The show is based off of a podcast that has many followers and fans. The creator of the podcast narrated season 1 which was a nice carryover that fans enjoyed. People seemed to complain and they took him out of season 2. While the second season is well made and the stories great, but the lack of the origanal narrator is disappointing. It's just a generic dramatization now. They kept the title only, it's not the same show.
191 Reviews
Where's the narration gone?
jackieannewilson22 October 2018
Nothing like season 1
vickeliz19 October 2018
What happend to narrator? Couldn't even get into watching going to try other episodes. I was so excited to watch season 2. I'm just bummed out that it's totally different! Please go back to season 1 format that was a whole lot more entertaining this just makes it like every other show...
Loved the first season. The second...well not so much
mahmeux24 October 2018
Recently re-watched "Un-boxed" from the first season.
Still my favorite. Creepy story about Robert the doll woven through the story of the Island of the Dolls, a very strange Russian doll collector and even touched on Reborns. Fascinating
So far in Season 2, I fell asleep during Burke and Hare (master grave robbers/salesmen.) Even Pinhead himself, Doug Bradley, couldn't keep me awake.
I got bored with Elizabeth Bathory even though I know her chilling story...I wasn't chilled.
No more Lore for me
Interesting Show
asclepias4515 October 2017
Like others have stated, the series was not what I expected, but it was enjoyable none the less. Prior to watching the first episode, I expected a complete tale without the frequent narration contained in each episode. But it was an interesting mix of re-enactments and narration of the historical context behind each episode.
My only advice to the producers of the show would be to confine the narration to the beginning and end of the show, because the frequent narration throughout each episode kills any build up of suspense during the re-enactment portions of the show.
My only advice to the producers of the show would be to confine the narration to the beginning and end of the show, because the frequent narration throughout each episode kills any build up of suspense during the re-enactment portions of the show.
10 stars for Season 1, 1 star for Season 2
Puroo24 March 2021
Season 1 was the best horror show I ever watched. With Aaron Mahnke giving the narration and explaining about everything, it was informative and thrilling to watch. I was left asking for more. I had never been so intrigued by things that happened in real life.
Season 2, on the other hand, is just any overrated horror show. No narration, no information, no origin explanation of popular horror stories. It even glorified the superstitions instead of explaining them, something which Season 1 was clearly against. It didn't even seem like both these seasons are of the same show. It's like the makers of Season 2 hadn't even watched the Season 1 of their own show.
Season 2, on the other hand, is just any overrated horror show. No narration, no information, no origin explanation of popular horror stories. It even glorified the superstitions instead of explaining them, something which Season 1 was clearly against. It didn't even seem like both these seasons are of the same show. It's like the makers of Season 2 hadn't even watched the Season 1 of their own show.
Prefer the 1st season
knm-8696022 October 2018
I really loved the first season the way it was made was different to usual programmes on TV or streaming. I couldn't wait for the second season. When I watched it, it was like a completely different programme I did watch it all very quickly as I did season one, however I prefer the original format it gives much more back story. Highlight of season two was Elizabeth Bathory it was really well portrayed and is a really creepy story I enjoyed this episode more than all the others on season two. Would love to see another season with a mix of the two formats maybe.
Season one was excellent then came Prime's season two
lbeattie-651226 June 2022
If you've ever listened to the Lore podcast, it has a certain flow to it. The stories are told so well that you can picture the events in your head. Part thriller + part history lesson = AWESOME Podcast. And that is how the first season of the Lore series on Amazon went. It was like seeing the podcast. In season two you immediately notice that something has changed, and not for the better. Prime took what was a great little weekly show and tried to make movies out of it. BIG MISTAKE. They made it boring and ridiculously SLOOOOW.
Watch the first few episodes of season one and the one of season two and you'll what I'm talking about. I still love the podcast and hope that someone just lets Aaron tell his own stories, in his own way - like a 'ripley's believe it or not' hourly show centered around man's creepy and often disturbing history.
