By Shivam Das | October 12, 2026
Treasure Island has barely begun its new voyage, and the first wave of reviews is already testing whether this adaptation can win over viewers who grew up with Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure. The short answer: negative reviews can slow a show’s momentum, but they rarely settle its fate after one episode. What matters next is whether viewers keep watching, recommend it to others, and feel the story is building toward something worthwhile.
Why the early reviews are a challenge
The Guardian’s October 12 review, titled “Treasure Island review – this TV stinker does its best to ruin a literary classic,” criticizes the series’ tone, script and departures from Stevenson’s novel. The review’s objections include a more prominent role for Jim’s mother Bess, an unusual photographic-memory trait for Jim, and plot additions that the critic argues distract from the core adventure.
That is a pointed verdict, but a review is one critic’s assessment—not a measurement of every viewer’s reaction. The A.V. Club has also published a sharply negative assessment, while the series’ official promotional material presents the six-part drama as a reimagining rather than a page-by-page adaptation. Those perspectives help explain the early debate: some viewers want the familiar adventure, while others may be open to a darker, character-driven retelling.
Can the show recover before episode 2?
It can—but not simply by ignoring the criticism. The next episode needs to give viewers a clearer sense of what the series is trying to be. If the expanded family drama and political intrigue begin to serve Jim’s coming-of-age journey, those choices may feel purposeful rather than distracting. If they keep pulling attention away from the voyage, skepticism could deepen.
The release schedule also matters. Paramount+ UK & Ireland says the six-part series premieres on October 12, with new episodes arriving weekly through November 16. A weekly rollout gives each chapter time to generate discussion, but it also means the show must provide a satisfying reason to return instead of relying only on a later twist.
What could keep audiences watching?
- A strong Long John Silver: David Oyelowo’s performance has been singled out as a compelling element even in critical reviews. A complex Silver could give the adaptation a center of gravity.
- A more active Jim: Tom Sweet’s Jim needs meaningful choices and consequences. The audience should see his judgment develop, not simply hear about his unusual memory.
- Payoffs for the new material: Bess’s expanded role and the spy character Aaron Graham need to change the course of the story in ways that feel earned.
- A consistent tone: The series has to balance danger, family drama and adventure without making the shifts feel accidental.
What the early audience numbers do—and do not—tell us
It is too early to claim that the series is a hit or a failure based on a handful of reviews or social-media comments. At the time of writing, Rotten Tomatoes’ series page showed no critic reviews and no audience ratings in its listed season snapshot. That is not evidence of poor viewership; it means that page did not yet provide a usable score. Streaming platforms do not routinely publish complete, real-time viewing figures, so any precise claim about how many people are watching should be treated cautiously unless the company releases verified data.
Online reactions can reveal what viewers are talking about, but they are not a representative poll. People with strong opinions are often more likely to post, and a trending complaint does not automatically mean most subscribers have stopped watching.
Watch the official trailer
The official trailer offers a useful look at the series’ visual style and cast before viewers decide whether to continue.
Will negative reviews hurt Treasure Island’s momentum?
The most realistic answer is that the reviews create a hurdle, not a verdict on the series’ future. Strong criticism can make undecided viewers more cautious, especially when the story changes a beloved classic. But a memorable performance, a sharper second episode and convincing character development can still shift the conversation.
The key test is not whether episode 2 silences every critic. It is whether the show makes its creative choices feel necessary—and gives viewers a reason to care about Jim, Bess and Silver beyond the familiar name on the title card. Until verified viewing data or a larger body of audience ratings emerges, claims that the series has already lost its audience would be premature.
Frequently asked questions
When does Treasure Island episode 2 arrive?
Paramount+ UK & Ireland lists new episodes weekly after the October 12, 2026 premiere. Its published schedule places the six-part series finale on November 16.
Has Treasure Island been cancelled because of negative reviews?
No cancellation is established by the reviews cited here. Critical response alone does not confirm a cancellation or renewal decision.
Are the early reviews the same as audience scores?
No. Professional reviews reflect critics’ evaluations; audience scores reflect submitted user ratings. Both can change as more people watch and rate the series.
Where can viewers watch Treasure Island?
The series is listed on MGM+ in the United States and Paramount+ in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Availability may vary by country and subscription.
Sources and further reading
- The Guardian: Treasure Island review
- Paramount+ UK & Ireland: Treasure Island guide and official first-look images
- The A.V. Club: Treasure Island review
- Rotten Tomatoes: Treasure Island season page
Editorial note: This article distinguishes published criticism from verified audience data. Promotional stills are credited to Paramount+ UK & Ireland; publishers should confirm that their use complies with the applicable image rights and terms.
