14 Best Dystopian TV Shows You Need To Binge Next

Speculative fiction, one of the oldest forms of literature among humans, can be traced back at least to the 5th century BCE, when Plato envisioned a society known as Kallipolis. In this imagined city-state, education was free and top-notch for everyone, regardless of gender, with justice and happiness valued above all else. To maintain order, however, certain measures were proposed that included the abolition of families, social stratification, heavy taxation on the working classes, and strict control over individuals’ lives.

In the era of industry, the concept that one person’s ideal society could be a frightening reality to others evolved into a distinct literary genre, used for examining and criticizing social and political movements, or as warnings against potential catastrophic events. Now, in an age marked by rapid technological advancements and politically volatile times, dystopian television serves to simplify complex societal issues, while ironically providing an escape from the troubles of our own world through its intricate storytelling.

Instead of delving into real-life sociopolitical catastrophes, captivating sci-fi dystopian TV series offer a less threatening avenue to ponder the darkest possibilities in human society. At the very least, these shows serve as a reminder that our circumstances could always be more challenging.

The Handmaid’s Tale

As a young reader captivated by dystopian authors such as Ray Bradbury and George Orwell, Canadian author Margaret Atwood began crafting a chilling dystopia from a woman’s point of view in her 1985 novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This book paints a grim picture of a future America where the government has been overthrown by a brutal coup and replaced with the theocratic, totalitarian Republic of Gilead. The regime emerged amidst falling birth rates and escalating ecological disasters. In this oppressive society, women are forbidden from reading or owning property. In Gilead’s strictly regulated world, fertile women who violate the regime’s Biblical law interpretation are compelled to procreate for the elite class through sexual servitude.

Although some felt the 1990 movie version of “The Handmaid’s Tale” fell short, the 2017 Hulu series has garnered widespread praise and recognition, with 15 Emmy awards to show for it. Similar to the book, the series primarily follows June (played by Elisabeth Moss), who is renamed Offred to symbolize her ownership by Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes). After being separated from her family during an escape attempt, June must learn to survive in a society where babies are taken away from their mothers.

Following Adam Taylor’s moving soundtrack, “The Handmaid’s Tale” extends the narrative past the book’s conclusion. This critically acclaimed series is beautifully crafted, utilizing creative camera techniques such as drones and a muted, yet visually striking color scheme that provides a stark contrast for the handmaids’ bold red mantles.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror” is a collection of stories that delve into human nature and our modern world, frequently exploring themes through technology in a not-too-distant future. As explained by its creator Charlie Brooker in The Guardian, the title “black mirror” symbolizes the cold, sleek screens we see everywhere – from TVs to monitors, and even smartphones.

In the television series “Black Mirror”, all the tales occur within a common universe, yet individual technological elements may appear across various episodes. However, each story within this collection stands independently and offers its unique perspective. Some of these narratives could be plausible in our current times, while others are set in futuristic scenarios.

The core of nearly every episode explores some element of technology. In “Nosedive,” it’s the social credit app that ultimately crumbles Lacie’s (Bryce Dallas Howard) carefully constructed persona — an app reminiscent of a real-life social rating system implemented in China, 2014. In “Loch Henry,” we see the blend of a society overly invested in true crime documentaries with a VHS tape collection that harbors sinister secrets within a peaceful Scottish village. Other episodes touching on ocular blocking technology and digital replicas of human minds reflect concerns that seem strikingly relevant today, hinting maybe that this dystopia is already upon us.

Brave New World

In simpler terms, “Brave New World,” by Aldous Huxley, is a reimagining of his 1932 dystopian novel, written as a humorous counterpoint to H.G. Wells’ utopian works “Men Like Gods” and “A Modern Utopia.” The story unfolds in the mid-26th century BCE and presents a future society where babies are birthed artificially and sorted into a rigid social hierarchy based on their intended roles, where they spend their lives under chemical control to preserve harmony within the World State. However, when an individual born outside this system enters the picture, his influence sets off a chain of events that disrupts everything.

