Legion season 1

The first season of the American surrealist superhero thriller television series Legion premiered at the Pacific Design Center on January 26, 2017, before airing on FX from February 8 to March 29, totaling eight episodes. The series is based on the Marvel Comics character David Haller, a mutant diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age, who learns that his illness may actually be powerful psychic abilities. It was produced by FX Productions in association with Marvel Television, with Noah Hawley serving as showrunner.

Dan Stevens stars as David, with Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, Jeremie Harris, Amber Midthunder, Katie Aselton, and Jean Smart also starring in the season. FX ordered a pilot for Legion in October 2015, which Hawley wrote and directed. The show was picked up to series in May 2016. Filming took place in Vancouver, with a focus on in-camera effects over visual effects. Hawley wanted to show David as an "unreliable narrator", with the series mixing retro and modern designs, using unconventional filming and musical techniques, and being structured so the audience is unsure what is real. The narrative becomes clearer throughout the season as David gains knowledge, and the villainous Shadow King is revealed. The latter takes several forms, including one portrayed by Plaza.

The season received critical acclaim for its cast, particularly Stevens; Hawley's visuals and design; and the nonlinear, unreliable nature of the storytelling. Several critics did note that the latter aspects would not be for all viewers, and some criticized this as just the latest in a trend of series with unreliable narratives. On March 15, Legion was renewed for a second season.