Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender finally arrived in February 2024, and it’s now been renewed for a second season. Based on the animated series of the same name, Avatar: The Last Airbender follows a boy named Aang who is the Avatar, the prophesied being who must master all four elements to defeat the Fire Nation and save the world.
The original 2005 animated series is one of the most beloved series of the 2000s, and Netflix’s adaptation had huge shoes to fill, especially after the failure of the 2010 film.
Perhaps one of the most hyped Netflix original series of all time, Avatar: The Last Airbender debuted to mixed reviews. While the show’s visuals were praised by nearly every major critic, outlets like Variety called it a “beautifully crafted disappointment.” While the initial reaction was somewhat harsh and polarizing, audience reception will ultimately decide Avatar’s fate.
Many streaming-exclusive series have poor critical success, but ultimately survive because they build a large fan base. Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is just the beginning of Aang’s epic journey.