The Peacock series, much like Huxley’s ideas serve as a guide, paints a technologically advanced future that seems quite distinct from our present-day existence, offering a unique twist on traditional dystopian narratives. Similar to the novel, the series centers around the lives of Lenina Crowne (Jessica Brown Findlay), Bernard Marx (Harry Lloyd), and John the Savage (Alden Ehrenreich), whose paths cross in this futuristic world.

Regarding a deep philosophical analysis of modern sociopolitical matters, this version of “Brave New World” doesn’t significantly expand upon its initial critique of escapism. However, the compelling central characters, intriguing world-building, and the opportunity to witness Huxley’s vision brought to life make it a valuable viewing experience.

Westworld

The original concept of the 1973 science fiction western film “Westworld” was grand, revolving around lifelike robots in a sophisticated amusement park who, unforeseenly, began attacking their guests. In the 2016 HBO series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, this concept is further developed, creating an expansive exploration of themes such as violence, wealth, free will, the essence of consciousness, and the very nature of reality.

Season 1 of this series primarily follows the fragmented perspective of artificial character Dolores Abernathy (Evan Rachel Wood). It introduces the setting of Westworld, a vast theme park designed for adults that simulates various scenarios without any real-life consequences. The synthetic characters, or Hosts, are programmed to eventually be repaired and reset, allowing guests to reenact their desired narratives. However, as Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) implements new coding, the Hosts’ memories start surfacing, triggering an evolutionary leap that turns them into self-aware beings. This development leads to a rebellion by the Hosts against the human staff in Westworld.

As a gamer, I’m immersed in this captivating tale that seamlessly blends surreal landscapes such as Moab’s Canyonlands and California’s Red Rock Canyon into its backdrop. Adding to the atmosphere is Ramin Djawadi’s hauntingly beautiful, melancholic score that echoes throughout the game.

Severance

The buzzworthy Apple TV+ show named “Severance” left critics astounded during its debut season. For instance, John Doyle from Globe and Mail described it as a flawlessly crafted drama about the office life, and went on to say that it was both minimalistic and grand in scale, offering an intensifying examination of personal freedom and corporate cruelty.

In the TV show “Severance,” employees can opt to insert a device that separates their work persona (“Innie”) from their personal life (“Outie”). This partition means that workers physically attend the office but remember nothing about their job once they leave. However, for the Innies, it’s quite the opposite; they are essentially working around the clock with no days off and no personal lives or families to speak of. The narrative unfolds from Mark Scout’s (Adam Scott) perspective, whose Innie is generally positive and accommodating, while his Outie grapples with melancholy following the passing of his wife. The arrival of new coworker Helly Riggs (Britt Lower) stirs up unrest among the team, eventually challenging the entire system’s legitimacy.

The series is captivating due to its subtle humor and surreal elements such as a peculiar scene with a room full of baby goats in an office setting or the unusual numerical values employees need to adjust based on intuition. A heartwarming, albeit taboo, romantic relationship between characters Irv (John Turturro) and Burt (Christopher Walken) adds sweetness, while the strong camaraderie among the four colleagues makes it easier for the show to present its critique of corporate practices that strip workers of their humanity.

The Man in the High Castle

Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel titled ‘The Man in the High Castle’, we explore an alternate reality where the Allied forces lost World War II. The story begins with a significant change in history: Giuseppe Zangara manages to assassinate President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. As a consequence of this alteration, it’s Germany that possesses and uses atomic technology, devastating Washington, D.C.

Previously known as the United States, the territory has been divided by the Axis powers. The western region is now called the Japanese Pacific States, a stark contrast to contemporary Japan with its advanced technology and manga culture. This Japan bears resemblance to the Shōwa era, an empirical period that failed to modernize following World War II. The eastern part of the country is governed by the mighty Greater Nazi Reich.

The narrative focuses on Juliana Crain, portrayed by Alexa Davalos, as she explores an alternate reality and joins a resistance movement. This award-winning series, boasting two Emmys including one for cinematography, serves as a poignant reflection that many Americans may underestimate the extent of oppression in our own lives.

