User reviews

The majority of the bad reviews are from people who either haven't finished the first episode, or didn't go further than the first. Do yourself a favor, think for yourself, and give things a chance before you listen to the negativity. No, it's not exactly like the books about a younger Nancy Drew. And the generation that the show was actually produced for probably has no idea the books exist, so is that really such a huge deal? The show isn't the best on TV, but the story line does pick up if you give it more than 5 minutes before you make a judgement.

I wrote a 1 star review after the first episode and I was fuming. I hated it all because this wasn't Nancy Drew. Why can't someone just make an authentic Nancy Drew movie or show? It's not hard!!

BUT despite it NOT being OUR Nancy Drew, by itself the show is pretty interesting and enjoyable. I really look forward to it now. Still bitter about it not being Nancy, but I want to see how this show plays out. I want to see how the mystery ends. I don't mind the twists on characters. But someone PLEASE make a real Nancy Drew that we grew up with, in her time period and all.

It seems like a requirement that all teen shows have a sex scene within the first ten minutes. I guess that is to lure in teen viewers and seem cool. This isn't the Nancy Drew from the books. I was hoping for a paranormal drama with a strong and smart female lead.

As you can see, most all of the negative reviews here are from people who've read the Nancy Drew books. As someone who didn't read the books, I came into it with few expectations. Probably Nancy Drew never had sex in the books, and the writers quickly make it clear that 21st century Nancy Drew is not a prude. I don't see much else that is especially edgy, and I'm pretty sure that's what's bothering the older fans. But the show has so far been very good, and is first and foremost a mystery/detective show. There are mild supernatural elements, which I think are really well done. The show doesn't have any political agenda that I can see. So if you take reviews seriously, and are turned off by the number of bad reviews, I'd recommend you give it a try.

I think everyone here is judging this series based on the books first published in the 1930s. The character has gone through many permutations to adapt to changes in society including eliminating some of the racist tropes in the first novels. Nancy Drew is college aged here and yes she is having sex and is sex positive which is so refreshing. I love the Twin Peaks vibe and plot twists where you don't know who has more to hide. The character is much more interesting (Buffy meets Miss Fisher) than her character in the books. I think the cast is also an interesting mix. A complex Nancy Drew for our time with ongoing story lines - not a monster/mystery of the week setup. I really hope this series continues.

Similar to ELEMENTARY w/ Johnny Lee Miller, the pilot episode for the CW's NANCY DREW started out trying a bit too much to shock and vary widely from the original. But from the second episode on, the story and characters are much improved. I grew up with Nancy Drew, enjoyed Pamela Sue Martin as a teen in the 70s, and find this show intriguing as well. The characters are likable and the mystery just keeps evolving. Well done and hope it continues.

Watched the show with a Nancy Drew fan and could barely make it through the first episode. We won't be watching again. Save yourself the time and read the original Nancy Drew books. The CW is simply using the name to draw people in. Unfortunately, the show is a waste of time.

Save your time. Nothing about this show is original or interesting. The lead actress and cast in general is forgettable and there is nothing making me feel anything towards any of the characters. The show overall is as bland as unseasoned chicken, from the acting to the writing to beyond.

.... *Riverdale has entered the chat*

I saw the trailer for this and was intrigued and hopeful. If as good as the trailer, it might have been worth watching. It wasn't. This felt like people that direct MTV videos produced this. It was choppy and everything felt forced. The characters flet unmotivated. This really makes the Hallmark mystery movies look like masterpieces. I did like the lead actress. She is beautiful and did a good job as Nancy but that is not enough. It's a real shame though because I had very high hopes, but no, this is very typical of 21st century dumbed down TV. The average person will probably like it though.

Wow this series impressed me this is coming from a person who read all the Nancy drew books. Nothing like the books but just took the characters names

This show brings all the twists and drama you'll never expect

This show was so awesome! Way better than Riverdale. Can't wait for Season 2!

Why even bother to use the Nancy Drew name? I don't mind that they wanted to modernize it but there is NOTHING resembling Nancy in this pilot nor is this entertaining in any way. If anything, They could have gone for camp. I would have even understood if they made George a lesbian (c'mon, didn't we all think it?) but it's just so dark. Our Nancy was made for roadsters and smart luncheons - not this disgrace.