Watch the first few episodes of season one and the one of season two and you'll what I'm talking about. I still love the podcast and hope that someone just lets Aaron tell his own stories, in his own way - like a 'ripley's believe it or not' hourly show centered around man's creepy and often disturbing history.
Return viewer from season 1
fealrflr19 October 2018
I loved season one and so far season two has not disappointed. I enjoy the long "O" moments. Like "Oooo that's where that story came from" or "Oooo that's why people say that" etc etc. The familiar and unfamiliar actors alike are top rate. The eerie settings and background music definitely set the mood. I miss Aaron's narrative. But there's no problem following along without him. All in all I was a fan of season one and I am a fan of season two. I enjoy being entertained and enlightened all in one well made, fun show.
Without Mahnke, it's worthless
earisan22 May 2022
Why take something so captivating and beautiful and turn into a bland, generic gore-fest? Season 1 was perfect in every way imaginable and Season 2 without Aaron's excellent narration and back stories is completely worthless. My rating is for Season 1 only.
Season 2 Unwatchable
trashley221 November 2018
What happened to the narration? We miss it, that's what made it different and more than a plain old dramatization. Husband only made it halfway through one episode, and he refuses to watch the rest. I committed to 2 episodes but just NOT feeling it. Production value has gone way up, but at what expense? We loved the narration, the history, the animation and the music choices, all which now appear to be gone. Please bring back what fans loved!
Fascinating and compelling
highroadnonprofits20 October 2018
Most of us who are interested in the macabre, mysterious, or just historical, have heard these tales before but the way they are told here is compelling and intelligent, and beautifully produced. If you want to hear Aaron's narration, though, you'll have to tune in to the podcasts! All narration is absent from season 2. Some may consider that a plus, but I personally miss it.
Season 1 is the best
coutterhill1 November 2018
Wanted to give a 10 based on season 1, but season 2 is just a straight re-enactment. I love the narration, which is why I watched the first season because of the podcast. I like background information, different stories related to the one I'm watching. But Aaron Mahnke has the best voice, season 3 (if they get one) needs to be like season 1. The podcast is why a lot of people watch this in the first place it's why I did.
Bring back the lore we fell in love with!!
jrbailey-5536524 October 2018
What happened to the narrative?If it ain't broke!!Loved season 1!I watched one episode of season 2, and that was the Hinterkaifeck murders and I watched that one because I'm intrigued by the case.Amazon!Bring back the Lore I fell in love with!!!
Interesting but terrible narration.
lilmizz_jess12 November 2017
Really interesting, but my God the narration is awful. So robotic and emotionless. the show could be made 100% better with a new narrator.
Reading through everyone else reviews, it appears I'm not the only one who thinks this. I hope the producers read these too and make any future episodes with a new/guest narrators.
Reading through everyone else reviews, it appears I'm not the only one who thinks this. I hope the producers read these too and make any future episodes with a new/guest narrators.
Show is interesting, narrator annoying
laurenschuster24 October 2017
I have seen 5 of the episodes. The acting can be a bit cheesy but that's OK, its horror, not much is expected. The documentary portion is extremely interesting and its why I keep watching. The lobotomy episode was very intriguing. I would give the show an 8 if the narrator wasn't so annoying. It is painful to listen to the monotonous voice. Its like Siri is reading me something it wrote. Its as if he has a number of syllables to hit in a certain time frame. Its SUPER annoying. He lacks any tone. If the narrator could improve, the show itself would improve. I could do without the acting vignettes. Story telling & historical references are enough to make the show. It is season 1 after all, there is room to improve.
Season 2 w/o Manke?
bams00716 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I loved Season 1!!!! Couldn't wait for Season 2!! Just finished watching. (NOTE: Watched S1 originally because I love the podcast.) Was really looking forward to S2 and right off the bat... FLAT. Ruined.
