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Constantine (TV series)
Constantine (TV series)
Constantine (TV series)
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Constantine
Genre
Based onCharacters
from DC Comics
Developed by
Starring
ComposerBear McCreary
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
ProducerJames Spies
Production locationAtlanta, Georgia
CinematographyRomeo Tirone
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseOctober 24, 2014 (2014-10-24) –
February 13, 2015 (2015-02-13)
Related
Arrowverse

Constantine (stylized as Cons♰antįne) is an American occult detective drama television series developed by Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer that aired for one season on NBC, it premiered on October 24, 2014 and concluded on February 13, 2015. Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, it stars Matt Ryan as the eponymous John Constantine, an English exorcist and occult detective who hunts supernatural entities.

Although the series was canceled after its first season, Ryan would reprise his role in the Arrowverse franchise, which retroactively established Constantine as part of the same continuity. Ryan also returned as Constantine in the DC Animated Movie Universe and its animated spin-off series Constantine: City of Demons.

Premise

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John Constantine, a demon hunter and dabbling master of the occult, must struggle with his past sins while protecting the innocent from the converging supernatural threats that constantly break through to our world due to the "Rising Darkness". Balancing his actions upon the line of good and evil, Constantine uses his skills and a supernatural scry map to journey across the nation to send these terrors back to their own world, all for the hope of redeeming his soul from eternal torment.

Cast and characters

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Main

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Recurring

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Guest

[edit]

