Most Review Bombed TV Shows Of All Time

Some TV shows spark fierce debates, drawing crowds of viewers who flood rating platforms with low scores, often for reasons beyond the show’s quality. This phenomenon, known as review bombing, can tank a show’s reputation, driven by everything from casting choices to plot twists or cultural gripes.

I’ve scoured data from platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes to pinpoint the shows that faced the most intense backlash. Here are the 10 most review-bombed TV shows of all time, ranked from the least to the most heavily targeted, based on audience scores and the scale of negative feedback.

Velma (2023-2024)

This animated ‘Scooby-Doo’ reimagining, with Mindy Kaling voicing Velma, aimed for a modern, adult-oriented spin with edgy humor and diverse casting. Many viewers felt it strayed too far from the classic series, leading to a flood of negative reviews.

I was disappointed by how it lost the original’s charm, replacing it with forced jokes. With a 39% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the backlash centered on lore changes and tone, making it a lightning rod for criticism.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022-2023)

This revival of ‘The Proud Family,’ featuring Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, updated the animated series for a new generation. Complaints about modernized themes and changes to the original’s vibe sparked a wave of low ratings.

I found the updates jarring, clashing with the nostalgic feel fans loved. Its IMDb score of 3.1 reflects the intense reaction, with viewers calling out shifts in tone, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.

The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022)

This prequel to ‘The Witcher,’ starring Michelle Yeoh, explored the origins of the fantasy world with new characters. Fans of the books and main series were upset over changes to established lore, fueling a barrage of negative reviews.

I felt the show lacked the depth of the original, and the backlash was fierce. With a 33% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the criticism focused on deviations from source material, making it a divisive spin-off.

Ironheart (2025)

This Marvel series, led by Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, follows a young inventor building an Iron Man-like suit. Before its Disney+ debut, it faced pre-release review bombing, largely targeting its Black female lead.

I enjoyed Riri’s energy, but the hate felt unfair. Its IMDb score hit 4.3 with over 50% one-star votes, though fans later pushed it to a 71% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showing a split in reception.

The Boys (2019-2025)

This superhero satire, starring Karl Urban and Antony Starr, took a sharp turn in its fourth season with heavier political commentary. Some viewers rejected the shift, flooding Rotten Tomatoes with low scores.

I liked the show’s edge, but the new tone didn’t click for everyone. Despite critical praise, its audience score dropped to 49%, with complaints about perceived ‘woke’ elements driving the backlash.

Hawkeye (2021)

This Marvel series pairs Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton with Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop in a holiday-themed adventure. One-star reviews on IMDb targeted its lighter tone and female co-lead, pulling its score to 7.4.

I found the chemistry fun, but the hate seemed overblown. Despite a warm critical reception, the review bombing reflected frustration with its style, though fans later countered with positive ratings.

Echo (2024)

Centered on Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez, a deaf Native American hero, this gritty ‘Hawkeye’ spin-off faced backlash for its slower pace and diverse lead. Low scores hit Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb hard.

I appreciated its unique vibe, but the bombing felt harsh. With a 59% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.0 on IMDb, the criticism often ignored the show’s strong character focus.

Ms. Marvel (2022)

This Marvel show, starring Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, celebrates a Pakistani-American teen superhero. Pre-release one-star reviews on IMDb, dropping it to 6.2, attacked its Muslim lead and vibrant tone.

I loved Kamala’s charm, but the backlash was intense. Despite a 98% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, the bombing targeted cultural elements, though the show won over many fans.

The Last of Us (2023-2025)

This HBO hit, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, adapted the beloved video game. Season 1’s ‘Long, Long Time’ episode, focusing on a gay relationship, and Season 2’s queer storyline drew heavy review bombing.

I found the storytelling powerful, but some viewers lashed out. With 28% one-star reviews for Episode 3 on IMDb and a 47% Rotten Tomatoes audience score for Season 2, the backlash centered on representation.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022-2025)

This ‘Lord of the Rings’ prequel, featuring Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir, faced massive review bombing on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Amazon. Criticism targeted its diverse casting, especially the Puerto Rican elf, with some reviews veering into overt bias.

I enjoyed the epic scope, but the hate was relentless. Amazon suspended reviews due to the flood of low scores, yet the show’s 83% Rotten Tomatoes critic score shows its quality was divisive.

Which show’s backlash surprised you the most, or is there another review-bombed series I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!