Aaron Manke IS Lore. *
Without Manke narration, the magic simply didn't happen. ALL of S2 is missing the very thing that makes it stand out from other stories or historical tales: Narration by Aaron Manke. He put the "difference in with the odd connections, the twists, the references to "folklore" that were just a little bit similar to "the monster under the bed" we all feared ourselves. We the viewer/listener heard the creepy as familiar and this captured more of our attention without us even realizing it until later.
Those are the things that made/make Manke's narration essential, with his additions and sometimes seemingly random facts, as he eventually knits them all together in a neat little bundle so not only are you told the main story, but you're left with quite a few other things to ponder as well. And you might just check under the bed again. That's what S1 had that S2 doesn't.
I watched every S2 episode hoping the next one would be better than the last. I could see the writers "trying" with the final episode, but simply adding the thoughts of a character as narrative isn't the same. Season 2 of Lore became just another show telling a story about something that happened at some point in history, and as for this viewer, I was quite bored and disappointed.
* As for other reviewers who I've seen complain about the "sound" of Aaron Manke's voice or the "monotone" or "pauses", IMHO that just adds positive points to the creep level.
Aaron Manke IS Lore. *
Without Manke narration, the magic simply didn't happen. ALL of S2 is missing the very thing that makes it stand out from other stories or historical tales: Narration by Aaron Manke. He put the "difference in with the odd connections, the twists, the references to "folklore" that were just a little bit similar to "the monster under the bed" we all feared ourselves. We the viewer/listener heard the creepy as familiar and this captured more of our attention without us even realizing it until later.
Those are the things that made/make Manke's narration essential, with his additions and sometimes seemingly random facts, as he eventually knits them all together in a neat little bundle so not only are you told the main story, but you're left with quite a few other things to ponder as well. And you might just check under the bed again. That's what S1 had that S2 doesn't.
I watched every S2 episode hoping the next one would be better than the last. I could see the writers "trying" with the final episode, but simply adding the thoughts of a character as narrative isn't the same. Season 2 of Lore became just another show telling a story about something that happened at some point in history, and as for this viewer, I was quite bored and disappointed.
* As for other reviewers who I've seen complain about the "sound" of Aaron Manke's voice or the "monotone" or "pauses", IMHO that just adds positive points to the creep level.
!st seson is better
gianmarcoronconi12 March 2022
Anthological series of horror stories that really happened, personally I appreciate the first season more than the second because an external narrator in my opinion is the best way to tell these stories, but in any case even in the second season it is valid.
Season 1 Yay! Season 2 boo!
darkdementress21 September 2020
I really like season 1 with the narration,the historical films or pictures and the moving art with explanations and the actresses and actors playing out events. Most of what the show was talking about was based on historical facts based on records with some interjection using logical assumption or what people believed at the time, hence the title "Lore". that's the problem with history isn't it is tho,that so much of it becomes people's opinions or what they assume was correct and not actually based on pictures, writings or filmed events. Nonetheless, i thoroughly enjoyed the first season and very much less so the second season where it became more of a mainstream horror TV show rather than something that was actually historical. then there's all these people in the reviews that are stating what the show said was wrong when no..it can't be proved wrong or right if it's peoples historical opinions. when you don't know something from history just because most people agree on the answer doesn't mean it was necessarily the actual way it happened or what the origins were etc. In some cases there wasn't a way to prove exactly the way things happened,what people said or where turns of phrase came from. You aren't right, and neither is the show. Remember it was mainstream scholars and historians that said Troy didn't exist.
What happened to season two?
noelwilcox22 October 2018
We were really looking forward to season two because we love the podcast (we still love the podcast).
Everything that made Lore spectacular for the first season is gone, Aaron mahnke's great choice of music, Aaron narrating, the interesting animation, and historical pictures. All of this, and this is what made it great, is gone in the second season. So sad!
Please, for the third season, bring back what made it wonderful, all of what was in the first season will correct this.
Everything that made Lore spectacular for the first season is gone, Aaron mahnke's great choice of music, Aaron narrating, the interesting animation, and historical pictures. All of this, and this is what made it great, is gone in the second season. So sad!
Please, for the third season, bring back what made it wonderful, all of what was in the first season will correct this.