Episodes

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Constantine, season 1 episodes
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [3]Prod.
code		US viewers
(millions)
1"Non Est Asylum"Neil MarshallStory by : Daniel Cerone & David S. Goyer
Teleplay by : Daniel Cerone		October 24, 2014 (2014-10-24)2968494.28[4]
John Constantine, an unscrupulous exorcist and master of the dark arts, recovers in a mental institution following a failed exorcism, which resulted in his soul being damned. He receives a supernatural warning about Liv Aberdine, who is threatened by mysterious forces. Constantine gives her a pendant that belonged to her father, allowing her to see trapped souls. He introduces her to scrying, a mystic art that predicts where demonic activity will occur. Constantine finds out that Aberdine is being stalked by the demon Furcifer. Constantine coerces help from Ritchie Simpson, a hacker who assisted in the failed exorcism. Together they trap Furcifer and send him back to Hell. Simpson convinces Aberdine to stay away from Constantine. She leaves him the pendant and a map used in the art. He accepts an offer to work for an angel named Manny in exchange for his redemption. Elsewhere, a female artist draws paintings of Constantine.
2"The Darkness Beneath"Steve ShillRockne S. O'BannonOctober 31, 2014 (2014-10-31)3J55533.06[5]
John learns from scrying about a threat in a small town in Pennsylvania, where the workers in a mine experience scary sounds and vibrations when digging. John arrives and encounters Zed, the woman who draws the paintings due to having visions of him. He initially ignores her, but eventually enlists her help. He deduces that the Coblynau, the normally benign spirits of deceased workers, are forced by a person to kill others. They become suspicious of a former priest who lost his son in the mine, but find out that he is innocent. John decides to prevent anyone from entering the mine, setting explosives inside and giving the trigger to the former priest, who detonates it. John finds out that the person forcing the Coblynau is a Romani, the wife of a mine foreman who was recently killed. The woman summons the Coblynau to kill John, who summons her husband, another Coblynau who kills her and frees John. He and Zed decide to continue working together.
3"The Devil's Vinyl"Romeo TironeMark Verheiden & David S. GoyerNovember 7, 2014 (2014-11-07)3J55543.14[6]
John and Zed travel to Chicago to investigate a death involving a Gramophone record. They learn that the record, known as the Acetate, freezes anyone who touches it and possesses the weak-minded, and anyone who hears the recording dies. John and Zed confront its owner Jasmine, who reveals that she made a deal with a soul broker 20 years ago to save her husband, who was dying of cancer, selling her soul. The soul broker later contacted her and offered to return her soul in exchange for the Acetate. John learns that the soul broker's boss is Papa Midnite, a voodoo priest, who also wants to obtain the record, believing he can use it to bargain for his sister's trapped and damned soul. Midnite's mercenaries take the Acetate from Jasmine and attempt mass mayhem by broadcasting the recording on the radio. Constantine defeats them at the radio station just as it airs, and exorcises the Acetate and its evil to Hell. Papa Midnite swears vengeance, as he has lost something valuable to him. John forces the soul broker to break his original deal with Jasmine, saving her soul but bringing back her husband's illness.
4"A Feast of Friends"John F. ShowalterCameron WelshNovember 14, 2014 (2014-11-14)3J55553.47[7]
Gary Lester, an old friend of John, while on a bender, comes across a boy in Sudan whose skin is scarified with mystical symbols to contain a demon. Gary exorcises the demon and seals it in a mystical container. Intending to bring it to John, he is stopped by the United States Customs Service and the demon is released. John identifies it as a hunger demon named Mnemoth. Zed sketches symbols from her latest vision that John can use against Mnemoth. Gary tells Zed the story about John's failed exorcism in Newcastle. John and Nommo use psychotropics to learn that it was a shaman in Sudan who trapped the demon inside the boy, who would have died, destroying the demon had he not escaped confinement and been saved by Gary. John tells Gary that he intends to use him to contain the demon as no vessel is strong enough. He agrees, seeing this as his opportunity to atone for past sins and give his empty life meaning. After the ritual succeeds, John takes Gary to the mill house and holds his hand while Mnemoth tortures and kills him. Manny stands ready to guide Gary's soul to the afterlife.
5"Danse Vaudou"John BadhamChristine BoylanNovember 21, 2014 (2014-11-21)3J55563.54[8]
In New Orleans, a police detective named Jim Corrigan fails to prevent a masked woman from killing another woman. John, Chas and Zed arrive and question Jim, who says that the bullets passed through her, so John concludes that she must be a ghost. Another ghost, belonging to a teenage boy, Phillip, appears on a deserted road on the way in to the city. He causes a car crash which kills the driver. John deduces that the ghosts were summoned by Papa Midnite, who gets paid to establish connections with the dead for those left behind. John confronts Papa as he is reviving a ghost. John agrees to help Papa return the ghosts to the afterlife in exchange for asking his damned sister's spirit for information about the "rising darkness". Their first attempt to return the ghosts to their bodies by burning them does not work. John realizes that the people who wronged them when they were alive have not forgiven themselves yet, so they finally do, returning the ghosts to the afterlife. Jim tells Zed that he knows that she escaped her family and that Zed is not her birth name. When he kisses her hand, she sees a vision of him dying, covered in blood. Papa Midnite contacts his sister and she tells him that the "rising darkness" will involve the betrayal of someone close to him.
6"Rage of Caliban"Neil MarshallDaniel CeroneNovember 28, 2014 (2014-11-28)3J55523.34[9]
John and Chas arrive in Birmingham to investigate of a series of murders in which both parents are violently killed with their only child left unharmed. John determines that he is chasing the spirit of a boy who murdered his abusive parents, who has been repeating the pattern of violence through possessing other children for decades. John tracks the spirit to its current host, struggling to convince the boy's parents that he can help him, although the mother has noticed changes in her son. Manny arrives to discuss John's own childhood, and suggests that John can help the possessed boy and the spirit only if he truly understands their suffering. John realises that his efforts so far have been unsuccessful because the possessing spirit is of a person who is still living. With help from the possessed boy's mother, John succeeds in exorcising the spirit. He forces it back into its original body, an adult catatonic mental patient, hoping the mental hospital staff have the means to contain the abused man's pain.
7"Blessed Are the Damned"Nick GomezSneha KoorseDecember 5, 2014 (2014-12-05)3J55573.17[10]
A Kentucky preacher named Zachary has gained the power of healing after being revived following his death to a venomous snake. Believing the power to somehow be evil, Constantine and Zed go to Kentucky and learn that the first person Zachary healed has begun attacking and killing others. John finds a wounded angel named Imogen, who says that when she was lifting Zachary to Heaven, he stole one of her feathers, giving him his powers and causing her fall to Earth. John and Zed confront Zachary, eventually taking the feather from him. John asks Zed to return the feather to Imogen's wing while he deals with the violent, recently healed parishioners. Eventually John realizes that Zachary was actually being taken to Hell and that the angel gave him the feather in order to escape Hell and become a corporeal being on Earth. Zed gets the feather to Imogen, who regains her powers, revealing herself as a fallen angel. Manny kills her by removing her heart, which John then puts in the Mill House's collection as it is "concentrated pure evil". Manny states that the barrier between Hell and Earth has become thinner due to the "rising darkness".
8"The Saint of Last Resorts"TJ ScottCarly WrayDecember 12, 2014 (2014-12-12)3J55583.30[11]
Anne Marie, a nun who was previously John's girlfriend and present at the now infamous Newcastle exorcism, convinces Constantine to come to Mexico City to stop an unknown entity that has kidnapped a baby. After the entity kidnaps another baby from the same family, revealed to be a granddaughter of Hugo, brother of Anne Marie, John uses magic to expose the cover of the culprit, another nun revealed to be Lamashtu (Lillith), one of Biblical Creation Eve's sisters. John and Anne pursue Lamashtu into the sewer beneath the convent. They discover that the missing babies are alive and rescue them. Lamashtu reveals that the Brujería are responsible for the "rising darkness". John uses an amulet of the demon Pazuzu to banish Lamashtu, but he and Anne are confronted by an invunche. Anne sacrifices John, shooting him and leaving him behind so that she and the infant can escape. Meanwhile, Zed meets up with Eddie, the model from her art class, for a drink. She gets suspicious after touching him and seeing a vision of him locking her up. She invites him to the Mill House, John's safehouse, where she locks him up. He reveals he is working for her father, calling her "Mary". Her father's other henchmen arrive, kill Eddie and capture Zed.
9"The Saint of Last Resorts: Part 2"Romeo TironeMark VerheidenJanuary 16, 2015 (2015-01-16)3J55593.06[12]
John invites the demon Pazuzu to possess him to drive away the invunche and heal his wound. Zed has a vision of Anne, then overpowers her captor and escapes. John tells Chas he has to exorcise Pazuzu before it takes him over permanently, but Pazuzu seizes control of John and escapes. John wakes up surrounded by corpses and is arrested and jailed. Chas and Zed convince Anne to help locate John. Chas causes a diversion at the prison while Zed enters as his conjugal visit, and Anne enters by pretending to minister to the prisoners' needs. They locate John and start the exorcism, but the demon seems too deeply rooted. The demon Trickster arrives to kill John's friends to ensure the return of Pazuzu, his ally. Anne manages to kill Trickster. They take Constantine back to the mill house where they have a better chance with the exorcism. After a hard fight, Anne finally finds the faith in herself and John to finish the exorcism, saving John's life and his soul. Before she leaves, Anne advises Zed to confide in John about her past.
10"Quid Pro Quo"Mary HarronBrian AnthonyJanuary 23, 2015 (2015-01-23)3J55603.47[13]
During a night of partying, John casts a spell on Chas to keep him safe from harm. Chas then survives a combustion which kills many people. John deduces that his spell caused Chas to absorb the victims' souls and that he can be revived from death 47 times. In the present, a coma epidemic in Brooklyn includes Chas's daughter Geraldine. Zed opens up about her father's fanatical religious group (the Resurrection Crusade) who want to use her powers for their own ends. John and Zed notice Brooklyn is signaling on the scrying map and join Chas. They confront Felix Faust, who agrees to free the souls if John will banish a demon lurking in town. John agrees and only manages to knock it unconscious, rather than banishing it to Hell. Impatient with the delays, Chas offers Felix all of his resurrection souls in exchange for Geraldine's freedom. After seeing Chas's resurrection ability, Felix accepts the new deal. Felix is magically restrained so that Chas can detonate a grenade, killing them both and releasing the captured souls. Chas is revived and reunites with his family. Zed, while half asleep, mumbles that John's mother said that her death was not his fault.
11"A Whole World Out There"Tom WrightDavita Scarlett & Sneha KoorseJanuary 30, 2015 (2015-01-30)3J55613.29[14]
Four of Ritchie Simpson's students cast a spell which sends their souls to a dimension created by Jacob Shaw, who attacks them before they escape. John notices a sign on the scrying map and visits Ritchie. Three of them die at the hands of Jacob after being dragged back to his dimension. John and Ritchie bring the last student to John's safe house, where her cell phone's reflection drags her to Jacob's world. John and Ritchie enter the dimension, where John realizes that Ritchie has the skill to reshape reality. John encourages Ritchie to use his skills to defeat Jacob, who is erased from reality after Ritchie summons a beautiful sunrise. The house begins to collapse, which releases the spirits of the three students. John and Ritchie save the last student. Ritchie reveals he wants to stay, to create his own reality and have a life away from the "rising darkness". John argues that he is really running away from life, which is often painful and difficult; when he later comes back, he begs Ritchie to return. Finally, he chooses reality as well, and later lectures to his students that all life contains suffering, but they can learn to be at peace anyway.
12"Angels and Ministers of Grace"Sam HillChristine BoylanFebruary 6, 2015 (2015-02-06)3J55622.96[15]
Manny destroys the map, calling it a limitation, and tells John to visit the hospital where there is a woman who supposedly died due to an overdose, but was actually killed by a mystical entity. At the hospital, Zed has a seizure and is diagnosed with a small brain tumor. The entity gruesomely kills a staff member. John casts a spell to keep Manny in human form, so he will be forced to help him. This also causes Manny to experience a wealth of human emotions. They find the staff member's body and when he reaches into it, John sees that a Black Diamond is involved. He retrieves a Diamond fragment from the mill house and tells Manny that an angry patient he noticed earlier must be the culprit. However, that patient is killed, so they deduce that a physician who served in Baghdad is the person possessed by the Diamond. They confront him, but he escapes to the basement, where he traps them. John frees Manny from human form, who disappears. John desperately begs God for help. In angel form, Manny comes back and frees the physician from the control of the Diamond. Zed decides to keep the tumor, intending to tolerate the pain as the cost of using her powers.
13"Waiting for the Man"David BoydCameron WelshFebruary 13, 2015 (2015-02-13)3J55633.30[16]
A man tasks his three child brides to find him a fourth; they convince a young girl named Vesta to join them. The man captures a security guard who was suspicious of him. John and Zed join Jim Corrigan in investigating the murder of one of Jim's colleagues. John deduces that it was done by a satanist. John receives a message from Gary from beyond the grave, who warns him of a bounty set for his death by the Brujeria. The team links the murder to the four kidnapped girls. A voodoo zombie working for Papa Midnite attacks John and Jim kills it. Zed finds a significant location, where they find the security guard dead. John realizes Papa Midnite is coming and tells Zed and Jim to focus on finding the satanist, leaving to face him alone. John overpowers and knocks Papa unconscious before heading to the satanist's hideout, where they free Vesta and Jim kills the satanist. The police arrest Papa Midnite. Zed tells Jim about her vision of his death, but also says she does not know if she can prevent a vision from happening. Manny frees Papa, cancelling the bounty on John and revealing himself as the boss of the Brujeria.