Fringe

In simpler terms, “Fringe” might initially appear as a more peculiar version of “The X-Files”, but it offers its own unique blend of mythology similar to that of Mulder and Scully’s series. However, what sets “Fringe” apart is that the oddities in this universe are largely due to two scientists who, after disregarding scientific ethics, accidentally discover a parallel world where technology evolves at a slightly different pace than ours. As the story progresses, they uncover a future that’s even more ominous.

Fringe” is a series that explores scenarios where individuals with questionable morals gain control over power and technology. The narrative remains consistent, even in episodes that appear unrelated at first glance. A somber undertone runs throughout the show, but it’s balanced by humor, such as the quirky character Walter Bishop (played by John Noble), who enjoys snacks and trippy experiences with LSD. Additionally, there’s a romantic relationship between two main characters that adds an emotional layer. The finale delivers a message of hope, optimism, and the possibility for redemption.

Dollhouse

In the vein of “Westworld” and “Nikita,” Joss Whedon’s series, titled “Dollhouse,” revolves around a team of charming young adults known as “actives.” These individuals have their minds repeatedly rewritten for various clients’ demands. They are led to believe that they voluntarily agreed to this job in exchange for substantial wealth upon completion of their five-year contract, during which they would regain their original identities and personal memories. However, each new assignment brings a fresh identity based on the client’s orders. When not in service, their minds should be blank, but memories from their past start to resurface, causing complications.

As a devoted fan, I’d say the series I’m hooked on is all about me (the viewer) following Echo, this dynamic character portrayed by Eliza Dushku. At first, she’s oblivious to the sinister plans of the organization she’s involved with. But as the story unfolds, so does her realization and our understanding of their malevolent intentions. This thought-provoking journey delves into themes like free will, personal identity, and the chilling potential for corporate brutality. The action is thrilling, the entertainment value high, and the cast boasts some beloved sci-fi faces such as Alan Tudyk, Jamie Bamber, Tahmoh Penikett from “Battlestar Galactica,” and Dichen Lachman from “Severance.

The Prisoner

A standout classic series like “The Prisoner” deserves a modern-day revival, leaving the 2009 limited series behind. Originally airing in 1967, this captivating show features Patrick McGoohan as a British secret agent who, seeking to resign from his job, finds himself forcibly relocated to a mysterious locale known as “The Village.” In this enigmatic setting, neither the characters nor their pasts are recalled.

Despite its picturesque appearance, reminiscent of a serene coastal town catering to every resident’s needs, the Village proves to be a trap with no exit and isolated from the broader world. Its beauty, however, is deceptive, for it operates as a police state, constantly monitoring its inhabitants. Instead of personal names, prisoners in the Village are identified by numbers – our main character being Number Six. The show’s primary theme revolves around Six’s efforts to break free, challenge the authorities, or uncover the truth about their location and his identity.

Colorful and unusual, “The Prisoner” is among the top sci-fi series from its time period and still holds its ground today. The striking contrast between the Village’s captivating aesthetics and the all-encompassing surveillance it represents offers a thought-provoking parallel that remains relevant in our highly digital era.

Upload

Upload” is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, with a thought-provoking backdrop that echoes the dystopian themes of the “Black Mirror” episode “San Junipero”. The series takes place in 2030 and envisions a future where people can choose their digital afterlife, a concept known as uploading. After suffering severe injuries in an accident involving a self-driving car, computer programmer Nathan Brown (played by Robbie Amell) is persuaded to ‘upload’ into the virtual community of Lakeview.

Upon arriving, I swiftly comprehend the monotony of being stuck forever in a mediocre resort, tied down by my controlling girlfriend’s financial strings even beyond death. Just when I feel like surrendering, I unexpectedly find myself developing affection for Nora, my “angel” (Andy Allo), a lively virtual assistant and tech support, who logs in to assist me from the realm of the living.

