Time Bandits
Time Bandits
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Time Bandits

"History just got hijacked."

6.2
Yr 2024
Status Canceled
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Eleven-year-old Kevin's passion for history is put to the test when he joins a ragtag group of time-traveling thieves on a high-stakes and hilarious adventure.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 72 /100

Critics generally received the 2024 television adaptation of Time Bandits with warm, if somewhat divided, enthusiasm. Many reviewers praised creators Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement for delivering a charming, funny, and family-friendly adventure. Lisa Kudrow's performance as the bandits' leader was widely celebrated as a standout element, expertly carrying the show's droll, riff-heavy comedic tone.

Praise was frequently directed toward the series' Monty Python and Douglas Adams-esque humor, imaginative visuals, and lighthearted charm, making it a delightfully silly diversion. Some reviewers even found it noticeably more imaginative and refreshing than many other big-budget streaming sci-fi projects.

However, more skeptical critics noted that the series sands down the sharp, dark satirical edges and thematic depth of Terry Gilliam's original 1981 film. Others pointed out that the show struggles to sustain its narrative momentum over the full season, resulting in an amusing but ultimately flatter reimagining.

“Funny, charming, confident and still channelling a Python-esque welcome to any form of oddity in the world”

“Time Bandits feels more imaginative and refreshing than most of the big-budget sci-fi movies and TV shows that are made these days.”

“the show is unfailingly clever, visually interesting and at least mildly amusing”

“Time Bandits reimagines the cult classic with mixed results, balancing nostalgia and new elements.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Apple TV Amazon Channel
UK • US • CA
Apple TV
US • UK • CA
Why fans love it

The 2024 series takes a distinct approach to the familiar premise of the original cult film. It leans heavily into the absurdity of historical tourism, turning the messy sprawl of human eras into a chaotic playground for an unexpected group of reluctant heroes. The pacing shifts quickly from grand scale action to small, sharp comedic moments that rely on a clash of temperaments rather than just spectacle.

Lisa Kudrow anchors the ensemble, grounding the high-concept premise of traveling through time with a dry, comedic sensibility. The production balances elements of fantasy and adventure with a specific, lingering touch of burlesque influence. It treats history as a series of inconveniences rather than a holy relic, resulting in a show that values irreverence over reverence for the past.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 15
Longest run 10 eps
Show 67 more
Jemaine Clement as Pure Evil 6 episodes Taika Waititi as Supreme Being 6 episodes Jonny Brugh as Damon 6 episodes Ben Fransham as John 7 episodes Mike Minogue as Headface 7 episodes Karen O'Leary as Stomachface 7 episodes Shane Rangi as Demon 7 episodes Nikita Christos Chronis as Xanthus 1 episode George Dimarelos as Ophelestes 2 episodes George Houvardas as Ajax the Lesser 2 episodes Vasilios Kostidis as Panthous 1 episode Sotiris Tzelios as Amphimachus 1 episode Phil Anstis as Alan 1 episode Brad Harding as Viking Warrior 1 episode Tom Kerr as Captain 1 episode Campbell Wilkins as Scott 1 episode Génesis Mancheren Abaj as Lady Sak K'uk' 1 episode Jose Palma as Balam Cupul 1 episode Coby Dawson Sanchez as Mayan Prince 1 episode Roy Iro as Jasper 4 episodes Oscar Kightley as Jasper 2 episodes Ruben Francis as Bobby 3 episodes Marie Dorin as Edith 1 episode Janaye Henry as Helen 1 episode Dane Noonan as The Cherub 3 episodes Esaú Mora as Town Welcomer 1 episode Simena Ccasa as Avocado Lady 1 episode Signy Bjorg Gudlaugsdottir as Monica 3 episodes Simon Manns as Lars 3 episodes Con O'Neill as Sheriff of Nottingham 1 episode Matt King as De Plume 1 episode Kris Beattie as Guard Jeremy 1 episode Barnie Duncan as Soldier Timothy 1 episode Ella Hope-Higginson as Soldier Laura 1 episode Yvette Parsons as Screaming Villager 1 episode Jen Van Epps as Emmie 2 episodes Francesca Mills as Detective Katherine 4 episodes Imaan Hadchiti as Sergeant Lewis 4 episodes James Dryden as Mike Haddock 4 episodes Felicity Ward as Lisa Haddock 4 episodes Kevin Copeland as Heavy 2 episodes James Gaylyn as Babyface 2 episodes Katlyn Wong as Madame Chung 3 episodes Zoe Ventoura as Cassandra 3 episodes Byron Coll as Loudest Voice 3 episodes Justin Amankwah as Ernie Fingers 3 episodes Andrea Solonge as Queen Inari 2 episodes Ira Munn as Larry Always Late 3 episodes Jackson Tozer as Goth Robert 2 episodes Shaun Micallef as Mayor Landesman 3 episodes Michael Valamios as Odysseus 2 episodes Kountry Wayne as Bumpy Johnson 4 episodes Paul Waggott as Chieftain 2 episodes Richard Chapman as Neanderthal Howler 3 episodes Abby Damen as Neanderthal Faza 3 episodes Matty Rockel as Grunt 2 episodes Bryony Skillington as Kaga 2 episodes Jesse Griffin as Tooth Tooth 2 episodes Sophie Hambleton as Meatgirl 2 episodes Mark Gatiss as Earl of Sandwich (voice) 2 episodes Hammed Animashaun as Mansa Musa 3 episodes Ghenoa Gela as Susan 2 episodes Maaka Pohatu as Gavin 2 episodes Sarah Darkin as Conspirator 2 episodes Josh Thomson as Hen the Giant 2 episodes Lawrence Leung as Emperor Qin Shi Huang 2 episodes Ross Noble as Foreman 2 episodes
Production Board

Crew

Property Master
Casting
Chief Lighting Technician
Costume Design
Prosthetic Supervisor
Production Design
Digital Imaging Technician
Script Coordinator
Script Supervisor
Local Casting
Supervising Art Director
Visual Effects Art Director
Casting Associate
Hair Designer
Additional Music
Executive Visual Effects Producer
Stunt Coordinator
Director of Photography
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Time Bandits overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

time travel burlesque based on movie
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
July 23, 2024
Status
Canceled
Origin
NZ, GB, US
TMDB Votes
142