User Reviews

You'll have to watch and see/ This clever parody/ Broadcast by ABC--/ It's Galavant.

Filled with addictive tunes,/ A hero hunk who croons--/ Just like in Disney toons--/ It's Galavant.

Can he rescue her--the greatest gesture?/ Does she want more than a jester?/

He must scale the castle walls/ (if he still has the balls)./ Will fanfare fill the halls/ For Galavant?

Can Isabella's fire/ Urge him to reacquire/ The fairest in the shire?/ Or shall his true desire/ Turn out to be the squire?/ Watch Galavant!

Update 1/12/15:

I've come to realize/This show is quite the prize,/Can hardly keep my eyes/ From Galavant.

I must increase my vote./ The first-blush score I wrote/ Did not allow the jokes/ In Galavant/

Are relentless comic witticisms/ Fueled by shrewd anachronisms,/

So I'm giving it an 8--/ Which might yet escalate/ If future shows are great,/ Of Galavant!

Stumbled on this show and was surprised to find what looks like a gem in the rough. Mainstream TV (ABC< CBS and ABC) has been lagging as of late.Good mix of: Monty Python, South Park, Men in Tights (Mel Brooks TV Show from the 70's) and Glee (in medieval times) I was surprised to find no one from Monty Python was involved with this show. So many things remind me of Holy Grail and so on. If this was a cartoon, the Boys at Southpark would have a field day. I'm looking forward to see how this story line plays out and if and who shows up as guest stars. The songs are catchy, a story that's funny and pretty girls. What more do you want?

Galavant is your standard Prince Charming type, who embarks on a quest to reclaim his "one true love" Madalena from the clutches of the evil King Richard. The thing is, Richard isn't really evil, he's merely a petulant man-child, and Madalena immediately tilted "pretty sharply bitchward" when presented with wealth and power. It's evident from the very first episode that Gal's REAL true love is strong-willed Princess Isabella, who's blackmailed into leading him into a trap... though there are plenty of twists, turns and surprises along the way.

There's never been anything remotely like "Galavant" on TV before, and there most likely never will be again. Comparisons to things like "The Princess Bride," "Monty Python," "When Things Were Rotten" and "Wizards and Warriors" are rampant... but none of those were full-blown musicals with music by Disney legend Alan Menken. Every episode features at least two big musical numbers and a short reprise, running the gamut of musical styles and with utterly demented lyrics by Glenn Slater. And on top of the infectiously zany music, there are running gags, inside-jokes and intentional anachronisms galore - plus the characters routinely take a sledgehammer to the fourth wall.

Although it's called "Galavant," it's an ensemble and the namesake is the least interesting character on the show (which is pretty typical of Prince Charming types). The big breakout star is Timothy Omundson as King Richard - the man routinely upstages costars with his impeccable comic delivery and cartoonish facial expressions - and thankfully the writers recognized the power of his performance and readjusted their initial vision of the character in a believable way. Mallory Jansen revels in portraying evil Queen Madalena, Karen David is literally pitch-perfect as constantly-flustered Princess Isabella, Darren Evans and Sophie McShera are utterly delightful as the dour peasant chef and handmaiden, and Vinnie Jones gives a surprisingly multi-dimensional performance as King Richard's henchman (and who would've guessed he could sing?!). There are too many other secondary, minor and recurring characters to list, but suffice it to say there's not a weak link in the chain.

The songs were a little stronger in the first season but the story was a tad unfocused, the jokes were hit-and-miss and it ended on a very sour cliffhanger. The show seemed destined to fall into TV oblivion but in a move that surprised everyone, ABC renewed it for a second season... and that's when everything really came together. For their second outing, the story was more concise, the writers injected it with an overwhelming amount of heart, the jokes were as rapid-fire as a machine gun, there were ginormous character arcs to be had for most everyone, and it all came together in a wholly-satisfying-but-open-ended conclusion. Unfortunately, the ratings went even more dire than they'd been in the first season.

