Altered Carbon

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 2, 2018
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 696 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 555 out of 696
  2. Mixed: 83 out of 696
  3. Negative: 58 out of 696
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User Reviews

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  1. scrotosaggins
    Feb 3, 2018
    10
    The cast, acting, music, cgi we're spot on. The ambiance give it a really unique feel almost like blade runner. I read the book a few months ago and i'm really glad they didn't sell out and followed the book so closely, the small details are what really makes it. I can't speak highly enough of this show great book adaptation easy 10/10
  2. Dondi
    Apr 19, 2018
    7
    Great visuals of the future, a society based on Super capitalists that live far above in the clouds, the poor below ground level in poverty. Many stolen themes from Sci-fi movies from WW2 to now; super CGI, hardest darn story to comprehend. Gritty, sexual, violent, spiritual?
  3. AthanasiosT
    Apr 25, 2018
    9
    A detective story in a dark cyberpunk sci-fi future world. As a long time sci-fi fan, I enjoyed the whole atmosphere, the story, the characters and finally Poe, that often reminded me of Overlook hotel !! Cinematography and directing were excellent. Acting was good, but it could get better. Waiting for season 2.
  4. Dubeau
    Aug 3, 2018
    8
    Really nice mystery sci-fi flick. A bit slow to start but after episode 4 this gets on going in a big time. The story is complex but in many ways about family love and hates. It borrows from Blade Runner's looks but for most of it, it's a detective story. The main hero wasn't that amazing. A bit of overacting, but all the other characters are extremely solid in their performance. The FXReally nice mystery sci-fi flick. A bit slow to start but after episode 4 this gets on going in a big time. The story is complex but in many ways about family love and hates. It borrows from Blade Runner's looks but for most of it, it's a detective story. The main hero wasn't that amazing. A bit of overacting, but all the other characters are extremely solid in their performance. The FX were decent for TV show. The sexuality was depicted in a very nice aesthetically way. No for kids or young adults. I give it 78%. Good sci-fi.Renewed for Season 2!… Expand
  5. LulzTV
    Sep 29, 2018
    9
    Altered Carbon is currently the best show on netflix. The special effects are spectacular, the directing and writing are spot on, the atmosphere feels and the world building is great. This show is fantastic.
  6. Averno
    Oct 27, 2018
    10
    My favorite show for several years. Excellent visuals, compelling story, stellar world-building.
  7. JLuis_001
    Feb 13, 2018
    7
    Interesting but with many problems inside the narrative, also the real mystery and the real enemy takes a long time to reveal itself and the rhythm at times is slow and in others frantic, but in general the story is entertaining enough, has good characters but its protagonist is not the most endearing character in the world, it is clear that Joel Kinnaman is not a great actor but he bringsInteresting but with many problems inside the narrative, also the real mystery and the real enemy takes a long time to reveal itself and the rhythm at times is slow and in others frantic, but in general the story is entertaining enough, has good characters but its protagonist is not the most endearing character in the world, it is clear that Joel Kinnaman is not a great actor but he brings the series afloat.
    Martha Higareda achieves what is perhaps the most important role of her career and she works fine, although she plays a lot with the Latina stereotype with all the cursing she does in Spanish.

