Robin Hood

The tale of Robin Hood has been told dozens of times. The latest is a drama series from showrunner John Glenn and co-written by Johnathan English (who also serves as a director) for MGM+. Part origin story, part historical epic, this retelling of the familiar folktale mixes things up in intriguing ways. However, its narrative focus on revenge and star-crossed lovers isn’t anything that viewers haven’t seen before.

Set at the end of the 12^th century, when Henry II was still on the throne, the show depicts medieval England as a place where the Norman rulers persecute the Saxon population. This includes former Saxon noble Hugh Loxley (Tom Mison), whose estate was taken over by the Earl of Huntingdon (Steven Wadington), forcing Loxley and his family to live in a small cabin within Sherwood Forest, where he’s given the position of a Royal Forester. Everything changes when he’s arrested by the Sheriff (Sean Bean) and hanged, leaving his son, Rob (Jack Patton), eager for revenge. Further complicating matters, he and Huntingdon’s daughter, Marian (Lauren McQueen), have ignited a romance.

Combining action, romance, political intrigue, and even aspects of folklore, this Robin Hood is an ambitious undertaking that expands upon the legend while grounding it within a setting that aims for something close to historical realism. While its impressive production values help bring its world to life, it’s the Norman-Saxon conflict that proves to be the series’s most interesting aspect. In addition to adding more depth to the plot, its inclusion also allows the script to further explore the era, with viewers getting glimpses of Norman politics and traditional Anglo-Saxon ceremonies.

Patton and McQueen are well cast in their respective roles, but the chemistry between them is lacking. This is partly due to the speed at which the plot moves forward. There’s so much information and setup crammed into the opening episodes, that there’s hardly any time afforded to developing their connection. After an initial childhood meeting and a fling in the forest during a reunion years later, the script already expects audiences to be fully invested in their forbidden love when Marian is sent into the service of Eleanor of Aquitaine (Connie Neilson).

While Robin Hood doesn’t revolutionise the TV drama, it’s well-realised setting and thoughtful approach to the source material is enough of a reason for viewers to revisit this classic tale.

Andrew Murray

Robin Hood is released on MGM+ on 2^nd November 2025.

Watch the trailer for Robin Hood here: