‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ Opens With Perfect Critics Score But Is Paramount+ Spinoff Flawless
Few fandoms are as protective of their universe as the one surrounding ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ and few franchises have faced as much pressure to deliver a successful return. Following the ‘Avatar Aang’ film and less-than-stellar live-action adaptations, fans have long awaited a new chapter that truly captures the essence of the original. Now, ‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ arrives with that significant expectation resting on its shoulders.
The project was first announced on February 20, 2025, with original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko co-creating and executive producing under the Avatar Studios banner. This announcement coincided with the 20th anniversary of the original series, and the show is structured as a 26-episode 2D animated series divided into 2 books of 13 half-hour episodes. Ethan Spaulding also serves as an executive producer, with Sehaj Sethi as co-executive producer.
Now that it has premiered, the early reactions are overwhelmingly positive. ‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ debuted on Paramount+ on October 9, and its Rotten Tomatoes page currently boasts a 100% average Tomatometer along with a 96% average Popcornmeter. The listing also indicates that the next episode is set to arrive on October 16.
Book 1 is being released in weekly batches, with episodes 1 to 3 available on October 9, episodes 4 to 6 on October 16, episodes 7 to 9 on October 23, and episodes 10 to 13 on October 30. This staggered release means fans will only get a glimpse of the story initially, which is likely to keep discussions lively throughout the month.
Set 225 years after ‘The Legend of Korra,’ the series unfolds in a world ravaged by a cataclysm. A young Earthbender named Pavi, voiced by Saheli Khan, discovers she is the new Avatar, only to learn that this role now casts her as humanity’s destroyer rather than its savior. Hunted by both human and spirit foes, she must uncover her origins alongside her long-lost twin, Nisha, voiced by Aishu Devan, and strive to save the Seven Havens.
The voice cast also features Akshay Khanna, Major Curda, Sakina Jaffrey, Darren Barnet, Dianne Doan, and Dee Bradley Baker. Composer Jeremy Zuckerman returns to provide the score for the series.
TheWrap’s review is highly favorable, based on the first six episodes provided to critics, and describes the show as a standout spinoff that was worth the wait. The critic praises the writing and world-building, noting a mystery that deepens without becoming convoluted, along with Easter eggs tied to the original series. Zuckerman’s score is highlighted as his best work yet, and the predominantly Asian voice cast and writing team are commended as a significant advancement for the franchise.
However, the same review does mention one caveat regarding the animation. It describes the art style as simpler than that of ‘Korra,’ featuring fewer shadows, less facial detail, and more basic movement, though it still finds the visuals beautiful, particularly the auroras and desert landscapes.
Other critics have shared similar enthusiasm. But Why Tho rated the first three episodes a 9.5 out of 10, praising the intricately woven mysteries, the self-doubting Pavi, the grittier Nisha, and the Indian-inspired architecture of the city of Ellora.
Exclusive clip from ‘AVATAR: SEVEN HAVENS’. The series follows Earthbending twins after a world-shattering disaster where one discovers she’s the new Avatar after Korra. Releasing October 9 on Paramount+ https://t.co/E5JCKFehpM
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 8, 2026
Not everyone is completely convinced, which is an important consideration despite the 100% score. Twin Cities Geek provided mixed feedback, appreciating the hand-drawn animation and the concept of a public-enemy Avatar but arguing that characters often express their feelings rather than demonstrating them. This review also felt the first six episodes relied heavily on exposition and minor conflicts before the plot gained momentum.
The reviewer compared this situation to the early days of ‘The Legend of Korra,’ which also took time to find its footing, suggesting that cautious optimism hinges on the later episodes delivering. This serves as a useful reminder that early scores reflect initial impressions, not the complete narrative arc.
For a franchise that has experienced a tumultuous journey since its original run, a fresh animated entry that critics are embracing is a significant achievement. TheWrap’s critic views the series as a return to the episodic animated format that made ‘Avatar’ successful in the first place.
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