Quick answer: Treasure Island (2026) Episode 1, “Chapter 1: The Admiral Benbow,” is listed at approximately 50 minutes. The premiere spends that time setting up Jim Hawkins, his mother Bess, the treasure map and the dangerous voyage ahead. Whether that feels brisk or slow depends on how much viewers enjoy character setup before the pirate adventure fully opens up.
Updated October 12, 2026 · By Shivam Das
How long is Treasure Island Episode 1?
Episode 1 is listed at around 50 minutes in television episode guides. Treat that as an approximate listing rather than a guarantee that every streaming version will show precisely the same runtime; platform displays can include or exclude credits and may vary by territory.
The episode, titled “Chapter 1: The Admiral Benbow,” introduces Jim and Bess Hawkins after a sailor arrives carrying a dangerous secret: a pirate treasure map. Their decision to pursue the treasure sets the story on course for the Hispaniola and a confrontation with Long John Silver.
Why the premiere may feel slow to some viewers
The opening chapter has several jobs to do at once. It establishes the Hawkins family, introduces the map and the people who want it, and signals that this version is not a scene-for-scene retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel. Those choices create context, but they can also delay the straightforward shipboard adventure some viewers expect from a pirate story.
The Guardian’s October 12 review was sharply negative about the adaptation’s additions and its handling of Jim. Reviewer Sarah Dempster objected to the photographic-memory idea, the expanded role for Bess and the way the young hero can feel sidelined. That is a critic’s assessment, not proof that audiences universally find the premiere slow. Public audience ratings were not yet substantial enough at the time of writing to establish a reliable consensus.
The pacing question is really about Jim and Bess
One of the adaptation’s biggest structural decisions is to give Bess more agency in the early story. She is not simply a figure at the edge of Jim’s adventure; her choices help push the plot forward. That can make the family’s predicament feel more immediate, but it also changes the balance of a story traditionally experienced through Jim’s growing independence.
For viewers who want the series to stay close to the book, this shift may feel like time spent away from the character they came to follow. For viewers open to a reinterpretation, Bess’s decisions may provide a second point of tension. The key question is whether the show’s later chapters turn these changes into a satisfying arc rather than treating them as distractions.
Does Long John Silver make the wait worthwhile?
David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver is one of the clearest points of interest in the early coverage. The Guardian review praised his screen presence even while criticising the script around him. That distinction matters: a performance can be compelling while the surrounding story struggles to maintain momentum.
Silver’s presence also changes the rhythm of the opening. The story is not only about finding treasure; it is about who controls the map, who can be trusted and how quickly a seemingly useful ally can become a threat. If those relationships deepen in the next chapter, the premiere’s setup may look more purposeful in retrospect.
What Episode 2 needs to deliver
The second chapter, “Great Britain,” is scheduled for October 18 in the episode listings. Its story moves aboard the Hispaniola, where Bess seeks protection from Aaron Graham while Silver begins laying the groundwork for mutiny. That premise offers a natural test of the show’s pacing: more immediate conflict should reveal whether the premiere was deliberately laying track or simply taking too long to get underway.
A useful way to judge the first episode is to separate three questions: Did the characters’ choices make sense? Did the new ideas add tension? And did the episode create enough forward momentum to make the next instalment feel necessary? Those questions are more revealing than runtime alone.
Watch the official trailer
The official Paramount+ UK & Ireland trailer offers a quick look at the series’ tone, cast and action without relying on unverified fan clips.
Episode 1 runtime and pacing: the verdict
At roughly 50 minutes, the premiere is not unusually long for a drama episode. The more important issue is how it uses that time. The setup introduces a changed family dynamic, a memory-based twist and several competing players before the voyage has fully gathered speed. The Guardian’s review makes a strong case that those choices do not all work; it does not establish that every viewer agrees.
Our take: viewers who want a faithful, Jim-centred adventure may find the opening’s detours frustrating. Those willing to judge the series as a broader reimagining may prefer to see how Episode 2 pays off the setup before deciding that the pacing is a deal-breaker.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Treasure Island (2026) Episode 1?
Episode guides list the series at approximately 50 minutes per episode. Check your streaming service for the exact displayed runtime in your region.
What is Treasure Island Episode 1 called?
The first episode is titled “Chapter 1: The Admiral Benbow.”
Why did The Guardian criticise the premiere?
The review criticised several changes to the source material, especially Jim’s photographic-memory ability, the expanded role for Bess and the way Jim is sidelined. The review is one critic’s opinion, not an audience-wide poll.
When is Episode 2 expected?
Episode listings schedule “Chapter 2: Great Britain” for October 18, 2026. Availability can vary by territory and service.
Where can I watch Treasure Island?
Paramount+ UK & Ireland lists the series for UK and Irish viewers. The show is also associated with MGM+ in the United States; check the local service listing for availability.
Sources and further reading
- The Guardian: Treasure Island review (October 12, 2026)
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: Treasure Island guide and official first-look images
- Rotten Tomatoes: Treasure Island Season 1 listing
- Treasure Island runtime and episode schedule
- Treasure Island Episode 2 release date and preview
Images are official promotional stills credited to Paramount+ UK & Ireland. Image rights remain with their respective owners. This article is independent editorial coverage and is not affiliated with Paramount, MGM or The Guardian.
