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MacGyver

MacGyver

No man has done more with less.

2016–2021Ended5 seasons95 episodes~43 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all shows

20-something Angus MacGyver creates a clandestine organization where he uses his knack for solving problems in unconventional ways to help prevent disasters from happening.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch MacGyver?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists MacGyver streaming on Paramount+, Pluto TV (free) and The Roku Channel (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

FreeFree

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about MacGyver?

MacGyver earns 6 badges, led by Overhyped and Cult Classic.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is MacGyver worth watching?

MacGyver's Midcredits score is the 21st percentile of all shows, from 26K ratings across 2 sources. 56% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

21st percentile

Better received than 21% of shows

14th percentile among Action20th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)18th
Approval (how many liked it)26th

Acclaim

Cult Classic: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

62 /100

18th percentile of all shows

14th percentile among Action19th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

Approval

How many liked it

56% liked it

26th percentile of all shows

17th percentile among Action24th percentile among 2010s
56% rated it 7–1044% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

96th percentile

25K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 10% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the reboot is a fast-paced, team-based action show that diverges sharply from the original's solo, thoughtful MacGyver.

Fans praised

  • Team chemistry and lighthearted family-friendly tone
  • Lucas Till's energetic performance and commitment to non-violent problem-solving
  • Entertaining, escapist fun that improves after the first season

Detractors panned

  • MacGyver rewritten as an arrogant, cocky womanizer rather than humble and principled
  • Poor writing with juvenile dialogue, implausible science, and laughable hacking scenes
  • Bland, miscast lead lacking the charm of the original

What stands out

ActingDivisive50

Lucas Till energetic but miscast; supporting cast like George Eads praised by fans but criticized by detractors

Pacing50

Fast-paced action but sometimes feels rushed and repetitive

Effects and spectacleDivisive45

Explosions and stunts are flashy but often unconvincing; CGI criticized

CharactersDivisive35

MacGyver rewritten as arrogant and womanizing; ensemble lacks depth and originality

AtmosphereDivisive35

Lighthearted, campy tone that some find refreshing but others call juvenile

Plot and storyDivisive30

Predictable, formulaic stories with recycled plots; improves slightly after first season

DialogueDivisive25

Cheesy, forced dialogue with clichéd one-liners and juvenile banter

OriginalityDivisive15

Generic spy-action formula with little resemblance to the original's unique concept

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 17 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 23 points higher than over-30s.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 19 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Episodes

5 seasons

Season 5 · 2020 · 15 episodes

  • S5E1

    Resort + Desi + Riley + Window Cleaner + Witness

    Dec 4, 202044 min
  • S5E2

    Thief + Painting + Auction + Viro-486 + Justice

    Dec 11, 202041 min
  • S5E3

    Eclipse + USMC-1856707 + Step Potential + Chain Lock + Ma

    Dec 18, 202042 min
  • S5E4

    Banh Bao + Sterno + Drill + Burner + Mason

    Jan 8, 202144 min
  • S5E5

    Jack + Kinematics + Safe Cracker + MgKNO3 + GTO

    Jan 15, 202143 min
  • S5E6

    Quarantine + N95 + Landline + Telescope + Social Distance

    Jan 22, 202144 min

Watch experience

What is MacGyver like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
TenseJoyfulHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Adventurous · 15% of showsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe show plays its action and problem-solving straight with a light, energetic spirit that often winks at the audience without undermining the stakes.
The rideEpisodes mix high-stakes action with light banter, making the mood consistently engaging but rarely overwhelming.
StructureEach mission episode is told in a conventional beginning-middle-end structure, with no recurring narrative tricks.
Episode formatEpisodes feature self-contained missions, but a season-long conspiracy and character development provide an overarching narrative.
Season formatEach season introduces a new major threat or conspiracy while following the same core team.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer entertained by clever problem-solving and an optimistic can-do spirit shared among the team.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

18% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe typical episode follows MacGyver and his team on a covert mission to neutralize a human villain or criminal organization, using resourcefulness and teamwork.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% (this title) · Loyalty 7% (this title)
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

PurposeLoyalty · 7% of showsFriendship
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeMacGyver is driven by a sense of duty to use his skills to save others, while his team forms a found family bound by trust.
StanceThe show celebrates MacGyver's resourcefulness and the team's moral clarity.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalIn transitStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingGlobal missions for a covert U.S. government organization

Content guide

Is MacGyver okay for kids?

TV-14

MacGyver is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (57/100), sexual content at mild (19/100), language at mild (34/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (28/100) and frightening material at moderate (44/100). Overall it is heavier than 32% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • FinlandK12
  • IndiaU
  • LTN-14
  • MexicoA
  • MYP13
  • Netherlands6
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Portugal12AP
  • Russia16+
  • Spain13
  • Switzerland12
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 28% of all showsHeavier than 32% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 56%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 12%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 34%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a TV-14 show
heavier than 24%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 44%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 56% of TV-14 shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does MacGyver have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in MacGyver?

Cast

Lucas Till
as Angus MacGyver
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tristin Mays
as Riley Davis
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Justin Hires
as Wilt Bozer
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Meredith Eaton
as Matty Webber
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
George Eads
as Jack Dalton
Levy Tran
as Desi Nguyen
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Henry Ian Cusick
as Russ Taylor
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Reign Edwards
as Leanna Martin
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Kate Bond
as Jill Morgan
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sandrine Holt
as Patricia Thornton
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.

More like this

What are shows like MacGyver?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like MacGyver include The Six Million Dollar Man (1974), Mission: Impossible (1966) and Scorpion (2014).

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What other shows share a tag with MacGyver?

191 other shows share the rarest tag below, follows: spy. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.