
Every now and then, a sci-fi TV season comes along that’s truly special and worth revisiting. For many, that includes shows like Firefly, Severance, Black Mirror, Cowboy Bebop, Lost, Legion, and Fallout. But one Netflix series deserves to be on that list too, and it really needs more recognition. Altered Carbon isn’t just science fiction – it’s a deep dive into the genre, set in a classic cyberpunk world with neon lights, flying cars, robots, and incredible technology. What makes it truly great is how it combines that with a compelling story about humanity, featuring well-developed characters and thrilling action. It’s a fantastic season of television, and your next binge-watch should definitely be Altered Carbon on Netflix.
This series is inspired by the novels of Richard K. Morgan and developed for television by Laeta Kalogridis. It centers on Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier who is the last survivor of a rebellion against the ruling class from 300 years prior. He’s brought back to life from a preserved state by a rich man who needs his help solving a murder – the man’s own. Here’s the official description:
Three centuries from now, technology has radically changed society, making bodies replaceable and death reversible. Takeshi Kovacs is the last of a legendary group of space soldiers who lost a rebellion against the current powers. After centuries in digital captivity, he’s offered a new life by the incredibly rich Laurens Bancroft – but only if Kovacs agrees to a task. Bancroft wants Kovacs to investigate his own murder.
The premise of this show is wild, but it’s handled with unexpected nuance and emotional depth. Joel Kinnaman is fantastic as Kovacs, supported by strong performances from James Purefoy and Martha Higareda. While critics gave the first season a mixed response (70% on Rotten Tomatoes), viewers absolutely loved it, awarding it a remarkable 91% rating. Even if you don’t usually enjoy complex science fiction, you’ll likely be captivated by the show’s blend of murder mystery, action, and thrilling suspense, all set within a visually stunning cyberpunk world.
‘Altered Carbon’s Second Season Needs to Be Re-Sleeved

Netflix
There’s nothing quite like discovering a new TV series that you can’t stop watching. But it’s incredibly disappointing when a show you love suddenly loses its way, and that’s exactly what happened with Altered Carbon. The first season was perfect, but the second season didn’t live up to expectations. While the show had a strong foundation from Season 1 and a lot of anticipation, things felt off when it returned. With the main character, Takeshi Kovacs, in a new body, actor Anthony Mackie took over the role and the story moved to a different planet as Kovacs searched for Quellcrist Falconer – a truly memorable character! Despite the initial promise and excitement, Season 2 struggled to recapture the magic of the first.
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The first episode of Altered Carbon Season 2 was a real disappointment. It felt much slower than the first season, the action sequences weren’t as good, and the show lost what made it special. Viewers definitely noticed – the audience score dropped from 91% in Season 1 to just 37% in Season 2. If you’re interested in watching Altered Carbon, we suggest sticking with the first season.
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2025-12-25 02:48