I'm a huge fan of the book (but unfortunately not a fan of the movie). This is the show I hoped to see. The chemistry between the two is very good; the casting is solid. There are some changes to the book but they're fine, nothing too major. This story is not going to be for everyone - the same people who found the book to be "too hard" or "too confusing" to read are likely the same prudes that "aren't comfortable with the subject matter" of this version. That said, many fans will love this. This is the adaptation that the book deserved, it is far superior to the insipid movie. I think most true fans will enjoy this very much, I for one can't wait to see more!! Great start, it's a 9/10 for me.
351 Reviews
Listen Up Ya'll - It's Far Better Than You Are Hearing!
Sunsphxsuns16 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
If history can repeat itself, let it do so here. The original 2003 source novel, "The Time Travelers Wife," by Audrey Niffenegger, was a dazzling and most untraditional novel. Niffenegger told the story of Henry DeTamble, a likable young librarian who, since childhood, involuntarily travels through time at a moments notice. It is also about Clare Abshire, a convivial artist who first meets the time-traveling 28 year old Henry when she is only 7 years old. From there, Henry and Clare's passionate love affair is born where it then endures across an ocean of seemingly endless time. The 2009 film was exceptional. It's a complicated tale to tell, but nevertheless the film was a beautiful expression of Niffenegge's novel.
So while some reviewers are swiftly deciding that this series may not represent an improvement on the film or the novel, isn't it a bit early to judge? From what I viewed tonight, the first episode was very entertaining and fun. And isn't that what many of us want on a quiet Sunday evening? Fun, some drama, but without too much effort?
This HBO series has genuine legs. The writing and acting is convincing, smart, with very nice doses of ironic humor. I mean, how else does one approach a scene where at any moment one of the lead characters (in this case, Henry) literally vanishes, leaving nothing behind but his empty clothes, only to reappear naked in a different time and place? Whoosh! That's complicated.
I'll not say more. You be the judge. But I will say that this series looks fascinating and may develop into some very nice entertainment for anyone who enjoys a dash of science fiction combined with a twist of romance. If I'm wrong I promise I'll return to edit this review. But I hope it is the series I believe it will be.
No spoilers here as always but I will reveal Audrey Niffenegger began work on a sequel to The Time Traveler's Wife in 2013. It is called "The Other Husband," and centers on Clare and Henry's daughter, Alba. As of 2019, Niffenegger said she was still working on it.
So while some reviewers are swiftly deciding that this series may not represent an improvement on the film or the novel, isn't it a bit early to judge? From what I viewed tonight, the first episode was very entertaining and fun. And isn't that what many of us want on a quiet Sunday evening? Fun, some drama, but without too much effort?
This HBO series has genuine legs. The writing and acting is convincing, smart, with very nice doses of ironic humor. I mean, how else does one approach a scene where at any moment one of the lead characters (in this case, Henry) literally vanishes, leaving nothing behind but his empty clothes, only to reappear naked in a different time and place? Whoosh! That's complicated.
I'll not say more. You be the judge. But I will say that this series looks fascinating and may develop into some very nice entertainment for anyone who enjoys a dash of science fiction combined with a twist of romance. If I'm wrong I promise I'll return to edit this review. But I hope it is the series I believe it will be.
No spoilers here as always but I will reveal Audrey Niffenegger began work on a sequel to The Time Traveler's Wife in 2013. It is called "The Other Husband," and centers on Clare and Henry's daughter, Alba. As of 2019, Niffenegger said she was still working on it.
Shame on movie critics. I want to see season 2
varvarkinana22 April 2023
I'm very disappointed that the series was shut down after season 1.
It's very strange, as the end of the last series hints at a sequel.
It's a compelling story that I would definitely like to see continue.
Because of some clever people, a lot of fans won't get to see a continuation of an unconventional and interesting story.
I hope the nbo decide not to take the critics' opinion into account, but pay attention to the viewers who pay to watch their show on streaming services.
The narrative here is unconventional, we get to see the story from different angles and have a lot to think about while watching it.
Definitely recommend everyone to watch.
It's with heartache and a great desire to see a sequel, Natalia.
#dreama2seasonTTW.
It's very strange, as the end of the last series hints at a sequel.
It's a compelling story that I would definitely like to see continue.
Because of some clever people, a lot of fans won't get to see a continuation of an unconventional and interesting story.