Nice Surprise! Chilling and Informative
izabelly15 October 2017
I'm a big fan of the Walking Dead, and wasn't sure what to expect here. This is a nice mixture of documentary and cool horror stories. If you like deep horror and history, there is a lot to love here.
I recognized a lot of the actors, the biggest being Robert Patrick. However, his episode wasn't the scariest. The one about lobotomy completely freaked me out. Can you believe one of JFK's nieces got worked on by the crazy doctor? It amazes me what humanity is capable of. Great show.
I recognized a lot of the actors, the biggest being Robert Patrick. However, his episode wasn't the scariest. The one about lobotomy completely freaked me out. Can you believe one of JFK's nieces got worked on by the crazy doctor? It amazes me what humanity is capable of. Great show.
How to spoil something that is decent
virdisney18 September 2021
I enjoyed the format of the 1st season. It had a feeling of a docu-serie combined with good acting.
If the problem was the narrator for some people, why not to change it for another one instead of changing the show entirely? Season 2 is boring and I stopped watching it at the begining of the second episode.
For me, the narrator was what made the show interesting though 😔
If the problem was the narrator for some people, why not to change it for another one instead of changing the show entirely? Season 2 is boring and I stopped watching it at the begining of the second episode.
For me, the narrator was what made the show interesting though 😔
Disappointing S2 changes
anavrinkslaz14 November 2018
I didn't love his narration but to me it is necessary in something like this. The removal of it is a bad choice. I wasn't bored at all in the entirety of S1 but halfway through the first episode of S2 and it's just not interesting. This show should be documentary-like, not just short films. If this is the way they want to do the show, that's fine, but I'm not going to keep watching.
Season 1 10 stars. Season to ZERO
maydregirl21 February 2023
The first season is amazing. Historical and attention grabbing. The things you will learn! Just a absolute outstanding job. The second season is just awful. Mankhe is the heart and soul of this and if Amazon just would have left it alone it would have been so much better. The passion of the story telling just isn't there. I couldn't even finish the first episode of S2. Season 2 is just acted out episodes with like a VH1 "pop up video"up thing going on throughout. It just makes absolutely no sense.
Be sure to watch for the fun actors from past shows and movies that pop up in season 1. Maybe they will do a season 3 with the original season 1 format.
Be sure to watch for the fun actors from past shows and movies that pop up in season 1. Maybe they will do a season 3 with the original season 1 format.
1st season is charming, and the 2nd season isn't even the same show.
danielladue19 October 2020
My title really says it all. The shows premise is pretty simple. The episodes are detailed accounts of old folklore. It is part horror anthology, and part documentary miniseries. The host sounds young/inexperienced, but the stories are intriguing, and the acting and visuals are ok. Overall, it's very charming, and informative about why certain superstitions exist, and where they originated. At the beginning of every episode, the narrator gives an example of the superstition, and then tells a dastardly tale. He the bookends it at the end to inform how that tale applies to our modern day lore.
And then comes the 2nd season. It literally doesn't feel like the same show anymore. No intros about that particular superstition. No narration to keep you up to speed about the time period, and beliefs. No ending monologue to wrap it up. It's just a cinematic story of random stuff that may or may not have happened, with zero explanation. It The production values did go up slightly, so it visually looked a little prettier, but all of the soul of the series was just gone. I really have to assume that is why the 2nd season was it's last. My girlfriend just got hooked on this series, and I don't yet have the heart to tell her that it's going to fall off a cliff.
And then comes the 2nd season. It literally doesn't feel like the same show anymore. No intros about that particular superstition. No narration to keep you up to speed about the time period, and beliefs. No ending monologue to wrap it up. It's just a cinematic story of random stuff that may or may not have happened, with zero explanation. It The production values did go up slightly, so it visually looked a little prettier, but all of the soul of the series was just gone. I really have to assume that is why the 2nd season was it's last. My girlfriend just got hooked on this series, and I don't yet have the heart to tell her that it's going to fall off a cliff.
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