    The first great Netflix original series in the field of science fiction and cyberpunk, it wasn't bad for a first attempt.    … Expand
  8. Kenmei
    Feb 18, 2018
    7
    A very over-the-top Sci-Fi series that takes alot of investment to get the most out of it. Although a couple of plot holes, some very bland acting by the main character, and some subpar fight scenes kinda took me out of it, I still had an ok time with this show. The main issue I had was with Kinnaman and how bland he came off for most of the show. He really only seemed to have 2 emotions:A very over-the-top Sci-Fi series that takes alot of investment to get the most out of it. Although a couple of plot holes, some very bland acting by the main character, and some subpar fight scenes kinda took me out of it, I still had an ok time with this show. The main issue I had was with Kinnaman and how bland he came off for most of the show. He really only seemed to have 2 emotions: bored and sad for the entire series. It really threw me off since a couple of other characters, including Martha Higareda's Det Ortega, were very well done and seemed to steal most scenes they were apart of. It also didn't help that the story is super dense and can be hard to follow at times so the subpar acting by Kinnaman during the main scenes didn't help with the immersion.
    It also didn't help that the amount of nudity in this show was some of the most I've ever seen in any show ever. It got so bad at times that it just became uncomfortable to watch. Even long fight scenes with multiple nude people in it just became overtly awkward. I would not recommend watching this with any family members not ok with that idea.
    But there are some good elements here and, while the story kinda jumped from place to place at times with little explanation, it still turned out very good, even with all the massive changes done to the original book. It's not award winning but might be worth a second season, even if this part of the story might be over. It's not a bad show per say but so many elements worked together to take you out of the flow of the story that it becomes hard for me to recommend this to anyone that isn't a massive sci-fi buff.    … Expand
  9. miastalman
    Feb 4, 2018
    7
    I have just wantched the series and I want to tell that I really liked it. On the other hand there was no memorable music and the ending was only OK. If they would have fixed that, I would give it 8/10, but it is not worth more.

    The story background, about human "soul" being on "disk" and the plot about having copies by rich people, where copy of one of them is attacked is similar to    I have just wantched the series and I want to tell that I really liked it. On the other hand there was no memorable music and the ending was only OK. If they would have fixed that, I would give it 8/10, but it is not worth more.

    The story background, about human "soul" being on "disk" and the plot about having copies by rich people, where copy of one of them is attacked is similar to the staff from book "Perfekcyjna niedoskonałość" by Jacek Dukaj, so I do not treat is as something very original.    … Expand
  10. Rezin97
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    While critic reviews and user reviews vary, I loved this show. With every fiber of my being. This was a fantastic watch from beginning to end. The plot, characters, and story were incredible. It's Blade Runner on crack mixed with James Bond action with a hint of Sherlock Holmes detective and overall well put together. While some slam it, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I wasWhile critic reviews and user reviews vary, I loved this show. With every fiber of my being. This was a fantastic watch from beginning to end. The plot, characters, and story were incredible. It's Blade Runner on crack mixed with James Bond action with a hint of Sherlock Holmes detective and overall well put together. While some slam it, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. I was captivated through out and I pray Netflix continues the series for another 6 seasons. Please watch and enjoy as much as I did.… Expand
  11. kushtopia
    Feb 6, 2018
    8
    Altered Carbon is a beautiful, dark, and compelling series, and one of the absolute best new series on Netflix right now. It really is the closest thing to a sci-fi Game of Thrones (not quite at the same level, but close). It delivers masterfully on cinematography, providing engrossing backstories and a rich world, and exploring deep themes about the nature of humanity and our path as weAltered Carbon is a beautiful, dark, and compelling series, and one of the absolute best new series on Netflix right now. It really is the closest thing to a sci-fi Game of Thrones (not quite at the same level, but close). It delivers masterfully on cinematography, providing engrossing backstories and a rich world, and exploring deep themes about the nature of humanity and our path as we go forward into the future.

    The main actor is good for a majority of the season with the occasional bad performance sprinkled throughout. One dynamic that painfully sticks out is Takeshi's general disdain for Laurens Bancroft for what seems like nothing. This, however, is a writing issue more than an acting one. I felt the same way about one or two supporting cast members (e.g. Ortega-she just needs to dial down the angry hot-headed cop archetype down a bit; Quell- was just bad), but a vast majority of the rest of cast was a joy to watch.

