The Matrixfranchise exists thanks to a very specific and groundbreaking form of sci-fi worldbuilding, and there’s a show on Netflix that feels very much like a spiritual successor. While notall theMatrixmoviesare considered equal in quality, there’s always something to enjoy in each installment. For those looking for something to scratch that same itch, I have the perfect show.
Although it’s only two seasons long, I consider the show in question to be one of thebest on Netflix, and it also features one ofTV’s best sci-fi characters of all time. Its high-concept storyline will definitely appeal to fans ofThe Matrix, as will its social commentary on the human condition and rich array of compelling characters.
Altered Carbon Is A Dystopian Sci-Fi Show That Matrix Fans Will Enjoy
The adventures of Takeshi Kovacs are a thrilling sci-fi ride
Adapted from the literary works of Richard K. Morgan,Altered Carbonran for two seasons between 2018 and 2020. The first book in the series was published in 2002, so it’s possible Morgan’s cyberpunk world was directly inspired byThe Matrix’s 1999 franchise starter. Both stories are set in a dystopian distant future and toy with the idea of human consciousness.
Just as human minds have essentially been digitized inThe Matrix,Altered Carbonallows its characters to back up their memoriesto a device implanted at birth called a “stack.” After death, as long as the stack is intact, it can be inserted into a new body, which is referred to as a “sleeve.”
The invention of the respective technology in both franchises completely transforms how the human race exists and operates, andAltered Carbonexplores its central concept just as thoroughly asThe Matrixdoes.
The invention of the respective technology in both franchises completely transforms how the human race exists and operates, andAltered Carbonexplores its central concept just as thoroughly asThe Matrixdoes. Perhaps the main difference is thatThe Matrixhas more of an ensemble castled by Keanu Reeves as Neo.
Altered Carbon, on the other hand, focuses far more on the exploits of its main protagonist, Takeshi Kovacs. The role is shared between three actors throughoutAltered Carbon’s run: Joel Kinnaman, Will Yun Lee, and Anthony Mackie. The show uses stack technology and “resleeving” to explain Kovacs' ever-changing face, which is also part of the source material.
Altered Carbon Is More Flawed Than The Matrix, But Is Still A Good Show
Netflix’s answer to The Matrix is criminally underrated (especially season 1)
The Matrixis still beloved despite its various issues after the first movie, andAltered Carbonisn’t perfect either. Despite the Netflix show having more flaws thanThe Matrix, it is still definitely worth watching.Altered Carbonseason 1 is a near-perfect adaptation of the first book in the series, which I can tell you is a masterclass in science-fiction.
Altered Carbonseason 2 is where the show starts to falter. Rather than continuing to honor the source material, Netflix essentially penned a brand-new story for Takeshi Kovacs in an attempt to serialize the seasons, whereas the books are pretty much standalone adventures set centuries apart. So, the brilliant source material falls by the wayside.
That said,Altered Carbonseason 2’s disregard for the original version of events actually works out okay. It offers a fresh experience for those already familiar with Morgan’s work and introduces some interesting concepts. Sadly, it didn’t perform as well as season 1, and Netflix decided to cancel its answer toThe Matrixafter just 2 seasons.
The Matrix
The Matrix is a sci-fi action franchise that launched with the Wachowskis' 1999 film. It depicts a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality by sentient machines. The protagonist, Neo, discovers this truth and that he is “The One,” a being that will lead a rebellion against the machines and restore freedom to humanity.
Altered Carbon
Cast
Altered Carbon is set in the far future, at a time when a human’s consciousness can be stored in a device called a Stack and transferred into different bodies, allowing people who have the means to become functionally immortal. Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman and Anthony Mackie), the former member of a rebellion against Stack technology, is awakened and released from prison so that he can be employed by a wealthy man to solve the man’s own murder. The Netflix original series is based on the 2002 novel of the same name by Richard K. Morgan.
