• 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. Negative: 58 out of 696
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User Reviews

  1. Oct 14, 2021
    9
    I really enjoyed Season 1. I love the world building, concepts, style and tone of this show. I adore the Neo-noir and Cyberpunk pairing and Joel Kinnaman is great as the lead with some very memorable action scenes. Unfortunately some of it's moments are extremely cheesy and i didn't find the main villain particularly believable nor the flashback moments very watchable. This makes theI really enjoyed Season 1. I love the world building, concepts, style and tone of this show. I adore the Neo-noir and Cyberpunk pairing and Joel Kinnaman is great as the lead with some very memorable action scenes. Unfortunately some of it's moments are extremely cheesy and i didn't find the main villain particularly believable nor the flashback moments very watchable. This makes the second half of the season a bit of a disappointment as the potential was not fully realised. However there is a lot to love in the themes, presentation and main characters, thus overall this show has shaped up to be one of my biggest guilty pleasures. (shame about season 2) Expand
  2. Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Altered Carbon Season 1 is one of those shows you must watch absolutely amazing story and characters! just watch it and don't dare to watch season 2... your life will be much better without it...
  3. Oct 30, 2020
    10
    Great concept, brilliant acting, and story with some great twists and a very satisfying ending... 10 out of 1 stuff
  4. Aug 27, 2020
    10
    Świetny film aktor pięknie gra Moniką twarzy...............................
  5. Jun 19, 2020
    10
    This season I fell in love with this world. It is a blast to watch from episode 1 onward. If you want a true cyberpunk experience, this is the show for you. It takes risks and it pays off in spades. But don't bother with season 2. It's hot garbage. 1 and done.
  6. Apr 11, 2020
    9
    This season is great.. Great atmosphere, great acting, intriguing story (not perfect, but very entertaining), Rated MA for holy **** over the top violence, blood, nudity, and bad assery. Unfortunately, they ruined everything with season 2. Do yourself a favor and stop after season 1 and call it good.
  7. Apr 10, 2020
    8
    Amazing first season. This show had everything that an (adult) sci-fi lover could have ever wanted. Strong Blade Runner's vibes, creative and interesting world building, philosophical questions, great special effects.

    But what made this show stand out, was the depiction of adult themes: tons of sex, nudity, graphic violence. You couldn't look away. Always keeps you hooked. I strongly
    Amazing first season. This show had everything that an (adult) sci-fi lover could have ever wanted. Strong Blade Runner's vibes, creative and interesting world building, philosophical questions, great special effects.

    But what made this show stand out, was the depiction of adult themes: tons of sex, nudity, graphic violence. You couldn't look away. Always keeps you hooked.

    I strongly recommend it.

    Too bad 2. season has lost everything that made this show special...
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  8. Apr 9, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. Truly one of my favorite sci fi shows ever. Sadly only the first season is good. They ruined it completely in the second.
  9. Mar 8, 2020
    8
    Cyberpunk sweetness and awesome cast and storytelling. Bit long list of executive producers instead of crediting the composer. But over all a very pleasant change of menu on Netflix
  10. Mar 4, 2020
    8
    Very good, hard sci-fi, a little old school (in a good cyber-punk way), good mix of action and drama. There is conspiracy, dystopian future, noire investigations, hot girls (also boys), gunfights, martial arts stunts, relation (and problemes) with technologies and dehumanization...and so on.
  11. Mar 3, 2020
    10
    The first season of AC blew my mind! The visual boldness, the cyberpunk world, and Kinnamans excellent stoic portrait of Kovacs played well with the gumshoe main storyline. The casual nudity that underlined the casual relationship people had with their sleeves were justified and made the whole thing more compelling. A brave and fresh addition to TV's scifi world by Netflix!
  12. Mar 1, 2020
    6
    If you've read a book (like me), save time. Skydance made many changes in the story, adding a lot of cliches, empty dialogues, and cut out violent scenes and some important scenes, that they proppably dont understod it. But much of the story has remained and Joel Kinnaman is saving the result. If you don't know the book, be sure to try. Its still a good series (first one). If you are aIf you've read a book (like me), save time. Skydance made many changes in the story, adding a lot of cliches, empty dialogues, and cut out violent scenes and some important scenes, that they proppably dont understod it. But much of the story has remained and Joel Kinnaman is saving the result. If you don't know the book, be sure to try. Its still a good series (first one). If you are a book, you will most likely not like the result. Expand
  13. Feb 29, 2020
    5
    Yeah this one misses the mark. Looks great but it loses what makes the novel so good. I can accept adaptions making changes but not when it loses it soul (metaphorically speaking).
  14. Pi0
    Feb 27, 2020
    10
    One of the best shows on netflix. And one of the best scify blade runner atmosphere shows ever. Great casting, great main actor. A believable world with a good looking enviroment. And disapointing what turned out in season 2... Season 1... was another class
  15. Nov 5, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Ending Sucks, i mean who chooses a new piece of ass over their own sister. Who had been looking for you so long. Expand
  16. May 9, 2019
    5
    Staggeringly boring.
    Painfully drawn out with sigh-inducing flashbacks.
    The whole thing could have been a movie but it just HAD to be a series.
    The promising investigation plot takes a backseat on Kovacs's brooding train.
    Only two "good" characters in the entire cast, Poe and the asian nutjob.
    Forecast calls for rain. Rain all the time. Rain everywhere.
    Do not bother.
  17. May 5, 2019
    5
    I had a hard time getting into the world of 'Altered Carbon'. It's slow and just when it seems to take off, it needs a transition episode to get to the real action.
  18. Mar 13, 2019
    4
    What a mess. The acting is inconsistent, with some actors passable, others good to great, and some truly horrendous. The plot and writing are cringe-worthy. I can't count how many times I turned to my wife during our viewing of the series and stared blankly at a plot point that just occurred or at a line that an actor muttered. With respect to the story, character motivations, and sci fiWhat a mess. The acting is inconsistent, with some actors passable, others good to great, and some truly horrendous. The plot and writing are cringe-worthy. I can't count how many times I turned to my wife during our viewing of the series and stared blankly at a plot point that just occurred or at a line that an actor muttered. With respect to the story, character motivations, and sci fi elements, everything is just so far over the top that nothing feels organic or anything approaching real. I wanted to stop after the 5th or 6th episode but glumly finished the series just to see if it improved. It decidedly did not. Expand
  19. Mar 8, 2019
    10
    After watching game of thrones (which i love) i didnt think that any series would take away my breath any time soon. Man was i wrong. Altered carbon is the sci-fi quality equivalent to game of thrones. The effects are unrivaled currently and the story is thrilling. Great characters, great world but dont take my word for it watch it.
  20. Dec 10, 2018
    7
    Altered Carbon is a show full of interesting world building, ideas, and premises that never get used to their full potential. The first few episodes set up so many interesting ideas about AIs, immortality, class struggle, and even aliens, but the rest of the season fails to follow through on these set-ups.

