- Rebooted superhero series has received largely positive reviews
- Daredevil: Born Again picks up the character after five years
- First two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again dropped on Disney+ today
The wait is almost over with Daredevil: Born Again finally dropping on Disney+ and, to build the hype, the critics have had their say on the new series.
Daredevil: Born Again is a continuation from the three-season show than ran on Netflix to 2019. Revived on Disney+ – and now confirmed as part of the MCU canon – the show sees Charlie Cox reprise his role as visually impaired lawyer Matt Murdock, who is vigilante Daredevil by night.
The action picks up five years after the end of the last series – click to find out all we know about Daredevil: Born Again, including trailers, plot points and cast.
Positive reaction
Initial critical reactions to the first two episodes were largely positive with the tone of the show and performances praised. But now, critics have got their hands on the entire season and have given their reviews.
At the time of writing, Daredevil: Born Again has an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes – making it certified fresh – based on 61 reviews. It has an average Popcornmeter of 95%. However, it is early days and this score could fluctuate as more people see the show and leave reviews.
But it isn’t faring too badly against the original Daredevil series, which was shown on Netflix. The first season has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while season 2 has 81% and the third and final season scored 97%.
Daredevil: Born Again critical review
Meanwhile, Empire’s Amon Warmann gave the show a positive reaction. Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, who stars as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, were praised for their performances, described as two of the best casting decisions made.
The review also notes that the move from Netflix to Disney+ doesn’t mean the new show isn’t any less violent. “The fights are just as bone-breakingly brutal and bloody as we’ve come to expect.”
Overall, Warmann said it was a welcome return, with enough new content to keep things fresh for returning fans.
IGN’s Joshua Yehl was also largely positive about Daredevil’s return. “The show captures the signature drama and brutality of Netflix’s Daredevil series while taking the story of Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk in a bold (and surprisingly topical) new direction.”
Screen Rant’s Simon Gallagher was particularly positive. “At times, it feels like a premium TV legal procedural, but it’s all tied together by grand ideas about ther nature of violence, vigilantism and trauma. It’s also very heavy in flashes, packed with earnest heart, and punctuated by some of the most bone-crunching violence the MCU has ever seen.”
With a conclusion after having seen all nine episodes: “More, please,” followed by his annoyance that he now has to wait another year for more episodes. “That’s how good it is.”
But there were some quibbles – including the feeling that some old ground is being re-trod.
You can judge for yourself whether the show deserves its critical ratings today. The first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again stream on Disney+ from 6pm PT/9pm ET.
