'Solid' sci-fi show on Netflix 'confidently revives' beloved franchise

In 2024, Netflix dropped the first season of a new live-action series which revived a beloved franchise.

Avatar: The Last Airbender hit the streamer on February 22, 2024, with eight (mostly hour long) episodes in tow. Adapted from Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko’s animated television series on Nickelodeon, Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender brings the legend of Aang to life through cutting edge technology and live-action sequences.

The series was first announced in September 2018, with DiMartino and Konietzko all set to come on board as showrunners and executive producers. However, due to creative differences, the pair detached themselves from the show in June 2020 and Albert Kim was brought on as the showrunner.

Starring an ensemble cast including Gordon Cormier, Lee Paul, Kim Daniel Dae, Liu Dallas, Ousley Ian, Ken Leung, and Kiawentiio, Avatar: The Last Airbender is set in a fictional world where humans are divided into four nations classified according to the the four elements: Air Nomads, Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, and Water Tribes.

Each nation has a few people known as ‘benders’ who can telekinetically manipulate the element of their region. Avatar follows the journey of Aang and the massive responsibility that is endowed upon him.

In a blog post, showrunner Albert Kim spoke about receiving Netflix’s offer to helm the series: “My first thought was, ‘Why? What is there I could do or say with the story that wasn’t done or said in the original?’ But the more I thought about it, the more intrigued I became.

"VFX technology has advanced to the point where a live-action version can not only faithfully translate what had been done in animation — it can bring a rich new visual dimension to a fantastic world. We’ll be able to see bending in a real and visceral way we’ve never seen before.”

With a 62 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Avatar: The Last Airbender received mixed reviews from critics, with one commenting: “It's undeniable that Netflix's adaptation is a reminder of how much we missed the world of Avatar. It's still so much fun, and there's still so much to learn with messages that ring even more true today…”

Another critic felt: “Avatar: The Last Airbender accomplishes a rare feat for a live-action adaptation of an animated series: It brings new people into its world while giving fans of the original more than enough to keep them watching.”

However, one reviewer felt the show never reached its full potential: “The result is a charming but imperfect adaptation that vastly improves upon the 2010 film — but never soars quite as high as the original animated show.”

And while one critic felt: “The Airbender franchise has confidently revived itself; this won’t be the last we see of it,” another wrote: “The live-action adaptation is the antithesis of Hollywood's attempt from years ago. It takes big risks but they all serve the story in an authentic way. Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender realizes a new and faithful take on Nickelodeon's greatest series.”

Avatar: The Last Airbender was nominated for Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie as well as Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour) for its episode Legends at the 2024 Emmy Awards.

The show fared a bit better with audiences, with one viewer writing: “It’s solid entertainment: fast-moving, action-packed, with decent fight scenes and some appealing performances, all done on a generous Netflix budget.”

While another commented: “A fantastic live action adaptation from the anime. Something even die-hards for the original can absolutely appreciate this. Well done! Can’t wait for season 2.”

And one viewer felt: “The most engaging show I've watched in years. I absolutely loved it. Can't wait for the next two seasons. This live action adaptation really does the original justice and has made me fall in love with this world all over again.”

The Netflix show has been renewed for seasons two and three, with the story expected to conclude in the the latter.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is available to stream on Netflix.