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Etheria is a fantasy-tinged sci-fi anthology series, consisting of several distinct and diverse short stories, each with its own singular worldbuilding and message. Produced by Heather Buckley and Stephanie Thorpe, Etheria is an ode to female storytelling and direction, aiming to give a voice to women in genre TV.

With its 2020 release, it quickly gained traction as a cult favorite among fans of both steam/cyberpunk and high fantasy. The show constructs intricate, self-contained narratives that often tackle complex social issues without ever losing their sense of adventure and wonder. From tales of vengeful vampires in 19th-century England to dystopian environments run by fascistic villains, Etheria fearlessly explores the untold corners of imagination with its mesmerizing tales.

One of Etheria's most striking features is its collective emphasis on strong, empowering women, both on and off screen. Across its episodes, it explores various ideas of femininity and its construction, from the confident Amazonian warriors in the episode "Bloodtraffick" to the socially awkward but brave protagonist in "The Good Samaritan." The show actively deconstructs toxic gender norms and stereotypes, often culminating in powerful scenes that highlight the resilience of the human spirit.

These feminist themes are reflected in its production process as well. Etheria is a completely female-operated series, with each of its episodes directed by female directors and most of its writers being women. Through its collection of distinct and diverse stories, Etheria creates a space for female voices to take charge and make their mark on the media landscape, inspiring women across the globe.

Each episode has its own unique style of storytelling, offering a fresh and explosive take on classic genre tropes. The first episode, "Superior," follows a young woman in a future society where perfect genetics are prized. When she discovers that her own DNA is faulty and she may never live up to her true potential, she must fight to prove her worth and change the rules of the game.

In "Bloodtraffick," a group of rogue vampires targets a nearby community, leading to a thrilling showdown with a fearless group of female warriors. Mixing cyberpunk themes with classic horror tropes, it explores themes of addiction and violence through the lens of supernatural creatures.

"The Good Samaritan" tells the story of a socially awkward street fighter, who must use her incredible fighting skills to save a young girl from danger. Using visceral action to punctuate its message of bravery and strength, it sheds a new light on the idea of heroism.

These are just a few of the stories that Etheria offers, each delivering an unforgettable journey that speaks to the complexity of the human experience.

Etheria's worldbuilding is just as impressive, creating vivid environments where stories unfold. In "Connection Lost," protagonist Allison must venture into an abstract digital world in order to communicate with her comatose husband. The stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack brilliantly capture the eerie tension of the subconscious realm.

In "NarcoLeap," an augmented reality game creates a barrier between a woman and her family, leading her to urgent self-discovery and choice. The episode is a fierce critique of the unintended consequences of modern technology, and the threats it poses to our relationship with the people we love most.

At its heart, Etheria is about creating fantastic worlds, populated by incredible characters that are united by their strength, resilience, and courage. It rejoices in all forms of diversity and inclusivity, which is embodied in its full range of onscreen talent. Beyond its mission to empower women as content creators and directors, the show features a diverse cast and crew, including women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

In conclusion, Etheria is a striking, mesmerizing, and empowering anthology series that brings together the best of sci-fi and fantasy storytelling. With its nuanced approach to complex themes and its celebration of the power of women, it offers an important showcase of female artistic and storytelling voices. As a fan-favorite series, it has already created a devoted following, and it seems poised to inspire and challenge viewers for years to come.

Etheria is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (61 episodes). The series first aired on August 20, 2020.