I don't know exactly what the future holds for "Galavant" on television, but it was an instant cult-classic and I can pretty much guarantee its popularity is going to snowball. Critics and fans loved it (season 2 attained an unheard-of perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes), plans are being made for a Broadway adaptation, and I could totally see it being spun-off into a theatrical feature film. It's rare for any production to be struck by magic, but this little show got it in spades.

I came on here to see how Galavant was being received and to be honest I am quite shocked... there seems to be negativity and the positivity towards the show seems to be bunked down by people not finding the reviews helpful.

I understand Galavant isn't for everyone, it's crude, it has curse words, the characters can be mean spirited, but if you know what Galavant is really a love letter to, it makes perfect sense I love the songs, they're really well done, Alan Menken does a superb job with the scores and the lyrics are from the guy who did the Lyrics for Tangled, so no wonder they're so catchy.

Galavant is a story that in one hand is a satire and a wonderful comedy and on the other has some actually emotional moments if you care enough to see them. And yeah, I get it if it isn't for you, and I understand if it turns you off. However, it doesn't to me. Galavant is something right up my alley. I appreciate what they're doing. If you don't then that's fine. But some of the harsh criticism I've seen sees a little extreme. One Star reviews especially.

Yeah the comedy is lewd and not for everyone, but for people who appreciate musicals, some good comedy, and the classics like Monty Python and The Princess Bride, this is a show for you, and I will be continuing on. It definitely doesn't deserve one star reviews, that's for sure... even if you aren't a fan, there is FAR worse out there to me.

OK, so it helps if you get the broad English sense of humour (which unlike our sensitive US cousins we certainly do not consider unfit for children!), have a working knowledge of classic British serials like Robin Hood and Ivanhoe, and love a good musical with clever rhymes and much double entendre (which clearly some of the reviewers who've completely failed to get to grips with this magnificent show do not!) but how can anybody not love this? Ever since Buffy did the musical episode we've been crying out for something like this and it has so been worth the wait. The casting is spot on with Timothy Omundson's turn as King Richard a real joy, Mallory Jansen's Madalena pitched perfectly as the queen whom there is no pleasing, and Vinnie Jones natural comic touch ideal for the henchman Gareth, while Joshua Sasse has the lead as half hero, half buffoon very nicely tuned. Add in some truly marvellous wry songs like "Maybe You're Not The Worst Thing Ever" and you have a hit, a palpable hit. I have no hesitation at all in saying that this is far and away the best new show we've had in ages!

I AM A USER,AND BEING A USER MY REVIEW WILL BE STRAIGHTFORWARD.

Galavant is musical comedy based on the character Sir Galavant (Joshua Sasse).

Galavant has a very decent budget, providing good locations in what seems to be a castle infested land, as well a great supporting cast. Galavant doesn't use the same fairy-tale plot crutches that have become common place. Nor does it take it's self serious, always providing a light atmosphere while subtly making fun of the stereotypical characters that fill this genre.

Overall this is an original plot, offering the perfect blend of musical to comedy.The characters flow very nicely together as well as with the supporting cast.

If I were to compare this to any existing shows I would say. Princess Bride with Black Adder and a splash of Holy Grail.

I think that this show is so well done! The editing is fantastic and music is phenomenal. It is such an entertaining show and am sure that it will only get better with the large amount of guest stars. Every character is strong and the actors in it are incredible. I am telling you to please please please watch this show.

I cannot wait to see the new episodes and think the costumes are incredible. I think that the king, will be nominated for an Emmy, because of this show. The cook is also very funny. Most of all, who can resist the attractiveness of Galavant. Please watch this show, I can guarantee you that you will not regret it.

The music along raises Galavant from an 8/10 to a 9/10. This gallivanting musical features original songs by Alan Menken (Disney's Lion King) and Christopher Lennertz, and are so wonderful I had to buy the soundtrack because they're just so catchy! I'm a person who appreciates musicals, but isn't always in the mood, so I was pleasantly surprised with the way Galavant handle the singing-versus-dialogue dilemma. Amazingly, the singing was handled in a way that really balanced the show; the plot kept moving and there are enough songs in each episode without being over-the-top or annoying. I never shouted, "Get on with it!" or, "Stop singing!" at the screen.

