Avatar: Seven Havens review roundup: the new Avatar series is a thrilling, beautiful return, say critics
Avatar: Seven Havens is the new animated series from the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, set long after The Legend of Korra in a broken world where the next Avatar is feared. Critics call it a gorgeous, emotional and confident return to the franchise.
The story (no spoilers)
Generations after the time of Avatar Korra, a catastrophe has reshaped the world and the survivors live in isolated walled cities called the Seven Havens, guarding against bandits, disasters and attacks from the Spirit World.
In this era the Avatar is feared rather than revered, and anyone seen using more than one element risks prison. Pavi (Saheli Khan), a young orphan in the haven of Ellora, has spent her life in hiding, until she learns that she is the next Avatar and that her own past holds secrets.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
A must for anyone who loved The Last Airbender or Korra, and an easy way in for newcomers too. Episodes arrive in weekly batches on Paramount+ until 30 October 2026, so it suits weekly viewing or a binge once the season is out.
- 100%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, Certified Fresh, 21 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 80MetacriticMetascore, 11 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 81%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 250+ ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“It's a real thrill to see Avatar return to our screens”
“the first three episodes of the new Avatar are thrillingly emotional, beautifully animated, and stunningly scored.”
“These are six engrossing, rich and entertaining episodes”
“Seven Havens builds out its story engine with remarkable efficiency, gears and pistons firing with minimal setup.”
What works
- Beautiful animation, imaginative creatures and striking new settings.
- An emotional, gripping story that sets up its mysteries quickly.
- A bold new direction rather than a nostalgic replay of the old shows.
- Easy for newcomers to follow.
What doesn't
- Some viewers may find the opening episodes a slow start.
- There is no clear main villain yet, unlike the earlier series.
Avatar: Seven Havens premiered on Paramount+ on 9 October 2026 with three episodes, and the rest of its 13-episode first season arrives weekly in batches until 30 October. It comes from Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, and Paramount+ has already ordered more seasons.
What critics liked
Reviews have been unanimously positive. TV Guide's Gavia Baker-Whitelaw called it a real thrill to see Avatar back, praising its fantasy architecture, creatures and characters, and IGN's Alex Zalben found the first three episodes thrillingly emotional, beautifully animated and stunningly scored. TheWrap's Michel Ghanem called the six episodes he saw engrossing and rich, and The A.V. Club's Joshua Rivera admired how efficiently it sets up its story.
Where it falls short
The reservations are small. IGN noted that some viewers may find it a slow start after so many years away, and that there is no clear big villain yet, while Slant Magazine felt the series is still working out what story it wants to tell.
The voice cast
Saheli Khan voices Pavi, with Aishu Devan, Major Curda, Akshay Khanna and Darren Barnet in the main cast, and Dee Bradley Baker providing the animal sounds, including Pavi's companion, the cat-monkey Geet.
Should you watch?
With a Certified Fresh 100% Tomatometer, Seven Havens is an easy recommendation for fans and a welcoming starting point for anyone new to Avatar.
Quick answers
- Is Avatar: Seven Havens worth watching?
- A must for anyone who loved The Last Airbender or Korra, and an easy way in for newcomers too. Episodes arrive in weekly batches on Paramount+ until 30 October 2026, so it suits weekly viewing or a binge once the season is out.
- What are the review scores for Avatar: Seven Havens?
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Tomatometer, Certified Fresh, 21 reviews, 18 Oct 2026). Metacritic: 80 (Metascore, 11 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026). RT audience: 81% (Popcornmeter, 250+ ratings, 18 Oct 2026).
- Where can I watch Avatar: Seven Havens?
- Official options: Paramount+ (stream; US). Availability varies by country and changes over time.
- How many episodes does Avatar: Seven Havens have?
- Avatar: Seven Havens has 13 episodes.
- When was Avatar: Seven Havens released?
- Avatar: Seven Havens premiered on Paramount+ on 9 October 2026.
- Who is in Avatar: Seven Havens?
- It was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and stars Saheli Khan, Aishu Devan, Major Curda, Akshay Khanna, Darren Barnet and Dee Bradley Baker.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- Avatar: Seven Havens review · TV Guide
- Avatar: Seven Havens episodes 1-3 review · IGN
- Avatar: Seven Havens review · TheWrap
- Avatar: Seven Havens review · The A.V. Club
- Avatar: Seven Havens: Season 1 · Rotten Tomatoes
- Avatar: Seven Havens · Metacritic
- Avatar: Seven Havens · Wikipedia
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Read our editorial standards. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.