    The main offender is the final part of the season, when a sudden new surprise
    Altered Carbon is a show full of interesting world building, ideas, and premises that never get used to their full potential. The first few episodes set up so many interesting ideas about AIs, immortality, class struggle, and even aliens, but the rest of the season fails to follow through on these set-ups.

    The main offender is the final part of the season, when a sudden new surprise antagonist is introduced. The character and the storyline attached to them is incredibly cliched, boring the audience with how predictable it makes the show. And the worst part is that this storyline takes away time from the actually interesting parts of the story. Parts that are left horribly underdeveloped.

    The ending itself is probably the weakest part of the show, tying up everything in neat little bows, presented to the audience in the most easily digestible form, narration.

    All in all, the show does have a very interesting world, and while the writing sometimes suffered from awkward dialogue and lacklustre plotting, I still enjoyed it. I think the lead actors are probably to thank for that, as they really sold the story to me, even when the story itself failed.
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  21. Dec 3, 2018
    10
    Is the show perfect? Absolutely not , but it adventures to try to be something creative and to a degree it's fresh.

    The acting is absolutely fantastic with characters sometimes taking on multiple personality and fitting the roles perfectly. Though there are a few characters I wouldn't have minded having less screen time. The overall characters and performance were enjoyable. This
    Is the show perfect? Absolutely not , but it adventures to try to be something creative and to a degree it's fresh.

    The acting is absolutely fantastic with characters sometimes taking on multiple personality and fitting the roles perfectly. Though there are a few characters I wouldn't have minded having less screen time. The overall characters and performance were enjoyable.

    This show does take a sci-fi type of fan in order to hit a 10/10 mark. Everyone else will probably give it a 5/10-8/10 because of issues with the plot or long drawn out back stories. Even I have to admit that the season had a few segments of emptiness that could have either been cut or redone to make the overall story more compelling.

    In all, Altered Carbon isn't your run of the mill world breaking tv series but it definitely hits a lot of notches within many sci-fi fans belts and the average viewer can easily enjoy the show as well. If the writers learn their lessons from the first season and apply that knowledge to the second. Then I could easily see the show's fanbase growing.
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  22. Nov 27, 2018
    0
    Altered Carbon is a terrible show, an awful, fifth-rate, cheapo Westworld/Blade Runner knockoff that staggers like an obese drunk under the weight of its cliches, wooden performances, and hacky script, until it finally collapses into a gutter of oblivious pointlessness.

    More specifically: - There is nothing remotely fresh or creative about it. From the plot to the character
    Altered Carbon is a terrible show, an awful, fifth-rate, cheapo Westworld/Blade Runner knockoff that staggers like an obese drunk under the weight of its cliches, wooden performances, and hacky script, until it finally collapses into a gutter of oblivious pointlessness.

    More specifically:

    - There is nothing remotely fresh or creative about it. From the plot to the character archetypes to the twists, it constantly rips off both old-school noirs like The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon, and cyberpunk sci-fi like Blade Runner and The Matrix. It does this in a very heavy-handed and amateurish way.

    - The characters are all thin and unengaging. The good guys are all superficially cynical but with idealistic hearts of gold beneath. Their relationships to one another are forced and implausible. The villains are all simplistically irredeemable **** You'll forget everyone's name within 24 hours of finishing the last episode.

    - The premise of "stacks" and "sleeves" never rises beyond the level of a gimmick. It doesn't lead to any truly interesting examinations of human nature, aside from the very obvious and cliched conclusion that such a technology is hubristic and inhuman and ought to be destroyed.

    - The show seems to think it's very funny when someone gets put in the wrong "sleeve" and e.g. a hulking tattooed biker guy needs to pretend to be a Mexican grandma, but it's nothing we haven't seen a million times before and isn't handled with any particular wit here.

    - It thinks it's "deep" but it actually has a childishly black-and-white moral universe, where the bad guys like to rape and murder women for kicks and the good guys want to stop them. The villains are so cartoonishly evil and one-dimensional the show might as well be scrawled in crayon.

    - It's larded with grating political correctness (this is becoming a huge problem with most Netflix content). By the time you meet the 5th or 6th female minority character who just so happens to be both an ass-kicking kung fu master (despite weighing 120 lbs) AND a STEM genius l33t hacker, even the most diehard SJW will be rolling their eyes. The tokenism is off the charts.

    - Meanwhile other than the protagonist every white man is either a gangbanger (LOL realism!) or a comically sociopathic and megalomaniacal villain.

    - Since Netflix desperately wants to be a "prestige" studio like HBO, it's tarted up with lots of gratuitous and pointless nudity, Tarantino-esque gore, and crappy quick-cut kung fu fight scenes.

    - Even so, it looks cheap, like most Netflix content. Aside from a few pricey-but-brief CGI establishing shots, the sets and props look like cosplay gear, and there are no truly impressive action setpieces (mostly just kung fu fights in living rooms and corridors).

    - Relatedly, the camera almost never follows the characters through a scene because the sets are small and isolated. Spectacular events like the death of all the Uprising fighters always happen off-camera. Details like these add up and make the show's world feel fake and non-immersive.

