Series Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a must watch
When I heard Disney+ was creating a new Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, I couldn’t wait to watch it. Like most fans, when I found out that the author of the book series, Rick Riordian, was involved I was curious to see what Disney would create and how it would be different from the movie series. Riordian, along with Jonathan E. Steinberg, adapted the book series for Disney+, and released the first season on December 19, 2023. Recently, my family and I watched the series, and I have to say, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a must-watch. Read on for my spoiler-free review of this fantastic series!
What is Percy Jackson and the Olympians about?
Percy Jackson and the Olympians focuses on twelve-year-old Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), who finds out that he is actually a demigod (half god and half human). Not only is he a demigod, but Percy discovers the Greek gods are real, and he has magical powers. A lot to handle, right? On top of it, Percy learns that Zeus thinks that he stole his lightning bolt, and if he doesn’t get it back, he is going to blame Poseidon and start a war. Percy, along with his friends, Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri), race to find the lightning across the country, but their journey is nothing trouble.
What did Chasing Pixies think?
Fans of the book will be very pleased with this series. The show stays very faithful to the book, and I think fans of the series will be happy with this adaptation. My teenage son (who read the series multiple times said it was a fantastic show, and for a teenager, I thought that was a stellar review. He especially really liked the names of each episode (mirroring chapter names from the book). In addition, for those of us who haven’t read the book, the story is easy to follow. Plus having watched the series, I now want to read the books.
There are a few times where being somewhat familiar with Greek mythology is helpful, but not necessary. Several Greek myths are part of Percy’s quest. In my opinion, the characters do a good job explaining any background information you might need to know in order to understand what is going on.
Additionally, the acting on the series is well done. We all liked the casting of the characters. It was nice to see Percy played by a younger actor (Walker Scobell), especially since Percy is supposed to be 12 years old. Compared to the movies, this was a welcome change. Also, I love the actress playing Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries). Jeffries does a wonderful job with the role and really stands out among the cast. There are also several cameos, including Lin Manuel-Miranda, Edge aka Adam Copeland, and more.
On top of that, the CGI on the show is very impressive. Without giving anything away, the special effects in a world of gods, minotaurs, satyrs, nymphs, and more is amazing. The CGI is especially stunning during some of the battle scenes on Percy’s quest. You the viewer absolutely feel that these mythical creatures are there in the scene, and there’s nothing that takes away your suspension of belief.
My whole family loved watching it together and can’t wait for season two (the series was renewed for season 2 in February 2024). Percy Jackson and the Olympians is available for streaming on Disney+. It is definitely a must watch and I highly recommend checking out this series. Still not sold? Check out the trailer below!
