Watch Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon is an outrageously futuristic science fiction series which takes place 300 years in the future. The basic concept of the show is that human consciousness can be transferred from one physical body to another with the help of a unique device called a "stack."

The series primarily follows Takeshi Kovacs (played by Joel Kinnaman), a former elite soldier who is brought back to life after being locked in a digital prison for centuries. The show explores the complications which arise from the ability to change bodies including issues of class, race, sex, and morality.

The world-building of this show is exceptional. It takes the idea of a society where individuals can live forever and runs with it in a range of directions, from the rich who live in towering skyscrapers to the poor who are forced to live in the lower levels of society, where the living conditions are nightmarish. Furthermore, the technology is spectacular, with various holographic interfaces, flying cars, and weapons that can instantly vaporize a person.

The writing, the production values and performances all come together to create a spellbinding environment where there are numerous layers of intrigue and espionage that drive the narrative forward. It’s an intelligent, thoughtful show that manages to be both a fun (albeit vulgar and visually shocking) violent action series, and also a meditation on what it means to be human in a world that pits our basic humanness against otherwise limitless technological possibilities.

Also, the acting, especially by Joel Kinnaman, is worth noting. Kinnaman delivers a phenomenal performance as Kovacs, playing the role with depth and complexity. James Purefoy, who plays Laurens Bancroft, is equally compelling, delivering a layered performance that highlights the moral conflict of the character.

Overall, what makes Altered Carbon so remarkable is that it is not only a compelling action/adventure series, but also a science-fiction opus that deals with concepts that are boundlessly complicated. The series explores themes such as what it means to be human in a future where humanity is replaceable; how even in a world of endless possibility, death remains the one certainty; and how the characters navigate the complex world of this future society.

In summary, if you like science fiction, if you like action, if you like mysteries, if you like some smatterings of philosophy and big ideas, then Altered Carbon is the perfect show to binge. It’s truly one of the best science fiction series on Netflix.

Altered Carbon is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (18 episodes). The series first aired on February 2, 2018.