Updated October 12, 2026. The early critical picture for Treasure Island, the new MGM+ adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure classic, is still taking shape. One important detail needs correcting before anyone quotes a score: at the time of this check, Rotten Tomatoes’ official series page lists 0 critic reviews. That means there is not yet a verified Rotten Tomatoes average—or a confirmed set of four reviews to score.
That does not mean no critics have written about the show. Reviews are appearing across outlets, and the first reactions point to a clear split: David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver is drawing attention, while the adaptation’s darker tone and expanded changes to the familiar story are proving more divisive.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score right now?
There is no published Tomatometer score on the official Treasure Island page as of October 12, 2026. Rotten Tomatoes lists the show as a 2026 adventure series and shows zero critic reviews. Because the score is calculated from eligible reviews that have been added to the platform, an empty review count should not be read as 0% Fresh, a negative verdict, or evidence that critics dislike the show.
Check the official Rotten Tomatoes page for Treasure Island for the live status. Review totals and scores can update after publication, so any article or social post quoting a percentage should include the date it was checked.
What the early reviews actually say
Two substantial reviews surfaced in the sources checked for this update. They are useful for understanding the conversation, but they should not be mistaken for four Rotten Tomatoes entries or for a complete consensus.
1. The Times: Oyelowo stands out, but the tone is uneven
The Times review, published October 12, focuses on Oyelowo’s intense interpretation of Long John Silver. The review describes a more dangerous, less cartoonish pirate and notes the distinctive Jamaican patois used for the character. Its broader reservation is about balance: the adaptation moves between family adventure and darker adult drama without always making those modes feel fully integrated.
What that means: even a strong central performance may not settle the question of who the show is for. Viewers looking for a gritty reinvention may respond differently from families expecting a straightforward swashbuckler.
Read the full review at The Times. The article may require a subscription.
2. RogerEbert.com: a much harsher response to the reinvention
In a review published October 10, Rendy Jones argues that the series’ changes do not justify their cost to the familiar adventure. The critique questions the expanded role for Jim’s mother, the show’s grittier approach, and the decision to stretch the story across six episodes. It is a notably negative response, rather than a neutral middle-ground review.
What that means: one major point of disagreement is not whether the series looks serious, but whether its new material deepens the original story or slows down the adventure. That is an editorial judgment, not a score that can automatically be converted into a Rotten Tomatoes percentage.
Read the review at RogerEbert.com.
Why the first reactions seem divided
The early reviews suggest three questions are likely to shape the wider conversation:
- Does Long John Silver feel fresh? Oyelowo’s performance is a central point of interest. A more threatening, psychologically complicated Silver can distinguish this version from lighter adaptations, but it also changes the story’s familiar balance of charm and danger.
- Does the darker tone fit the material? The series appears to aim for a more adult, violent world than some family-oriented versions. That may appeal to viewers who want a tougher pirate drama, while frustrating those who want a brisk adventure.
- Do the changes add depth? Expanding Bess Hawkins’ role gives the adaptation a different family dynamic. The key question is whether those additions make Jim’s coming-of-age story more compelling or distract from it.
Rotten Tomatoes vs. Metacritic: do not mix up the numbers
Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer is based on the share of counted reviews classified as positive; it is not the average star rating. Metacritic uses a different weighted scoring method and may have a different set of reviews. A title’s score on one service should never be copied over to the other.
Search results can also surface older productions named Treasure Island, including the 1950 Disney film and the 2012 miniseries. Their Metacritic scores belong to those separate titles—not the 2026 MGM+ adaptation. Before sharing a number, check the year, format, and exact title page.
For this 2026 series, the most accurate snapshot is simple: Rotten Tomatoes had no critic reviews counted on its official page at the time of writing; the reviews independently located offer both praise for Oyelowo’s performance and criticism of the adaptation’s tone and structural choices. That is a useful early read, but not yet a stable aggregate score.
Should you trust the early review chatter?
Use early reviews as a guide to what a show is trying to do, not as a substitute for your own taste. If you enjoy character-driven pirate drama and do not mind major changes to Stevenson’s novel, the performances may be enough to make the premiere worth sampling. If you prefer a faithful, fast-moving adventure, the criticism about pacing and tone may be a reason to wait for more episodes and a larger pool of reviews.
For more coverage, read our Episode 1 ending analysis and our breakdown of Jim Hawkins’ photographic memory and the treasure map.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Treasure Island (2026)?
As of October 12, 2026, the official Rotten Tomatoes page lists zero critic reviews and does not show a Tomatometer percentage. Check the page again for updates.
Are there four critic reviews for the new Treasure Island?
We could not verify four reviews counted on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of checking. Two published reviews were located for this article, but that is not the same as four reviews on the platform.
What do critics like about the series?
The Times highlights David Oyelowo’s intense take on Long John Silver as a standout element, while also questioning whether the show consistently balances family adventure and darker drama.
Why are some reviews negative?
One prominent criticism, from RogerEbert.com, argues that the expanded character material, darker tone, and six-episode structure do not improve the classic story enough to justify the changes.
Is a Rotten Tomatoes score of zero reviews the same as 0%?
No. Zero reviews means the platform has not yet counted critic reviews for a score on the page. It is not a 0% rating.
Reporting note: This article reflects pages checked on October 12, 2026. Review availability and aggregator totals can change. Images above are illustrative stock photography, not official show stills.
By Shivam Das
