Jack Ryan was even better than I was hoping. Now that I just finished this last season I can say it's just as good as the first three and has a satisfying ending. Like many here have already said the best past of the show is John Krasinski. He is terrific as Jack Ryan. Who knew when he was on The Office that he would be able able to pull off being an action hero? Here he plays Ryan as an up and comer with the CIA. This a smart, believable show that will keep you engaged every episode. If you're looking for a great spy thriller than keep you hooked and wanting to binge as quickly as possible then give this a try. You won't be disappointed!
2,142 Reviews
Going to miss it
Supermanfan-1315 August 2023
Jack Ryan is an action packed thriller that will keep you entertained throughout the entire series and wanting more! John Krasinski has become such an amazing actor and is GREAT (as usual) as Jack Ryan! There have been a few actors that have already portrayed Jack Ryan and I have to say Krasinski is earth best so far. He really is such an underrated actor. Most people think of him as Jim from The Office but he's done so much more since then from action, drama, comedy, etc.! Even though some seasons were a little stronger than others, they're all definitely worth watching. I have really enjoyed the entire series and going to miss it now that it's gone.
What Makes Jack Ryan Different?
JayWolfgramm12 January 2023
In this day and age, we have no shortage of shows like these. Stuff like "Reacher", "Shooter", "Taken", "Punisher" and "Terminal List" all roughly scratch the same itch for a grounded gun guy vs government goons TV series. It becomes increasingly difficult to stand out when the series is based on books written roughly 30 years ago. I mean Tom Clancy has been dead for 10 years now. That might explain why so many of his stories involve some spark that will make the Cold War escalate to World War III between America and Russia. Most of Clancy's material has been mined in other films and even video games that anything now seems derivative. Similar to Jane Austen with romantic comedies, so it is with Clancy and political thrillers.
Well then, the difference has to come from the character. What makes Jack Ryan different than Jack Bauer? What made him a charming protagonist was the fact that he didn't have, as Bryan Mills would say, "a particular set of skills." Ryan is an analyst, a desk jockey. He was the everyman thrown into difficult situations outside his control.
I feel that edge is where "Jack Ryan" misses the mark. This Jack Ryan, particularly by the third season, is just the same type of action tough guy as every other political thriller show. It's not bad, just every change they make to Jack Ryan makes him more generic. They are making him out to be more like John Karasinki's character from "16 Hours".
That being said, they do an excellent job with the action in this show. The music, cinematography and acting are all top-notch. The political intrigue and stories are well done. I just wish it would appeal more to the everyman angle that makes Jack Ryan so unique.
Well then, the difference has to come from the character. What makes Jack Ryan different than Jack Bauer? What made him a charming protagonist was the fact that he didn't have, as Bryan Mills would say, "a particular set of skills." Ryan is an analyst, a desk jockey. He was the everyman thrown into difficult situations outside his control.
I feel that edge is where "Jack Ryan" misses the mark. This Jack Ryan, particularly by the third season, is just the same type of action tough guy as every other political thriller show. It's not bad, just every change they make to Jack Ryan makes him more generic. They are making him out to be more like John Karasinki's character from "16 Hours".
That being said, they do an excellent job with the action in this show. The music, cinematography and acting are all top-notch. The political intrigue and stories are well done. I just wish it would appeal more to the everyman angle that makes Jack Ryan so unique.
Season 1 and 3 are 8/10, season 2 is 5/10
xenoverse-794-22955016 January 2023
Like many other reviews I find season 1 to be very good, entertaining, engaging and hook you so that you just want to keep watching the next episode. Season 2 lost all that magic and I had a hard time completing it. I finished season 2 feeling that I just had to to see I'd wear other reviews said about season 2 were all true, and they were. I had my doubts with season 3 but I think it got back to its roots. The story is once again engaging and get you hooked from the beginning. If you like season 1 and disappointed by season 2, I strongly recommend you give season 3 a try and I think you will like it.
Gripping, intense, fantastic!
rosssander2 September 2018
Don't listen to all the negative, whiny reviews. This series is really, really good. So what if it's not exactly like the Jack Ryan in the books? Like that's something new with Hollywood adaptations? John Krasinski did a fantastic job as the main character, and he was absolutely believable as Jack Ryan. The overarching plot was interesting, gripping, and well thought out. I was so hooked I binge watched the whole season in less than 24 hours. I can only hope season 2 comes soon! Great job guys!
suspenseful!!
c-tallman31 August 2018
I watched the whole season already
bethanybeach-799-90557931 August 2018
I enjoyed Jack Ryan so much I could not stop watching. I stayed up all night. I then had to look up when Season 2 will come out and found this sight. I had to add my comments. I am very happy to find out they are already filming the next season.
