8.1
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Cadfael fingerprint
Strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Cathartic
- Catharsis7
- Hopefulness6
- Nostalgia6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy1
- Dark Humor1
World
History, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and storytelling
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Cadfael is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances and storytelling
The performances and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
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About
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Movies
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Cadfael
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Cadfael worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 8.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Cadfael rated?
Content advisories: violence.
How many seasons does Cadfael have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 13 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
When did Cadfael air?
It ran from 1994 to 1998 and has ended.
What language is Cadfael in?
It was made in English.
In how many countries can I watch Cadfael?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Cadfael in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Cadfael use?
TV Tropes lists 153 storytelling tropes for Cadfael, including All-Natural Snake Oil, The High Middle Ages, The Fundamentalist.