Netflix gave the green light to “The Umbrella Academy” for its final season. The series, loosely based on the comic book of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, debuted in February on the streaming service to much acclaim. The 10-episode first season was released simultaneously in 190 countries and saw a combination of critical praise and a quick renewal for a second season. Since the premiere of the first season, the series has been adapted in several ways, including an audio drama and a VR experience.
“The Umbrella Academy” follows a dysfunctional family of superheroes who are estranged from one another until their father passes away and they are called back for what is supposed to be his final wish, which ends up bringing the estranged family members closer together.
Cast and Characters of the series
- Elliot Page as Viktor/Vanya Hargreeves
- Tom Hopper as Luther Hargreaves
- David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves
- Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves
- Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves
- Aidan Gallagher as Five Hargreeves
- Mary J. Blige as Cha-Cha
- Cameron Britton as Hazel
- John as Leonard Peabody
- Adam Godley as Phinneus Pogo
- Godley also portrays Pogo
- Justin H. Min as Ben Hargreeves
- Min as Ben Hargreeves
- Ritu Arya as Lila Pitts
- Yusuf Gatewood as Raymond Chestnut
- Marin Ireland as Sissy Cooper
- Kate Walsh as The Handler
- Genesis Rodriguez as Sloane Hargreeves
- Britney as Fei Hargreeves
What Is “The Umbrella Academy”?
The series follows a dysfunctional family of superheroes called “The Umbrella Academy” — Luther, Diego, Allison, Vanya, Klaus, and Number Five. Blackman is the Executive Producer and Way is Showrunner. They executive produce along with Mike Kennedy and Keith Goldberg. Fabrice Gobert directed the premiere and “High Maintenance” co-creator Mike Schur served as Executive Producer. Dave Finkelstein, Roque Delgado, and Kelly McCormick also serve as Executive Producers.
Summary in a Glance
The series begins after the death of billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves and follows his estranged children — Luther, Diego, Allison, and Vanya. Each of them had a different father but shared the same mother, who died in a mysterious fire. As they are gathered together posthumously by their father’s assistant to receive their inheritance, the siblings are forced to rely on one another when it is discovered that they are being hunted down by an entity.
Background of the series
“The Umbrella Academy” was created and written by Gerard Way, who also serves as executive producer, and Jeremy Slater. This series is based on the comic book of the same name, which Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá create. It features a broad range of visuals and narrative styles that hint at the comic book series’ self-referential, absurdist sensibility.
Audience Review of the series
“The Umbrella Academy” has received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently holds a 99% approval rating from critics with an average rating of 7.65 out of 10 based on 23 reviews. The critical consensus reads, “Smart, stylish, and sneakily subversive, The Umbrella Academy’s first season is a fun blend of superhero action and dramedy.”On Metacritic, the series has an average rating of 80 out of 100 based on 12 reviews.
