'Elegant and dynamic': Critics praise Rian Johnson's Peacock mystery series 'Poker Face'

Reviews suggest Rian Johnson, who is basking in the success of 'Glass Onion', has continued his golden streak with 'Poker Face'
Natasha Lyonne as Charlie in 'Poker Face' (Peacock)
Natasha Lyonne as Charlie in 'Poker Face' (Peacock)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a world of vape pens, Natasha Lyonne strikes us as the final pack of smokes. She plays Charlie Cale, a casino waitress who imbibes before and drinks on the job, in Peacock's stylish new series 'Poker Face'. It's endearing because it's Lyonne: ashy voice, molten hair, and general appearance of a young person who aspires to be a crazy old coot.

Early reviews for Rian Johnson's latest series are ecstatically positive. Johnson is best known for directing movies like 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery', 'Knives Out', and 'Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi'.

RELATED ARTICLES

'Poker Face' Premiere Review: Rian Johnson delivers an all-around hit with whip-smart storytelling

Where is 'Poker Face' filmed?

Reviews already describe 'Poker Face' as one of the best Peacock originals to date and highlight Natasha Lyonne's performance as the lead. Additionally, the show has been called clever, fast, and extremely addictive. Let's see a few examples of what the critics have said in their reviews of the eagerly anticipated movie.

'They are a dynamic duo'

Ferdosa, from Screenrant, believes that the show is a winner and "will undoubtedly be a hit with fans of Johnson and Lyonne." The review adds that "they are a dynamic duo, and they genuinely understand what it is to have fun with a tried and true genre. Even more impressive is the ability to create fascinating worlds with interesting characters." Variety, on the other hand, called the show one of the strongest series yet to launch on Peacock. It said, "This elegant set of mystery stories allows an established star the time and space to crack a new sort of case, that of how to evolve a familiar persona and bring fans along for the ride." Rolling Stone called the story of 'Poker Face' and its execution "rare." "Here's a detective with no home, no gun, no phone, no supporting cast, a past to escape, and a doomed future. Hell of a hand, I'm all in," Entertainment Weekly noted. 

The overwhelmingly favorable reviews for 'Poker Face' prove Johnson's status as the new mystery guru. Although there were worries that 'Poker Face' might be a remake of 'Knives Out', early reviews suggest the show is not overly similar to Johnson's films.

'Poker Face' is now streaming exclusively on Peacock.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix’s acclaimed animated series 'Blue Eye Samurai' returns for its second season, continuing Mizu’s quest for vengeance in London.
2026-11-03T17:26:12.000Z
An ‘SNL’ alum is heading to ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 6, bringing another Quinta Brunson collaboration into the spotlight. Here’s what he shared about the guest appearance.
2026-11-03T16:41:30.000Z
Emily Lane faces her hacker ex, Aaron, after the Season 2 finale cliffhanger at her front door
2026-11-03T10:53:05.000Z
'Line of Fire' was missing from its usual Monday slot on November 2 for this reason
2026-11-03T09:29:20.000Z
The reported casting would put ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ star Ben Wang in a role previously played by Shawn Ashmore in Fox’s ‘X-Men’ film series
2026-11-03T09:17:48.000Z
The documentary takes a closer look at new DNA testing technology as it sheds light on JonBenét Ramsey’s murder
2026-11-03T08:56:03.000Z
‘NCIS,’ ‘NCIS: Origins,’ and ‘NCIS: New York’ will not air new episodes on November 3
2026-11-03T07:52:38.000Z
After a season of romantic mishaps and family struggles, Alex's story may not be over yet. Here's what HBO has revealed.
2026-11-03T07:03:45.000Z
'Chicago Fire' Season 15 will introduce Violet's mother in an episode titled 'Over the Edge'
2026-11-03T06:27:27.000Z
The latest episode of 'FBI' hinted at trouble in paradise for a much-loved couple
2026-11-03T04:59:13.000Z