Twisted Metal Sets New Record Among Peacock’s Original Projects
Despite initial skepticism from fans, the TV adaptation of iconic video game series proved to be a worthy endeavor.
When it was announced that Twisted Metal, a vehicular combat video game series, would be getting its own TV adaptation starring Anthony Mackie, fans were a bit skeptical.
Some felt that it was impossible to capture the insane spirit of the games in live action, others felt that the TV format was wrong and that Twisted Metal should have been a movie.
There were also people who had problems with Mackie's character, John Doe, as he was invented specifically for the series and such additions rarely work in video game adaptations.
However, it seems that the series has exceeded all expectations, as despite the mixed reviews from critics, fans have given it a much warmer reception.
Moreover, according to NBCUniversal, it even managed to set a record among other Peacock projects.
Twisted Metal became the most continuously binge-watched comedy in the history of the streaming service, with viewers averaging three episodes at a time, and some even binging the entire series in one sitting.
While official viewership numbers have yet to be released, according to Nielsen, the show racked up 400 million minutes in its debut weekend, making it a pretty impressive result.
Fans are more than happy to be proven wrong about their initial suspicions, as the fact that Twisted Metal of all things got a good adaptation is an unexpected but completely welcome surprise.
They say it's a great R-rated comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously, but still has some pretty well developed characters and great action.
While it doesn't have crazy twists, meticulous world-building, or dark and troubled anti-heroes, Twisted Metal is just plain fun, so it's no wonder that many viewers were glued to their screens and binge-watched the entire series.
Fans also praise the portrayal of Sweet Tooth, a killer clown who is one of the characters from the original games.
He is played by Samoa Joe and voiced by Will Arnett, with both actors absolutely nailing the character, making him funny, likable, and terrifying all at the same time.
The second season of the series hasn't been confirmed yet, but with such great results, Twisted Metal has a good chance of getting it.
Sources: NBCUniversal via Deadline, Reddit