    However, I felt like the show was wrapped up a little to neatly. You go through the majority of the season getting gut wrenching cliff hanger after cliff hanger, and some genuinely surprising twists and deaths only to have the ending be so cleanly wrapped up. It sort of breaks the immersion of a real and lived in world. Also, there are certain sub-plots that felt unnecessary or distracting (eg, Lizzie) and some that were so compelling that it felt like an injustice not to explore them more (Ryker's story, Dimi's involvement, the Kovachs siblings and their backstory, the Elder civilization). The four subplots I just listed were actually way more interesting than the actual murder mystery that's supposed to be at the center of the story. By the end, the murder mystery itself feels like one of those less interesting subplots- with Takeshi's progression and character growth being the central focus. While I actually enjoyed this change in focus, I still felt like they could have made the audience more invested in the outcome of the case.

    The whole season is riddled with these small indiscretions and while it doesn't detract much from the viewing experience at the time, it does leave you with a certain indifference when you finish the series. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I did with some of my other favorite shows and while I felt satisfied with the world and what it offered, I have no wanton desire to go back. This is surprising for a show that I couldn't stop watching episode to episode yet a new season of it wouldn't even make the top 10 of my viewing list.

    Other minor complaints:
    The sex/nudity in this series is borderline pornographic. They definitely overdid it.
    The action scenes are nothing special- you likely have seen every action scene in this show in another movie or series.
    Language- the sciency jargon gets to be a bit much and in certain scenes you have literally no idea wtf they are talking about.
    The parallels to Blade Runner are painfully obvious- I wish they had done enough to separate the themes of the two universes.
    While the main villain is brilliant, he/she is revealed way too late, leaving the rest of the season with no primary antagonist.

    Rating: Must-Watch
    Doesn't deserve anything lower than a 7 or anything higher than an 8.5 depending on you preference. I give it a solid 8. BTW, in 70-80% of the negative reviews written, the reviewer claims to have watched only one or two episodes. If you don't like it at first, give it a chance, it's worth it.    … Expand
  12. MrNonono
    Feb 6, 2018
    7
    Let's start with the good part. It's a bit similar to Bladerunner. Visually good looking, the future is a dystopia, that classic film noir vibe (the smoking detective in a long coat), good acting and great action scenes.

    Then the bad part. It isn't Bladerunner. The main characters are both overly sexualized to get more viewers. 250 year old dude wakes up, ripped like Wolverine and meets    Let's start with the good part. It's a bit similar to Bladerunner. Visually good looking, the future is a dystopia, that classic film noir vibe (the smoking detective in a long coat), good acting and great action scenes.

