His Dark Materials was billed as the BBC’s biggest drama ever and is said to have cost £50million.
The eagerly-anticipated adaptation of Philip Pullman’s beloved trilogy of novels made its debut on BBC One last night (3.11.19) but there was a mixed reaction from viewers.
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The epic fantasy tale follows the coming of age of two children, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they wander through a series of parallel universes.
In the story, human souls take animal forms known as ‘daemons’ said to represent their owner.
His Dark Materials was absolutely superb. A magnificent adaptation.
During her search for a kidnapped friend, Lyra uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and a mysterious phenomenon called Dust.
The eight-part series also boasts an all-star cast including James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, David Suchet and Helen McCrory.
"She matters more than she can ever know."
This autumn, one girl will change worlds. #HisDarkMaterials starts tonight at 8pm on @BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/HutUQpDZVq
— BBC One (@BBCOne) November 3, 2019
The drama, which debuted on BBC One at 8pm, thrilled many viewers, who took to Twitter to voice their delight at the adaptation.
so the first episode of #HisDarkMaterials was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G, I loved it, I adore the books and to see them brought to life in such a faithful manner is awesome, can't wait to see more!
— Rory James Lee (@RoryLee88) November 4, 2019
Thought #HisDarkMaterials was really good last night. Hats off especially to #dafnekeen and #JamesMcAvoy for stellar peformances.✨
— Alice Barker (@NaturalistAlice) November 4, 2019
#HisDarkMaterials is the single most important book I ever read. It meant so much to me at a time in my life when I needed it and I genuinely wish I’d had it as a youngster trying to make sense of the world. The BBC adaptation is beautiful thank you @PhilipPullman
— Chris (@Sussexsaint72) November 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/Bobkhat/status/1191104143353688065
One viewer said: “His Dark Materials was absolutely superb. A magnificent adaptation.
“Perfect Sunday night TV.
“Can’t wait for episode two.”
But as much as people loved the first episode, there were others who weren’t so keen.
BBC1's audience right now #HisDarkMaterials pic.twitter.com/P99TfsmNWm
— Elliot (@Wengle) November 3, 2019
#HisDarkMaterials haven’t a clue what is going on! Totally lost! Sunday night tv shouldn’t be this complicated!! I’m out!!
— Martina Donnelly (@tinadonnelly68) November 3, 2019
On a not so fun note, His Dark Materials premiere was kinda awful. Dialogue is choppy, the pacing and world building feels incredibly off in hard-to-explain ways, and it all around just didn’t work well. I’m sure it finds its footing later on, but not a great first impression.
— Nick Statt (@nickstatt) November 4, 2019
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One viewer said: “On a not so fun note, His Dark Materials premiere was kinda awful.
“Dialogue is choppy, the pacing and world-building feels incredibly off in hard-to-explain ways, and it all around just didn’t work well.”
What did you think of His Dark Materials? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.