    - The action scenes are terrible, both over-choreographed and poorly executed. They use lots of fast cuts to make it look like the scrawny women characters can fight, but it just looks like a joke. It's also absurd and cheesy that in this high tech future so many people fight with samurai swords (LOL wut?) and knives.

    - Remember that cool iconic gun the hero got that can shoot flechettes and magnetically pull them back? He uses it exactly once, then we never see it again (special effects cost money after all!)

    Avoid this show, it is dull and stupid and not worth your precious time.
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  23. Oct 27, 2018
    10
    My favorite show for several years. Excellent visuals, compelling story, stellar world-building.
  24. 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.
  25. Sep 21, 2018
    7
    Admito que este tipo de séries nunca me fascinou, mas até foi bom perder algumas horas do meu tempo livre a ver esta produção. A série começou com o pé errado, na minha opinião, mas até conseguiu dar a volta ao longo dos episódios seguintes... A atuação dos atores foi OK e a história prendou-me.
  26. 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
  27. Jul 11, 2018
    8
    Overall very good if you like sci fi. Plot may be too complicated for some but I liked its deepening backstory. First episode was intriguing but second or third a bit iffy, but story got more interesting. Glad I kept watching. It could stand alone as a story but a second season would be welcome in our household of adults and older teens.
  28. Jul 9, 2018
    8
    An excellently constructed Blade Runner-type world. The characters are compelling, and the acting is par Netflix originals. The production value is through the roof, but the overall series is hamstrung by the middling story, as has become common with my experiences with Netflix originals. An unnecessary murder mystery along with a few other side mysteries for what is essentially a familyAn excellently constructed Blade Runner-type world. The characters are compelling, and the acting is par Netflix originals. The production value is through the roof, but the overall series is hamstrung by the middling story, as has become common with my experiences with Netflix originals. An unnecessary murder mystery along with a few other side mysteries for what is essentially a family drama. Some events, especially towards the end, occur for no other reason other than being necessary for the lazy scriptwriter. The show spends way too much time dealing with relationship dynamics that will be useful only if they ever make a second season, or if they had spent more time in this one. You expect the story to break the traditional rules set by the world, but when the rule breaking becomes commonplace by meaningless characters, it loses the impact. Good effort, but quite a few irksome story points. Expand
  29. Jul 3, 2018
    6
    Amazing visuals, great world design which makes me want to read the novel to explore the world further. Mix of Blade Runner, Shadowrun universes with a touch of Matrix. Gratuitous nudity, violence and gore, almost as if the producers stole a side glance at HBO and thought "Viewers are really into nipples and human flaying".

    The series is unfortunately let down by cheesy writing and
    Amazing visuals, great world design which makes me want to read the novel to explore the world further. Mix of Blade Runner, Shadowrun universes with a touch of Matrix. Gratuitous nudity, violence and gore, almost as if the producers stole a side glance at HBO and thought "Viewers are really into nipples and human flaying".

    The series is unfortunately let down by cheesy writing and characters. It's not even campy cheese, it's try-hard one-dimensional cheese. Some of the dialogue is corny and delivered with the finesse of a daytime soap opera. Poe the AI hotel is by far the most relateable and interesting character, who unfortunately is featured sparsely. Imagine if GoT made Tyrion Lannister a minor side character.

    It's probably worth a watch, if only to feast on the visual design of the world.
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  30. Jun 13, 2018
    5
    It's ok. The acting is good, the effects are good, the fights are good. The story is mediocre.

    The biggest problem is that the "murder mystery" is completely forgotten by a few episodes in. In fact, it's just one long flashback after another, until entire episodes are flashbacks. I have flashback whiplash at this point. And it becomes so convoluted it's not even funny. I don't
    It's ok. The acting is good, the effects are good, the fights are good. The story is mediocre.

    The biggest problem is that the "murder mystery" is completely forgotten by a few episodes in. In fact, it's just one long flashback after another, until entire episodes are flashbacks. I have flashback whiplash at this point.

    And it becomes so convoluted it's not even funny.

    I don't think I'll be watching another season.
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  31. May 28, 2018
    10
    Loved it so much I read the book. The cast, script, plot, cinematography is all fantastic.
  32. May 17, 2018
    6
    the direction was a bit all over the place with the colors and lighting early on in the season. the world building was cool and i wish to see more of that (but i know thats expensive). the combat abilities of the characters were noticeably inconsistent. didnt like the actress and look of the main characters love interest (shes hot but i didnt find her acting very good here for thethe direction was a bit all over the place with the colors and lighting early on in the season. the world building was cool and i wish to see more of that (but i know thats expensive). the combat abilities of the characters were noticeably inconsistent. didnt like the actress and look of the main characters love interest (shes hot but i didnt find her acting very good here for the character)... some cool memorable scenes like the cop vs clone scene but could be executed better. overall enjoyable and i am looking forward to the future seasons. Expand
  33. May 11, 2018
    10
    It is the best cyberpunk-themed show you can watch on your telly. It is better than Blade Runner in basically every aspect.
  34. May 10, 2018
    9
    +New industry standard for 4k HDR presentation
    +Superb cast deliver memorable performances
    +Immersive cyber-punk world +Excellent writing -Action scene choreography broke the immersion for me at times Easily the most impressive visual presentation I've yet to see in UHD HDR, I was blown away by the detail present considering I watched the 2160p 15mbps netflix streaming quality.
    +New industry standard for 4k HDR presentation
    +Superb cast deliver memorable performances
    +Immersive cyber-punk world
    +Excellent writing
    -Action scene choreography broke the immersion for me at times

    Easily the most impressive visual presentation I've yet to see in UHD HDR, I was blown away by the detail present considering I watched the 2160p 15mbps netflix streaming quality. Altered carbon present a story so weirdly wonderful and refreshingly sci-fi that it puts many recent attempts to shame. Creating an impressive dream-like cyber-punk world AC pushes the boundaries of its modern tv show medium to tell its impressively layered story.

    Joel Kinneman is fantastic here and the rest of the main cast also do a great job of really diving into their characters. At first I felt a little intimidated by this world of sleeves, meths, stacks, 'working them over in virtual' and real death. Theres alot to take in as this production doesn't treat the audience as a fool and dives straight into whats happening but by the second episode I found the world started to make more sense to me and that I understood the motives of each character. AC has a good pace. I was impressed to see the same locations weren't re-used too often.