    Then the bad part. It isn't Bladerunner. The main characters are both overly sexualized to get more viewers. 250 year old dude wakes up, ripped like Wolverine and meets this supersexy girl-cop who can do anything whatever she likes, apparently. You know a sex scene is obligatory now. Spoiler: the sex scene is without a bra, a revolution for American television. Throw in a political correct character like 'the sympathetic muslim' (what was his function, except pleasing a certain crowd?). And of course there's the black sidekick of the white hero, because we love stereotypes, don't we?
    So I'm confused. What is this? A romcom? An action movie? Or a proper sci-fi that makes you think about your own reality? I have the impression that the show tries to please every crowd but loses it's own identity with it.    … Expand
  13. Naessarne
    Feb 8, 2018
    8
    Read the book many years since and recall the pretty unique cyberpunk/noir tone - which differed enough to Dick/Gibson Blade Runner/Neuromancer to make it stand out. This adaption hits the cyberpunk on the head but doesn't have enough of a feel of the Noir. That being said its a pretty great watch. Sure the actor who plays Takeshi is wooden, but for me it works and he reflects myRead the book many years since and recall the pretty unique cyberpunk/noir tone - which differed enough to Dick/Gibson Blade Runner/Neuromancer to make it stand out. This adaption hits the cyberpunk on the head but doesn't have enough of a feel of the Noir. That being said its a pretty great watch. Sure the actor who plays Takeshi is wooden, but for me it works and he reflects my recollection of the character and The Raven hotel is brilliant.… Expand
  14. Boucher
    Mar 3, 2018
    10
    I thought the show was great! It's a totally new theme comparing to shows today which draws me in even more. I will say it took me a couple episodes to really grab me but after that I was absolutely hooked! I had to watch the next episode, and then the next, and so on. The last few episodes had me on the edge of my seat until I finished the show. For the people who didn't even commit toI thought the show was great! It's a totally new theme comparing to shows today which draws me in even more. I will say it took me a couple episodes to really grab me but after that I was absolutely hooked! I had to watch the next episode, and then the next, and so on. The last few episodes had me on the edge of my seat until I finished the show. For the people who didn't even commit to watching the whole season, your reviews don't matter. You can't judge a book by a book by its cover, it's as simple as that. I hate how the critics rated it poorly. I think this show deserves at least an 85 coming from the critics and a 90+ from the fans. I loved the idea behind it, you gain connections to each character and it pulls you in with that. Every person is different, you may not like the show but if you're curious about it, watch it! Please. Don't stop half way through. Watch it all the way through and give your opinion on it then. But I LOVED IT!! Wanting a second season!!!… Expand
  15. hallllloo
    Feb 6, 2018
    7
    Sieht super aus, hat schöne Kampfszenen, eine interessante Message, jedoch ist der Einstieg in die Story sehr schwer. Manchmal ist sie sogar ziemlich verwirrend und die Folgen erscheinen einem meistens etwas zu lang.
  16. Urbanguerrilla
    Feb 18, 2018
    9
    Altered Carbon is very entertaining from beginning to end. While the story isn't groundbreaking it is still very captivating and will leave you thinking for days to come. The spectral, acting and effects are top notch and a mix together in a very enjoyable blend. I would highly recommend to fans of Blade Runner, cyber punk sub genre fans and to fans of si-fi in general
  17. jspenillo
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Great show, great acting, love the story. Watch it for yourself and you be the judge. I think its excellent, highly entertaining! All the actors are awesome!
  18. EludiumQ36
    Feb 17, 2018
    10
    Wow, what an epic series! Cinematic level of production values, multiple themes, this is one hell of an offering! I very rarely give ANY production a 10 but “Altered Carbon” nailed every aspect of what you want in a series. On the surface, this presents as a murder mystery that our protag Takeshi Kovacs (mostly in the body/image of Elias Ryker) is hired to solve - by the ultra-rich murderWow, what an epic series! Cinematic level of production values, multiple themes, this is one hell of an offering! I very rarely give ANY production a 10 but “Altered Carbon” nailed every aspect of what you want in a series. On the surface, this presents as a murder mystery that our protag Takeshi Kovacs (mostly in the body/image of Elias Ryker) is hired to solve - by the ultra-rich murder victim himself, who was suspected to have committed suicide - so yes, wrap your head around that! But this series goes so much deeper than just this murder. In fact, this series, if applying MPAA ratings,would easily carry an NC-17 rating, it is not for the squeamish, there is a plethora of nudity and graphic violence, so much blood, everywhere at times, but it’s all in line with the story, it doesn’t seem gratuitous or out of place. Speaking of which, episode 8 has an “attack of the clones” you won’t soon forget - you’ll thank god for rewind.

