ComScore

This Bizarre Netflix Show Has Been #1 for Weeks—But Its Rotten Tomatoes Rating Has Me Majorly Confused

I think I like it...?

sirens netflix review
Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

As an entertainment editor and a secret data nerd, I'm constantly looking at numbers when it comes to new shows and movies. I'm talking rankings—like if a show makes the Netflix top ten list—and ratings—like how a movie was rated by fans and critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Generally, the numbers align. If a series is the number one show, fans tend to give it a pretty high score. But that's why Netflix's Sirens made me do a double take.

One of the buzziest shows at the moment, Sirens stars Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus) and Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon). Though the series hit Netflix back on May 22, it's still sitting pretty atop the Netflix top shows list a whopping twelve days later. And yet, fans on Rotten Tomatoes only give the show a measly 65 percent on the Popcornmeter. Similarly, the IMDb rating stands at 6.8 out of ten. So...what gives?

Determined to make this data make sense, I finally gave Sirens a watch. Here, my honest review.

sirens netflix review
Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025

Sirens follows Fahy as Devon DeWitt, who tries to track down her sister, Alcock's Simone, after she stops responding to her calls and texts. It seems Simone has taken up employment and residence in a mansion on the fictional island of Port Haven (think Nantucket). Simone's boss? None other than the eccentric and mysterious Michaela Kell (Moore). Devon rushes to the rescue, but what she finds is a bizarre world where her sister seems entranced with her boss, the locals may all be in a cult and everyone wears Lilly Pulitzer like it's still the '90s.

So the million dollar question: Is Sirens good or not? Here's where it gets complicated...I think so?

sirens netflix review julianne moore
Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025

The show is quirky and bizarre (which I usually like). There is drama and intrigue (which I'm normally on board with). And yet, after two episodes, I can't seem to decide if I like it or not. Is it a copout for me to say, "It's complicated"? Probably, but it's the truth.

Moore gives an incredible performance, creating a complex character who is at once frightening and sad. Fahy and Alcock are fun to watch as bickering sisters who are polar opposite personalities. But the first two episodes don't seem to provide enough answers or enough mystery (there's no dead body unless you count the bird) for me to make heads or tails of things. And still, I'll likely keep watching.

The show is an easy view without me having to pay too much attention. The three fabulous lead women, plus the bubble gum colors and general air of mystery make this a pleasant enough watch to keep me going (but perhaps not "bingeing").

All of this to say, I suppose the data makes sense. People are watching—the limited series is at number one as a result. But people aren't sure if they love it or not—hence the positive but not stellar ratings.

I guess if I had to give it a rating, I'd say...65 percent? And I guess if I had to say if I'll keep watching, I'd say...probably?

Sirens is available to slowly watch on Netflix RN.

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Philip Mutz Headshot

VP, News and Entertainment

  • Oversees news and entertainment content
  • Is an award-winning playwright and has hosted two entertainment podcasts
  • Has 10+ years experience in entertainment coverage and viral media