    One thing that for me, broke the immersion at times, was that the action choreography felt a little inconsistent... The action, for the most part, was excellent, elsewhere I found it to be quite amateurish. Those occasional faults aside if you are in any way a fan of science fiction genre you owe it to yourself to watch the highly complex story of this wondrous punk digital dreamscape unfold in front of you!
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  35. May 5, 2018
    8
    Great show, with good character build up. It would have been more fun if they made the character a bit more over powered, like his first body was. Amazing art and environments.
  36. May 1, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A good series with some weaknesses. But the optical one as well as the good actors are not deceptive about the strange logic and the inappropriate dialogues. The slow motion scenes take and the everlasting bellyaching highly the brothers and sisters love of brother and sister irritates. She kills all he loved and he forgives her for everything? Very unrealistically.
    A big plus. The series stimulates very much to think.
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  37. Apr 30, 2018
    10
    The show seriously doesn't deserve this kind of treatment, not one of the best shows but seriously, it is very good. Don't really get the negative reviews, splendid cast with quality and variety, real emphasis on certain morals and religion, yeaa i know too much Virtual Reality now-a-days but it's based on a book penned down in year 2002 so according to the writer, the idea's not thatThe show seriously doesn't deserve this kind of treatment, not one of the best shows but seriously, it is very good. Don't really get the negative reviews, splendid cast with quality and variety, real emphasis on certain morals and religion, yeaa i know too much Virtual Reality now-a-days but it's based on a book penned down in year 2002 so according to the writer, the idea's not that taken. Seriously enjoyed Sci-fi movie-level animations and details on a TV show, not that common. Come on people, you gonna be like this and no more high-budgeted shows from Netflix. Expand
  38. 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.
  39. 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?
  40. Apr 16, 2018
    5
    The world of Altered Carbon is a mish-mash of last century's sci-fi tropes and makes little sense. The core problem are the "stacks" that grant unlimited life, unless the stack itself is destroyed. There is little explanation of why everyone has stacks despite religious beliefs against them, whether people are truly alive or just software, and why people don't just live in un-killableThe world of Altered Carbon is a mish-mash of last century's sci-fi tropes and makes little sense. The core problem are the "stacks" that grant unlimited life, unless the stack itself is destroyed. There is little explanation of why everyone has stacks despite religious beliefs against them, whether people are truly alive or just software, and why people don't just live in un-killable robot bodies instead. The show could go about answering these questions except the only one with any answers is a near mute mumbling jerk of a protagonist who bumbles his way through most of the plot like a hard boiled 1930s private detective.

    The homage to Blade Runner is obvious. The Times Square like city, flying police cars, gloom, and noodle shops look almost identical. This makes Altered Carbon a retro-futuristic world based on past ideas of what the future could be. Everything in the world is simply terrible. I can't imagine anyone in the Altered Carbon world is happy. None of the episodes show us any reason why anyone would let the status quo exists for 250 years.

    Similarly, the application of the law to the super rich "Meths" makes little sense. It doesn't help that I have no idea why they are named after methamphetamine. Also not helping is the inconsistent application of the law on these super rich Meths. We have super rich folks in our 21st century world and none of them can buy a pardon for a known terrorist. Why don't they simply buy pardons for each other or themselves?

    In this setting we have a somewhat complicated story of a man caught in a web of deceit. Confusing matters more, the show is intent on bombarding our eyes with naked bodies, corpses, and naked corpses. The show is almost an advertisement for network standards. Why move the plot when you can show a man cutting off another man's legs? The show has a per episode quota for awful things that must be met no matter how nonsensical they may be. Torture porn comes to mind. I know there is an audience for this kind of imagery in and of itself, but I do not understand why.

    All-in-all the show is like a 10 hour pilot episode for a series was never picked up. The show nicely wraps up its season long story arc as a defense to non-renewal. If Netflix does make a season 2, they should consider why they are doing this. Is this a high concept sci-fi show or a venue for all the things you cannot see on network television? I would like Netflix to aspire to higher things.
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  41. Apr 11, 2018
    7
    Ficção científica. Orçamento do filme alto, a Netflix aposta no sucesso da trama. O piloto e o segundo episódio foram essenciais para o entendimento do restante da temporada. Elenco razoável. Algumas falhas no roteiro, mas como diversão vale a pena.
  42. 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.
  43. Apr 6, 2018
    10
    I found the series when I was looking for a new sci-fi to watch, so I did not have high expectations before diving in. From the first episode, the storyline and visuals hooked me. The storyline moves quickly and you are dropped in the word without everything been explained which is good. Most of the series explain unnecessary thinks and make you feel stupid.
    The action is outstanding and
    I found the series when I was looking for a new sci-fi to watch, so I did not have high expectations before diving in. From the first episode, the storyline and visuals hooked me. The storyline moves quickly and you are dropped in the word without everything been explained which is good. Most of the series explain unnecessary thinks and make you feel stupid.
    The action is outstanding and the fights are excellent. The cast is really good with the exception of Reileen motives is the only thing did not fit into the story. It felt out of place. That was the only drawback but is a minor detail. the overall series if fricking amazing.
    I highly recommend for everyone who loves sci-fi action fantasy futuristic theme movies or series.
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  44. Apr 2, 2018
    10
    Loved this and pumped for 2nd season. cyberpunk/action/mystery a+ acting/music/production all good.
  45. Apr 1, 2018
    6
    Its an ok show. Slightly above average, but the writing and story development is very high school level. Actually I was a better writer in high school so I would say its average even for a high school. Some lines are painful to hear, akin to power rangers kind of stuff. They add a lot of gore, shock value, and nudity to distract from plot development as well. I dont mind any of it but IIts an ok show. Slightly above average, but the writing and story development is very high school level. Actually I was a better writer in high school so I would say its average even for a high school. Some lines are painful to hear, akin to power rangers kind of stuff. They add a lot of gore, shock value, and nudity to distract from plot development as well. I dont mind any of it but I would say that 9/10 times, it added nothing to the show and actually did not fit into the story.

