“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” made its return for season two on Dec. 10th, 2025, and viewers returned into the modern world of Greek mythology. The series marks one of Disney’s highest grossing shows, but does the adaptation truly capture the charm of the original franchise? Opinions may vary.
This season adapts the second book in the series, “The Sea of Monsters,” and follows Percy Jackson’s (Walker Scobell) return to Camp Half-Blood one year later. Upon arrival, he quickly learns that the mythological haven’s defenses have been threatened by the titan Kronos’ forces, led by demigod Luke Castellan (Charlie Bushnell). To heal the camp, Percy and his friend Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) embark on a quest across the Sea of Monsters to find the legendary Golden Fleece, while joined by allies Clarisse La Rue (Dior Goodjohn) and Grover (Aryan Simhadri).
Initial Thoughts:
Though there isn’t a massive difference in terms of production quality between seasons, something about second feels more concrete. It’s as if the directors have finally understood their source material, capturing Percy’s universe in a way that’s not watered down like the first season.
As with any major Disney production, it’s clear that the company spared no expense in the visual effects. The series’ mythological creatures— including hippocampi, pegasi, and cyclopes— are beautifully animated, and add to the show’s worldbuilding in a way that encapsulates the magic of the novels onscreen.
When comparing the two seasons, the most stark difference between the pair lies in the acting. Scobell’s, Jeffries’, and Simhadri’s performances carry the season through its high and low moments. It’s clear that the actors (especially Jeffries!) have grown into their roles.
Though we don’t get to see the main trio reunited until the end of the season, the chemistry between the three shines in the final episodes. Scobell and Jeffries do an excellent job in portraying Percy and Annabeth’s bond across their quest, as well. Goodjohn’s Clarisse and Bushnell’s Luke also enjoy a greater screen presence this season, and offer a promising take on well-loved characters.
However, like its predecessor, that doesn’t mean this season concluded without its flaws. The show’s greatest pitfall lies in its pacing. Though this drastically improves as the episodes continue, the initial plot points— particularly the scenes at camp— tend to drag on, leaving viewers to watch dialogue that leans too expository rather than natural. This is primarily highlighted with the character of Sally Jackson (Virginia Kull), Percy’s mother, whose writing fails to capture the heartfelt family dynamic between the two shown in the books.
Many online have debated over the show’s decisions to stray away from the source material at certain plot points. Personally, however, I think that most of the changes made were necessary for the show’s success from adapting a novel into a visual format. That being said, I can understand why many have criticized these deviations in the story. For a show that was initially marketed as the most accurate adaptation yet of the original series, according to creator and author Rick Riordan, these changes seem contradictory for longtime fans of the books.
Series Finale
The final episode marks a fitting conclusion to Percy’s journey across the season. To us viewers, we are left with a darker look at the demigod world as the stakes continue to rise. But for the series’ success as a whole, it remains to be seen if the future seasons can continue to capture the essence of the originals.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” will return for season 3 in December 2026. All eight episodes are now streaming on Disney+.
