When I finished watching Dune: Prophecy, I was buzzing with excitement. The sets, the acting, the story—it all felt so immersive. Naturally, I thought the internet would be filled with praise for the show. But nope, I was shocked to see the low ratings everywhere! How could something this good not be appreciated?
My partner and I binged it together, and we were hooked from start to finish. It felt like such a solid addition to the Dune universe. So, I went online expecting to find people raving about it, but instead, I found disappointment, negativity, and even a lack of fan communities discussing the show. I mean, come on, am I the only one who enjoyed this?
I started wondering if my love for Dune was clouding my judgment. I’ve been a fan for years—I’ve read most of the books, loved the recent movies, and couldn’t wait to dive into this series. Maybe that’s why I saw it differently. But honestly, it wasn’t just nostalgia. The show truly captured the essence of what makes Dune special: the epic storytelling, the rich world-building, and the depth of its characters.
What People Are Missing
One of the things I’ve noticed is that a lot of criticism comes from expectations. People were comparing this show to Game of Thrones or even the Dune movies, but it’s unfair to pit them against each other. For me, Dune: Prophecy stood out as its own thing. It didn’t need to mimic anything else.
The mystery surrounding Desmond Hart? Brilliant. The sets and costumes? Stunning. The acting? More hits than misses, for sure. Yes, it wasn’t perfect, but for a six-episode season, it packed a punch.
Short Seasons—A Growing Frustration
Okay, let’s talk about the one thing that did bother me: six episodes just don’t cut it! Why are so many shows these days so short? I’m not asking for the old-school 20-episode seasons, but at least give us 10 or 12. Six episodes feel like a tease. You barely get into the groove, and then it’s over.
I think a slightly longer season would’ve allowed the show to explore subplots more deeply and flesh out the characters even better. Still, with what they had, I think they did a great job of telling a story worthy of the Dune name.
Why the Hate?
Before watching, I made the mistake of reading reviews and Reddit threads. The negativity had me lowering my expectations. But you know what? That might’ve actually worked in my favor because I went in with an open mind and found myself loving it.
Maybe people expected too much or wanted it to stick closer to the original books. But here’s the thing: adaptations are never going to please everyone. They’re a reimagining, not a carbon copy. And for me, Dune: Prophecy balanced respecting the source material while carving out its own identity.
Looking Ahead to Season 2
Despite the low ratings, I genuinely hope we get a second season. The foundation is there, and with a bit of tweaking, the show could really shine. If they build on what worked—like the intrigue around Desmond Hart—and address some of the criticisms, I think the audience will come around.
HBO seems to be searching for their next big hit, and while Dune: Prophecy might not be the next Game of Thrones, it has its own charm and potential.
As a long-time Dune fan, I can confidently say this series deserves more love. It’s not just about epic battles or political intrigue—it’s about the atmosphere, the characters, and the storytelling. And for me, Dune: Prophecy delivered on those fronts.
So, if you’re on the fence about watching it, give it a shot. Maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself wondering why the ratings are so low because honestly, this show is fantastic.