On October 30, 2015, Daniel Cerone released a script for the fourteenth episode, titled "Final Girl", which would have aired if the series had not been canceled.[17]

Production

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Development

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The series was developed by Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer, with the pilot episode directed by Neil Marshall.[18] The on-screen depiction of Constantine's chain-smoking habit was said to be curtailed because of broadcast television restrictions[19][20] (the network eventually becomes more lenient and John is shown smoking on screen in later episodes). Additionally, the character's bisexuality was not referenced on screen,[21] with Cerone saying, "In those comic books, John Constantine aged in real time. Within this tome of three decades [of comics] there might have been one or two issues where he's seen getting out of bed with a man. So [maybe] 20 years from now? But there are no immediate plans". This was met with criticism from the LGBTQA+ community.[22]

Griffiths was cast as the original female lead Liv Aberdine, the daughter of a late friend of John's called Jasper Winters, who comes to discover that she has the ability of seeing the supernatural world among us. She teams up with Constantine to fight the demons who have targeted her and learn more about her late father.[1] Griffiths was dropped after Goyer and Cerone decided to take the series in a different creative direction.[23] The comic character Zed was chosen as a replacement for the female lead.[23] Angélica Celaya was later announced to fill the role. Some of Griffiths' final scenes from the pilot were reshot, explaining why she does not join Constantine in his adventures as originally intended.[2]

Cancellation

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In November 2014, NBC announced that they would not be ordering more episodes past the initial order of 13 for the first season, though a second season renewal was not ruled out.[24] When questioned about the chances of the series return in January 2015, NBC president Jennifer Salke said, "We wish the show would've done better live. It has a big [delayed] viewership and a younger audience. We love the show and it's safe to say we're still talking about it". NBC entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt added, "We got on the comic books bandwagon. Maybe, there are too many of them".[25] In February 2015, Cerone reconfirmed that the series had not been cancelled and that the producers would pitch their ideas for an additional season to NBC in May 2015.[26] In mid-April 2015, Cerone stated it was "a long shot" that the series would be renewed, adding "While we marginally improved a tough time slot for NBC, we're a very expensive show to produce. A lot of NBC's decision making will not [sic] doubt hinge on their new pilots and how they feel those new shows would fare as a companion piece to Grimm, versus a second season of Constantine".[27] On April 23, Cerone tweeted that the producers would pitch their ideas for a second season on April 27, which was earlier than he had previously announced in February, with NBC making their decision in early May.[28] Following the meeting, Cerone tweeted that the "NBC exec said [to] tell the fans it went well" and that "If this show comes back for more, I can honestly say it was the fans".[29][30]

On May 8, 2015, NBC declined to renew the series for a second season, prompting Warner Bros. Television to shop the series around in an attempt to get it picked up by another network.[31] A month later, Cerone revealed that the cast and crew were released from their contracts after Warner Bros. Television had "tried to find a new home for the show... but those efforts didn't pan out", and stated "that the show is over". On the many fans who voiced their support for the series in attempting to get it renewed, Cerone said, "we're leaving behind wild and passionate fans who believe in and were moved by what we tried to do. To leave such a significant, dedicated and active fan base on the table—that's the real sadness. You all deserve many years of the series we set out to make, and we're disappointed that we couldn't deliver that to you".[32]

Release

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Broadcast

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Constantine aired simultaneously on Global in Canada.[33] In the United Kingdom, the series was acquired by Amazon Video.[34] The series is available to stream in Australia on Stan.[35] It is also available in Canada on Shomi starting September 24, 2015.[36] On July 1, 2016, the series was made available to stream on CW Seed.[37]

Home media

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The complete series, along with bonus material, was released on Blu-ray, DVD and digitally on October 4, 2016 by the Warner Archive Collection.[38][39]

Reception

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Critical response

[edit]

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 72% critic approval rating with an average rating of 6.2/10 based on 46 reviews. The website's consensus reads, "Constantine's creepy atmosphere, high-stakes action, and splendid special effects combine with a welcome touch of humor to overcome narrative flaws and present a version of the title character that's close to his comics counterpart".[40] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 53 out of 100 based on 25 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[41]

Kylie Peters of Den of Geek, reviewing the pilot episode, said "Constantine is worth sticking around for. It may not have achieved greatness yet, but it's not half bad either".[42] Matt Fowler of IGN gave the pilot episode "Non Est Asylum" a 7.5/10, praising Matt Ryan's performance as Constantine saying that the episode is a good set up for the series, but criticized the pacing.[43] Reviewing the entire season, Fowler again praised Ryan's performance, described the season as engaging, and praised the adaptations of arcs from the comics ("A Feast of Friends", "The Saint of Last Resorts" and "Waiting for the Man"), but criticized the episode shifting and team members randomly disappearing. Ultimately, Fowler called the season uneven and awarded it a 7.2/10.[44] Jonathan Bernstein of The Daily Telegraph gave the pilot episode 2 stars out of 5, calling it "an endurance test". He criticized Lucy Griffiths performance, saying that "unless she was being bribed to kill the show stone dead like an old-time boxer paid to take a fall, there's no way she could have been worse in the part", but praised Ryan, saying that he "brought a certain gravelly charm to the role".[45]

Ratings

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The premiere episode "Non Est Asylum" received an additional 2.90 million viewers from DVR viewing, to create a total of 7.14 million viewers for the episode.[46]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Constantine
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 Total
(18–49)
1 "Non Est Asylum" October 24, 2014 1.4/5 4.28[4] 0.7 2.1[46]
2 "The Darkness Beneath" October 31, 2014 0.9/3 3.06[5] 0.8 1.7[47]
3 "The Devil's Vinyl" November 7, 2014 1.0/3 3.14[6] 0.7 1.7[48]
4 "A Feast of Friends" November 14, 2014 0.8/3 3.47[7] 0.9 1.7[49]
5 "Danse Vaudou" November 21, 2014 1.1/4 3.54[8] 0.8 1.9[50]
6 "Rage of Caliban" November 28, 2014 0.9/3 3.34[9] 0.7 1.6[51]
7 "Blessed Are the Damned" December 5, 2014 0.8/3 3.17[10] 0.8 1.6[52]
8 "The Saint of Last Resorts" December 12, 2014 1.0/3 3.30[11] 0.7 1.7[53]
9 "The Saint of Last Resorts: Part 2" January 16, 2015 0.8/3 3.06[12] 0.6 1.4[54]
10 "Quid Pro Quo" January 23, 2015 0.9/3 3.47[13] 0.6 1.5[55]
11 "A Whole World Out There" January 30, 2015 0.8/3 3.29[14] 0.6 1.4[56]
12 "Angels and Ministers of Grace" February 6, 2015 0.8/3 2.96[15] 0.6 1.4[57]
13 "Waiting for the Man" February 13, 2015 0.8/3 3.30[16] 0.6 1.4[58]

