The new Robin Hood television series, featuring Sean Bean as the iconic Sheriff of Nottingham, has launched on MGM+ with a notably positive critical reception. The show, which premiered on November 2, 2025, presents a fresh take on the classic legend, focusing on the partnership between a Saxon outlaw and a Norman noblewoman. Early reviews have highlighted the series’ strong production craft and engaging new approach to the well-known story.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Legend
Robin Hood is a sweeping adventure that reimagines the classic tale with a focus on historical context and character depth. The story is set in 1186, more than a century after the Norman Conquest of England. It follows Rob of Locksley (Jack Patten), a Saxon forester’s son, and Marian (Lauren McQueen), the daughter of a Norman lord. They unite to fight against injustice and the corrupt ruling class. While Rob becomes the leader of a rebel band of outlaws, Marian uses her position to infiltrate the Norman court, and they work together to challenge royal corruption and bring peace to the land. The series is described as a modern take that brings psychological depth and a heightened focus on the relationship between its two lead characters.
Sean Bean Commands the Screen as the Sheriff
A major draw for the series is Sean Bean’s performance as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Rather than a one-dimensional villain, this version of the character is envisioned as a complex statesman, strategist, and builder of Nottingham itself. He is a loving father and a politician who is also a cousin to King Henry II. The Sheriff is a cunning and pragmatic ruler who navigates the dangerous tides of power, facing not only the outlaw in the woods but also the ambitions of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Norman Barons that surround him. He rules with an iron hand out of an unshakable belief that the Norman law must be preserved. The series also features Connie Nielsen as the powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Critics Applaud the Series’ Strengths
The series has debuted with a strong score on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting positive early critical consensus. Reviews praise several aspects of the production. The visual craft has been highlighted as a standout feature, with particular note given to the beautiful nighttime cinematography that uses candlelight and bush fires to illuminate scenes, as well as an astounding musical score from composer Federico Jusid.
Critics have found the show’s focus on the political themes of sovereignty and ownership to be a refreshing and radical element for a Robin Hood adaptation. The dynamic between Robin and his growing band of Merry Men has also been cited as a particularly engaging part of the series, creating a believable and compelling found-family dynamic. One review from Collider declared that > “the series is primed to become MGM+’s next big hit.”
Meet the Merry Men and Key Characters
The series builds its world with a robust cast of characters. Jack Patten takes on the title role of Robin “Rob” Hood, with Lauren McQueen as his partner-in-adventure, Marian. They are joined by the key members of the rebel group, including Marcus Fraser as Little John, Angus Castle-Doughty as Friar Tuck, and Erica Ford as Ralph Miller. The cast also includes Steven Waddington as the Earl of Huntingdon and Lydia Peckham as Priscilla of Nottingham, the Sheriff’s daughter who plays a role in the court’s political machinations.
Where to Watch the New Adventure
Robin Hood is available to stream exclusively on the MGM+ platform. The first two episodes were released on November 2, 2025, with new episodes of the ten-episode first season airing weekly on Sundays.
Also Read: Robin Hood Release Schedule: Your Episode Guide for the New MGM+ Series
