Summary

Paramount+ offers free viewing of
Knuckles
pilot, engaging potential subscribers before official premiere.
Idris Elba leads the action-adventure series, reintroduces familiar faces, meets new allies in Sonic spin-off.

Knuckles
series garners critical acclaim, promises depth, humor, and nostalgia, surpassing Sonic film ratings.

Paramount+ has made the first episode of the Knuckles series available for free viewing on its official YouTube channel. This strategic move allows potential subscribers a chance to sample the series before committing financially. Watch the episode here.

The streaming service released its latest offering as the first official spin-off from the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise. The premiere episode of Knuckles reintroduces familiar faces and also welcomes notable guest stars including Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, and Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski.

Knuckles Knuckles is a spin-off of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise created for Paramount+. Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles the Echidna in the action-adventure series, and the show will follow him on a new adventure as he meets new allies and faces new foes.Release Date October 12, 2023 Studio Original Film, Paramount Pictures, Sega Sammy Group

Knuckles’ pilot episode does much of the heavy lifting in terms of laying the groundwork for upcoming storylines and bridges the narrative gap left by Sonic the Hedgehog 2. After transitioning from foe to friend in the previous film, Knuckles, now living with the Wachowski family, experiences the typical misadventures of a newcomer adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings and social mores.

The episode cleverly touches the themes of adaptation and alliance, enriching the viewer’s understanding of Knuckles’ character beyond his role in the ensemble. The inclusion of his new earthly family provides a comedic look at his attempts to assimilate and make sense of human customs.

Knuckles Makes a Strong Impact with Idris Elba at the Helm

Knuckles series delivered a robust debut on Paramount+, positioning it as one of the top offerings within the service, according to initial critical responses. The series is led by Idris Elba, who has reprised his role from the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie. Knuckles was able to entertain the traditional fan base and also garner a commendable approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes at its outset.

This new series breaks away from its predecessors by honing in on the storyline and character depth that seemed only touched upon in the films. Knuckles capitalizes on the foundation laid in 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog and its 2022 sequel, which introduced Knuckles alongside Tails. The films were well-received with respectable scores of 63% and 69% respectively, but Knuckles has already surpassed these, which suggests a strongly positive reaction from both critics and the fans.

The series does not shy away from delivering a mix of nostalgia and fresh adventures. Set two years after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, it explores more personal stakes and the complexity of Knuckles as he faces new challenges. This depth is achieved without sacrificing the fast-paced action and comical humor that fans expect from Sonic’s world.

2:14 Related What to Expect From the Knuckles TV Series Knuckles will glide his way to Paramount+ this year. Here is all the information on the upcoming series, plus the most probable plot lines.

Critics have pointed out that while the series isn’t without its flaws, it presents a heartwarming story filled with numerous references and Easter eggs that will delight the long-time followers of the Sonic saga. Sarah Bea Milner from Inverse said:

There’s a comforting familiarity to the family-friendly clowning, pratfalls, and visual gags, but that nostalgic comfort comes at the cost of establishing its own clear identity: Knuckles is, at times, derivative.

While Marc Deschamps from ComicBook said:

What could have been a drawn-out movie with a lower budget is instead an absurdly hilarious adventure that adds more depth to a pair of established characters.

Moreover, the series’ debut was highly anticipated, evident from the record-breaking viewership of its first trailer on Paramount+. Within just 24 hours of release, the trailer amassed over four million views, setting a new record for the streaming service and highlighting the significant interest and high expectations surrounding this latest entry.