Accolades

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Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Creative Arts Emmy Awards September 12, 2015 Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More) Constantine Nominated [59]
Saturn Awards June 25, 2015 Best Superhero Television Series Constantine Nominated [60]
Fangoria Chainsaw Awards May 10, 2016 Best TV Actor Constantine Nominated [61]
Visual Effects Society Awards February 4, 2015 Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode Kevin Blank, Elizabeth Castro, Yafei Wu, and Chris LeDoux for "A Feast of Friends" Nominated [62]
People's Choice Awards January 7, 2015 Favorite New TV Drama Constantine Nominated [63]
[edit]

John Con Noir

[edit]

DC Entertainment released a clay stop motion animation web series called John Con Noir. The web series was developed by Cool Town Creations to support the petition for the television series to be renewed for a second season.[64][65] The first chapter was released on January 16, 2015 on the DC Comics official website and YouTube account, in addition to the mid-season premiere on NBC.[64]

Arrowverse

[edit]
Main article: Arrowverse

In May 2015, Stephen Amell, who portrays Oliver Queen / Green Arrow on The CW's Arrow, revealed he had discussions with DC Entertainment to portray the character on the show, saying, "The reason that I was going to guest star on Constantine, at least the idea that we were throwing around was [Constantine's] an expert when it comes to the Lazarus Pit, which is now something that is a part of and will continue to be a part of Arrow".[66] Additionally, Arrow showrunner Marc Guggenheim revealed a desire to integrate Constantine into the universe that had been created with Arrow, saying, "A lot of the pieces are in place, except for that one final piece, which is what's the fate of Constantine? That's the tricky thing. But it comes up in the writers' room constantly—we have a number of ideas, one idea that's particularly exciting to me. We're in a little bit of a wait-and-see mode".[67] In July 2015, additional Arrow showrunner Wendy Mericle added, "We really want to [include Constantine]. It's something we've been talking to DC about and it's just a question of some political things, but also the actor's schedule. We're trying to work it out, but we don't know 100 percent if it's going to happen. But we're really optimistic and we would love to have him", presumably talking about Matt Ryan.[68]

In August 2015, it was confirmed that Ryan would appear on Arrow in the fourth season episode "Haunted", that involved his character being "brought in to deal with the fallout of the resurrection of Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) via Ra's al Ghul's Lazarus Pit".[69][70][71] Guggenheim said, "This is something the fans were clamoring for", praising DC for being so "magnanimous and generous in giving us this one-time dispensation". John Badham, who directed the fifth episode of Constantine, "Danse Vaudou", directed the Arrow episode.[70] In addition, Mericle revealed that the version of Constantine that Matt Ryan portrayed on Arrow is the same version of the character that was portrayed on Constantine, therefore retroactively establishing the two shows in a shared universe.[72] On filming the episode, Guggenheim stated it felt like the production team was "doing a Constantine/Arrow crossover, and it's so exciting... We're just really glad we got the chance to extend Matt Ryan's run as Constantine by at least one more hour of television. I think you'll see he fits very neatly into our universe. It never feels forced, it feels right".[73]

It was revealed in October 2017 that Ryan would appear in two episodes of the third season of Legends of Tomorrow, with the appearance taking place chronologically after "Haunted", revisiting the setting of Arrow's fourth season and the events following that season's final episode.[74] Bailey Tippen also reprised her role as Astra Logue from Constantine for a brief voiceover in "Necromancing the Stone". After the positive reception of his appearance in Legends of Tomorrow, The CW announced that Ryan would appear in the season finale,[75] and later, it was announced ahead of the series' renewal for a fourth season that Ryan's role as Constantine would be upgraded to series regular.[76] Olivia Swann took over the role of Astra, guest starring in the fourth season before becoming a series regular in the fifth season. Ryan left the role of Constantine in the sixth season, and portrayed a new character, Dr. Gwyn Davies, in the final season.[77]

Animated web series

[edit]
Main article: Constantine: City of Demons

In January 2017, the animated web-series Constantine was announced, for The CW Seed, with Ryan returning to voice the character. CW President Mark Pedowitz noted there had yet to be discussions regarding if any other characters that appeared in the cancelled live-action series to appear in the web series, nor if this version of the character would "connect back to the live action storylines he's been a part of".[78] Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Goyer serve as executive producers and Butch Lukic serves as producer. J. M. DeMatteis wrote the series, which was directed by Dough Murphy. The series premiered on March 24, 2018.[79]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Constantine (TV series)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is an American supernatural horror drama television series developed by and , loosely adapted from the DC Comics character originating in the Hellblazer comic series published by Vertigo. The program centers on its protagonist, portrayed by Matt Ryan, as a battle-hardened and who actively opposes demonic forces encroaching on the realm, all while contending with personal guilt from a failed that condemned an innocent girl's soul. Aired on from October 24, 2014, to February 13, 2015, the series produced 13 episodes in its sole season before production ceased and official cancellation followed, primarily attributable to underwhelming Nielsen ratings averaging a 0.9 household rating in the 18-49 demographic and roughly 3.34 million viewers per episode. Despite its brevity, Constantine garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for Ryan's authentic embodiment of the character's sardonic demeanor and world-weary expertise in the arcane, which facilitated his reprisal of the role in subsequent projects including the animated Constantine: City of Demons and live-action crossovers within The CW's , notably . The adaptation faced scrutiny for moderating the source material's explicit violence, moral ambiguity, and anti-heroic edge to align with broadcast television constraints, resulting in mixed reviews—73% approval on from critics but perceptions of diluted intensity compared to the comics' mature themes—which some analysts link to its premature demise alongside scheduling inconsistencies and competition in the genre. This network dilution, intended to broaden appeal, arguably undermined the narrative's causal potency, as the character's efficacy stems from unflinching confrontation with existential horrors unvarnished by commercial sanitization.

Overview

Premise

Constantine follows , a British and proficient in , deception, and , as he confronts threats across the to safeguard humanity from encroaching darkness. Tormented by guilt over a failed in Newcastle that resulted in the soul of a girl named Astra being condemned to , Constantine operates as a reluctant guardian, employing cunning tactics and arcane knowledge to banish demons, thwart possessions, and disrupt infernal schemes. The series depicts Constantine's efforts to maintain the equilibrium between and amid signs of an impending , often allying with figures like the Liv Aberdine—daughter of a slain occultist friend—who aids in detecting spectral anomalies. His missions involve battling entities from , voodoo spirits, and biblical adversaries, underscored by his chain-smoking cynicism and internal struggle for redemption.

Production format and stylistic elements

The Constantine television series was produced as a live-action supernatural horror drama in the standard one-hour broadcast format, with each of its 13 episodes running approximately 43 minutes excluding commercials. It was filmed digitally using cameras in ProRes Log C format and presented in a 16:9 HD aspect ratio, consistent with NBC's network standards for prime-time series during the 2014–2015 season. This technical setup supported a gritty, grounded aesthetic, blending practical in areas like , with controlled studio environments to evoke and otherworldly intrusion. Stylistically, the series adopted a dark, noir-inflected visual palette emphasizing atmospheric tension and moral ambiguity, visually aligning more closely with detective procedural tropes than high-fantasy spectacle despite its occult premise. Production designer Dave Blass drew inspiration from the Hellblazer comics, incorporating shadowy lighting, desaturated colors, and practical set designs for locations like Constantine's rundown apartment and exorcism sites to heighten a sense of perpetual unease. Visual effects, handled by vendors such as Important Looking Pirates (ILP), integrated CGI for demonic manifestations and possessions—such as contorting bodies and hellish portals—while prioritizing restraint to avoid overt cheesiness, resulting in effects that enhanced suspense without dominating the frame. The musical score, composed by Bear McCreary, reinforced the eerie, brooding tone through orchestral elements blended with electronic motifs, evoking dread in exorcism sequences and underscoring Constantine's cynical detachment amid horror. Directorial choices, particularly in the pilot helmed by Neil Marshall, favored handheld camerawork and tight framing to immerse viewers in claustrophobic confrontations with the supernatural, balancing graphic violence with procedural investigation beats. This approach yielded a hybrid style: horror-driven but character-focused, with Constantine's sarcasm providing levity against the pervasive grimness of demonic incursions and personal damnation.

