The Umbrella Academy jumps between characters, storylines, and timelines during its four-season run, and some outings of the Netflix series succeed better than others at crafting their narrative. The Hargreeves siblings remain the focal point of The Umbrella Academy from season 1 to season 4, but their repeated resetting of the universe allows the show to constantly explore new territory. Whether the series is bringing them back in time or upgrading their superpowers, viewers almost always have something fresh to look forward to. That mostly works in the show’s favor, though there are downsides to it.

With the Hargreeves serving as the running thread between seasons, The Umbrella Academy paints an overarching picture that strives to connect their individual adventures. At times, this works to the show’s advantage — and at others, it doesn’t succeed. The Umbrella Academy has highs and lows, just like any TV series, making some seasons more compelling than others. Overall, it’s a fun journey with a great cast of characters and soundtrack. It does feel stronger at the beginning than towards the end, though.

4. The Umbrella Academy Season 4

Its Redeeming Qualities Are Overshadowed By Weaknesses

The Umbrella Academy season 4 is the show’s final outing, and despite some redeeming qualities, it’s the weakest addition to the Netflix show by a wide margin. The fourth season picks up with the Hargreeves living without their powers in their newly reset timeline. When they find Marigold, Ben slips it into their drinks, and they quickly find themselves on the road to another apocalypse — and it’s one even their upgraded powers can’t stop. They’re forced to take a much bigger stand at the end of The Umbrella Academy season 4, and their combined sacrifice is controversial.

While the overarching themes of The Umbrella Academy season 4 are admirable, the execution doesn’t do them justice.

On the one hand, there’s something touching about the Hargreeves going out as genuine superheroes, and this gives them an emotional send-off. It’s also fitting that they’re the ones responsible for the broken timeline and recurring apocalypses. After all, they continuously fail to blend neatly into the universe. However, while the overarching themes of The Umbrella Academy season 4 are admirable, the execution doesn’t do them justice. The way the Hargreeves’ story ends deems their entire journey pointless, and there are all kinds of issues with how the finale unfolds.

There are many unanswered questions and plot holes in The Umbrella Academy season 4, which doesn’t have enough episodes to properly address everything it needs to. Jennifer’s origin story and connection to Ben could be better explained, and things like Sloane’s whereabouts and Allison’s redemption aren’t addressed at all. Subplots like Klaus repaying his debt and Lila’s baffling affair with Five also feel wholly unnecessary, taking time that could have been better used elsewhere.

Gene and Jean are highlights of The Umbrella Academy season 4, and humorous action sequences like the fight in New Grumpson make season 4 feel like The Umbrella Academy at its best. Unfortunately, such elements of the final outing aren’t enough to save it. There’s a reason why season 4 has the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of the entire series. Whether you love or hate the Hargreeves’ fates, there’s too much that’s off about their final adventure. Sadly, The Umbrella Academy season 4 fails to give the show the ending it deserves.

3. The Umbrella Academy Season 3

A Fun Ride That Doesn’t Reach The First Two Seasons’ Heights

The Umbrella Academy season 3 is much more fun than the final outing, and that’s likely why it boasts a 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers are right to praise the show’s third outing, as there’s a lot to love about it. Thanks to its Hotel Oblivion story, the plot is as wild and thrilling as ever. It’s full of twists and turns that allow the Hargreeves to dive into action and utilize their powers. The emotional beats also utilize the talent of The Umbrella Academy‘s cast, prioritizing the relationships between the siblings and their father.

While The Umbrella Academy season 4 has significant strengths, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the previous two outings. There are a few questionable choices when it comes to the characters, like Allison’s attempt to use her powers against Luther and frequent miscommunications for the sake of the plot. The Umbrella Academy also fails to fully utilize the Sparrow Academy, which is disappointing after how it hyped up their introduction. Ben and Sloane are the only Sparrows who get the proper amount of attention, and the others mostly fall to the wayside.

While The Umbrella Academy season 4 has significant strengths, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the previous two outings.

The Umbrella Academy season 3 comes close to season 1 in terms of quality, but the latter is just a bit better. It feels more accurate to the comics, and the characters don’t make as many dubious choices throughout its run. Still, the third outing is leagues ahead of the fourth. With its emotional ending, which sees the Hargreeves finally accepting the apocalypse and their fates, one has to wonder if it wouldn’t have made a more fitting finale to the Netflix series.

2. The Umbrella Academy Season 1

A Strong Start To The Series (But Not Its Full Potential)

The Umbrella Academy season 1 just surpasses season 3 as the second-best outing of the Netflix show. The Umbrella Academy‘s first season is a strong start for the series, and it really showcases the adaptation’s potential. While The Umbrella Academy changes plenty about the comics it’s based on, season 1 is arguably the most accurate to the source material. The characters’ introductions are strong, and there’s a real sense of urgency when it comes to the looming apocalypse. The threat feels more high-stakes and fresh, as it hasn’t been done before.

The Umbrella Academy season 1 also captures the familial tensions between the Hargreeves incredibly well, and Viktor’s storyline is a particular highlight. Although the characters come into their own during later seasons, the first one does an impressive job of bringing them from the page to the screen. Despite the cast being comprised of seven main characters, it balances them properly. It also lands the right balance of drama and humor, and the soundtrack strikes the perfect chord. Needless to say, The Umbrella Academy season 1 would always be difficult to follow.

The Umbrella Academy‘s first outing may be a high point of the series, but it isn’t the best season. Like any new series, the show is still finding its footing at the beginning. It manages this better than many other shows, but it’s still noticeable in certain moments and character interactions. The characters feel more natural after they’re established in season 1, and the story falls into place better as The Umbrella Academy continues. Knowing characters like Lila will make an appearance later, it also feels as though something is missing upon a rewatch.

1. The Umbrella Academy Season 2

The Very Best Of The Netflix Series

The Umbrella Academy season 2 is by far the best outing of the series, improving on everything season 1 set up while working out any shortcomings. The Umbrella Academy‘s sophomore season takes the Hargreeves back to various points of the 1960s, giving each of them their own narrative arc before reuniting them for another apocalypse. Although the main characters are separated for much of the second outing, it does a solid job of balancing their subplots and making each of them relevant to the overarching story.

Whether it’s Allison getting wrapped up in the civil rights movement or Klaus starting his own cult, each of The Umbrella Academ y‘s characters is fleshed out further through their season 2 journey. While the Hargreeves are great in season 1, season 2 takes all of them to the next level. It also paints a much more familial dynamic between the siblings, which is a joy to watch after their hardships in season 1. Viktor, in particular, showcases impressive character growth. And Ben’s sacrifice will tug at any viewer’s heartstrings, packing an emotional punch.

Although the main characters are separated for much of the second outing, it does a solid job of balancing their subplots and making each of them relevant to the overarching story.

The Umbrella Academy season 2 also tackles important social issues through its various storylines, including racism and misogyny. Allison’s entire arc revolves around the segregation and civil rights movement that took place in the 1960s. And Viktor’s narrative highlights the struggles women faced when trapped in marriage, as well as the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ relationships at the time. All of this gives season 2’s subplots more depth, bringing the entire outing together nicely.

There are few issues with The Umbrella Academy‘s second outing, and that’s reflected in its positive reception. Season 2 boasts a high 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 88% audience score. It’s hard to deny how well that reflects on this outing, and it’s just a shame none of its follow-ups ever lived up to it. The Umbrella Academy season 2 is the peak of the series, highlighting everything viewers love about it.