User reviews

I watched this series on Utube. The story seemed to wander around one issue and get repetitive after two or three episodes. After a while, I started to get bored with it and could see why there wasn't a second season.

In other depictions of Tarzan, he is pictured as a lot smarter than he is here where he seems to learn nothing from his experiences in the city. I was getting the impression that I was seeing the same situation repeated more than once and Tarzan either not learning from his experience, or not wanting to learn. Most likely a better script would have solved the problem, if that were the case.

For those of you expecting Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic version of Tarzan, a la Johnny Weissmuller in loincloth, swinging on vines and fighting random crocodiles, this isn't it. The WB network took a real risk with the jungle lord, and decided to update him for a modern audience. That idea could have backfired in so many ways, but instead, what the viewer gets is an entirely new Tarzan mythology, and surprise! it's good, too. Extremely good, in fact.

Tarzan has been transplanted from the jungle to New York City; instead of battling the jungle denizens, he now climbs skyscrapers and hangs from gargoyles while battling the evil machinations of his uncle, the head of Greystoke Industries. Jane is also not the typical heroine in distress; instead, she is a strong, capable NYC police detective, who finds herself increasingly drawn to the mysterious and dangerous Tarzan. Dangerous? Oh yes, I forgot to mention -- the Tarzan writers were brave enough to let the hero's dark side show through, making for a much more intriguing protagonist. This Tarzan is capable of sudden bouts of violence and anger one moment, while the next moment may see him comforting a small child or protecting Jane. While most of his violence has to do with protecting Jane, paradoxically, some of Tarzan's actions often result in putting Jane in danger. The jungle is never far away from this story, even if it is a jungle made of concrete.

Travis Fimmel, an Australian ex-Calvin Klein model is Tarzan, and Sarah Wayne Callies, another newcomer, plays Jane. Both actors are better than one would expect, lending the Tarzan and Jane romance plenty of heat and spark, without even a kiss, as yet. In fact, some of the most powerful scenes between the two of them, have no dialogue at all -- just a glance here, a blush there. But somehow, it works. Fimmel also impresses by doing most of his own stunts, something which no worthwhile show about Tarzan could be without. His Tarzan is strong, proud, fierce, has a child's innocence, and always battles for what he believes is right. That's quite a performance to manage, but Fimmel is able to get the job done.

Lucy Lawless, Mitch Pileggi and Miguel A. Nunez, Jr all lend their considerable skills in supporting roles. Lucy plays Tarzan's feisty and smart Aunt Kathleen, Pileggi gives a deliciously Machiavellian take on Uncle Richard, and Nunez (who often has the best lines in the series), plays Jane's NYPD partner, Sam Sullivan.

Although there are only 8 episodes of the series, the WB's Tarzan is a little undiscovered gem of a show. Each episode improves upon the last, and don't be surprised if you find yourself quoting some of Sam's lines from the show or humming one of the terrific songs from a particular episode's soundtrack. This Tarzan is worth watching, especially if you appreciate great dialogue, plenty of action, and two characters that fight to stay with each other, no matter the odds.

You know those sketch shows where they create parody trailers/skits with ridiculous reinterpretations narrated by a Don LaFontaine impersonator, now imagine something along these lines:

'In a world where the city's hustle meets Tarzan's muscle, our loincloth hero swings into the urban jungle of the Big Apple, ready for action! Teaming up with none other than NYPD's finest law enforcer, detective Jane Porter. Together, they fight crime and save the day. Coming soon to theaters near you!'

Unironically, they did a whole crime chickdrama series with that premise, or at least aired 8 episodes of it (surprisingly it's not ended with a cliffhanger).

Jane Porter is indeed an NYPD cop in this, well, at least she is american. So is Tarzan. He's the heir to Greystoke Industries, a billion-dollar worth company. When he was a little boy, he and his parents had a plane crash near Congo, Africa. He had to grow up in the jungle on his own.

However, 'Tarzan' is just in the title, with no reference to the 'ape-man' anywhere to be found. For the intended audience, for young females, that would've been 'icky' and 'yucky'. So he's just a 'savage pretty boy'. To be fair, this version of Tarzan is at least fearless, athletic and acrobatic, his fighting style shows some ape-like influence but that's about it.

The parallel between the jungle vs the (modern) urban jungle isn't far off from being a usable concept for Tarzan. But Jane Porter as a policewoman is absurd! Maybe she could've been an anthropologist or a behaviorist who helps him adapt --anything but.

Anyways, the only redeeming quality is the familiar faces: Sarah Wayne Callies from Prison Break & The Walking Dead, Mitch Pileggi from X-Files & SG:A, Lucy Lawless from Xena & Spartacus and Travis Fimmel from Vikings. It's good to see the young Sarah in a leading role.