Cast and characters

Principal cast

Matt Ryan starred as , a British exorcist and con artist turned reluctant supernatural detective battling demonic forces. portrayed Zed Martin (full name Mary "Zed" Martin), a street-smart artist with psychic visions who becomes Constantine's ally after her father's cult-related death. played Chas Chandler, Constantine's steadfast cab driver and former enforcer granted limited immortality through a hellish bargain that allows him to resurrect from fatal injuries up to 99 times. acted as Manny, a sardonic dispatched from to monitor Constantine's actions amid rising infernal activity.
ActorCharacterRole Description
Matt RyanJohn ConstantineCynical occult detective and leading the fight against rising darkness.
Angélica CelayaZed Martin medium providing visions and combat support to Constantine's team.
Charles HalfordImmortal bodyguard and driver enduring repeated deaths to protect the group.
Harold PerrineauMannyAngelic observer with ambiguous motives tied to heavenly bureaucracy.
Lucy Griffiths initially played Liv Aberdine, a doctor with emerging psychic abilities and Constantine's ally in the series pilot, but the character was written out after the first episode to facilitate narrative adjustments.

Recurring and guest roles

Michael James Shaw portrayed Papa Midnite, a powerful voodoo priest and occasional adversary to Constantine who possesses a club serving as a neutral ground for supernatural dealings; he appeared in four episodes, including "A Feast of Friends" and "Quid Pro Caom". Emmett J. Scanlan played , a New Orleans marked by a mystical resurrection and destined to become the Spectre; Corrigan featured in three episodes, such as "The Saint of Last Resorts" where he aids Constantine against a blood-sucking entity. Jeremy Davies depicted Ritchie Simpson, a physics professor recruited by Constantine for his analytical skills in combating threats, appearing in two episodes including "The Devil's Vinyl" following an initial guest spot. Jonjo O'Neill appeared as Gary "Gaz" Lester, a former member of Constantine's Newcastle crew turned junkie haunted by demonic experiments, in two early episodes like "Non Est Asylum". Bailey Tippen recurred as Astra Logue, the young girl whose tragic death in the Newcastle incident fuels Constantine's guilt and visions throughout the season. Notable guest roles included as Anne Marie Flynn, Constantine's ex-lover and fellow exorcist from the Newcastle debacle, in the episode "Danse Vaudou" aired February 7, 2015. guest-starred as Felix Faust, a malevolent sorcerer manipulating , in "Rage of Caliban" on November 28, 2014. Other guests featured Charles Parnell as the shaman in "The Darkness Beneath" and as the possessed Miranda in "A Feast of Friends".
ActorCharacterRole DescriptionEpisodes Appeared
Papa MidniteVoodoo priest and supernatural neutralite4
Emmett J. ScanlanDetective fated as the Spectre3
Ritchie SimpsonOccult-savvy professor ally2
Jonjo O'NeillGary LesterHaunted ex-comrade from Newcastle2
Bailey TippenAstra LogueDeceased girl in Constantine's visionsMultiple (recurring visions)

Production

Development and conception

The Constantine television series originated as an adaptation of the DC Comics character , first introduced in 1985 within Alan Moore's The Saga of the Swamp Thing as an occult detective and grappling with forces and personal demons. In September 2013, Warner Bros. Television greenlit the project for , with screenwriter —known for DC films like and Man of Steel—and television producer Daniel Cerone, previously on , attached as creators and executive producers. Cerone served as , emphasizing a balance between the character's comic book cynicism and network television accessibility, including procedural elements to depict Constantine traveling across the U.S. to combat rising threats. Development accelerated in early when issued a pilot order on January 13, greenlighting a script by Goyer and Cerone that centered on the titular as an "enigmatic and irreverent con man turned " who actively hunts demons after a awakening his powers. The conception drew directly from the Vertigo imprint's Hellblazer comics, aiming to retain Constantine's British origins, chain-smoking habit (though moderated for broadcast standards), and moral ambiguity, while avoiding the mature themes that had previously stalled live-action adaptations. Goyer and Cerone positioned the series as a procedural, distinct from broader DC shared universes at the time, to appeal to genre audiences without requiring comic book familiarity. Throughout pre-production, the creators consulted DC Comics executives to ensure fidelity to the source material's tone, including Constantine's role as a flawed intermediary between heaven, hell, and humanity, though adjustments were made for episodic structure and character backstories to suit live-action pacing. This approach reflected broader industry trends in 2013–2014 toward adapting Vertigo properties for broadcast TV, following successes like Grimm, but prioritized causal elements of occult lore over fantastical spectacle.

Casting process

Matt Ryan was cast as on February 24, 2014, following an extensive audition process that began with self-taped auditions submitted from , where he was performing in a stage production of Henry V alongside . Ryan submitted multiple tapes due to scheduling constraints and received feedback from showrunner regarding his appearance, prompting him to shave his beard; he later traveled to for an in-person audition after completing the play and obtaining a haircut, securing the role after what he described as an "arduous" selection emphasizing the character's British roots. The supporting cast for the pilot was finalized on March 5, 2014, with cast as , Constantine's resilient companion and cab driver; as Manny, a morally ambiguous who intervenes in human affairs; and Lucy Griffiths as Liv Aberdine, a woman allied with Constantine against threats. These selections completed the series regulars ahead of production on the pilot episode. Following the pilot's completion and NBC's series order on May 8, 2014, producers recast the female lead, announcing on July 13, 2014, that would portray Mary "Zed" Martin, a artist and eventual romantic interest for Constantine, replacing Griffiths' character to better align with comic book elements and series direction as revealed by executive producers and at the press tour. This adjustment reflected post-pilot refinements to enhance narrative continuity with the source material.

Filming and technical production

Principal photography for Constantine occurred primarily in , Georgia, leveraging the state's film tax incentives and facilities such as East Point Studios, with additional location shooting at sites including Oakland Cemetery. The pilot episode was filmed in ahead of NBC's series order on May 8, 2014. Production adhered to a conventional fall premiere timeline but was suspended after completing 13 episodes on November 23, 2014, amid low initial ratings and scheduling delays that pushed the premiere to October 24, 2014. Cinematography was handled by directors of photography Evans Brown and Scott Kevan, who each oversaw six episodes, contributing to the series' atmospheric depiction of supernatural events through practical and digital integration. Visual effects played a central role in rendering demonic possessions, otherworldly realms, and exorcisms, with companies such as Important Looking Pirates (ILP) providing CGI for specific sequences, including demon transformations and environmental manipulations in episodes like "The Saint of Last Resorts" (season 1, episode 9) and "Blessed Are the Damned" (season 1, episode 7). These effects were noted for maintaining without excessive artificiality, supporting the grounded horror tone despite the budget constraints of network television production.