    All this is too bad because the visual direction of the futuristic world is actually nicely done. In fact, the director, whoever it is, should get their own show and be allowed to hire their own writers. Acting is all over the place. Sometimes its acceptable but at times its amateur hour. The Dolph Lundgren wannabe is just not very good despite playing a stoic character. Granted Dolf was not so good early in his career either. Perhaps this guy will get better too but I saw no improvement over the 1st season. The cop is pretty dry as well. If not for her nude scenes I wouldnt even remember her hair color. Then again it could all be due to the poor writing and dialog. Still, the setting is interesting (minus the flashbacks) and the mystery played out decently enough. They just need to refine the writing a bit and this could easily be a great show.
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  46. Apr 1, 2018
    10
    Easily my favorite show on Television right now, I'm a massive fanboy of Game of Thrones, so that's saying a lot for me. I'm a huge scifi nerd, and this show manages to keep a non-cheezy atmosphere, which is hard to do in this genre. Definitely a good show for Netflix, and I hope they keep on renewing it for many seasons to come.
  47. Mar 29, 2018
    10
    The series manages to make us worry about the future of mankind. Though abounding in violent actions nothing is excessive or forced. It may be the best SF screening of 2018.
  48. 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
  49. Mar 25, 2018
    9
    Altered carbon is highly underrated, brining true cinematic quality cyberpunk to the screen. The premier starts out strong but the following episodes plod at a slow noire theme pace. The show regains it footing mid season and proceeds to blow you away with an artfully told sci-fi adventure of reckoning with technology that alters the nature of humanity itself. The characters are great butAltered carbon is highly underrated, brining true cinematic quality cyberpunk to the screen. The premier starts out strong but the following episodes plod at a slow noire theme pace. The show regains it footing mid season and proceeds to blow you away with an artfully told sci-fi adventure of reckoning with technology that alters the nature of humanity itself. The characters are great but the lead actor (Kinneman) can be dull at times. Luckily a strong supporting cast, amazing stories and unparalleled visuals redeem the show. Expand
  50. 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.
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  51. Mar 19, 2018
    1
    Only fit for teenage boys. Intellectual masturbation at its worst. Boring boring boring. Gave up 30 min in
  52. Mar 18, 2018
    5
    If you prefer your science fiction hard-boiled, not cheese-balled, then give it a miss.
  53. Mar 14, 2018
    9
    It's ONE of Netflix's best TV series at the moment and certainly the most popular currently. In a very intriguing universe in the future. Charismatic characters, all of them even the side character, so that makes you keep coming back. Also screen time is divided so that each protagonist has an interesting inside but also keeping to their morality codes. The only fault I have with thisIt's ONE of Netflix's best TV series at the moment and certainly the most popular currently. In a very intriguing universe in the future. Charismatic characters, all of them even the side character, so that makes you keep coming back. Also screen time is divided so that each protagonist has an interesting inside but also keeping to their morality codes. The only fault I have with this series, is that the first few episodes are very slow paced and you don't understand what is happening. But if you stick with it then the ending is going to be even more satisfying. Also this directing style is what makes it so special at times, plus the great characters played by a talented cast and the mysterious environment in which the action takes place. Overall it's a very adult based series with a deep message, and a lot of morality questions. Expand
  54. Mar 10, 2018
    1
    Bad acting, terrible direction, dumb & dumber actions sequences. Major disappointment.
  55. Mar 6, 2018
    10
    This is far and away one of the best recent sci-fi television shows (and shows period). Interesting premise with solid acting. I would be exceedingly disappointed if it didn't get a season 2 , during which I expect we further explore Kovac's background.
  56. Mar 6, 2018
    9
    Oh yeah, this is the stuff!

    Finally some great cyberpunk. Now this cyberpunk is different from Blade Runner, no long exposition, however the feel of gritty new-world, hints of noir, great story and marvelous acting makes this the thing that got me most in years. The music is perfect, despite this being TV show its CGI is on blockbuster movie level. It lacks in few tidbits, but
    Oh yeah, this is the stuff!

    Finally some great cyberpunk. Now this cyberpunk is different from Blade Runner, no long exposition, however the feel of gritty new-world, hints of noir, great story and marvelous acting makes this the thing that got me most in years. The music is perfect, despite this being TV show its CGI is on blockbuster movie level.

    It lacks in few tidbits, but honestly I really couldnt care less. I havent been so hooked to TV show that I was bingewatching it till 3 am despite having work next day in years. Years.
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  57. Mar 6, 2018
    9
    Fantastic cyberpunk series. Great acting. Good adaptation. Good CGI. One of the best netflix series ever made.
  58. 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
  59. Mar 1, 2018
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like many people I was anticipating this show. I have read the first novel, and did not have any unrealistic expectations about being faithful to the source material. As long as the general concepts and ideas remain I would be open minded to the necessary changes that may be needed in order to film. So that is one of the things about the show that they did do OK with in term of keeping the real themes and concepts intact. With that being said The Expanse does a much better job at using the source material without too much compromise.

    The overall look of the show is very nice and almost feature film like. Special effects are great. Eye candy all the time. I did find however that the blade runner looking sets with rain a grime almost an annoying cliche at this point in time, and a blatant rip off. Also the lighting was overkill and some of the flashing lights and strobe to be just distracting.

    Casting I think is the biggest flaw. Ortega is way too short and looks absolutely silly on camera next to Takeshi. Her performances are cringe worthy terrible acting. Swearing in Spanish? Ortega’s mother character is completely unnecessary and stupid. While I didn’t mind Kinnaman as Kovach he wasn’t great either, and at times so wooden it’s almost comical. All in all too many minor characters that you could care less about, and not enough character building of the main players. The motivation for a lot of things isn’t clear and dialog sometimes muddy.