    But when I say deeper, it’s because of the many themes and issues that are addressed as this plays out. I’m not going to do a full analysis on them because this would be too long and I’m not getting paid for this, but one of the themes will not be lost on Stargate fans - that of false gods. The Meths are direct analogs of Stargate SG-1’s race of Goa’ulds, beings that seemingly live forever across discardable host bodies. Whereas the Goa’uld have unique weapons and personal energy shields that promote their god-like powers, the Meths have no such abilities, just their massive wealth and control over everyone else. Finally, though it’s implied by the above, let me explicitly state that the visuals are supremely outstanding. You will have to watch this series several times to fully appreciate the VFX and the story itself because you simply cannot absorb it all in one viewing, it’s just not possible, and I’m not kidding but you may need to create a character matrix/chart to keep things straight. And please, please view this on no less than a 55-in HDTV, preferably in 4K/HDR, the production quality of this series demands it.    … Expand
  19. Vancomycin
    Feb 2, 2018
    8
    This is definitely a show you'll want to keep the remote handy with if you have small children. Naked bodies show up so frequently by the end of it you'll feel like a prostate physician. This season of television will unavoidably be compared to Blade Runner. The gravitas, color palette, grungy advertisement-filled world and analytical look at humanity and purpose provide most of the plot.This is definitely a show you'll want to keep the remote handy with if you have small children. Naked bodies show up so frequently by the end of it you'll feel like a prostate physician. This season of television will unavoidably be compared to Blade Runner. The gravitas, color palette, grungy advertisement-filled world and analytical look at humanity and purpose provide most of the plot. The rest is just flashes of light, violence, impressive f/x and did I mention nudity?… Expand
  20. papadrew7
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    This was an amazing tv show with an intriguing new mythos to get lost in. The writing was superb. The acting was top notch and the action kept you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend for you to check this show out.
  21. sedition
    Feb 15, 2018
    10
    Critics irritate me. There is no way they spend as much time and thought with a series television show like this as we do. They have hundreds of shows to review and I just don't believe that they have the time or attention to devote to a complicated stunning show like this. The negative reviews from several here show they just didn't get it. Altered Carbon was unique, fascinating andCritics irritate me. There is no way they spend as much time and thought with a series television show like this as we do. They have hundreds of shows to review and I just don't believe that they have the time or attention to devote to a complicated stunning show like this. The negative reviews from several here show they just didn't get it. Altered Carbon was unique, fascinating and forward thinking with Kinnaman giving a standout emotional performance. I wish there were more shows like this and less stupid inane comedies.… Expand
  22. OGgamer2001
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    If I could give this show higher than 10/10 I would! I absolutely love this show. It is a fantastic show. The CGI, acting, script, story line, and everything else about this show are spot on. It reminds me of Blade Runner, but very unique in it's own right! I am definitely a fan and I really am extremely impressed with everything about this series. I really am not sure why metacriticIf I could give this show higher than 10/10 I would! I absolutely love this show. It is a fantastic show. The CGI, acting, script, story line, and everything else about this show are spot on. It reminds me of Blade Runner, but very unique in it's own right! I am definitely a fan and I really am extremely impressed with everything about this series. I really am not sure why metacritic (corporate schell) is only giving it a 60%, they have drastically changed my opinion about their judgement in terms of quality. Either they watched a different show than I watched, or they would not know a great scifi show if it slapped them in the face. Anyways, I give this show a 10/10 and highly recommend for you to watch it and make your own opinion about how great it is.… Expand
  23. jdawg191
    Feb 10, 2018
    10
    Finally, a series that does the cyberpunk genre real justice. The visuals are stunning, and its clear Netflix went all-in on this series, and this frankly feels more like 10 movies, not just 10 episodes. The director also happens to be one of the game of thrones directors. I like how the story doesn't do any hand-holding, and its full of really cool technology ideas. ArtificialFinally, a series that does the cyberpunk genre real justice. The visuals are stunning, and its clear Netflix went all-in on this series, and this frankly feels more like 10 movies, not just 10 episodes. The director also happens to be one of the game of thrones directors. I like how the story doesn't do any hand-holding, and its full of really cool technology ideas. Artificial intelligence, immortality, and other interesting hypotheticals are covered. Be aware: there is extreme nudity and violence. I'm looking forward to season 2 and I really hope Joel Kinnaman returns for another season (anything is possible in the series because conciousness can be transferred between bodies which they call a "sleeve" using a device that digitizes conciousness (called a "stack").… Expand
  24. Aryann
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Best cyberpunk there is. And certainly one of the best tv series. Can't wait for a second season.
  25. chillgreg
    Mar 22, 2018
    9
    This mind-bending sci-fi action thriller with heart aplenty will leave you gasping.

    Absolutely incredible. A slow start opens to a sprawling roller-coaster of emotional introspection, and the penultimate thundering crescendo with an immensely satisfying conclusion left me sitting numb after the final credits rolled. A barely-adequate comparison would be The Matrix + The Fifth Element    This mind-bending sci-fi action thriller with heart aplenty will leave you gasping.