I hope the nbo decide not to take the critics' opinion into account, but pay attention to the viewers who pay to watch their show on streaming services.
The narrative here is unconventional, we get to see the story from different angles and have a lot to think about while watching it.
Definitely recommend everyone to watch.
It's with heartache and a great desire to see a sequel, Natalia.
#dreama2seasonTTW.
Boo HBO on your decision not to renew!
RHraga3 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I just read that HBO has decided not to do a second season and finish the storyline. So once again the powers that be have decided to leave fans with a half finished show. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am tired of the powers that be doing that. This series has a 7.7 here on this platform, which is really a good score, so that leaves me questioning why even make a series you aren't intending to finish. I am not your biggest fan right now HBO...bad decision.
HBO PLEASE renew for a 2nd Season!
darthsteele-3933827 June 2022
My favorite show on TV right now! And this is saying a lot because I watch A TON of TV! Syfy time travel romance. It doesn't get any better! Fantastic writing. Fantastic directing. Fantastic acting! Please let there be a season two!
A lot of naked theo
surfingnaked117 May 2022
Surprisingly great!
Asper1216 May 2022
I was a bit apprehensive after reading the reviews but was blown away. As a lover of the book, I think it gets the humour and the edginess just right. It shows that the author of the book is involved.
I love that they clash from the start and it's not all plain sailing. It isn't a romantic comedy that many of the critics seemed to expect!
Rose portrays the fieriness and doubts perfectly and Theo balances the humour and the fear so well, the contrast between the older and the younger Henry is visible even in the body language. Moffat's dialogues are so good. The chemistry and the banter is spot on.
The only thing I didn't like was Henry's oldest make-up and that I have to wait another week for another episode!
I love that they clash from the start and it's not all plain sailing. It isn't a romantic comedy that many of the critics seemed to expect!
Rose portrays the fieriness and doubts perfectly and Theo balances the humour and the fear so well, the contrast between the older and the younger Henry is visible even in the body language. Moffat's dialogues are so good. The chemistry and the banter is spot on.
The only thing I didn't like was Henry's oldest make-up and that I have to wait another week for another episode!
True to its source
luisponz19 June 2022
Although a few liberties have been taken - some a tad cheesy, the series remains true to the universe created by Audrey Niffenegger. They have added paradoxes to the time traveling timeline that I'm sure the novel's author must be beating herself for not thinking of those.
What I loved about the novel and now the series is that it is a love story set against a larger than life background.
What I loved about the novel and now the series is that it is a love story set against a larger than life background.
Shockingly Good
acampopitt6 June 2022
This is an amazingly executed show. I'm quite impressed. When I saw the first episode, my impression was that it was OK, and I had the intention to watch the next episode.
After the second episode I was left with the impression that it was good, and I would watch the third.
The third episode left me enraptured, and longing to see the 4th.
I found myself going back and watching the first two episodes with a deeper introduction of the characters and very different perspective. I enjoyed the first two episodes immeasurably more, and picked up on subtleties I missed the first time through.
I'm genuinely excited to continue watching, and I know that as more is revealed about the characters, previous episodes will take on a different color.
After the second episode I was left with the impression that it was good, and I would watch the third.
The third episode left me enraptured, and longing to see the 4th.
I found myself going back and watching the first two episodes with a deeper introduction of the characters and very different perspective. I enjoyed the first two episodes immeasurably more, and picked up on subtleties I missed the first time through.
I'm genuinely excited to continue watching, and I know that as more is revealed about the characters, previous episodes will take on a different color.
Absolutely not better
cscetywa26 July 2022
Some reviews will tell u it's better than the movie and this is where they fail this series, you come in expecting it to be better than a very good movie and it's not it's a good series just not as good as said, the leads are fine but this series feels more about the wife/gf more than the time traveler is not balance as the movie, watch but don't expect better.
Solid charming premier!
UniqueParticle16 May 2022
Despite being scattered this series is so lovely and intriguing. Theo James and Rose Leslie are superb at least a bulk of the time. The above average rating is fair but I've seen lots over the years and this is really good for a romance series! For the ones that might've been put off I'd say definitely give this a chance it's very sweet.
I might change my mind
pisceschick-0017516 May 2022
Maybe it's too soon for me to review but after watching the episode and then the movie, I really like the movie better. The acting is better in my opinion. I can see the emotion in Rachel McAdams eyes. I'm still planning on watching the rest of the series so I might update my review.