Path to cancellation

NBC halted production on Constantine after 13 episodes in November 2014, opting not to order additional installments beyond the initial straight-to-series commitment, though the network indicated the show remained under consideration for renewal based on performance. The series averaged a 0.9 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and 3.34 million total viewers across its first season, with viewership declining over time; for instance, its January 2015 return episode drew 3.1 million viewers and a 0.8 rating in the key demo, marking a 20% drop in that metric from prior originals. These figures fell short of 's benchmarks for procedural dramas, exacerbated by the show's niche tone, which executives reportedly viewed as mismatched for the network's broader audience appeal, leading to constraints on darker content to suit broadcast standards. On May 8, 2015, NBC officially announced the cancellation of Constantine after one season, citing insufficient ratings to justify continuation despite critical praise for its fidelity to the source material. Producer attributed part of the failure to network-mandated dilutions of the character's gritty, occult elements, which diluted the adaptation's edge and failed to build a mass audience, though he emphasized ratings as the decisive factor over creative disputes. Television subsequently shopped the series to other outlets, including cable networks and streaming platforms, but no deals materialized by June 2015, rendering further revival efforts unsuccessful at the time. Fan response included widespread social media campaigns under hashtags like #SaveConstantine, petitions on platforms such as amassing thousands of signatures, and organized streaming pushes to inflate Nielsen metrics, yet these proved inadequate to sway broadcasters amid the low linear TV performance. Cerone publicly rallied supporters to demonstrate demand through viewership data rather than online noise alone, but the absence of a committed buyer underscored the challenges for series reliant on followings without broad commercial viability. The cancellation highlighted broader industry trends where mid-tier ratings in specialized s often preclude renewal on major networks, paving the way for the character's limited integration into adjacent DC properties rather than a standalone continuation.

Episodes

Season 1 overview and episode summaries

The first season of Constantine, consisting of 13 episodes, aired on NBC from October 24, 2014, to February 13, 2015, with production ceasing after the initial order despite potential for renewal. The narrative centers on exorcist and occult detective John Constantine, portrayed by Matt Ryan, who confronts demonic entities and supernatural anomalies across various locations, driven by guilt from the "Newcastle incident"—a failed ritual in his youth that resulted in the death of Astra Logue and the condemnation of her soul to Hell. Accompanied by his loyal driver Chas Chandler and, later, psychic Zed Martin, Constantine employs cunning, artifacts, and dark magic to avert possessions, hauntings, and infernal schemes, while an overarching "Rising Darkness" prophecy unfolds, signaling a surge in demonic incursions aimed at unleashing Hell on Earth, covertly facilitated by the angel Manny. Episodes blend procedural case-of-the-week formats with serialized progression toward the apocalyptic threat, emphasizing Constantine's cynical worldview, moral ambiguities, and alliances with figures like voodoo priestess Papa Midnite.
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUS viewers (millions)Brief summary
1Non Est AsylumNeil MarshallDaniel CeroneOctober 24, 20144.28Constantine emerges from Ravenscar Psychiatric Hospital to thwart a hunger demon terrorizing Brooklyn, reconnecting with Chas amid visions foretelling the Rising Darkness.
2The Darkness BeneathTic PriceDavid S. GoyerOctober 31, 20143.06In Pennsylvania, Constantine battles an earthbound demon exploiting coal miners, uncovering early signs of infernal resurgence while grappling with his isolation.
3The Devil's VinylDoug AarniokoskiTony BasgallopNovember 7, 20143.14A cursed jazz record summons Gary Lester's spirit in Chicago; Constantine confronts his old friend’s folly and a malevolent entity feeding on human despair.
4A Feast of FriendsJon JonesDerek Schmidt & Kirsten SmithNovember 14, 20143.47Constantine suspects a serial killer in Atlanta is a disguised ghoul, leading to a betrayal by a trusted acquaintance and revelations about gluttony demons.
5Danse VaudouBrendan MaherChristopher HollierNovember 21, 20143.30In New Orleans, Constantine aids detective Jim Corrigan against a voodoo curse tied to Papa Midnite, advancing the Rising Darkness through collected artifacts.
6Rage of CalibanSaura JonesLauren GregoireNovember 28, 20143.12A rampaging invisible creature in Maine prompts Constantine to deploy psychological tactics, while Zed's visions intensify hints of the encroaching apocalypse.
7Blessed Are the DamnedDavid WarrenDavita CoadyDecember 5, 20143.72In Oklahoma, a televangelist gains divine-seeming powers from a suspicious source, forcing Constantine to discern angelic from demonic influences amid faith-based deception.
8The Saint of Last ResortsDennis SmithCameron LitvackDecember 12, 20144.03Constantine and Zed travel to Mexico City to exorcise a possessed priest, encountering a powerful nephilim and deepening their partnership against hybrid threats.
9The Saint of Last Resorts: Part TwoDennis SmithCameron LitvackJanuary 16, 20153.29The Mexico City confrontation escalates as Constantine battles the nephilim's full manifestation, revealing vulnerabilities in heavenly oversight.
10Quid Pro QuoJohn BadhamBrandon O'BrienJanuary 23, 20153.23Zed's health crisis in New York exposes her father's cult ties, compelling Constantine to negotiate with Manny for aid amid personal stakes in the supernatural war.
11A Whole World Out ThereSalmon CaseJulie PlecJanuary 30, 20153.06Returning to New Orleans, Constantine investigates missing girls linked to Papa Midnite's vendetta, blending voodoo rituals with detective Corrigan's human perspective.
12Angels and Ministers of GracePhil SgricciaSarah A. WalkerFebruary 6, 20153.71Constantine races to save Corrigan from death's grip after a shooting, invoking angelic intervention that tests loyalties and advances the Rising Darkness prophecy.
13Waiting for the ManBrian StirlingTony BasgallopFebruary 13, 20154.33The season culminates in a ritual to counter the Rising Darkness using the collected keys, exposing Manny's betrayal and setting up unresolved infernal ambitions.

Broadcast and distribution

Original airing and scheduling

Constantine premiered on NBC on October 24, 2014, in the Friday 10:00 p.m. ET/PT time slot, following Grimm. The series aired its first eight episodes weekly without interruption, from October 24 to December 12, 2014. This initial run included episodes titled "Non Est Asylum," "The Darkness Beneath," "The Devil's Vinyl," "A Feast of Friends," "Danse Vaudou," "Rage of Caliban," "Blessed Are the Damned," and "The Saint of Last Resorts." After a hiatus spanning the holiday period, the series returned on January 16, 2015, shifted to the earlier 8:00 p.m. ET/PT slot in an effort to improve viewership amid low ratings. The final five episodes aired consecutively thereafter: "The Saint of Last Resorts: Part Two" on January 16, "" on January 23, "A Whole World Out There" on January 30, "Angels and Ministers of Grace" on February 6, and the season finale "Waiting for the Man" on February 13, 2015. NBC had ordered an initial 13-episode season, with production halting after completion of those episodes in November 2014, though the network committed to broadcasting all of them despite ongoing ratings challenges. The full season thus concluded after this shortened post-hiatus block, leading to the series' non-renewal announced on May 8, 2015.