    Perhaps because we had a good adaptation of Ghost in the Shell and an absolute masterpiece in Blade Runner 2049 it really makes it difficult for me to like Altered Carbon. The Expanse and Black Mirror are still the best Sci Fi shows on TV at the moment.
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  60. Feb 28, 2018
    5
    wow I am amazed to see the user score, which I thought would be a lot lower, more like a 5 or 6. I had very high hopes for this, but it just doesnt live up to my expectations nor the hype.
    There are so plotlines, that they never follow up on. Acting is below average, same can be said for the effects. Compared to last years epic masterpiece, that was Bladerunner 2049, this just seems to be
    wow I am amazed to see the user score, which I thought would be a lot lower, more like a 5 or 6. I had very high hopes for this, but it just doesnt live up to my expectations nor the hype.
    There are so plotlines, that they never follow up on. Acting is below average, same can be said for the effects. Compared to last years epic masterpiece, that was Bladerunner 2049, this just seems to be a mediocre copy. Also AC uses all cliches of every scifi story/movie ever made. And whats with all the nudity, seems like the writers have seen to much GoT, the naked bodies doesnt add anything to the setting or anything else.
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  61. 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
  62. Feb 26, 2018
    10
    A lifetime fan of sci fi. This a real breath of fresh air. Doing what sci fi does best acting as a stage for moral questions and amplifying the consequences. It's got bladerunner in its DNA but the action reminds me of John Wick/Woo and the plot is sharp complex and hard hitting. Highly recommend.
  63. Feb 26, 2018
    10
    This show was just plain awesome. First off, I would have given it a 9/10 but I was moved to give 10/10 because of the injustice of people who didn't even watch it giving it low scores. Altered Carbon has it all. The action is well choreographed and well shot. The sets and cgi are breathtaking and really make you feel like this future is real. The premise is unique enough to intrigueThis show was just plain awesome. First off, I would have given it a 9/10 but I was moved to give 10/10 because of the injustice of people who didn't even watch it giving it low scores. Altered Carbon has it all. The action is well choreographed and well shot. The sets and cgi are breathtaking and really make you feel like this future is real. The premise is unique enough to intrigue you but familiar enough not to confuse you. The plot is multi-layered and philosophical underneath the simplicity of the neo noir whodunit facade. The acting is good overall, though I find it was some of the ancillary characters who really stole the show. Is the show perfect? No. Is it 100% worth your time if you give it an honest shot? Absolutely. Expand
  64. Feb 25, 2018
    5
    Starts with an overpacked but imaginative pilot, then 2nd episode shows great promise with the mystery and secondary characters. By the third episode it's flagging, and it looks like budget was withdrawn or writing teams changed after that. Alternating good vs. dull episodes. Some brilliance paired with Long tedious scenes with no purpose, poor direction, weak acting, cliched dialogue.Starts with an overpacked but imaginative pilot, then 2nd episode shows great promise with the mystery and secondary characters. By the third episode it's flagging, and it looks like budget was withdrawn or writing teams changed after that. Alternating good vs. dull episodes. Some brilliance paired with Long tedious scenes with no purpose, poor direction, weak acting, cliched dialogue. What a mess. Too bad this wasn't done right. Many good ideas, but bad casting, uneven confused writing, action sets are a mix of brilliance and cheap cliché. Terrible direction throughout. Worth watching and skimming the dull episodes. A lesson in How To Ruin a Great Book Expand
  65. 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.
  66. Feb 25, 2018
    4
    Show itself isn't that bad. It's quite average, but I'm just furious how they changed everything compared to book.

    Although they used almost every element of the original story, they altered them in a very bad way. Netflix show aims to be a blockbuster. Shallow characters, bad story with forced epic moments and high intensity action. Book had better pacing. It had slow moments when
    Show itself isn't that bad. It's quite average, but I'm just furious how they changed everything compared to book.

    Although they used almost every element of the original story, they altered them in a very bad way. Netflix show aims to be a blockbuster. Shallow characters, bad story with forced epic moments and high intensity action.

    Book had better pacing. It had slow moments when author take it's time to explain world and technology. Core stacks were almost indestructible, while in Netflix show they could be broken in a bare (but enhanced) hand. Real death was very rare in books, but it's common in show.

    Book plot was cleaver and very thorough. In show there are many plot holes and poor writing, which is just insane with source material of such quality.

    Can't tell much without spoilers, but if you read book, you will have many moments like making Joker a killer of Bruce Wayne parents in Batman movie from 1989.

    All I can recommend is to read the book, you won't be disappointed.
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  67. Feb 25, 2018
    3
    I managed an episode and a half before being justifiably confused and disorientated by the convoluted plot elements and overwrought world building. Visually, this comes across as both very expensive yet equally uninspired, evoking a 90's attempt at a Blade Runner aesthetic, only with the added improvements of cutting edge CGI to maximise the gawky. Its the film every sci-fi directorI managed an episode and a half before being justifiably confused and disorientated by the convoluted plot elements and overwrought world building. Visually, this comes across as both very expensive yet equally uninspired, evoking a 90's attempt at a Blade Runner aesthetic, only with the added improvements of cutting edge CGI to maximise the gawky. Its the film every sci-fi director would've made in the 90's if they had unlimited cash - only it's 10 episodes long. It's influences are obvious too. I know nothing about the source material or when it was written but this is Demolition Man, with the disinterred release of a previous criminal to help solve a crime, the Hispanic female sidekick (with a scar on her eyelid) and the jabs at political correctness (no smoking etc). Only, this is too overblown and confused about its own identity to be as punchy and welcomingly ridiculous as Demolition Man, with its humour and tongue firmly in cheek. Okay, maybe it's a nod to fans of the genre, but that won't save this alone. The other obvious influence is Blade Runner, of course, with all its existential angst and blurring of the corporeal realm and the artificial. That's fine. But, this employs a direction overly fixated on body parts, breasts, asses, dicks, flesh, to really feel any pathos for the characters. It's jarring. As a result, its full of emptiness and a kind of seasick pushing of sex and edginess that leaves me unsettled and categorically not entertained. This is a criticism of many tv shows in the modern era. The tv format is long and can be arduous if the material/characters aren't easy enough to spend a long time in the company of. A film, for me, would have been much better, and this typically noiresque storytelling isn't the kind of story that needs 10 hours to tell. Instead we get lots of irrelevent world building (as I've said) and the endless introduction of subtle features and detours to pad out the time. Yeah, amazing, hyper real, detailed environs and visual flares are great but it can also just feel like being sprayed down with LSD from a firehose when too much is fed to you. Lastly, what makes some films so timeless and beautiful is that we get a glimpse of a world long enough to understand the characters on screen. We can fill in the rest by inference through their emotions and a few striking visuals to feed from and create the rest in our heads. That's enough. This just falls flat despite all it's energy. I didn't understand all the subplots, whole sentences went over my head and many decisions by the characters seemed implausible or convenient. Anyway, the actors are very good, and the visuals are expertly rendered. If that's enough for you then fill your boots. Expand
  68. Feb 25, 2018
    10
    Let me start off saying I didn't read the book, and only stumbled upon this.