The characters and almost-slapstick humor are what got me to keep watching the show after the first episode. I honestly didn't think I'd like it as much as I do. As it stands, I have currently seen the entire series three times, and I still laugh at the hilarity. Yes, some of the jokes are crude, and yes, some of it is so cheesy and overdone you want to roll your eyes. But Galavant is refreshing in a way a lot of other TV series aren't, nowadays. It's light, not too serious or heavy, and makes fun of itself.

A note on profanity and sexual innuendos: Some words are bleeped out (it's meant to be funny, but it was kind of alarming the first time watching it). There are quite a few references to sex--including in the songs--and Magdelena is always on the lookout for a new "consort." I wouldn't recommend it to children or young teenagers (not sure they'd get into it anyway).

So, I just finished the first two episodes. I did not feel like turning off the screen like others mentioned. It definitely won't be a show for everyone - Probably will be canceled, like so many others - But I will watch it until it isn't!

I like the humor of the show. What can I say? Reminded me a bit of the Princess Bride's, if it were a musical ( am sorry if anyone feels offended by this) . I did like the last song of the second episode. I guess it's growing on me (also). In fact, I laughed out loud during several moments of the second episode, so I keep looking forward to the next one.

Also, the actors are funny and charming. What the hell - Let's give it a shot, shall we?

(And I can't BELIEVE that not everyone perceived this like a musical COMEDY)

By the time I learned about Galavant, the series had already come and gone. The show was made as a short-term replacement series--and it only aired four nights here in the States this month. However, this amazing show is available to watch online, on demand with many cable television systems and through Amazon...and it's well worth finding. Why do I so strongly recommend it? Well, it offers something you just wouldn't expect--a show that is thoroughly original, a lot of fun, filled with charm and it's made for network television. Why ABC decided to make such a show, I have no idea...but I am sure thrilled they did and it sure left me wanting more.

The program is an odd mix, being a musical-comedy-adventure set during the Middle Ages! It begins with a handsome but rather dim knight called Galavant who goes searching for his stolen girlfriend, the fair Madalena. The problem is that although she's been kidnapped by the wicked king, she kind of likes the idea of wealth and power--and poor Galavant's heart is broken when he arrives to reclaim his one true love. The show is all about his adventures after losing Madalena-- and the King's plot to kill the good knight.

While this may not sound like the sort of thing you'd want to watch, it works so very well because the songs are simply delightful...and extremely funny. Somehow the producers were able to get the services of Alan Mencken (who's written most of the famous music for the Disney animated features over the last few decades) and Christopher Lennertz --and this partnership is the biggest reason the show works so well. All the songs are great, but my favorite is a sick love song called "If I Could Share My Life With You" that talks about the plague, chamber pots, stinking breath, rotting teeth and high infant mortality--yet it somehow makes you smile! Additionally, the characters are hilarious...and very easy to love. Heck, even the villains are amazingly lovable!

Fortunately, when this mini-series ended, it ended with a cliffhanger and there's every indication that it will return for another season. When? I have no idea. But in the meantime, see season one and don't be surprised if you find yourself singing along with some of the songs...they are so catchy.

Well, it's fun and it's different. It's kind of a Mel Brooks-Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker-A Knight's Tale-Shrek mixture, a cartoonish medieval musical comedy. If the story goes well and the humor is good, people will respond sooner or later. There are far less comedies than dramas and it's really too soon to be talking about cancelling. Why cancel it? To make another sci-fi/crime/action/cop drama? We've had enough of that and plenty to choose from. I say, support comedies -the good ones, of course- and explore more fresh ideas for that matter. This one is doing just fine in the 2first episodes, it's got fresh faces, I would really like to see it getting better and better. ~

I see that some people started watching this show without actually checking the genre and got surprised/annoyed about the musical part. It's Period Musical Comedy, if you don't like Musicals or Comedies or costumes etc, or its particular kind of humor, just don't watch it. It's not of yr taste doesn' t mean that the show is not good. And who says that just because it involves singing, its humor must be for children? Nope, fun as it is, it's witty and it is for grown ups.

Additional Summary: This is, alas, a poor quality musical comedy (or comedy musical) by either American or English standards.