    Absolutely incredible. A slow start opens to a sprawling roller-coaster of emotional introspection, and the penultimate thundering crescendo with an immensely satisfying conclusion left me sitting numb after the final credits rolled.

    A barely-adequate comparison would be The Matrix + The Fifth Element + Tarantino. On steroids. Episode 7 by itself, at 66 minutes, is better than most full-feature sci-fi movies.

    The story is intriguing, and while perhaps not totally original, is a deft amalgamation of sci-fi, murder-mystery, and action-thriller (with some well-executed plot twists). Most importantly, it doesn't spoon-feed the viewer; one has to actually think about it, but that only adds to the enjoyment of the episodic structure.

    Thanks to the beguiling performances from the stellar cast, who's passion and commitment to the script was evident, combined with a beautiful soundtrack, mesmerising cinematography, and spectacular special effects, Netflix hit this adaptation of the award-winning novel out of the park.

    Don't miss this one.    … Expand
  26. hushiwei
    Feb 25, 2018
    10
    Excellent use of future technology throughout visually reminds of the original Bladerunner. Actors are convincing and the ending is satisfying. I had to give this a ten.
  27. MovieGal2016
    Mar 27, 2018
    9
    Sci-fi fun! This show is great! We loved it and binge-watched the entire season in a weekend. First, the plot is interesting and fast-moving, albeit at times a little bit confusing. Most of the actors are well-cast and suit their roles well. We particularly enjoyed watching Joel Kinnaman as Takeshi Kovacs and Chris Connor as Poe. Finally, the sets, set decoration, and costumes are aSci-fi fun! This show is great! We loved it and binge-watched the entire season in a weekend. First, the plot is interesting and fast-moving, albeit at times a little bit confusing. Most of the actors are well-cast and suit their roles well. We particularly enjoyed watching Joel Kinnaman as Takeshi Kovacs and Chris Connor as Poe. Finally, the sets, set decoration, and costumes are a joy to behold - this is TV at it's most entertaining!… Expand
  28. djashdj
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    Loved this and pumped for 2nd season. cyberpunk/action/mystery a+ acting/music/production all good.
  29. mostlywater
    Feb 27, 2018
    9
    Loving this, brutally honest with human desires. Intense characters worth investing in, the acting is amazing. Hard to believe it is so futuristic because the scenes, the characters - they are all so believable. Having read the book I avoided this at first, so glad I eventually watched it. I'm even rationing the episodes to spin out the 'something to look forward to watching factor'. HighLoving this, brutally honest with human desires. Intense characters worth investing in, the acting is amazing. Hard to believe it is so futuristic because the scenes, the characters - they are all so believable. Having read the book I avoided this at first, so glad I eventually watched it. I'm even rationing the episodes to spin out the 'something to look forward to watching factor'. High production values and an intelligent story/plot line. More of this please.… Expand
  30. Ken_Heisenberg
    Apr 10, 2018
    9
    The show is great. The cast is superb, great music and CGI. My only complaint is the somewhat forced use of bizarre lingo and shorthands like RD, neo c and calling a body a sleeve. This is not only unnecessary for the show but actually quite irritating. Hope they make another season.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Adam Graham
    Mar 1, 2018
    50
    Big issues of body, mind, identity and technology shuffle around the Altered Carbon universe, but the show often drags its feet in order to fill its individual episodes’ running times.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Feb 5, 2018
    80
    For a series that makes a lot of basic storytelling stumbles and often seems to feature characters who can only speak in exposition, Altered Carbon’s first season is surprisingly gripping, especially in its superior back half. This is probably the best first season of a Netflix drama since The Crown’s first year dropped in late 2016.
    Read full review
  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Feb 5, 2018
    50
    Altered Carbon is so busy trying to wow viewers by constantly one-upping the imagery and the intensity that it barely pauses to consider its story. The writing is also distinctly clunky: a hodgepodge of vacant platitudes and canned spirituality.
    Read full review
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