Hold on Hannah, I'm going to join you!

This show is an amazing mystery and as an avid nancy drew lover, this is a great modern day representation of her! 10/10!

I have been a huge fan of Nancy Drew my whole life, from the books to the video games, and was super excited for this show. It is a modern twist and I love it! I hope it gets renewed for a second season.

This is not the Nancy Drew we might have expected, it isn't about the very young Nancy Drew of old, just like "Riverdale" doesn't have the kids of the old Archie comic books. What The CW has done in most of their shows is present a more mature and darker set of characters and storylines. In this show's case "What might Nancy Drew and her friends be like as young adults?" Admittedly I too was annoyed that the very first episode had her and her boyfriend in bed together, that was unnecessary. But put that fumble aside and the shows are pretty interesting for a TV series.

This is neither a very good show nor a very bad show. It is light entertainment and personally I find it mostly entertaining. I plan to keep watching it, at least this first season. It isn't for everyone but that DOESN'T make it a terrible show. It's just a show!!

Feb 2021 update: While I enjoyed most of the first season I am now officially abandoning the show. It has come to focus almost entirely on the Aglaeca and ways to bring it out and send it away permanently. That mixed in with some soap opera type of relationship stories. To me a good Nancy Drew series, even as a young adult, would be interesting if she pretty much focuses on a different mystery each week.

Bye Nancy, it was fun while it lasted.

July 2023 update: I gave it one more chance, I couldn't even finish the episode it was so boring.

It took a bit for me to warm up to it but once it got going I liked it. I didn't care for Scott Wolf and his acting but Nancy did a great job. Also Need was a bit of a miss but otherwise I will keep watching for now.

Updating a show for present times would be ok, but this wasn't an upgrade, it is a total rewrite. other than Ned who is now called Nick, only the names have remained the same. Nancy's father looks to be about the same as as the rest of the cast. show is geared for young teens, not Nancy Drew fans.

I grew up reading Nancy Drew books from a very young age in the 60s and although I loved the books, I always wanted something more. This series definitely adds more; a Nancy Drew for those of us who like our detectives a little snarky, cynical, and sarcastic. I love the diversity of the cast as well. It also helps with my Veronica Mars fix. It may be too different from the books for some, but not for me.

I think it's kind of interesting and doesn't feel like dragging feet. I've seen 16 ep and I wanna know more. How they just accept ghosts and supernatural is really refreshing. When you spend time watching ep after ep of people denaiyng the same stuff, is super triering and annoying, looking at you Once Upon a time! They're isn't too much teenaiyng shenanigans, 'cos they're like 20 I think. Never read a single Nancy Drew book so I'm not comparing this to that, but Riverdale sucks.

Way too many differences from the original characters. Carolyn Keene would've been so disappointed, like I was and probably all fans. I read every book as a kid. Will never watch another episode. Characters are way too old and none of the characters are as she intended.

Ignore the critical reviews. Yes, this isn't highly sophisticated adult show. But if you just want to enjoy your evening with a bit of mystery and fantastic lead actress, watch the new Nancy Drew! Get some snacks and enjoy the scares!

Nancy Drew series came to an end after the fourth and final season. This teen show followed the same chemistry as all the other CW series and this one was very overrated. The only good thing going for them was the beautiful actors and actresses from Kennedy McMann who played Nancy to Maddison Jaizani and Leah Lewis. The boys included Alex Saxon as Ace, Tunji Kashim, along with Nancy's two fathers Scott Wolf and Riley Smith. Nancy Drew was based on solving mysteries but in this storyline she and her friends came across supernatural elements and creatures. The kids used witchcraft and spells to solve the mysteries. It was a good series but I would not watch it again.

Just give another name for that teen-show. Fans of true Nancy - save ur time - don't wach this show.

Loved this show so far. The mystery is thick and the characters make you wanna cheer for them. You don't want the girl living in a van or the girl in love with an older man or the non judgmental slacker to be the killer but they all have their secrets. Yes, Nancy has sex with nick. She's 18 not 5. They're in a relationship. And you see nothing except a cup fall from a shelf. It's a teen mystery series with a ghost story. It has secrets, clues and jump scares. She does what Nancy has always done she searches for clues, breaks into places for answers, and hatches elaborate schemes.