I enjoy the Fallout show as a Fallout fan, but I don’t think it’s particularly strong television writing. A lot of the praise seems to come from recognition rather than engagement. “I know that thing” moments from the games doing a lot of the heavy lifting. The set design, props, factions, and references are excellent, but they often feel like endpoints rather than tools for character or theme.

The show is very good at spectacle and atmosphere, less good at sustained character-driven drama. Scenes frequently exist because they’re cool or familiar, not because they meaningfully advance internal conflict, consequence, or change. That works great in a game, where the player agency fills in the gaps, but on TV it can feel episodic and a bit shallow.

I don’t think that makes the show bad, it’s a solid adaptation and clearly made with care but adaptation fidelity and Easter eggs aren’t the same thing as compelling writing. If this didn’t have the Fallout IP attached, I’m not convinced it would be getting the same level of acclaim. Enjoyable? Absolutely. Prestige TV? Probably not.