Viewership metrics

The first and only season of Constantine averaged 3.34 million total viewers and a 0.9 household rating in the adults 18-49 demographic, based on Nielsen live-plus-same-day measurements. These figures reflected a performance typical of NBC's 10:00 p.m. ET slot, which often struggles against competing entertainment options and lighter ad potential compared to prime-time hours. The series premiered on October 24, 2014, achieving 4.3 million viewers and a 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demo, retaining 93% of its lead-in audience from Grimm despite facing the World Series on Fox. Subsequent episodes showed variability, with occasional week-to-week gains—such as a 38% demo increase to 1.1 on November 21, 2014—but overall erosion in both total viewership and the key demographic. The season finale on February 13, 2015, drew 3.13 million viewers, a 6% uptick from the prior week in total audience but flat in the 18-49 demo, underscoring persistent challenges in advertiser-coveted metrics. The below-1.0 average demo rating contributed directly to the series' non-renewal, as networks prioritize this gauge for profitability amid rising production costs for programming.

Home media and digital availability

The complete first (and only) season of Constantine was released on DVD and Blu-ray as Constantine: The Complete Series on October 4, 2016, through in a manufacture-on-demand format. The Blu-ray edition features a 1.78:1 and includes all 13 episodes, audio commentaries, and deleted scenes. No subsequent physical media releases have been issued for the series. Digitally, the season is available for purchase or rental on platforms including , Apple TV, , and at Home, typically priced at around $24.99 for the full season download. Streaming access is provided via subscription on Max (formerly Max), where it remains part of the DC content library as of 2025. No ad-supported or free streaming options are currently available without a paid service.

Reception

Critical evaluations

Critics gave the series mixed to positive reviews, with a Tomatometer score of 73% based on 48 reviews. The aggregated consensus praised its creepy atmosphere, high-stakes action, , and occasional humor as offsetting narrative shortcomings, while positioning Matt Ryan's portrayal of as faithful to the comic character's essence. On , season 1 reviews split as 32% positive, 56% mixed, and 12% negative, reflecting divided opinions on its execution as a comic adaptation. Matt Ryan's performance drew near-universal acclaim for embodying Constantine's world-weary cynicism and charisma, with Variety describing him as "appealing" in anchoring the exorcist role. IGN echoed this in its season review, rating it 7.2/10 and highlighting Ryan's "awesome" lead alongside the show's confident visuals and horror elements. Visual effects and supernatural set pieces also received commendation for delivering chills without overreliance on budget, as noted in the Rotten Tomatoes consensus. Criticisms centered on the series' diluted tone compared to the darker Hellblazer comics, with network constraints reportedly sanitizing Constantine's and anti-heroic ambiguity into a more conventional procedural format. Reviewers like those at the faulted it as a "mishmash" of elements lacking coherence, prioritizing episodic demon hunts over deeper character exploration or mythological depth. The observed that while Ryan excelled, the pilot failed to fully realize the character's complexity, contributing to perceptions of formulaic storytelling amid recasting and production shifts. further critiqued mid-season reshuffling and inconsistent plotting as undermining the pilot's promise.

Audience and fan perspectives

Fans accorded the series a favorable reception, evidenced by an average IMDb user rating of 7.5 out of 10 based on over 58,000 votes, which highlighted appreciation for its exploration of detective work and horror. Viewer feedback frequently praised Matt Ryan's portrayal of as capturing the character's cynical, chain-smoking essence from the source , contributing to perceptions of the show as underrated despite its brevity. The abrupt cancellation after 13 episodes in May 2015 prompted widespread fan discontent, with audiences citing delayed viewership patterns—where full episode consumption occurred post-airing—as a mismatch with live metrics that influenced NBC's decision, rather than reflecting overall engagement. Loyal supporters organized revival campaigns, including a launched in November 2015 that amassed more than 25,000 signatures, urging networks such as , , or to acquire and renew the series. These efforts underscored fans' view of the program as possessing untapped potential, with commendations for its atmospheric tension, mystical narratives, and avoidance of overly sanitized horror tropes, though some noted procedural episode structures limited deeper . The persistent demonstrated a dedicated base that contrasted with the network's ratings threshold, influencing subsequent appearances of Ryan's Constantine in other DC properties as a partial concession to demand.

Awards and industry recognition

Constantine garnered nominations across several genre and technical awards ceremonies, reflecting recognition for its adaptation of the DC Comics character and production values, despite its single-season run and lack of wins. The series accumulated seven nominations in total from various bodies, primarily in categories honoring superhero television, visual effects, and design. At the 41st presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 2015, Constantine was nominated for Best Superhero Adaptation Television Series, competing against shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Flash. Similarly, it received a for Favorite New TV Drama at the 2015 , highlighting early audience interest in its freshman season. Technical nominations underscored the show's horror-fantasy elements. The episode "A Feast of Friends" (Season 1, Episode 5, aired November 14, 2014) earned a 2015 Visual Effects Society Award nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Photoreal/Live Action Broadcast Program, acknowledging the work of visual effects supervisor and team. In production design, the series' team—led by production designer David Blass, art directors Hugo Santiago and Drew Monahan, and set decorator Natalie Pope—was nominated at the (Creative Arts Emmys, September 12, 2015) for Outstanding Production Design for a Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More). These accolades, drawn from established industry organizations, affirmed specific strengths in visuals and adaptation amid broader network challenges.

Cultural and thematic debates

The Constantine television series, which aired on from October 24, 2014, to February 13, 2015, centers on themes of moral ambiguity, redemption, and the battle between demonic forces and human agency, often portraying as a cynical practitioner who employs , deception, and personal sacrifice rather than orthodox to combat evil. This depiction drew commentary on whether the show romanticizes methods over religious devotion, with critics noting Constantine's reliance on spells and artifacts as a choice that underscores human fallibility and toward divine intervention. A notable point of thematic contention arose in episodes like "Blessed Are the Damned" (season 1, episode 7, aired December 5, 2014), where a Southern Baptist healer's apparent miracles stem from angelic possession rather than genuine divine favor, prompting discussions on the perils of and the series' suggestion that entities manipulate human for their own ends. Reviewers observed that this storyline critiques blind religiosity while adhering to the show's rule that angels refrain from direct mortal interference to preserve , raising questions about the portrayal of heavenly as indifferent or complicit in earthly . The character's habitual invocation of occult rituals, including commands blending Christian, Islamic, and other esoteric elements—such as reciting a modified to repel demons—sparked minor debates among viewers familiar with religious traditions, with some arguing it conflates distinct spiritual practices into a syncretic toolkit that dilutes doctrinal purity. Christian commentators expressed reservations about the series' emphasis on demonic literalism without equivalent focus on redemptive grace, viewing it as potentially desensitizing audiences to real-world spiritual risks by framing hellish threats as solvable through secular cunning rather than or . Adaptation choices, such as omitting Constantine's comic-book smoking and amplifying his heroic traits to suit broadcast standards, fueled arguments that the series softened the source material's portrayal of occultism as morally corrosive, transforming a self-destructive warlock into a more palatable anti-hero whose victories affirm individual resilience over systemic faith. These alterations were seen by some as network-driven compromises that undermined the thematic depth of moral compromise central to the Hellblazer comics, where Constantine's actions often perpetuate cycles of guilt and damnation.

