The Venn diagram of people who enjoy Blade Runner and those who appreciate Jason Bourne likely resembles a circle, with those in the center simply not having seen the other titles. For those who do find themselves in the middle, there’s a two-season sci-fi series on Netflix that incorporates elements from both.

Despite the acclaimed modern sci-fi series, Stranger Things, being a significant factor in Netflix’s success as a streaming service, its other sci-fi television offerings are surprisingly limited. The platform seems to favor fantasy, teen drama, and horror over the type of science fiction that viewers are increasingly seeking on Apple TV.

Nevertheless, there are some standout shows in the vast library of Netflix original content. Altered Carbon is one such exceptional series. Based on the 2002 novel by Richard K. Morgan, Altered Carbon is set 360 years in the future, where memories and consciousness can be stored and transferred, leading to a form of pseudo-immortality.

The narrative follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier who rebelled against the new world order 250 years before the events of the series. Kovacs’ mind is extracted from stasis and placed into a new body to solve a murder, with the promise of another chance at a life that belongs solely to him.

The series draws its style and aesthetic directly from Blade Runner, featuring a cyberpunk look while adding its unique twist. The central murder mystery, along with Kovacs’ skills in espionage and assassination, align him with characters like Jason Bourne. With only 18 episodes, it’s a binge-worthy experience you won’t regret.

What Makes Altered Carbon Unique Among Sci-Fi TV Shows?

Altered Carbon distinguishes itself from other science fiction television series in several ways. Due to the body-hopping nature of its storyline, a different actor portrays Kovacs each season. In season one, he’s played by Joel Kinnaman, while Anthony Mackie takes over in season two.

This presents a unique challenge; viewers naturally form connections with the first actor they associate with Kovacs, making the transition to a new actor in season two potentially jarring. This results in an interesting effect where audiences feel more connected to the essence of Kovacs rather than to Mackie or Kinnaman, who do not overshadow Kovacs with their own quirks.

Altered Carbon fully embraces the pulp elements of cyberpunk media like Blade Runner, as well as espionage-themed shows and films like Jason Bourne. Its visuals are strikingly impressive, sometimes to the point of distraction. The murder mystery becomes so intricate and flashy that it circles back to being thoroughly entertaining.

The series proudly displays its genre influences and is unafraid to utilize extreme or obvious tropes, often with successful results. The blend of neo-noir, cyberpunk, spy thriller, and even war epic storytelling creates something that is rare among television shows.

Despite season 2 of Altered Carbon receiving an improved rating of 81% compared to 70% for season 1 on Rotten Tomatoes, Netflix decided to cancel the series in 2020. Although this leaves Altered Carbon with an unfinished narrative, it speaks volumes about the show’s quality that it remains worth watching despite its unsatisfactory conclusion.