availability and scheduling differ by country, so check the official local service listing.
Sources
- The Guardian: Treasure Island review
- Rotten Tomatoes: Treasure Island season page
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: series guide and first-look images
- The A.V. Club: Treasure Island review
Editorial note: This article distinguishes published review criticism from audience sentiment and time-sensitive rating-platform data. Scores and availability may change after publication.