    This was a great series, really hoping for a 2nd season. The visuals were absolutely stunning, and the story line was good too. I'll admit I got confused a few times because there's a lot to follow. Filled with a lot of action, some epic fight scenes, and an overall awesome concept. There's a handful of nudity,
    Let me start off saying I didn't read the book, and only stumbled upon this.

    This was a great series, really hoping for a 2nd season. The visuals were absolutely stunning, and the story line was good too. I'll admit I got confused a few times because there's a lot to follow. Filled with a lot of action, some epic fight scenes, and an overall awesome concept. There's a handful of nudity, and there were also a few sex scenes. Not sure if the scenes needed to go into as much detail as they did for the context, but whatever. For those scenes it's not exactly a show even as an adult I'd want to watch with my grandmother or parents - but it's a show I'd definitely recommend watching!
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  69. Feb 24, 2018
    10
    The show is truly amazing. It never felt like a TV show. Production was amazing, actors were great. Using different languages is so awesome. Honestly, it felt like I finished watching 10-hour movie. Good job Netflix. Hotel AI was my favorite character. The show made me feel emotions, I didn't want episodes to end. I definitely going to buy and read the book version while I wait for seasonThe show is truly amazing. It never felt like a TV show. Production was amazing, actors were great. Using different languages is so awesome. Honestly, it felt like I finished watching 10-hour movie. Good job Netflix. Hotel AI was my favorite character. The show made me feel emotions, I didn't want episodes to end. I definitely going to buy and read the book version while I wait for season two to come out. Fighting scenes and Japanese influence throughout the show is amazing. The ending was so great and so honorable. Expand
  70. Feb 21, 2018
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Could not pass the pilot. The ending just got me on my nerves.

    "I don't want to work for the millionare guy. But wait, the female character is telling me i have to accept the job just because. For the sake of mistery. Ok, so it's decided, i'll take the job"

    That was it. Bye bye Altered Carbon.
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  71. Feb 20, 2018
    10
    really one of the best serial of modern times. cool special effecs< nice idea nd goodactors. what else do you need? we are watching with all my friends and love it!!
  72. Feb 20, 2018
    7
    I didn't read the original work, but i think it has a good story with some bad acting, i'm from mexico, but i think this was too much for martha higareda or i don't know, maybe the director has some fault too, there are a lot of ups and downs, some episodes are really good some are not, you have some decent acting on key moments, and then there is an unnecessary nude just because with badI didn't read the original work, but i think it has a good story with some bad acting, i'm from mexico, but i think this was too much for martha higareda or i don't know, maybe the director has some fault too, there are a lot of ups and downs, some episodes are really good some are not, you have some decent acting on key moments, and then there is an unnecessary nude just because with bad acting on hand, if you like sci fi, its worth the try, if not, you can just ignore it. Expand
  73. Feb 20, 2018
    10
    A top notch experience. I don't know if the critics actually watched the whole show or not, but if they did they would know it is one of the best sci-fi shows to come out in recent memory.

    Cool world. Interesting premise. Fantastic cast and stakes. The main character in particular is captivating from scene one. This is a world where the rich never die and effectively become gods. This
    A top notch experience. I don't know if the critics actually watched the whole show or not, but if they did they would know it is one of the best sci-fi shows to come out in recent memory.

    Cool world. Interesting premise. Fantastic cast and stakes. The main character in particular is captivating from scene one. This is a world where the rich never die and effectively become gods. This moral dilemma is where the show truly shines. I can't find much I disliked about it. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
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  74. Feb 20, 2018
    9
    Interesting story wrapped in amazing visualization to provide strong cyberpunk atmosphere. Absolutely must see!
  75. Feb 20, 2018
    9
    While not perfect, this series was an excellent adaptation of one of the greatest sci-fi/cyberpunk books of all time. It brought the world to life in ways I didn't think were possible for TV shows. I also thought it's reinterpretation of the source material to better highlight a variety of kick-ass women taking center stage in difficult situations was inspired. Hope they adapt Richard K.While not perfect, this series was an excellent adaptation of one of the greatest sci-fi/cyberpunk books of all time. It brought the world to life in ways I didn't think were possible for TV shows. I also thought it's reinterpretation of the source material to better highlight a variety of kick-ass women taking center stage in difficult situations was inspired. Hope they adapt Richard K. Morgan's other two great novels in the Takeshi Kovacs series as well. Expand
  76. Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Absolutely loved it from start to finish. They created a perfectly messed up world, much like the world of Blade Runner but this one driven primarily by sexual desire and fetish rather than Capitalism. The story was intriguing and the finale was epic.
  77. Feb 19, 2018
    9
    Glad Netflix paid the money to get this produced. The special effects and numerous subtle touches helped you to be more fully immersed oin the story. As others have said, the Blade Runner like future approach was very well done and unique enough to give its own feel. This was a welcome addition to the binge library.
  78. Feb 19, 2018
    9
    I have been a fan of Morgan for decades and was afraid a TV adaption would not go well.

    I've been able to lay my fear to rest, after bingewatching the entire first and hopefully not last season, I can only applaud Netflix and the Showrunners for a job very well done. Casting and acting are outstanding, as are score and visuals. It's amazing how well the actors adapt to really
    I have been a fan of Morgan for decades and was afraid a TV adaption would not go well.