Who did the casting?!
khutton-4731114 June 2022
I'm a huge fan of the book. The movie was ok but at least they got the casting correct but this TV series is not working for me. I just cannot warm to Rose Leslie as Clare. Why is her character so angry, ALL the time? Really disappointing.
Has exceeded all of my expectations!!
Waflesflugon24 May 2022
I initially watched the trailer for this show, and as a fan of the book (although it's been years since I read it), I thought to myself, "this looks mediocre and honestly a bit cheesy..." Well, I am here to say I've been proven wrong. The first episode was good but the second episode has blown me away. The acting is incredible, the storyline has so much depth to it, and I love the way that they've captured the lives of the main characters. I don't usually find myself interested in shows/movies that are classified as a "drama", but I feel that this one is definitely worth giving attention to!
Better than the movie
sandraknezevic-3626816 May 2022
This episode showed me it has a lot of potential an I am looking forward to the next one!
After reading the book, the 2009 movie left me with a bitter taste. The book is so rich (as they always are), and the movie adaption just didn't do it for me. It was too fast moving, like it was running through the novel, trying to fit the whole timeline these to characters have, but lacking in the depth, at least for me.
This on the other had, will be slower paced, and already the first episode showed the chemistry these two actors demonstrate, and the well done, funny and layered script!
I think this mini series is going to be a real gem, and am happy this beautiful love story will get the adaptation it deserves.
After reading the book, the 2009 movie left me with a bitter taste. The book is so rich (as they always are), and the movie adaption just didn't do it for me. It was too fast moving, like it was running through the novel, trying to fit the whole timeline these to characters have, but lacking in the depth, at least for me.
This on the other had, will be slower paced, and already the first episode showed the chemistry these two actors demonstrate, and the well done, funny and layered script!
I think this mini series is going to be a real gem, and am happy this beautiful love story will get the adaptation it deserves.
Came across first episode and watched whole series - loved it
tingy-643091 February 2023
Cannot believe there is no plans for a second series. The first six episodes were well written with depth and believability. The characters and complexity was approached with skill and intelligence...you connected to what was going on with ease. There was not excessive attention to any single trait...the 'being human' aspect was beautifully communicated and acted.
Surely the critics who caused this treasured series to be cancelled were not actually watching or were expecting an action packed science fiction storyline rather than the respectful romantic / science fictional aspect that made the whole situation believable and immersive. I started watching the first episode alone but was soon joined by three others who also watched intently to the last episode. The humour and naturalness of the central characters - the acting and settings. Definitely more viewer friendly than I was expecting. Even if it wasn't a box set channel and a stormy day I would have made sure to watch each episode. Please PLEASE continue with the rest of the planned episodes...just stunned this gets ditched while other lame series go forever.
Surely the critics who caused this treasured series to be cancelled were not actually watching or were expecting an action packed science fiction storyline rather than the respectful romantic / science fictional aspect that made the whole situation believable and immersive. I started watching the first episode alone but was soon joined by three others who also watched intently to the last episode. The humour and naturalness of the central characters - the acting and settings. Definitely more viewer friendly than I was expecting. Even if it wasn't a box set channel and a stormy day I would have made sure to watch each episode. Please PLEASE continue with the rest of the planned episodes...just stunned this gets ditched while other lame series go forever.
Thank God for Moffat!!
zingela-4317129 June 2022
Competition
Abfabbb19 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Any viewer who is a huge Outlander fan will find this series underwhelming but....it is still worth watching if you like the genre of romance/time travel. Think movies like Somewhere in Time, Winter's Tale. And at this time of year (late spring), TV choices tend to thin out. As someone who is so tired of song shows, talent shows, reality shows---it is a refreshing diversion. Having read the book, seen the movie---I am always up for a new interpretation and new actors. The only minor complaint so far was that there was way too much of naked Henry and buttocks shots. And he looks so hairless/covered in cooking oil. Of course, Theo James is total eye candy and HBO has the leeway to show nudity but it is so constant....it would be more artistically interesting if the camera angle or photo set up on his "naked returns" were less full on graphic every single time---the white, perfect body , greased up and rolling around and regular buttock focus was.....more distracting than sexy or according to the story---a primal dilemma that he must overcome (get out of danger, find clothes). I would cut the glaring nude male by 40% and aim for artistic nuance of the naked return scenes.
