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Sinbad

2012–2013Ended1 season12 episodes~60 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 21st percentile of all shows

Sinbad accidentally kills the son of the powerful Lord Akbari in a fist fight. As recompense for the blood debt, Sinbad's brother is killed in front of his eyes. Sinbad escapes, but his grandmother uses a magic talisman to curse him for the death of his brother. The curse prevents Sinbad from staying on land for more than one day; if he tarries the talisman will choke him to death. This prohibition against remaining on land leads to a life of adventure at sea that holds many wonders. Sinbad is unaware that he is still being hunted by Lord Akbari, who does not consider Sinbad's brother's death as sufficient payment of the blood debt.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Sinbad?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Sinbad streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Free

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Reception

Is Sinbad worth watching?

Sinbad's Midcredits score is the 21st percentile of all shows, from 3.9K ratings across 2 sources. 59% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

21st percentile

Better received than 21% of shows

15th percentile among Action21st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)15th
Approval (how many liked it)30th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

61 /100

15th percentile of all shows

11th percentile among Action16th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

Approval

How many liked it

59% liked it

30th percentile of all shows

20th percentile among Action28th percentile among 2010s
59% rated it 7–1041% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

70th percentile

3.9K ratings across platforms

38th percentile among Action72nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Up 55% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A low-budget family-friendly fantasy adventure with earnest intentions but uneven execution.

Fans praised

  • Entertaining adventure with sincere fairy-tale quality
  • Strong ensemble cast chemistry and diverse characters
  • Well-shot Maltese locations provide immersive backdrop

Detractors panned

  • Amateurish acting with wooden, overblown performances
  • Weak, formulaic plots written on the fly
  • Cheap-looking production: bad CGI, laughable fight scenes, anachronistic costumes

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive60

Maltese locations praised; some note dated look

AtmosphereDivisive55

fantasy world-building works for fans; detractors see cheap TV feel

CharactersDivisive40

fans enjoy quirky crew dynamic; detractors find characters paper-thin

ActingDivisive32

mixed reviews call it hammy and school-play level; fans defend cast chemistry

DialogueDivisive32

sometimes flat and unremarkable

Effects and spectacleDivisive30

decent CGI for budget but heavy reliance on cheap-looking monsters

Plot and storyDivisive25

simple episodic stories with weak arcs and contrived resolutions

OriginalityDivisive25

derivative of Hercules/Xena; fans see it as fresh take on Sinbad

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

1 season

Season 1 · 2012 · 12 episodes

  • S1E1

    Pilot

    Jul 8, 201242 min
  • S1E2

    Queen of the Water-Thieves

    Jul 15, 201342 min
  • S1E3

    House of Games

    Jul 22, 201242 min
  • S1E4

    Old Man of the Sea

    Jul 29, 201242 min
  • S1E5

    Hunted

    Aug 5, 201242 min
  • S1E6

    The Siren

    Aug 12, 201242 min

Watch experience

What is Sinbad like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and intense — a relentless watch that leaves you entertained.

Themes

  • Identity
  • Family bonds
  • Loyalty

How it leaves you

  • Fun
  • Wistful

Setting

  • Timeless

What it asks of you

  • Relentless
  • Engaged
  • Affecting
  • Resolved

Feelings

  • Thrilling
  • Tense
  • Romantic
  • Dread

Style

  • Adventurous
  • Playful

Story

  • Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.
ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Heaviest: throughout
Told as
Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe series plays its fantastical adventure with earnest, family-friendly sincerity, despite occasional hammy acting and low-budget trappings.
The rideThe series maintains a high level of tension and adventure, weaving together thrilling action sequences, romantic subplots, and an underlying dread from Sinbad's curse, keeping the emotional register consistently intense.
StructureThe synopsis describes a straightforward, linear narrative typical of fantasy adventure television, with no notable structural devices.
Episode formatMost episodes present a self-contained magical threat or challenge that the crew must overcome, while a season-long arc concerning Sinbad's curse, his quest for atonement, and the pursuit by his enemies continues throughout.
Season formatThe single season tells one continuous story following Sinbad's quest to break his curse, though it builds towards a clear seasonal climax and new threats, fitting the 'new arc per season' model well even if the show was cancelled after one season.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves a light, entertaining impression for its breezy adventures, with a touch of longing for what might have been in a second season.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

6% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeBased on the synopsis, the series follows Sinbad on a quest to atone for his sins and find his brother, with episodic adventures forming the bulk of a typical episode.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7% (this title)
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% (this title) · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

IdentityFamily bondsLoyalty · 7% of shows
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe series explores Sinbad's struggle with a curse that defines and constrains his life, forcing him to question who he is and what he must become, while his bonds with his crew and his quest to save his family anchor his journey.
StanceThe series interrogates its protagonist's understanding of destiny, self, and redemption by relentlessly testing him, while the ensemble's varied loyalties and backgrounds complicate the hero's journey.

The world

Orchestral classicalWorldForeground music · original score · Christian Henson
SettingA fantasy reimagining of the Arabian Nights, mixing ancient seas, desert cities, and mythical creatures.
MusicThe score uses sweeping orchestral arrangements with world music influences, helping to sell the epic fantasy adventure feel.

Content guide

Is Sinbad okay for kids?

TV-PG

Sinbad is rated TV-PG. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (20/100), language at minimal (0/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Brazil16
  • PhilippinesG
  • PortugalNR
  • Spain7
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (9 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Sinbad have?

MovieCove's classifier found 1 depicted content warning in Sinbad, withheld here because it would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory (behind the spoiler gate). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes or plot synopsis; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Sinbad?

Cast

At least 2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Elliot Knight
as Sinbad
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Marama Corlett
as Rina
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Elliot Cowan
as Gunnar
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Junix Inocian
as Cook
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Dimitri Leonidas
as Anwar
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Orla Brady
as Taryn
Estella Daniels
as Nala
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Naveen Andrews
as Lord Akbari
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Robert Gilbert
as Tazeem
Tuppence Middleton
as Tiger

Crew

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What are shows like Sinbad?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Sinbad include The Storyteller (1987), The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) and Secrets of Sulphur Springs (2021).

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196 other shows share the rarest tag below, premise: road trip. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.