It’s common for critics and viewers to have different opinions about a new show, particularly in its first season. Shows often need time to develop, and sometimes the story or acting doesn’t quite connect. However, a new thriller on Netflix is an exception. While it’s currently the second most popular show on the platform, there’s a surprisingly large difference between what critics and audiences think – critics give it an 81% rating, while viewers only give it 18%, a gap of 63 points.
Starring Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Weschler, and Patrick Subongui, The Hunting Party begins after an explosion destroys a hidden prison in Wyoming. This prison held the country’s most dangerous serial killers, who are now all on the loose. Former FBI profiler Bex (Roxburgh) is brought back into service, teaming up with soldiers, spies, and agents, to hunt down these criminals and stop them before they strike again. While the show requires some acceptance of unbelievable events, it delivers a tense, intriguing story with complex, realistically flawed characters.
The Critics Might Have Gotten This One Wrong
Shows like The Hunting Party definitely have a bit of a playful, over-the-top quality, and that’s common in similar action-drama series like The Blacklist or The Night Agent. This blend of campiness and serious storylines is often a key ingredient in their success. These shows typically follow a predictable pattern – a new case each week – and aren’t always realistic, but that’s part of their appeal. While some critics, like Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter, might dismiss them as forgettable, many viewers enjoy the comfortable, familiar formula. Just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s bad.
Viewers generally have a much more positive opinion of the series, which is currently airing its second season on NBC. One fan praised the team dynamic, saying they were well-rounded, had great chemistry, and that the lead character, Bex, was strong and intelligent, but realistically flawed and a good team player. While acknowledging the first few episodes were somewhat predictable, the viewer felt the show quickly improved. Another pointed out a tendency for critics – and sometimes audiences – to unfairly compare network television to streaming shows. A third viewer, even admitting the show wasn’t a personal favorite, felt the negative reviews were unwarranted, describing it as well-written, thought-provoking, and enjoyable – ultimately, ‘pretty good’.
It appears The Hunting Party satisfies a long-standing demand for this type of story, but many critics seem to believe a story isn’t valuable unless it’s original or sophisticated. It’s worth noting the series isn’t flawless – it has some pacing and early-storytelling problems, which are common in the first season of most shows.
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2026-03-01 19:40