Its NOT a recommend! I rate it a 5/10. It has a bit of the early '00s charm to it. And believe it or not, among all the modernizing attempts it isn't the worst (but if its dead keep it dead for its own good).

PS: Everyone go read Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels instead!

Travis Fimmel as Tarzan WB TV series.He was cast as John Clayton, the kid which was rise by jungle animals after his parents die in a plain crash, later brought to the city to inherit an emporium owned by his family, he make friends like a police female agent(SaraWCallies), the magic romantic/attraction between them worth all the time you could possibly spend in this fantastic TV series,WB were really mean not giving a chance to complete at least the first season, they were hated by the fans of the series cos they suddenly stop filming the rest of it, even many internet websites and blogs were created to help the series keep going, sadly in vain, he did an amazing character roll in this piece of art of the TV, many fans have treasure those chapters by keeping them in VHS and later digital copies in DVD. We all wish one day they show the series as a homage of those first moments this great actor went through.

This series was so awesome at its time and would be very welcome now in 2022 to help us forget all the nonsense surrounding us now with Covid. It was before its time, I guess, and no one appreciated the brilliant writing, story lines, and chemistry between these two I will never forget this series and the intrigue and anticipation for the next episode, that it brought. You can find all episodes on (video - dailymotion Tarzan 2003. Well done!

Tarzan had EVERYTHING in a tv show I've looked for. It grabbed my attention from the opening scene. I never once got bored or disappointed in the way the characters acted or did something.

Travis Fimmel and the rest of the cast deserve major props because there roles in this show were amazing. Travis's looks could say more than the most delightful dialect. Sarah Wayne Callies reactions to Tarzan were amazing. She could blush and smile and make you believe it was true attraction. Travis' and Sarah's on-screen chemistry was out of this world. We never actually got a kiss scene but WOW there should have been one. Miguel Nunez Jr. was hilarious. His lines could make you laugh out loud. Lucy Lawless played an amazing role. She was fiesty and witty. Mitch Pileggi was Great as well. You could tell he really got into his character.

If I were to rate this show I would give it a 10 being the highest. I really wish the show had lasted longer than 8 eppisodes but I'm not going to whine because I'm glad it even happened.

I came across this show whilst flicking thru the channels and I was completely hooked from the first show. I looked forward to watching it every week. In my area it was shown on Saturday at 10.00am, and it was my hour to chill with a mug of coffee after a busy working week. Tarzan is a "Dish" and i am sorry that we won't be seeing his relationship with Jane progress. I would have loved to watch another season. I don't think many people knew about it over here and so maybe the ratings were not very high for it. I think it was a good enough TV show for prime time viewing at say 8.00pm.Each week the content of the show was well balanced and was never boring.

I was expecting something not-so-good, but I'm really enjoying it! Despite some of the other comments here, I think the darkness gives the show a classier feel -- let's face it, the Tarzan concept could've come off very cheesy. I honestly think it comes off as more a quality show than something like "Buffy," thought it's not as witty (or intended to be). The camp is matched by the thoughtfulness, and both Sarah Wayne Callies and Lucy Lawless are great!

The one and only reason I started watching "Tarzan" was Lusy Lawless.I just wanted to see her in something other then "Xina". I absolutely did not expect anything good from the show itself. But what a surprise. It's not half as bad as I expected. Sarah Wayne Callies is incredible. Her Jane is not a one-dimensional character and definetely not a swept- off-her feet teenager. She's a grown up woman, independent, smart and strong. I like that very much.Lucy Lawless did not disappoint also. Of course it's not her show and she doesn't have much to do. But the biggest surprise for me personally is the character of Tarzan. With every episode writers and Travis Fimmel are making me to take him more and more seriously, which I didn't think would be possible.And I like that the story of Tarzan and Jane' affection for each other is developing rather slowly - it has a grown up feeling to it. I do not expect any intellectually challenging story lines from the show like this. But so far I'm watching and enjoying it every week. My one advice to writers would be to add a bit of humor to it and not to take themselves too seriously.In any case "Tarzan" has my vote.

I watch quite a few shows, but this is one of my favorites this year. I like the spin that the WB has put on the story of Tarzan. The plot is wonderfully full of surprises and suspense. I love the interaction between John Clayton (Tarzan) and Jane. I'd like to see what happens with John's uncle an aunt and his inheritance. Unfortunately the WB is planning on canceling the show (just like they did with Birds of Prey, another excellent show). PLEASE HELP US TARZAN-ENTHUSIAST'S OUT AND VOTE FOR THE SHOW Don't let this > show suffer the same fate as Birds of Prey. WATCH IT AND GET THOSE RATINGS UP!