Between its central love story and humor centered around internet culture and online conduct, “Upload” offers a grim perspective on the corporate pressures and classism that dominate the true world governed by Lakeview. It also delves into the thought-provoking exploration of how digital technology commercializes our humanity in a way that eerily mirrors everyday life.

3%

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the non-English shows on Netflix, and one that truly stands out is “3%”. This captivating series hails from Brazil and is set in a world where the harsh reality of extreme poverty is a daily struggle for those living in the Inland, making up 97% of society. The dream of these struggling masses is to secure a life on the Offshore, an island paradise inhabited by the privileged 3%, who seemingly enjoy their luxury at the expense of the poor.

However, it doesn’t mean that a fulfilling life is unobtainable. At just 20 years old, every resident from Inland has a single chance in their lifetime to attempt entry, by facing a demanding series of tests called “the process.” Many are either eliminated due to failure or loss of life, but the surviving 3% eventually graduate to the Offshore.

From my perspective, this gripping series offers an unflinching exploration of the harsh realities and cutthroat tactics that can emerge among seemingly good individuals, all vying for scarce resources within a hierarchical society. The chilling resonance of this narrative is amplified when we consider how closely some parts of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas resemble our own Inland.

Squid Game

Akin to “3%” and delving into the exploitative themes central to South Korean black comedy “Parasite,” the series “Squid Game” presents a covert deadly contest organized by the ultra-rich, which specifically targets the impoverished and heavily indebted. The 456 participants who are admitted to this exclusive event reside in a dormitory during the competition, where they engage in high-stakes variations of traditional children’s games, such as “Red Light, Green Light,” with the twist that anyone caught moving on the red light is eliminated by gunfire. Remarkably, the danger doesn’t discourage them, as each death escalates the prize money they all aspire to win.

Similar to “Parasite,” the series “Squid Game” draws inspiration from the widening wealth gap in South Korea, where a small number of powerful chaebol families enjoy opulent lifestyles while the majority of the population struggles with poverty. In an interview with Variety, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk stated that he aimed to create a story that serves as a reflection or parable of contemporary capitalist society, depicting intense competition reminiscent of the fierce competition of life, but using characters we’re all familiar with from real life. Furthermore, Hwang mentioned that the series is significantly influenced by Japanese manga and anime.

Future Man

Future Man” is an entertaining comedy with a depth that might surprise you, starring Josh Hutcherson as Josh Futterman, a slacker working at a medical lab. His life takes an extraordinary turn when characters from his favorite video game, “Biotic Wars,” show up in his room to enlist him on a time-travel journey. Little does he know that video games aren’t meant for training! Tiger (played by Eliza Coupe) and Wolf (Derek Wilson), the game characters, explain they hail from a future where humans genetically engineered as Biotics oppress naturally born individuals – all of which can be traced back to Josh’s workplace.

Similar to the SyFy show “12 Monkeys,” another captivating sci-fi series that you might be missing out on is “Future Man.” Instead of a single time travel mission, it turns into an endless loop of causality blunders, creating more chaos than resolution. The star-studded cast, including Haley Joel Osment, Keith David, Ed Begley Jr., Glenne Headly (in her last role), and Awkwafina, elevate this series with their comedic and emotional performances in the time travel dystopian world.

Continuum

In a different take on time travel narratives, “Continuum” commences in the dystopian Vancouver of 2077, under the rule of a Corporate Congress that employs severe punishments and advanced technology for surveillance and control. Kiera Cameron, formerly of City Protective Services (portrayed by Rachel Nichols post-“Criminal Minds”), is among those who unquestioningly accept this system. However, when freedom fighters spirit her away to the year 2012 as part of an attempt to evade execution and change history, Kiera finds herself stranded in a foreign era.

In an attempt to prevent him, Kiera encounters a younger version (Erik Knudsen) of the individual (William B. Davis) responsible for crafting the bleak future, triggering a series of events that irrevocably alter her world. Unlike most dystopian thrillers, “Continuum” offers a complex portrayal of its dark future, serving as a cautionary tale about how ordinary people can unwittingly become entangled in oppressive systems.

2025-01-21 00:31