The first three episodes of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf are now streaming on Prime Video. Starring Taylor Kitsch and Chris Pratt in the lead roles, the series serves as a prequel to The Terminal List, which debuted in 2022.
The original series was a major streaming success for Prime Video. According to Nielsen data, it premiered at No. 3 on the streaming charts, with over 1.1 billion minutes viewed across its eight episodes in its first week. This was a significant achievement, placing it just behind Netflix’s Stranger Things at the time.
Which is why it wouldn’t be surprising if Dark Wolf also emerges as a streaming success. However, when it comes to critical reception, things aren’t looking as promising.
The Terminal List received a highly polarised response from critics upon release, scoring a “rotten” 40% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, it struck a chord with audiences. Will Dark Wolf be able to replicate its predecessor’s success?
Early reactions to Dark Wolf are also mixed. Critics generally praise Taylor Kitsch’s performance, noting that the series finally gives him a deserving spotlight as an action star. His portrayal of Edwards as a morally ambiguous but compelling anti-hero is frequently highlighted.
The prequel is described as a blend of war drama and espionage thriller. While it maintains the gritty realism of the original, it also incorporates spycraft elements.
However, criticism has been directed at the show’s storyline, which some describe as “disjointed.” Several reviewers also find the central character’s motivations less compelling than those of James Reece in the original series. Others feel the prequel struggles to fully justify its existence.
Much like the original, which was divisive among critics but a massive audience hit, early reviews suggest Dark Wolf may follow a similar trajectory. The show is unapologetic in its genre and designed to appeal to fans of old-school action entertainment, an approach that could once again yield strong audience scores.
Check out some of the early reviews for The Terminal List: Dark Wolf below!