Tom Clancy junkie; was ready to be disappointed, was happily pleased instead! *Updated!
rsvp32131 August 2018
Just finished SEASON 2 - Rating changed from a "9" S1, to a ZERO S2!
Hollywood ruins another one!
Below is my original review, my original score was an 8, now a 9.
I've just finished ep 3, and it gets so much better than the first!
I also see the organised, predictable, fake protest reviews by new accounts have flooded in lol!
**Still no social justice driven plot, no political party targeted, no special interest group pandered to. Just awesome action, and not the usual pc bad guys being only from USA or Britain.
**Just finished the series - great finish!
Original:
I really am a Clancy junkie - read every book, quite a few twice. Everything Campus, Op Center, Power Play, Net Force, and enjoyed every movie.
With so many series/movies being ruined lately by Hollywood social and political agendas, and everything overboard pc, so far after Ep 1 I haven't seen a hint of it! I hope that continues...
Very entertaining, good plot, going to be a nail biter Season 1, I think.
Lots of potential!
I think Tom would approve of this adaptation of his iconic character.
Hollywood ruins another one!
Below is my original review, my original score was an 8, now a 9.
I've just finished ep 3, and it gets so much better than the first!
I also see the organised, predictable, fake protest reviews by new accounts have flooded in lol!
**Still no social justice driven plot, no political party targeted, no special interest group pandered to. Just awesome action, and not the usual pc bad guys being only from USA or Britain.
**Just finished the series - great finish!
Original:
I really am a Clancy junkie - read every book, quite a few twice. Everything Campus, Op Center, Power Play, Net Force, and enjoyed every movie.
With so many series/movies being ruined lately by Hollywood social and political agendas, and everything overboard pc, so far after Ep 1 I haven't seen a hint of it! I hope that continues...
Very entertaining, good plot, going to be a nail biter Season 1, I think.
Lots of potential!
I think Tom would approve of this adaptation of his iconic character.
Wendell Pierce.
ThomDerd23 October 2021
Jack Ryan is actually alright. First season was excellent, second season had a few issues but in the end turned out great too.
I admit that I was sceptical at start but John Krasinski is convincing in this role. It somehow fits him.
The story is well written and builds up nicely towards the season finales and keeps you engaged throughout.
It's also shot in many beautiful locations and it's evident that they spend quite a lot on the production and time to put this together.
But the best part in it and possibly the glue which make this series look cool and slick and interesting is Wendell Pierce.
If you are a fan of "The Wire" then you ll be very happy to see him in Jack Ryan.
He does an excellent job in his character and also teams up nicely with Krasinksi.
In other words he gives credibility to the whole thing.
8/10 Good series.
I admit that I was sceptical at start but John Krasinski is convincing in this role. It somehow fits him.
The story is well written and builds up nicely towards the season finales and keeps you engaged throughout.
It's also shot in many beautiful locations and it's evident that they spend quite a lot on the production and time to put this together.
But the best part in it and possibly the glue which make this series look cool and slick and interesting is Wendell Pierce.
If you are a fan of "The Wire" then you ll be very happy to see him in Jack Ryan.
He does an excellent job in his character and also teams up nicely with Krasinksi.
In other words he gives credibility to the whole thing.
8/10 Good series.
Amazing first 3 seasons but the last one was rushed
geordyml26 July 2023
Season 1-3:
It is a solid series with decent action and suspense. The unfolding of the story is nicely paced and has you really on edge between each episode.
Personal development as a character is not really noticeable in my opinion. But not regarding that, they characters still great and likeable. And they don't do anything that wouldn't seem in character.
Season 4: Had a very good build up, but the last 2 episodes really rushed it. Like, it undid the whole story in my opinion. I feel if they made 2 episodes more, they could have closed the series more successfully. Everything went so fast, and some things happened out of extreme luck that I was thinking. This is not right, this should not have been that easy.
TLDR: 1 - 3 season very nice, 4th season meh.
Personal development as a character is not really noticeable in my opinion. But not regarding that, they characters still great and likeable. And they don't do anything that wouldn't seem in character.
