Quick answer: It is too early to say that MGM+’s Treasure Island is beating other 2026 adventure premieres. The six-part adaptation debuted in the United States on October 11, 2026, and early reactions are mixed: some reviewers praise David Oyelowo’s Long John Silver, while others argue that the darker reimagining strays too far from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel. Public audience scores are still based on limited early participation, and a verified U.S. streaming audience figure has not been announced in the sources reviewed for this article.
What do the early ratings actually tell us?
At the time of this check, Rotten Tomatoes lists the series but shows no Tomatometer critic score, meaning there is not yet a published critic-review tally on that page to support a conventional percentage comparison. An empty score is not a zero, and it does not mean viewers universally disliked the show.
MyShows, which collects user-submitted ratings, showed an early episode rating of approximately 3.9 out of 5 from a small pool of users on October 12. That figure is a snapshot, not a representative U.S. audience poll. Ratings can change quickly as more viewers watch, and different sites use different audiences and scoring methods.
Critics are split over the reboot’s biggest creative choice
One early dividing line is the show’s decision to bring Jim Hawkins’ mother, Bess, into the center of the adventure and give Jim an extraordinary memory. Supporters may see these changes as a way to make a familiar story feel new. Traditionalists may feel that the adaptation shifts attention away from Jim’s coming-of-age journey and the uneasy relationship between Jim and Silver.
The Guardian’s October 12 review was sharply negative about the writing and the liberties taken with the source material, while still identifying Oyelowo’s performance as a strength. RogerEbert.com also questioned whether the reinvention justified its departures from the novel. By contrast, Radio Times gave the series four out of five stars and praised Oyelowo’s commanding presence. These are individual critical judgments, not an aggregate rating, but they demonstrate why a simple “hit” or “flop” label would be premature.
How does Treasure Island compare with other 2026 adventure premieres?
A fair comparison needs more than a handful of online scores. Useful measures include the number of critic reviews, audience-rating volume, week-to-week viewing trends, completion rates, and whether the distributor releases a verified audience figure. Those metrics are not all publicly available for every streaming title, so comparing a new series’ early user rating with a rival show’s mature score can create a misleading league table.
For Treasure Island, the available evidence is currently more useful for understanding the conversation than for measuring commercial performance. Reviewers agree that Oyelowo is a major part of the show’s appeal, but disagree about whether the expanded family drama and heightened tone improve the classic. That tension may keep the series in entertainment conversations even among viewers who are unsure whether they like the adaptation.
What would count as a genuine ratings win?
There are three signals worth watching over the next several weeks. First, whether the volume of audience ratings rises while the average remains stable. Second, whether critic scores become available after more reviews are published. Third, whether MGM+ or a reputable industry measurement source reports viewership or completion data. Without those indicators, claims that the show is “beating” competing premieres are speculation.
Release schedules also matter. Treasure Island is a six-part weekly series, with the next episode scheduled for October 18, 2026. Its long-term reception may depend on whether later episodes address the concerns raised in the premiere or deepen the elements that some viewers already enjoy.
Early verdict: too soon to call it a ratings winner
The evidence available on October 12 supports a measured conclusion: Treasure Island has sparked a divided critical conversation, but there is not yet enough public audience or streaming data to declare it a ratings success or failure against the year’s other adventure premieres. Oyelowo’s performance is a recurring point of praise, while the show’s departures from Stevenson remain the central debate.
Readers should treat early scores as provisional and revisit the comparison after more episodes and reviews arrive. A reliable ratings story should explain the size and source of each sample, distinguish critic opinion from audience ratings, and never turn missing data into a dramatic claim.
Frequently asked questions
Does Treasure Island (2026) have a Rotten Tomatoes score yet?
At the time of this check, the Rotten Tomatoes series page listed zero critic reviews for its Tomatometer. That can change as more reviews are published.
What are viewers saying about Treasure Island?
Early online reactions are mixed. Some viewers praise the casting and Oyelowo’s Silver, while others are concerned about changes to the novel and the show’s darker tone. Small online samples should not be treated as representative polling.
Has MGM+ announced official viewing figures?
No verified U.S. streaming audience figure was found in the sources reviewed for this article. Without official or reputable industry data, claims about ratings rank should be treated cautiously.
When is Episode 2 released?
The published episode guide lists Episode 2 for October 18, 2026.
Sources and further reading
- Rotten Tomatoes: Treasure Island (2026)
- MyShows: user-submitted episode ratings
- The Guardian: Treasure Island review, October 12, 2026
- RogerEbert.com: Treasure Island review
- Radio Times: Treasure Island review
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: official series information and images
By Shivam Das
