His Dark Materials made its long-awaited debut on
BBC One on Sunday night, but there were mixed feelings about the big-budget adaptation.
The new series, based on the the trilogy of fantasy novels from Philip Pullman, divided viewers with its first episode, despite glowing reviews from critics.
The show follows a young girl called Lyra, whose quest to find her kidnapped friend leads her to uncover a secret organisation’s sinister plot, forcing her to protect dangerous secrets as she encounters a number of mythical beings. However, some complained that the events of the first episode were confusing and hard to follow...BBC1's audience right now #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/P99TfsmNWm— Elliot (@Wengle) November 3, 2019Well that was one super confusing hour! #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/PlmoEROXaq— SHANnibal Lecter🌙🔮🦇 (@NerdyGirlShay) November 3, 2019Thank God I read Phillip Pullmans His Dark Materials back in the day because I’d be confused as FOOK watching the show otherwise— Sarah Something West (@SarahWJelly) November 3, 2019I enjoyed His Dark Materials last night. However, watching it with someone who's never read the book, it quickly became clear that it was very confusing and there was a lackof relatable or likeable characters in ep1 for those coming to it cold.— graeme (@astrotomato) November 4, 2019Just finished watching the first episode of His Dark Materials and to say I am confused is an understatement! Maybe it make sense if you read the books. I should probably stick to Harry Potter!— Margaret Rose (@margaretrose27) November 3, 2019It’s so funny seeing people so confused by his dark materials I’m so glad I read the book— l (@emmasbussy) November 3, 2019I thought the first episode of His Dark Materials was fine, not great, not bad, fine. I think it would‘ve been confusing if I hadn’t read the books. A slow start & lots is different to in my head, which is odd to see. They did a good job building a world with the right atmosphere— Sam Creighton (@sam_creighton) November 4, 2019But the show still had a large number of fans singing its praises...Already totally loving it #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/lYm3kLMxpo— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) November 3, 2019her voice. her hair. her outfit. her everything - ruth wilson is the perfect mrs coulter #HisDarkMaterials— Jade (@reqinaswan) November 3, 2019Just finished the first episode of #HisDarkMaterials and I am OBSESSED!! I need the next episode NOOOWWWW!!!!😍🤪🥰😱❤️— Meghan-Leigh (@Megsy24601) November 3, 2019Enjoyed #HisDarkMaterials enormously. That series
trailer at the end was killer. pic.twitter.com/TWoaY3K0fZ— Kippy Woo (@TygerWhoCame2T) November 3, 2019JW #HisDarkMaterials EP 1 of the new BBC/HBO series based of Philip Pullmans trilogy. I'm new to HDM so went into this with a open mind & was very pleased with what I saw, it was fun engaging & imaginative. Really liked the characters & the Interesting world aswell. I'm invested pic.twitter.com/3m9f67yJRv— JAMΞS (@NormaJeansBaker) November 3, 2019And the hard-core fans were pleased the show had (so far) stayed faithful to Pullman’s books...Still in awe of last night’s HIS DARK MATERIALS. Talk about hitting the ground running. Feels very much like the first chapter of a Pullman book and it captures the same magic. Lyra’s Oxford really comes alive. pic.twitter.com/rZQOjUUep6— Milo (@MiloBOK) November 4, 2019His Dark Materials on BBC. Wow. Did not disappoint. The trilogy is one of my all time favourite reads 💜 Everybody go read the books, you will love them 💚#HisDarkMaterials— Victoria (@victoria_jprice) November 3, 2019First episode of His Dark Materials was very good. I didn't think I would enjoy it. Hopeful that the adaptation won't shy away from the dark parts of the books, or ignore the religious stuff like the film did.— ಠ__ಠ (@EgregiousnessX) November 4, 2019His Dark Materials is finally here and it's SO GOOD ALREADY. My favourite series of books has a good adaptation AT LAST. 😭— 🐝 Ayfa (@ayfatwomey) November 3, 2019The 1st ep of His Dark Materials wasa so so so FANTASTIC! The casting, the decors 😍 I've been waiting since I was 12 y/o for a good adaptation of these books, you don't understand how happy this makes me #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/2xYDZnWhKm— Coraline🌹 (@mirrorravenclaw) November 3, 2019Although, there was one thing (read: person) in particular certain viewers were enjoying...Well, that was pretty good. Not saying James McAvoy and his jumper were among the highlights, but not not saying that either. #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/jeAw575Gyz— Sarah Shaffi (@sarahshaffi) November 3, 2019I want to say something profound and literary about #HisDarkMaterials but instead... James McAvoy. In a ribbed jumper. I repeat. JAMES MCAVOY. IN A RIBBED JUMPER 😮😍 *Fans self*— Deborah Hewitt (@TheVimes) November 3, 2019Lord Asriel was my first fictional character crush. I have been in love with him for over 2 decades... him being played by James McAvoy isn't helping tbh #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/PDxapAzUwt— Jess (@jesscamouse) November 3, 2019I'm just gonna say it. James McAvoy is he dreamiest of dreamy men. Any other opinion is INVALID. #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/CjuZDBuCal— Matt is watching HDM 🧭 (@itsmatthewnull) November 3, 2019I’m already in love with James McAvoy as Asriel in #HisDarkMaterialspic.twitter.com/03F3cacZxQ— ella_dave 🦦 (@Ella_1308) November 3, 2019His Dark Materials is said to be one of the most expensive
British scripted series ever made, with reports claiming it cost £40 million to produce.
The show, which is a co-production between the BBC and US network HBO, also boats an all-star cast, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ruth Wilson and James McAvoy.While only one episode has aired, the BBC and HBO have already committed to a second series, with filming already having begun on the eight additional episodes.
Series two will see Fleabag star Andrew Scott (aka Hot Priest) joining the cast.
His Dark Materials continues on Sunday at 8pm on BBC One, with the first episode available to watch on BBC iPlayer. READ MORE... His Dark Materials Has Already Been Compared To Game Of Thrones – Here's Everything You Need To Know How The Grenfell Disaster Inspired Channel 4’s New Drama The Accident The Capture: Who’s In The Cast And What’s The BBC Drama About?