Season 4: Had a very good build up, but the last 2 episodes really rushed it. Like, it undid the whole story in my opinion. I feel if they made 2 episodes more, they could have closed the series more successfully. Everything went so fast, and some things happened out of extreme luck that I was thinking. This is not right, this should not have been that easy.
TLDR: 1 - 3 season very nice, 4th season meh.
The last season was a shame
gibsoncurtis21 July 2023
A great series, with a rushed, trash finale. Game of thrones all over again.
Michael Pena is a great actor with a terribly written one dimensional character.
No suspense, subtlety or surprise in the final season just awful rushed propaganda pushing that the CIA is "not all bad".
I don't really know what to say short of the thought that the writers strike must have started in the production process of season 4.
It almost felt like a disjointed serial where everything was just an excuse to move from location to location, on Amazons dime.
The first three seasons were great, the last one had me thinking if you arent gonna try, why bother?
Michael Pena is a great actor with a terribly written one dimensional character.
No suspense, subtlety or surprise in the final season just awful rushed propaganda pushing that the CIA is "not all bad".
I don't really know what to say short of the thought that the writers strike must have started in the production process of season 4.
It almost felt like a disjointed serial where everything was just an excuse to move from location to location, on Amazons dime.
The first three seasons were great, the last one had me thinking if you arent gonna try, why bother?
Stellar season one. Season two is a complete bust.
dpoland-7658913 November 2019
Jack Ryan went through a complete transformation, for the worse. Rated the first season a 9. Now down to a 6. The plot is boring and writing not clever. Predictable the whole way through but I stuck with it hoping for a turn. I was left feeling robbed.
What Happened to the Jack Ryan of Season 1 ?
pfischer-722465 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Wow is this disappointing... I liked S1 well enough, the odd time you thought why did that happen... but S2 is just full of dumb, dumb scenes...
Here is sample of such cracking scenes, so far (might not get to the end, we'll see)
Why does Jack shack up with what is obviously a honey trap in a Caracas hotel and then leaves all his credentials and highly confidential papers "on show" for her to riffle through?
Why after they are nearly blown-up in Caracas do they all seem happy to wander around on their own in various scenes when presumably there is a significant threat level?
A small ex-special forces or whatever team is sent it to the jungle... They parachute in offshore with the latest US high tech, except the boat cracks open when it splashes down and oh yes, their communications equipment gets wet or something and stops working (haven't they heard of pelicases in the US army?) and oh come on, haven't they heard of the Samsung S10?
The same team leaves the driver (Uber man ha ha) to guard the boat while they go off in the jungle, except he doesn't hang around instead wandering off and getting lost and then jumped by some random kid who just happens to be there for some reason yet to be discovered... Maybe this is why Uber man didn't make it into the Seals!
and best of all so far Jack chases an ex-German spy now turned hit man over the roofs of London in one of those rather predictable chase scenes. He chases him for quite a while, catching up with him at one point , but waits until he jumps into the Thames to have a go at shooting him. He obviously needs to watch some Dirty Harry movies to understand how to handle such situations...
Here is sample of such cracking scenes, so far (might not get to the end, we'll see)
Why does Jack shack up with what is obviously a honey trap in a Caracas hotel and then leaves all his credentials and highly confidential papers "on show" for her to riffle through?
Why after they are nearly blown-up in Caracas do they all seem happy to wander around on their own in various scenes when presumably there is a significant threat level?
A small ex-special forces or whatever team is sent it to the jungle... They parachute in offshore with the latest US high tech, except the boat cracks open when it splashes down and oh yes, their communications equipment gets wet or something and stops working (haven't they heard of pelicases in the US army?) and oh come on, haven't they heard of the Samsung S10?
The same team leaves the driver (Uber man ha ha) to guard the boat while they go off in the jungle, except he doesn't hang around instead wandering off and getting lost and then jumped by some random kid who just happens to be there for some reason yet to be discovered... Maybe this is why Uber man didn't make it into the Seals!
and best of all so far Jack chases an ex-German spy now turned hit man over the roofs of London in one of those rather predictable chase scenes. He chases him for quite a while, catching up with him at one point , but waits until he jumps into the Thames to have a go at shooting him. He obviously needs to watch some Dirty Harry movies to understand how to handle such situations...