The obvious comparisons for this show are Mel Brooks' Men In Tights, and Python's Jabberwocky (although to be fair it's not a musical). Maybe Bing Crosby's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, but that would be really pushing it. By those benchmarks Galavant (prat)falls by the wayside.

Seth MacFarlane's Family Guy does medieval orders of magnitude funnier than this show, but then I'm biased (an ex-pat Brit absorbing the culture in the USA for the past twenty years, and conscious that Americans can do some forms of comedy better than anyone else).

It's a shame really, because some of the actors are evidently capable of much better performances than I have seen in the first two episodes. I hope things improve but honestly I have serious doubts.

There are clearly some really good writers out there (so many excellent shows ended in the last year or two) but they weren't hired for Galavant (I'm more familiar with the "gallivant" spelling but that's the least of my gripes).

It's almost as if no-one did research into the (English) subject matter, too, which always rankles a bit with Brits. Shakespeare may have maligned one King Richard but none of the three officially- recognized Richards could be mistaken for the character portrayed in the show.

There are nowhere near enough anachronisms to make the dialog Pythonesque, which might have helped.

As for being a fairy tale, well, it has none of the hallmarks of that genre. I'm a big fan of taking original fairy tales and revisiting them to extract new stories, but Galavant doesn't really do that.

Lots of potential here, but so far very little of it in evidence. I'll keep watching though, ever hopeful. Sometimes shows take a while to find their feet.

....It's fabulous. Spoiler...alert...spoiler alert... I'm a re-enactor, amateur historian and all around costuming geek. So, no, not all the costumes are accurate for the 13th century. If any. So what? This is one of those rare series that makes even me say "So what?" And that's me, I once got upset with a film ("The Untouchables") because a woman's eye make-up was not appropriate for the time. The only error I could find in the film. But, with "Galavant" It's fun, it's quick, it's quick witted and it's hysterically funny. I have been HOWLING with laughter watching it. They had me at the beginning where a sign points to Valencia one way, and Winterfell the other. Oh...it's going to be like that is it? Brilliant. Bring it on. Historical? Not 100%....Hysterical? Absolutely! And well written. Thank you to the team who have created this genius. It's nice to see some quality out there!

Shows like Galavant are an acquired taste. This show will never win any awards, and I think they are wise to go with a four week limited run--it would never survive as an on-going series. But it is FUN. All the actors take their roles right to the point of chewing scenery, then leave it there. The songs are light, and the sexual overtones are just enough to make you laugh without covering your kids' ears. You may not want to go out of your way to watch this show when it is on, but DVR it and watch it sometime. If you like Monty Python or Family Guy, you will probably enjoy this show enough to give it a try. If you don't like it after the first two episodes, it is only an hour of your time. And oh, if you use the DVR, don't fast forward through the commercials!

This is my first review, so bear with me. I'll admit, I was skeptical when I first saw the promotions for "Galavant" on TV. I've always been a fan of the medieval/fantasy genre, and I was certain this show would simply destroy it. I was right, in a way. It has taken every cliché' about this genre of film and show and turned it completely upside down and inside out, and I love it! First, I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoy Timothy Omundson. I have always been a fan of this guy's work, but he has taken it to another level of hilarity here. I absolutely love him as King Richard, and he is the main reason to watch the show for me. This is the guy Marvel needs to be looking at when it's time to cast Dr. Strange.

The other characters in the show have also been quite entertaining. Honestly, there isn't a character in this that hasn't entertained me greatly. Vinnie Jones is another favorite of mine, and this is such a different role than what I'm used to seeing him in. I'm loving his sarcastic, deadpan deliveries. Vinnie has always been great at playing "manly men" to the extreme, and he doesn't fail to deliver here with a comedy twist.

Joshua Sasse as the title character has also been great. Charming, witty, a bit goofy, yet somehow he still manages to come off as looking cool, even at his worst. He was a perfect choice for the lead, even if not actually my favorite character on the show. Luke Youngblood is also very funny and refreshing as Sid the squire. His comic timing is spot on, and some of his expressions are priceless.

