For fans of gothic horror, steampunk aesthetics, and supernatural procedurals, there is a specific itch that only a few shows can scratch. Recently, while browsing for something atmospheric to dive into, I just discovered that it has arrived on Netflix—allowing a new global audience to rediscover the 2015 ITV reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale.
But in an era of "peak TV," the big question remains: Is the 2015 Jekyll and Hyde actually worth watching, or should it stay buried in the Victorian fog?
What is Jekyll and Hyde (2015) About?
Created by Charlie Higson, this 10-episode series isn't a direct adaptation. Instead, it’s set in 1930s London and follows Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original doctor. Young Robert is a sensitive, naive man living in British Ceylon who travels to London to uncover his family history.
He soon discovers he has inherited "the curse." When he loses control, he transforms into Hyde—a super-strong, charismatic, and dangerously impulsive version of himself. The show leans heavily into the "Monster-of-the-Week" format, featuring a secret government organization (MIO) and an underworld of monsters known as the Tenebrae.
What Do the Critics and Fans Say? (Scores & Ratings)
The reception for Jekyll and Hyde has always been a bit of a mixed bag, which is typical for genre-bending shows.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The series holds a respectable often-fluctuating audience score around 70%, though critical reviews at the time of release were polarized. Some praised its ambition, while others found the tone inconsistent.
- IMDb: It maintains a solid 7.0/10, indicating that the average viewer finds it "good but not ground-breaking."
- Reddit Consensus: On subreddits like
r/televisionandr/BritishTV, the show is frequently cited as a "gone too soon" cult favorite. One user noted: "It’s like a darker, more violent version of Doctor Who or Primeval. It didn’t deserve to be canceled after one season."
Illustration from Gemini.
Viewer Quotes:
"The production design is incredible. It feels like a comic book brought to life with a dark, grimy 1930s filter." — Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes
"Tom Bateman’s performance as Hyde is the highlight. He’s genuinely menacing but also looks like he’s having the time of his life." — Fan comment on Reddit
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Based on online sentiment, the assumption is that Jekyll and Hyde is a must-watch for a specific type of viewer. If you enjoy "Urban Fantasy" (think Penny Dreadful but less depressing, or Grimm), you will likely find a lot to love here. The show is stylish, the action is decent, and the lore building is surprisingly deep. However, if you are looking for a high-brow, psychological exploration of the human condition, you might find the "monster-fighting" aspect a bit too campy.
The "15-Minute Rule"
It is easy to get bogged down in Rotten Tomatoes scores or IMDb rankings. However, I’ve found that some of my absolute favorite movies and TV series have terrible critical scores. Ratings often miss the "vibe" or the "fun factor" that makes a show clickable.
Because taste is entirely subjective, the best approach is the 15-minute rule. Fire up the first episode on Netflix, give it a quarter of an hour to establish its world, and see if the atmosphere grabs you. If you aren't hooked by the time Tom Bateman starts showing Jekyll’s darker side, it might not be for you. But if you're looking for a stylish, monster-filled romp through a stylized London, you might just find your new favorite binge-watch.
Have you watched Jekyll and Hyde? Let us know your rating in the comments!