Season 1 is OK (though no more than that) but season 2 is just plain bad
puzgolac23 February 2022
This is not a great show by any means, but season 1 was watchable at least. Sadly, in season 2 every episode seems to be worse than the previous one. People who are supposed to be professionals act not just clueless but straight out stupid, plot is drawn out and full of contrivances and nonsense. But worst of it all is the titular character. In season 2, Ryan goes form being annoying to irritating to unbearable with each passing episode. His self righteous and sanctimonious attitude is painful to watch. He is supposed to be the guy you are rooting for, but I just wanted to skip every scene that he was in.
Season 1 is a 7, season 2 is a 4 at best.
Season 1 is a 7, season 2 is a 4 at best.
A taut, pacy, engaging n action packed tv show. The background story of the terrorist n the drone pilot's story is something different.
Fella_shibby28 September 2018
Never read any of the books but hav seen all of the five movie adaptations. This tv show is a must watch for Ryan fans.
The moment i read that Michael Bay is one of the producers, I knew that there will b good action sequences n indeed the action is intense n abundant.
The series is engaging n the thrill is nail biting.
The cat-and-mouse game between Ryan n Suleiman gets more engaging during the online game chat.
The drone pilot's story is very thought provoking and interesting.
The backstory as to why Suleiman became the man he is and his brotherly sacrifice in France is another good aspect.
Thankfully the show didn't demonise any particular community n even more better is the exclusion of the stereotyped, evil portrayal of certain fellas.
Great series!
jillcc-574-9604952 February 2019
I have always enjoyed the Jack Ryan movies and each actor/director has added his own spin on the character so I didn't know quite what to expect. I was hooked from the first episode! I can't wait for season 2! I'll have to watch season 1 again until it comes out!
A solid but not epic series
icepundit30 November 2020
Season 3 so far
brucloth24 December 2022
Four episodes in and I'm finding a tight, well-written spy thriller. Keeping tabs on the multiple characters is challenging, but when you start making the connections it's rewarding. This season is much better done than season 2 in my opinion, and is as good as season 1 was for me. It hearkens back to the Cold War spy thrillers before the fall of the iron curtain. I really like the Soviet adversary that made Tom Clancy what he was. The acting is also well done and the bad guys aren't immediately recognized as such. I'm also quite certain some of those I've tabbed as villains will turn out not to be.
JACK IS BACK in Season 3... and I want more more MORE!
suzpomz23 December 2022
Just finished watching Season 3... GREAT STUFF!
The "theme" is current and easy to follow. It's probably best to binge-watch the whole series, though that will mean it's all finished too quickly.
Whole thing - from the story to the writing to the staging to the scenery to the directing TO THE ACTING is, IMHO, first rate. I really don't have much more to say, except I'd be very grateful if Jack, Jim, and Mike could take out that coup in DC for us, whatever that might mean!
Okay - so WHEN will we get more of Jack, Jim & Mike, i.e., a Season 4??? And please don't make us wait another year!
Yes, John Krasinski is perfect as Jack Ryan, but we also need Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly to keep it "real"!
THANKS GUYS!
The "theme" is current and easy to follow. It's probably best to binge-watch the whole series, though that will mean it's all finished too quickly.
Whole thing - from the story to the writing to the staging to the scenery to the directing TO THE ACTING is, IMHO, first rate. I really don't have much more to say, except I'd be very grateful if Jack, Jim, and Mike could take out that coup in DC for us, whatever that might mean!
Okay - so WHEN will we get more of Jack, Jim & Mike, i.e., a Season 4??? And please don't make us wait another year!
Yes, John Krasinski is perfect as Jack Ryan, but we also need Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly to keep it "real"!
THANKS GUYS!
Season 4
j-holley12 August 2023
The storylines for Season 4 have been great. Each episode keeps building to a a very climactic end. Which i am looking forward to. But my biggest issue with Season 4 has been how dark the scenes are. Not sure who decided everyone should watch a black screen. But i am tired of not being able to see half the stuff going on in the show. Even daylight scenes are dark. Turn on the lights on the dang set. No one wants to watch dark television. Pitiful choice by the directors. Also in what world when you are in a hurry to get away do you keep stopping and hugging. And telling everyone your sorry. Get the heck out of dodge.
Huge decline in season 2.
hugor5 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Loved season 1, but season 2 took a nose dive in nearly every aspect.
