Season 1 – Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

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May 2015

History

Drama

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

36 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

This historical drama series is an adaptation of the international best-selling novel by Susanna Clarke. The story is set in 19th-century England during the Napoleonic Wars, a time when practical magic has largely fallen by the wayside. But the practice is resuscitated by two men -- Gilbert Norrell, a reclusive but highly skilled magician, and Jonathan Strange, a young and handsome novice who is exploring his capabilities. The relationship between the men intensifies as they battle to become England's greatest magician.

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Critics Consensus

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell sets engaging performances against an enchanting canvas, even if some of the magic from the source material gets lost along the way.

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Tasha Robinson

Polygon

May 5, 2021

It's got a sense of humor I wasn't entirely expecting, but it's also a pretty dark fantasy, and a good reminder that there really aren't many fantasy tales about making well-considered, safe, drama-free deals with dark possessive powers.

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James Poniewozik

TIME Magazine

Apr 11, 2019

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is a fleet, entertaining transfiguration that keeps Clarke's big ideas while pulling a few tricks from its own sleeve.

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William Thomas

Empire Magazine

Nov 6, 2017

4/5

The deeper we get into its labyrinth of conflicted magicians, conniving faeries and period-piece-gone-mad atmosphere, the more you fall prey to its spell.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Jul 29, 2026

It’s a magnificent love story, a furious battle of wills, a drama of friendship and betrayal, and a story of redemption.

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Jane Bowron

The Post NZ

Jun 14, 2017

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is a visual treat, a great original period piece that makes costume dramas seem absurdly stuffy and conservative. One episode down out of seven and already it's put a spell on me.

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Gavia Baker-Whitelaw

The Daily Dot

Oct 24, 2016

We recommend persevering to the end of the first episode, because things get interesting -- and surprisingly hilarious -- soon enough.

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chad D.

@Chaddie Dec 28, 2025

This is an excellent show, everything you can ask for in a well acted, written, and filmed, old English fantasy that you only have to invest in a season for the whole story.

Garry F

@ZestyWiggle Jun 12, 2025

This show gets weirder and weirder and in such a good way. It's what I imagine if you had a book written by Edgar Poe and Lovecraft, then got the director of the show "The Magician" to produce it. I can't recommend this show more.

Alex L

@RT65112105 Mar 14, 2025

I'm just about to watch it again (I bought it) and I have the 2 inch thick novel! This vision of English Magic is a delight. Few TV shows based on the craft add up to much more than high school fantasy. This series is both coherent and engaging. Sets and acting are breathtaking. The rich narrative make it feel like an historical re-enactment. The cold horror and textures of the Dark arts is luscious and bone chilling. So many layers and some degree of authenticity to a genuine grimoire. A masterpiece I feel.

Sue B

@RT57575603 Jul 30, 2024

So so so so good. I'm on my 5th binge. I love all the characters. Where is season 2? I’m begging you! I have to know what happened to Strange and Norrell!! Where did the Raven King go? You can’t tell me that fairy died. He’s just trapped right? Does Stephen turn evil? Please do season 2!! Who do I have to call?

Jun 8, 2021

Very entertaining. A fantastic merging of a period drama and fantasy that was a delight to watch.

Feb 15, 2021

People's tastes differ. But if your taste runs in this direction it's better than Harry Potter.

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Eddie Marsan

Mr. Norrell

Bertie Carvel

Jonathan Strange

Marc Warren

The Gentleman

Charlotte Riley

Arabella

Alice Englert

Lady Pole

Samuel West

Sir Walter Pole

Episode 1

Aired May 17, 2015

The Friends of English Magic

Although magic's existence in England has faded, the reclusive Mr. Norrell is discovered in Yorkshire.

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Episode 2

Aired May 24, 2015

How Is Lady Pole?

When Jonathan Strange's magical ability grows, he comes to London to take up an apprenticeship with Mr. Norrell.

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Episode 3

Aired May 31, 2015

The Education of a Magician

As Jonathan Strange fights the Napoleonic armies, he accesses ancient, but troubling magic; Mr. Norrell tries to keep his secrets hidden.

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Episode 4

Aired Jun 7, 2015

All the Mirrors of the World

When Norrell refuses to let Strange study disreputable magic, a rift forms between them; the Gentleman plans to enchant Arabella.

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Episode 5

Aired Jun 14, 2015

Arabella

Jonathan Strange returns from the battle of Waterloo, but his hopes for a peaceful life with Arabella are destroyed when the Gentleman tricks him into a fiendish magical bargain that wrecks all his hopes of happiness.

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Episode 6

Aired Jun 21, 2015

The Black Tower

Desperate to resurrect his wife, Strange drives himself insane to access dangerous fairy magic, but when the evil Gentleman discovers that Strange now has the power to enter his realm, he unleashes a terrible curse.

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Episode 7

Aired Jun 28, 2015

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

With the country in chaos as magic returns, Strange comes back to England to face Mr. Norrell and rescue Arabella from the clutches of the evil Gentleman.

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Director: Toby Haynes
Screenwriter: Peter Harness
Network: BBC
Rating: TV-14
Genre: History, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: British English
Release Date: May 17, 2015

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Season 1 – Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell

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