The two leading ladies, played respectively by Mallory Jansen and Karen David, are also a delight. Both are gorgeous, and each has their own charm about them. You love to hate Mallory's character, while trying not to love Karen's, but just can't help falling for her.

Finally, I hate musicals. I mean I absolutely loathe them. Yet, I have enjoyed every musical number on the show so far. They've had me laughing non-stop constantly with their parody lyrics. And don't get me started on the guest stars, from John Stamos, Ricky Gervais, Weird Al Yankovic, Rutger Hauer...all of whom have played wonderful roles.

All in all this show has been a most enjoyable experience for me, despite my initial reservations going into it. It has the sort of charm that Mel Brooks movies always held, which to me makes it an instant classic. I would definitely recommend this show if you want a good laugh and to enjoy some breathtaking scenery and lovable characters. Ironically, the "villains" are the most lovable of all, and that only makes it better.

I LOVE this new show. OK, I have to admit, I'm a Monty Python/Mel Brooks lover so this limited (darn it) series is right up my alley!

I am not one for typical musicals and not even a fan of most comedy (Modern Family, anyone? Ugh) shows so this is a REAL treat. Watch it! Within the four episodes I've seen so far, I can't wait now for each succeeding one to air. The songs, the script and the wit brought on by these talented actors are of course, the result of excellent writing but it would be nothing without everyone's input.

When this series comes to its conclusion, I for one will be upset. It is the only comedy I watch on TV.

Yeah, as others have said, if you are NOT a fan of Python or Brooks, you won't like this either. But if you ARE, do NOT miss this!

At first, I thought, well a comedy and a musical? No way I would like this, musicals are like dusty and boring things that people went to see in theaters sometimes when there was no television. OK. I admit most of the musicals are, well bit boring. Mostly boring. When watching this show from the episode one, I was like: "What?" This was funny, and as the first time I hoped the songs would have been bit longer! Strange, I hate musicals. This show is, well how do you recommend a musical show to you friends... I'd say that this is one of the most funniest show that brings nothing but pure joy to those who happen to see Galavant! Timothy Omundson is hilarious as a king, makes me want to be a king!

This is and probably forever will be my shortest and also most fitting review. One line completely fits the bill and you really do not need to say more. Only reason I am doing so it because IMDb wouldn't let me post the review unless I write enough words and lines. But here is all I got to and need to say: Frank Sinatra meets Monty Python. Rocks!!!

As I kept seeing the advertisements on IMDb my curiosity became peeked. As I began watching it I fell in love. It is an amazing show just by the first two hours with plot twists that I did not expect. It kept my laughing not only by the actions but also by the wonderful music scores. Speaking of music the music and dance numbers are great. I have seen comparisons to Glee but this is a true musical. I grew up on movies like "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Singing In the Rain" matter of fact pretty much every musical and this brought me back to those. It is a wonderful event that the entire family can watch with only a few scenes of adult humor. Highly recommend it looking forward to Sunday night now.

I suspect that this show will not do well with people who didn't grow up with musicals.... particularly screwball comedy musicals. It reminds me of Danny Kaye's "the Court Jester" (remember, the Vessel with Pestle number?). Unfortunately, not everyone can be Danny Kaye. I think that the show would have fared better had it been shown as intended... in 30 min. weekly episodes. The back to back episodes have a jarring transition & because the episodes are 22 min, they have to add more commercials because they lack the closing & opening credits that would have been there had the episodes not been back to back. Also, by the time you get to the 2nd episode, the comedy & music is wearing thin because so much of it is the same. If the 1/2 hr. episodes had been separated by 6 days, it might not have been so obvious.

Well, Joshua Sasse is hot. And he's not afraid to show it. So this is what's good about this show.

Now, everything else is indeed, awful. Storyline is boring. Nothing much happened in the first two episodes. Pace is very slow and it looks like script writers didn't have much of ideas about what to put in the show.

Costume design is boring. Scenery is horrible. Cinematography is boring. Castle building is somewhat nice, though. They sing too much and their songs are boring and mean.

Overall, it's very sad to see so much money wasted on what could've been a really good production. Better luck next time, ABC!