8 Years Later, Netflix’s 2-Part ‘Lost Meets Inception’ Series Is Still One Of Its Best Sci-Fi Shows

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Both Lost and Inception were known for their complicated, mind-bending science fiction plots, and now a standout Netflix series successfully combines elements of both—though it was sadly short-lived. Netflix’s 3 Body Problem demonstrates the platform’s willingness to tackle large-scale sci-fi. The show, adapted from the highly praised novel series Remembrance of Earth’s Past by Liu Cixin, was intricate, bold, and packed with detail, featuring a large ensemble cast and a variety of locations.

While Stranger Things is Netflix’s most popular sci-fi show, many of their other entries in the genre are more complex and rely on intricate storylines, similar to 3 Body Problem. This approach, which involves non-linear timelines and layered realities, was popularized by shows like Lost with its use of flashbacks and flash-forwards, and films like Christopher Nolan’s Inception. Both demonstrated that audiences don’t necessarily shy away from complicated sci-fi concepts.

Considered one of Netflix’s greatest sci-fi series, Sense8 was a bold and complex show that told a fascinating story. It followed eight strangers – Capheus, Sun, Riley, Wolfgang, Nomi, Will, Kala, and Lito – who suddenly discover they are ‘Sensates.’ This means they’re mentally and emotionally connected, able to share thoughts, feelings, and skills without speaking. Because each of the eight characters lived in a different country – including Kenya, South Korea, the US, the UK, Russia, India, and Mexico – the show constantly moved between locations around the world.

Sense8 Was One Of The Most Ambitious Sci-fi Shows Netflix Has Ever Produced

This helped Sense8 quickly become one of Netflix’s most daring sci-fi series, and its unusual story always balanced a delicate tone. While shows like Fringe and Twin Peaks had previously introduced viewers to strange ideas such as parallel worlds and alternate versions of people, Sense8 went even further. It was an early demonstration of how creatively experimental streaming shows could be, because they appealed to a smaller, more dedicated audience.

The creators of the show, the Wachowskis, brought the same creative energy and originality they’re known for from films like The Matrix and the often-overlooked Cloud Atlas to Sense8. Both seasons quickly became essential viewing for science fiction fans. The series cleverly wove together the lives of its eight central characters, exploring complex themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. Despite its thoughtful and philosophical nature, the show remained exciting thanks to the relentless pursuit of the characters by the villain, Whisper.

The Wachowskis once again skillfully blended thought-provoking themes with thrilling sci-fi action, creating a story that was both accessible and remarkably ambitious. While later shows like Dune: Prophecy have tried to tackle equally large-scale narratives, Sense8 stands out for its complex characters and the intricate connections between the sensates. Sadly, the series didn’t get the chance to fully realize its potential, as it was cancelled before its time.

Sense8’s Early Cancellation Cut An Iconic Sci-fi Series Short

Producing Sense8 was expensive, and its bold take on science fiction was ahead of its time, anticipating many of the large-scale shows that followed. While Netflix later invested heavily in series like Arcane to compete with ambitious space operas such as For All Mankind, Silo, and Foundation, Sense8 debuted before this trend took hold. As a result, Netflix ended Sense8 after just two seasons and a final special, prematurely cutting short a truly captivating sci-fi series.

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2026-05-08 00:18