Omg, I'm embarrassingly obsessed
nhoelbl117 June 2022
And a bit enamored by Henry and Clare. I've only reached episode four, which is stellar btw, and how can I be in love with and want to take care of these two characters at the same time? Ridiculous. Like I said, obsessed. Watch it.
Gotta Love a Naked falling Theo
meghansanchez18 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I think this show has a lot of potential. The opening I would have cut entirely. Or done in a different way. The acting when both of the leads are being interviewed on camera is a little cheesy. I feel like Rose is going to all of a sudden go off topic and start selling me life insurance. It has that weird SNL skit vibe. Lol.
The thing that bothered me the most was the old age makeup on Theo! Dude that was unforgivably bad. It looked like old age makeup you would do for a high school play. It just fails. They should have stuck to the subtle old age that they do later in the show. That would have been 100% better. Sorry - makeup artist rant over.
But once you do get past the bad makeup opening it really picks up. The chemistry is great between Theo and Rose. Like I said I'll never get tired of watching Theo James fall from the sky naked. That man is beautifully made;) lol This is a much more faithful adaptation than the movie. So far, I'm really hopeful that it can be great. I love a good Sci-Fi romance, and this one seems like it will be a fun ride.
The thing that bothered me the most was the old age makeup on Theo! Dude that was unforgivably bad. It looked like old age makeup you would do for a high school play. It just fails. They should have stuck to the subtle old age that they do later in the show. That would have been 100% better. Sorry - makeup artist rant over.
But once you do get past the bad makeup opening it really picks up. The chemistry is great between Theo and Rose. Like I said I'll never get tired of watching Theo James fall from the sky naked. That man is beautifully made;) lol This is a much more faithful adaptation than the movie. So far, I'm really hopeful that it can be great. I love a good Sci-Fi romance, and this one seems like it will be a fun ride.
A fantastic adaptation of the book!
MrsMelling-355108016 May 2022
I've been lucky enough to see all 6 episodes and I can happily tell you that it gets better and better. The chemistry between the two characters throughout the series in my opinion is next to none and it helps that I've always been a fan of Theo James and Rose Leslie. What I love about this adaptation is it sticks closer to the book than the 2009 Film and doesn't really go off kilter. It's a rollercoaster of emotion of highs and lows but I couldn't resist and kept on watching. As an American living in the U. K. I felt they did a great job in convincing me that they were both from the US and the consistency of their performances throughout kept me hooked. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable experience with great writing, production value and brilliant actors. I couldn't recommend it more highly. :)
What a hot mess
jc-1590018 December 2022
This show is wild. Everyone tries hard acting wise but it's a battle with the source material. The issue is the storyline is inherently creepy (but why didn't we all realise this in the early 2000s?). There is the big issue that the main characters don't really seem to even like each other ... which is understandable considering the fatalism of being locked in a life with no option of your decisions actually being able to influence anything. The production values are a bit b-grade - honestly I'm 42 and Theo James's "aging make-up" to make him look 42 was frankly depressing. I think if you look at this as not a romance, but a existential Kafkaesque horror, you'll get some enjoyment out of it. Also, Theo James has a nice bum.
HOW did this ever get greenlit
bananabum-600079 July 2022
This is a story of a man who grooms a child. There's no skirting around that fact. I could have enjoyed it if it wasn't for that fact but every time they met in her childhood my stomach turned and I wanted to throw up.
Renew this series!!!
PotatoesAreAwesome18 September 2022
I originally watched this because I heard Theo James was naked in every episode, and he was, which was amazing (especially because there was no female nudity-- and we never get that), but I got so much more than hot female gaze!!! I got a really interesting time travel sci-fi/fantasy adventure romance that always kept me thinking and wondering what was going to happen next. The way time travel is explored here is pretty unique compared to how it shows up in other media. Theo James and Rose Leslie have incredible chemistry in this show, even if I thought some elements of their relationship were a little weird (and the show even jokes about them at times), their chemistry overrides all of that. We also get to see great range from Theo James, playing himself at different ages and interacting with himself. When I finished the show I was so disappointed to learn HBO wasn't going to give it a second season. The story isn't finished, and I still had so many questions about what was going to happen, or if they were going to make any changes to the ending of the book. I hope another streaming service is able to save this great series!!
Beautiful storyline and great acting!
kutiehurst2 June 2022
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