Dune: Prophecy has a debut Rotten Tomatoes score that is underwhelming in comparison to Denis Villeneuve’s movies, but the prequel still maintains a fresh score regardless. Set 10,000 years before the recent film duology, the upcoming Dune: Prophecy TV show follows Harkonnen sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams), as they establish the first Bene Gesserit sect. The HBO series was developed by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, and is based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Now, the critical reception to Dune: Prophecy has been revealed on Rotten Tomatoes, where the show currently sits at a 74% critics score based on 24 reviews as of writing. The score falls just shy of Villeneuve’s 2021 Dune, which holds an 83%, and is rather far behind Dune: Part Two, which has a 92%. While this score indicates there’s still plenty of enjoyable elements to the series, it’s far from the level of quality as seen in the franchise’s theatrical installments.

What Dune: Prophecy’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Says About The Prequel Show

It’s Underwhelming Compared To Its Predecessors

Reviews for Dune: Prophecy have been mostly positive, many praising the size and scope of the series, even if it lacks the visual flair of Villeneuve’s movies. While the visuals are near-universally praised, some critics were unhappy with its ensemble approach, which made the series feel slower and less mysterious than its predecessors. However, despite a few unfavorable comparisons to Game of Thrones, the show still provides a decent level of intrigue that doesn’t negate the accomplishments of the films.

Even though there are some negative reviews, the majority of positive takeaways from the prequel series indicate the franchise could have a promising future on HBO, as well as on the big screen. With Dune: Part Three already confirmed, adapting Frank Herbert’s sequel novel Dune Messiah, the new show could be just the start of the franchise’s budding expansion. While more critics reviews have yet to come in, these first two dozen are a good sign that the majority opinion will be positive when the series premieres on HBO on Sunday, November 17.

Brian Herbert, Frank Herbert’s son, has also written many other novels set in the Dune universe, following the events of his father’s books.

Our Take On Dune: Prophecy’s Rotten Tomatoes Score

It’s A Decent Sign For The Franchise’s Expanded Future

Even though Dune: Prophecy has lower critical success than its movie predecessors, its fresh score means there’s plenty more positive elements to the series than negative ones. Although some criticisms like a slower pace and less mystery could be a dealbreaker for some, it’s still a strong beginning for a franchise whose success will, inevitably, lead to more movies and shows going forward. With the critics score so positive, it’s only a matter of time before audiences also see the show, and can see if it measures up to what those watching early have said about it.