The 'threat' is vastly inferior. Jack Ryan is not likeable at all anymore, he's gone completely rogue and honestly, is just too much of an action hero (same thing happened to James Bond with Daniel Craig). The secondary cast and storyline was also vastly less interesting. What happened to Abbie Cornish?
Still watchable, but tremendous loss of quality from one season to the other. Hope it picks up on season 3.
The 'threat' is vastly inferior. Jack Ryan is not likeable at all anymore, he's gone completely rogue and honestly, is just too much of an action hero (same thing happened to James Bond with Daniel Craig). The secondary cast and storyline was also vastly less interesting. What happened to Abbie Cornish?
Still watchable, but tremendous loss of quality from one season to the other. Hope it picks up on season 3.
Finished season 3 - WOW
Iamxay15 January 2023
I recently finished watching the third season of the show Jack Ryan and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. While the first two seasons were already great, this latest one truly took things to the next level. Some may argue that the script is cliche, but I would take it any day over the subpar productions being churned out by Hollywood studios. The ability to watch such a high-quality production from the comfort of my own home was incredibly satisfying, and it prompted me to write this review.
One of the standout features of the show is the casting, which is top-notch. The script, adapted from the book, is tightly written and every single character in the series gives a flawless performance.
There are some series or movies that I find myself feeling sad when I reach the last few episodes or the final hour because I know I will have to wait a whole year for the next installment. Jack Ryan is one of those rare gems that I will be eagerly anticipating the next season.
One of the standout features of the show is the casting, which is top-notch. The script, adapted from the book, is tightly written and every single character in the series gives a flawless performance.
There are some series or movies that I find myself feeling sad when I reach the last few episodes or the final hour because I know I will have to wait a whole year for the next installment. Jack Ryan is one of those rare gems that I will be eagerly anticipating the next season.
Season 2 is disappointing at best
mikejade-354533 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I was waiting for S2. Jack is on a vendetta to take down the President of Venezuela. Are you kidding me? This is a hodgepodge of stories from the books. I gave it a 3 for the action. Maybe it's writing for a different audience- I read all the early Clancy books and enjoyed clear and present danger book and movie a lot. I got to ep3... maybe it gets better but I doubt it.
Deus Ex Noomi
JJ99ABC3 November 2019
Season 1 was great. It was suspensful, well-acted, briskly paced, and reasonably sophisticated as far as real world politics are concerned. The writers for Season 2 apparently scored a Groupon for lobotomies. I mean everything is just so dumb. Characters do things simply to advance the plot without any explanation or motivation. Noomi Rapace's character just magically materializes whenever the plot needs it. Worst of all, the writers managed to turn Jack Ryan into an uncharismatic idiot. The only reason he manages to solve the conspiracy is because Noomi's character inexplicably does him a favor off screen. Awful, just awful. I give it 4 stars because the footage shot in Colombia looks nice.
Worst Second Season let down in a series Season One is a solid "8" Season Two is a zero
random-707784 November 2019
Firstly the people giving a positive rating to Season Two positively are single use accounts, using a lot of similar phrasing. IE marketing people, not actual audience.
Lets get this straight: Tom Clancy was not Proust, he wrote reasonably well written, highly studied on the facts, but not great novels. But his work is NOT marvel comics and this series has become a comic book nonsense. Thirdly, Clancy did sometimes do the geopolitics in broad strokes, but he never ever would have made the basic error of portraying a socialist dictator as a right wing dictator. Where were the fact checkers for this series when some idiot inverted a basic geopolitical fact (Venezuela's left wing dictatorship into right wing) ???
Krasinki walks through this second season as if he didn't care. Maybe it is his over-rated acting skills or maybe he knew the script was so bad that he didn't care, but he is almost sneering at the audience with his portrayal.
Really everything about season two is cringe-worthy.
Lets get this straight: Tom Clancy was not Proust, he wrote reasonably well written, highly studied on the facts, but not great novels. But his work is NOT marvel comics and this series has become a comic book nonsense. Thirdly, Clancy did sometimes do the geopolitics in broad strokes, but he never ever would have made the basic error of portraying a socialist dictator as a right wing dictator. Where were the fact checkers for this series when some idiot inverted a basic geopolitical fact (Venezuela's left wing dictatorship into right wing) ???
Krasinki walks through this second season as if he didn't care. Maybe it is his over-rated acting skills or maybe he knew the script was so bad that he didn't care, but he is almost sneering at the audience with his portrayal.
Really everything about season two is cringe-worthy.
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