Avatar: The Last Airbender is still bending expectations, as season 2 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation has debuted with a franchise record on Rotten Tomatoes after 18 years.
Based on the animated Nickelodeon series of the same name that aired for three seasons from 2005 to 2008, Netflix’s live-action adaptation premiered in February 2024 to slightly mixed reviews from critics. However, that didn’t stop it from being renewed for both a second and third season the following March, with the third season set to conclude the series.
Now, on the day of its release on June 25, Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 has debuted with a 71% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest since the original series (which earned perfect 100% scores across all three seasons), with season 1 of Netflix’s live adaptation at 62% and the 2010 film at an infamous 5%
Season 2 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation only has 14 reviews at the time of writing, so its score should fluctuate as more are published. It also has a 65% audience score with fewer than 50 ratings. See how this compares to past scores below:
RT Critics Score
RT Audience Score
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1
100%
97%
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2
100%
99%
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3
100%
99%
The Last Airbender (2010 movie)
5%
30%
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 1
62%
70%
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2
71%
65%
Developed by Albert Kim, Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 continues following Aang, Katara, and Sokka as they journey deep into the Earth Kingdom territory in search of an earthbending master and a way to warn the world about an incoming comet.
The cast includes Gordon Cormier as Aang, Kiawentiio as Katara, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Uncle Iroh, Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai, and Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula.
Credit: Katie Yu/Netflix
New additions to Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 cast include Miyako as Toph Beifong alongside Rekha Sharma, Dichen Lachman, Jeremiah Oh, Crystal Yu, Hoa Xuande, Justin Chien, Chin Han, Amanda Zhou, Lourdes Faberes, and Kelsey Lopes in recurring roles.
In ScreenRant’s review of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2, Lewis Glazebrook rated it seven out of 10 stars and says it “still isn’t the beloved original, but solid changes, expert production, and a strong spirit mean it doesn’t need to be.” He continues:
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 doesn’t transcend the original show and never will, but it remains well-made, mostly well-acted, and infectiously enjoyable.
Overall, reviews suggest that season 2 of Netflix’s live-action adaptation improves on its first season with stronger action, darker themes, and richer visuals. Many also praise the performances, emotional stakes, and expanded conflicts throughout the Four Nations storyline.
However, some critics complain that Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 relies too heavily on nostalgia, feels like expensive cosplay at times, piles on many antagonists, and struggles to fully commit to a bold adaptation.
Release Date
February 22, 2024
Network
Netflix
Showrunner
Albert Kim
