MGM+ launched its limited series adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic "Treasure Island" on October 11, 2026, with a six-episode run set to conclude on November 15. The show boasts a notable cast including David Oyelowo as Long John Silver, Hayley Atwell as Bess Hawkins, Tomer Capone as Billy Bones, and Jack Huston in a new role. Directed by Jeremy Lovering, William McGregor, and Paul Walker, the period adventure drama takes major creative liberties, most notably reimagining Long John Silver as a Black former enslaved person, and elevating Bess Hawkins to a central protagonist alongside her son Jim, who possesses an eidetic memory.

The premiere episode, titled "The Admiral Benbow," establishes a fresh dynamic with Bess running an inn and hustling patrons with a biblical recitation challenge featuring Jim. This plot device connects to later events when Bess destroys the physical treasure map after Jim memorizes it, effectively turning him into a human map. Atwell’s portrayal of Bess is praised for bringing depth to this new lead, but questions remain about how Jim’s coming-of-age narrative will unfold with his protective mother present, possibly altering the classic adventurous tone.

While Oyelowo’s Long John Silver is described as menacing and compelling, the episode’s quick narrative shifts have drawn some criticism. Billy Bones, traditionally a key mysterious figure, is killed off early and Silver’s true nature as a pirate is revealed prematurely to Jim and Bess, diverging from the novel’s slow-building tension. Additionally, the amalgamation of the characters Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney into a villainous figure departs from the original story’s dynamics, complicating familiar relationships that fans expect.

Despite mixed reviews and some pacing concerns in this opening episode, the adaptation’s strong production values and tight episode count suggest potential for a gripping pirate adventure. The show pushes boundaries by offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic, and the coming weeks will reveal whether this bold approach can capture the spirit of Stevenson’s novel while engaging a modern audience. Fans of pirate tales and period dramas may find enjoyment, even with the significant alterations to the source material.