Come on people!!! Enough already! Let's at least try to do Tarzan right. It's not as hard as it looks. As a huge fan of the jungle lord, I am so very glad that this series failed! Whats with the rewriting of the origin? I know others have done it but they didn't junk it up this bad!! And whats with the whole bringing to New York thing? It's been done to death already (Tarzan's New York Adventure is the best and it will never be beat). Travis Fimmel (who's had his 15 minutes of fame if thats what you wanna call it) is not and never will be Tarzan. When you get "writers" that think they know how to write for Tarzan and they do nothing but screw it up, it makes the dumb studios out there think that the public just doesn't want to see Tarzan anymore. I do!

I loved the show Tarzan. It had a very hot looking Tarzan and a cute Jane. I feel that they should try it again or make a sequel series or something. It had a great show song and beginning. I taped the show's episodes when it was airing and I still love it. This series was actually rare because no one was having sex with someone else or anything like that; It's about something. That's what made it special.I was really sad when it ended and they need to bring it back. The subject of the show could be something longer. Maybe add some new characters or different plots. I did like the character development as the story went on. They way that Tarzan looked at Jane was enough to melt any girl because he looked at her with caring and compassionate eyes. A show is supposed make you wish that you in there with the character(s). It's supposed to make you anxious for the next episode and I know that is what this show did for a lot of people who watched it when it was on. It is still one of my favorite shows.It only lasted 8 episodes, but there could still be a lot more that the writers could have done, or can still do. The characters developed over the 8 episodes and they could seriously make this show be #1 in the future!

I didn't think I was going to like this show at all. But so far I love it. Travis Fimmel is amazing in this role. Amazingly sexy...and just the right amount of animalism to him. I love his eyes...and I love when he's standing near Jane and smells her it's so hot. I am anxiously awaiting a kissing scene...I hope it's soon.

If this is just the beginning of the series, I forsee nothing but horrible plotlines ahead. The guy who plays Tarzan is uncharismatic, the setting is grim and bleak, the characters are one dimensional, and the villain is your usual cliche you'd expect. Boy, I have to remember to miss this every week.

While like so many WB shows that are 'hyped' and then abruptly aborted in mid-stride, while trying to find their stride; 'Tarzan', with a new, up-to-date take on the character, was canceled with the flick of a pen, just as it was finding itself.

The on-screen chemistry between the two lead characters was wonderful and Travis Fimmel's portrayal of an innocent, intense man lost in a new world, was excellent. If only the rest of humanity could see their fellows in such shade of right and wrong...

Of course, the long haired, firm bodied Fimmel had women drooling during the show, as well as since. After all, who wouldn't like to have such a guy just drop in their bedroom window at will? (A la Angel or Spike!)

It's a shame that the WB chose to axe this show as it was finding it's footing, much as they did 'Birds Of Prey;, however I suppose that's better that taking one out at its peak as they so cruelly did to Joss Whedon's 'Angel'

Fimmel might have made an excellent 'villian' on 'Angel'. What a 'beef-cake' sampler platter THAT would have been!

Ok, all in all, the show is pretty good. I mean, I'm not sure I'd watch it if Travis wasn't in the lead role, but it's not a bad show, really.

I think Travis does the whole new-to-the-world thing well. The innocence he portrays is really well done. His talking parts? Not so good, but I think he'll get better with time. I hope.

I love Tarzan it is AWESUME, it's unique and very exiting. I love shows that you can watch without saying "have I seen this before? it sure seemed familiar"

The characters are wonderful and I just hope it gets a chance to continue.

Tarzan was a great show and I hope they bring it back. While the storyline was dark and gloomy it was exciting and kept you on the edge of your seat. You would be in suspense for days wondering if Jane is dead or just really injured, wondering if she'll leave the city with him, or if only he is leaving or if they were going too stay in the city and try to clear John's (Tarzan's) name of murder. Totally exciting and a real nail biter. If you are like me and liked this show or if you are just looking for a good show here a my suggestions: Charmed Buffy the vampire slayer Angel

These shows are funny exciting and touching.

I thought this show had some bad and good points, but I saw a sufficient number of good points to keep on giving it a try. Specifically, Mitch Pileggi and Lucy Lawless. Brilliant actors - I wish they had had more to do.

When the show was about a family in conflict - Kathleen, Richard and John - it was strong and dynamic. I thought the show had a great look to it and obviously was made with great production values. I think some of the writing and the overt marketing to teenage girls was regrettable. Travis Fimmel I never did expect much from, and entirely too much was made of him allegedly being oh so sexy. Puhleeze. I really think the show was getting stronger when it was curtailed. I'd like to see it come out on DVD.

The storyline is a lot different that what I expected but I believe that it might get better and besides Tarzan is hott. I mean you need guys like that on tv .. So hopefully they get with it and change something.. But i do believe that there going to have to do a lot of work with it if they want it to last.. (which if anyone really gets into it, it probably wouldn't)