AMC’s new showNautilus, which is based on Jules Verne’s seminal novelTwenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, opened to a strong Rotten Tomatoes score in its U.S. debut.Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seawas written and published between 1869 and 1870, and it’s often considered one of the most influential and iconic works in science fiction as a whole.Nautilusis inspired by Verne’s novel and, more specifically, by its mysterious Captain Nemo and the world’s first submarine, theNautilus. Thecast ofNautilususe their engineering marvel to go on adventures across the world and explore the depths of the ocean.
At the time of writing,Nautilushad a score of 78% onRotten Tomatoesacross 9 reviews, and audiences gave it a score of 71% with over 50 ratings. The critical score ofNautilusincludes two reviews from its 2024 release in the United Kingdom and Ireland.Nautiluswas originally developed for Disney+, though Prime Video gave the series a limited European release before AMC secured the show for American distribution. Many of thereviews forNautilushighlight the show’s focus on the anti-Imperialist story of Nemo, the performance of Shazad Latif, and the impressive look and feel of its submarine and other visual effects.
What Nautilus' Positive Rotten Tomatoes Scores Mean For AMC’s New Show
Nautilus Is Clearly More Suited To American Audiences Than European Viewers
WhenNautiluswas originally released to British and Irish viewers, it didn’t make many waves. Only two outlets reviewed the show, and it didn’t seem like many viewers actually tuned in.Nautilus' new Rotten Tomatoes score after debuting in the United States, however, indicates that the show has finally found its target audience. American reviewers and audiences clearly appreciate the show more, whether it’s the sarcastic sense of humor or the over-the-top seafaring sense of adventure. AMC’s style of releasing on cable television and its streaming service, AMC+, may have also helpedNautilusfind the right audience in the U.S.
These review scores could also be tremendous news for the future ofNautilus. The premise of the series - a “monster of the week” style adventure show - has an infinite shelf life.Shazad Latif is also such a magnetic actor in such a legendary role that he alone could essentially sustainNautilusindefinitely. On top of it all, AMC doesn’t have many big hits in its catalog, aside from shows likeThe Walking DeadandDark Winds, so the network may be even more inclined to pick upNautilus' big-budget price tag now that it’s proven to be popular.Nautilusmay have a chance at a second season now.
Our Take On Nautilus' Critical & Popular Appeal In The United States
Nautilus, which is already being compared toPirates of the Caribbean, is a fun show. It has everything, from oceanic adventures to funny side characters and a truly magnetic lead duo in the pairing of Shazad Latif and Georgia Flood.It’s probably never going to win an Emmy, but I’m glad thatNautilushas finally found an audience that appreciates the show for what it is: a fun, sometimes corny but always endearing, time. It isn’t trying to be prestige television - it feels likeBuffy the Vampire Slayerin its heyday - and I’m glad that style of TV is getting another chance to shine withNautilus.
