For years, fans of swashbuckling cinema have been searching for the next great pirate saga to fill the void left by Pirates of the Caribbean. While that iconic franchise may have sailed into the sunset, a new series has dropped anchor on Prime Video that promises to deliver the same blend of high-seas thrills, cunning characters, and treacherous quests. Treasure Island, a six-part adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless novel, premiered on MGM+ on October 11, 2026, and is now available for streaming.
A Familiar Tale with a Fresh Twist
Stevenson's classic story of buried treasure and mutiny gets a modern makeover in this series. While it stays true to the broad strokes of the novel, it introduces a significant new dynamic: the character of Bess Hawkins, Jim's mother, is elevated to a central role. Played by Hayley Atwell, Bess is not just a worried parent but a cunning strategist who matches wits with the seasoned rogues aboard the ship. Her presence adds a fresh layer of intrigue and shifts the power dynamics in unexpected ways.
The plot follows young Jim Hawkins (Tom Sweet), who possesses a photographic memory that makes him the only one who knows the location of Captain Flint's fabled treasure. Caught between his mother's protective instincts and the manipulative charms of the ship's cook, Long John Silver (David Oyelowo), Jim must navigate a web of lies and shifting allegiances. The series wastes no time establishing the moral ambiguity of its characters, as Jim and Bess have already witnessed Silver's ruthlessness before they even set sail.
A Stellar Cast and Ambitious Production
David Oyelowo brings a magnetic menace to Long John Silver, making him both terrifying and oddly sympathetic. Hayley Atwell is equally compelling as Bess, a woman who can hold her own in a world dominated by men. Jack Huston rounds out the lead trio as Aaron Graham, a merchant whose motives remain unclear. The production values are impressive, with sweeping shots of the open sea and claustrophobic interiors that heighten the tension.
The series has drawn inevitable comparisons to Pirates of the Caribbean, and it certainly captures that spirit of adventure. However, it also shares DNA with shows like Black Sails, offering a grittier, more grounded take on pirate life. For those who enjoy Prime Video's best binge-worthy series, this could be a worthy addition to the queue.
Mixed Reviews from Critics
Despite its ambition, Treasure Island has received a lukewarm reception from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently holds a dismal 11% approval rating. Critics have praised the cast and production but criticized the pacing and execution. One review noted that the show "shows admirable ambition" but suffers from a "flat and repetitive" script. Another critic remarked that it "plays it all so straight-down-the-line it can feel a bit flat, at least whenever Long John Silver isn't around."
In a more balanced review from Collider, Charlie Ridgely highlighted the series' strengths, including its "fantastic cast, savvy production, and intriguing story." However, he also pointed out that the momentum stalls once the crew reaches land, and the mystery fails to escalate. This mixed bag of opinions suggests that Treasure Island may not be a must-watch, but it offers enough intrigue for fans of the genre.
Should You Set Sail?
If you're a die-hard fan of Pirates of the Caribbean and are craving more nautical escapades, Treasure Island is worth a look. The performances alone are worth the price of admission, and the series' fresh take on a classic story provides plenty of talking points. While it may not reach the heights of its cinematic predecessor, it's an ambitious effort that could satisfy your pirate itch. And with Prime Video's growing library of epic adventures, there's no shortage of options for your next streaming session.
So, hoist the sails and give Treasure Island a chance. It might not be buried treasure, but it's a solid adventure that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