Legacy

Crossovers and franchise expansions

Following the cancellation of the NBC series after its first season, the character , portrayed by Matt Ryan, was integrated into The CW's shared universe, marking the primary crossovers and expansions of the franchise. In the episode "Haunted" (season 4, episode 5), which aired on November 4, 2015, assists Oliver Queen and Team Arrow in exorcising malevolent spirits possessing after her resurrection via the Lazarus Pit, establishing canonical ties between the standalone series and the broader DC television continuity. Constantine's Arrowverse role expanded significantly with recurring appearances in the third season of , beginning in episode 10, "Daddy Darhkest," which aired on February 12, 2018, where he aids the Legends team against the demon Mallus by leveraging his occult knowledge and rituals. Ryan was promoted to series regular for the fourth season in 2018, with Constantine contributing as a magical consultant and team member through subsequent seasons, including major events like the 2019-2020 crossover, until terminated the character's availability after Legends' sixth season in 2020. Parallel to these live-action developments, the franchise extended into animation with Constantine: City of Demons, a web series on The CW Seed featuring Ryan reprising his voice role as the exorcist confronting demonic entities and personal hauntings from his past. Originally released as a 2018 direct-to-video film, it was reconfigured into five 10-minute episodes in 2019, set within the DC Animated Movie Universe but linked to the live-action portrayal through Ryan's performance, thus broadening the character's media footprint without direct narrative continuity to the NBC series. No further live-action spin-offs materialized from the original series, though unproduced reboot projects, such as a J.J. Abrams-executed Constantine series, were shopped after HBO Max declined in September 2022.

Fan-driven revivals and influence

Following the series' cancellation by on May 8, 2015, due to insufficient viewership ratings averaging 4.8 million viewers per episode, fans initiated widespread campaigns to advocate for its continuation or relocation to another network. The primary effort centered on the #SaveConstantine hashtag, which trended on and garnered support from cast members and producer , who urged viewers to stream episodes on platforms like and Amazon to demonstrate demand. Concurrently, a petition launched in November 2015 amassed over 25,000 signatures, targeting potential broadcasters including , , and , while emphasizing the show's alignment with source material and untapped narrative potential. Despite these organized pushes, including fan-led social media coordination on platforms like and , no network acquired the series for a second season, with Cerone confirming on June 7, 2015, that relocation efforts "didn't pan out." The campaigns highlighted a dedicated but niche unable to overcome the original broadcast's structural challenges, such as its Friday night slot and tonal deviations from network standards, though they sustained interest in actor Matt Ryan's portrayal of . The fan advocacy indirectly influenced the character's integration into The CW's Arrowverse, where Ryan reprised the role starting with a guest appearance in Arrow season 4, episode 5 ("Haunted"), which aired on February 3, 2016, marking the first live-action crossover. This led to a recurring role on DC's Legends of Tomorrow from 2017 onward, effectively reviving elements of the character within a shared DC universe, albeit without direct continuity to the NBC series. The original show's cult status also contributed to ancillary projects, including the 2018 animated web series Constantine: City of Demons, which drew from Ryan's performance and fan enthusiasm to explore occult themes unbound by live-action constraints. Beyond revivals, the series exerted influence on DC's broader media strategy by demonstrating demand for mature, horror-infused superhero narratives, paving the way for edgier entries like (2019) and reinforcing Constantine's viability in ensemble formats. Fan persistence ensured the character's enduring presence in comics tie-ins and voice work, underscoring how grassroots efforts can extend a property's lifespan despite initial commercial shortcomings.

Long-term impact and unfulfilled potential

The Constantine series, despite its abrupt cancellation by NBC on May 8, 2015, after 13 episodes due to insufficient viewership ratings averaging around 4.5 million viewers per episode, cultivated a dedicated cult following that extended its influence beyond the original run. Fans organized petitions and social media campaigns immediately following the announcement, pressuring Warner Bros. Television to shop the property to other networks, which indirectly facilitated Matt Ryan's reprise of John Constantine in the DC Arrowverse. This integration began with a guest appearance on Arrow in December 2015, where Constantine aided Oliver Queen in a resurrection ritual, and expanded to a recurring role on DC's Legends of Tomorrow starting in season 3 (2017), spanning over 50 episodes across multiple seasons until the series concluded in 2022. Ryan's portrayal, praised for its fidelity to the Hellblazer comics' cynical occult detective archetype, elevated the character's prominence in live-action DC adaptations, influencing subsequent supernatural narratives in the Arrowverse by introducing magical elements like exorcisms and demonic pacts into ensemble dynamics. An animated revival, Constantine: City of Demons, premiered on CW Seed in March 2018 with Ryan voicing the lead across two Netflix-released double features in 2018 and 2020, adapting unresolved arcs from the original series while maintaining its gritty tone. These extensions preserved Constantine's visibility, contributing to merchandise sales and comic tie-ins, though the franchise's overall live-action footprint remained limited compared to more commercially viable DC properties like The Flash or . The unfulfilled potential of the original series stems from NBC's broadcast constraints, which diluted the source material's mature themes of moral ambiguity, addiction, and infernal horror to appeal to a broader audience, resulting in a tonal mismatch that critics noted improved in later episodes but never fully materialized into higher ratings. Executive producer David Goyer attributed the axing to network priorities favoring lighter procedural formats over serialized occult storytelling, forgoing opportunities to delve deeper into Constantine's expansive Hellblazer lore, including alliances with figures like Zatanna or extended arcs involving the archangel Gabriel. Revival pitches, including a proposed HBO Max continuation with Ryan in 2020, stalled amid DC's shifting priorities toward cinematic reboots, leaving fans with fragmented continuations rather than a cohesive second season that could have explored the Rising Darkness storyline's climax. By 2024, retrospective analyses highlighted how the series' early termination prevented it from capitalizing on the growing demand for adult-oriented genre TV, as evidenced by successes like Lucifer on Netflix, underscoring a missed chance for broader cultural resonance in supernatural programming.

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  32. https://comicsalliance.com/constantine-nbc-charles-halford-harold-perrineau-lucy-griffiths-tv/
  33. https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/nbc-orders-dc-comics-drama-constantine-more-to-come-1201175691/
  34. https://deadline.com/2014/07/angelica-celaya-constantine-nbc-zed-role-803591/
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  38. https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/nbc-picks-constantine-shot-atlanta-while-fox-picks-red-band-society/zByNFmyRpowlxlSzcgawtK/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRlBDQ53Zwg
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z--X0JSXRo
  41. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/constantine-end-run-13-episodes-751863/
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  44. https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/07/constantine-tv-series-officially-dead
  45. https://www.avclub.com/constantine-proves-that-social-media-still-can-t-save-a-1798279671
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  50. https://arrow.fandom.com/wiki/Rising_Darkness
  51. https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Constantine_%28TV_Series%29_Episode:_A_Feast_of_Friends
  52. https://www.tvfanatic.com/constantine-season-1-episode-5-review-danse-vaudou/
  53. https://www.reddit.com/r/Constantine/comments/2vtrqj/constantine_s01e13_waiting_for_the_man_episode/
  54. https://dailydead.com/premiere-date-announced-constantine-tv-series/
  55. https://www.superherohype.com/news/325241-nbc-shifts-constantines-time-slot-starting-with-mid-season-premiere
  56. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nbc-cancels-state-affairs-a-794494/
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  58. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-constantine-makes-a-743932/
  59. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2014/11/22/constantine-jumps-38-percent-week-to-week-in-adults-18-49-to-hit-its-highest-rating-since-its-series-debut-603514/20141122nbc01/
  60. https://comicbookmovie.com/constantine/constantine-season-finale-finishes-even-in-demo-rating-series-not-moving-to-syfy-a115320
  61. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Constantine-The-Complete-Series-Blu-ray/121751/
  62. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni60258892/
  63. https://www.amazon.com/Constantine-Complete-Blu-ray-Matt-Ryan/dp/B01LTHLG4Q
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  65. https://www.amazon.com/CONSTANTINE-Season-1/dp/B00OFPICRO
  66. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/constantine/season-1
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