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Penny Dreadful

2014·Show
27Episodes in3Seasons·TV-MA
82
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.2Metacritic748.2Rotten Tomatoes91%90%
Episodes
IMDb8.2Metacritic748.2Rotten Tomatoes91%90%
Episodes

Penny Dreadful fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and scary

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension8
  • Scare7
  • Violence6

Heart

Melancholic and moving

  • Melancholy8
  • Pathos7
  • Nostalgia7

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Dark Humor2
  • Satire & Parody1

World

History, the mind, and fantasy

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Novelty6

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and dialogue

  • Direction8
  • Acting8
  • Dialogue Quality8

Style

Standout cinematography, visual style, and score

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography9
  • Visual Stylization9
  • Music Composition8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingGraphic violence bothers you

Find more like it

Suspense showsPsychological showsMelancholic shows

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.

Episode ratings

IMDb rating of every episode, one row per season
SeasonEpisode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4Episode 5Episode 6Episode 7Episode 8Episode 9Episode 10
IMDb rating of every episode, one column per season
Episode
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10

About

Some of literature's most terrifying characters, including Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and iconic figures from the novel Dracula are lurking in the darkest corners of Victorian London. Penny Dreadful is a frightening psychological thriller that weaves together these classic horror origin stories into a new adult drama.
Gothic Horror AnthologyVictorian London AtmosphereLiterary Adaptation MashupPsychological DramaDark & Melancholic ToneSupernatural MysteryTheatrical DialogueAtmospheric Sound DesignVisually Rich CinematographyTragic Character Arcs

Crew

Directed by:
Damon Thomas, James Hawes, Brian Kirk
Written by:
John Logan, Krysty Wilson-Cairns, Andrew Hinderaker
Produced by:
Morgan O'Sullivan, James Flynn, Sheila Hockin
Composed by:
Abel Korzeniowski

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Penny Dreadful

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Penny Dreadful legally?

fuboTVParamount+Spectrum On Demand

Penny Dreadful is included with a subscription to fuboTV, Paramount+, and Spectrum On Demand in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Penny Dreadful worth watching?

82
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.2, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 74). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Penny Dreadful rated?

TV-MAViolenceSexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagery

It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.

How many seasons does Penny Dreadful have?

3 seasons

It has 3 seasons with 27 episodes of about 60 minutes each.

Do critics and audiences agree on Penny Dreadful?

Critics83
Audiences85

Yes. Critics average 83 and audiences 85 out of 100, so both groups see Penny Dreadful much the same way.

When did Penny Dreadful air?

It ran from 2014 to 2016 and has ended.

What language is Penny Dreadful in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States, United Kingdom, Spain.

In how many countries can I watch Penny Dreadful?

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GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Penny Dreadful in 64 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Penny Dreadful use?

Weirdness CensorEveryone Went to School TogetherAmnesiacs Are InnocentDeadpan SnarkerMilking the Giant CowThe BaronessA Form You Are Comfortable WithMeaningful EchoPossession LevitationDamsel in DistressKukris are KoolDoes This Remind You of Anything?and 351 more

TV Tropes lists 363 storytelling tropes for Penny Dreadful, including Weirdness Censor, Everyone Went to School Together, Amnesiacs Are Innocent.