    I've been able to lay my fear to rest, after bingewatching the entire first and hopefully not last season, I can only applaud Netflix and the Showrunners for a job very well done.

    Casting and acting are outstanding, as are score and visuals. It's amazing how well the actors adapt to really challenging roles and there are really only two creative choices I disagree with in the entire series: I would have spread out the backstory more instead of delivering the whole climax in episode 7 (although I totally get the why from the narrative standpoint), and the ending was a bit too heavy handed and melodramatic, those last two episode, as fabulous as they were, could have done with a bit more subtility.

    As is, I can't wait to see more and similar efforts; I am not sure how Netflix will be able to capitalize on the success of this first season, as by necessity, all actors for the next one would have to be replaced based on the way the universe is constructed, and I just can't see lightning strike twice like that - the first set of characters cast was incredible, that's a hard bar to beat.
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  79. Feb 19, 2018
    6
    There are many flaws yet lots of fun to be had. If you can get past the initial sense that you're watching a twisted revision of Blade Runner with Dolph Lundgren as Harrison Ford.
  80. Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Best cyberpunk there is. And certainly one of the best tv series. Can't wait for a second season.
  81. 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
  82. Feb 18, 2018
    2
    Such a poorly-acted, terribly-scripted derivative of Blade Runner. Trying way too hard to be a clever, sci-fi crime drama, it fails on every level except special effects. There are a few great moments but the spaces in-between are so meandering and complicated; the payoff is just not worth the time it takes to get there. Did I mention that the script and acting are bad?
  83. Feb 18, 2018
    4
    Excellent premise. But so far, it's just another action movie. The characters are poorly developed and are just cliches.
  84. 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.
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  85. Feb 17, 2018
    10
    el cast, como su banda sonora fue muy buena, sin olvidar que fue sorprendente, en si me gusto el doblaje latino y su encargado (a) se lucio con la obra, espero una segunda aunque en si concluyo bien.
  86. 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.
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  87. Feb 17, 2018
    0
    Altered Carbon - Where to begin... Story begins with promise as the general premise is interesting but is almost instantly drug down by flat characters. More over as the story develops it turns out the “mystery” is exactly what all the flat characters assumed it was in episode 1. Really disappointed - it’s hard to follow a show whose characters you care so little about the entire wayAltered Carbon - Where to begin... Story begins with promise as the general premise is interesting but is almost instantly drug down by flat characters. More over as the story develops it turns out the “mystery” is exactly what all the flat characters assumed it was in episode 1. Really disappointed - it’s hard to follow a show whose characters you care so little about the entire way through (characters who make illogical decisions at ever possible turn to the point of you almost wish they’d go ahead and be killed off... but they can’t because that’s the premise... so who really cares about any of this storyline?). Expand
  88. Feb 17, 2018
    10
    The best fantastic TV series. Shoot very artistically. You are transferred to the world of the future, very realistically created the world around you. Joel Kinnaman plays so convincingly that I cried when watching some scenes. So many foreshortenings, correctly constructed by composition. The color and lighting solution, the atmosphere of the series - all this helps a lot to plunge intoThe best fantastic TV series. Shoot very artistically. You are transferred to the world of the future, very realistically created the world around you. Joel Kinnaman plays so convincingly that I cried when watching some scenes. So many foreshortenings, correctly constructed by composition. The color and lighting solution, the atmosphere of the series - all this helps a lot to plunge into the plot and get a lot of pleasure from viewing. Characters are revealed gradually, they are all interesting. You empathize with the protagonist from and to. I hope the continuation will be. Expand
  89. Feb 16, 2018
    9
    I would ignore the critic on this one. This show is great. It has great production values. I loved the character, story, and pacing. Watch it for yourself and decide.
  90. 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
  91. Feb 15, 2018
    4
    Read the book recently, disappointed with the cast and the unnecessary changes. Miriam Bancroft is supposed to have the body of a 17 year old, why they chose to cast a 50-something for that role is beyond me. The actress who portrays Kristin Ortega commands no authority whatsoever, completely unbelievable as a police lieutenant. She's also really tiny - seriously, this doesn't work. TheRead the book recently, disappointed with the cast and the unnecessary changes. Miriam Bancroft is supposed to have the body of a 17 year old, why they chose to cast a 50-something for that role is beyond me. The actress who portrays Kristin Ortega commands no authority whatsoever, completely unbelievable as a police lieutenant. She's also really tiny - seriously, this doesn't work. The main character in his stoic way is actually the one where they got it right, so props to them for that.

    The story and the setting don't really make a lot of sense, however that is also the major shortcoming of the book. It's just not a plausible scenario. However, it would have been nice to see the novel visualized in an authentic manner. Oh well, at least the visuals are fine.

    Edit: Special callout for the torture scene. They changed it completely to make it "politically correct", I suppose. Having bearded muslim men raping and torturing a woman on a world named Sharya (as in the book!) probably seemed too close to reality nowadays. Screw that PC ****
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  92. Feb 15, 2018
    8
    Just finished season one of Altered Carbon. While I found it flawed and often confusing, I also found it riveting, watching the season in just about a week.

    The series takes place in a future where everyone's brain is recorded so that if you die the recording can be housed in a new body (called a sleeve). A revolutionary, kept in cold storage for a couple of centuries, is resleeved and
    Just finished season one of Altered Carbon. While I found it flawed and often confusing, I also found it riveting, watching the season in just about a week.

    The series takes place in a future where everyone's brain is recorded so that if you die the recording can be housed in a new body (called a sleeve). A revolutionary, kept in cold storage for a couple of centuries, is resleeved and enlisted by a billionaire to investigate that billionaire's murder in a previous sleeve.

    The series has a solid noir feel, although the sex and violence are so pervasive that it is more Mickey Spillane than Raymond Chandler. This is certainly more inspired by Blade Runner than Maltese Falcon, but Blade Runner is a good source for inspiration. (Anyone interested in more classic noir should check out the Hugh Laurie series Chance.

    The action scenes are solid, the nudity is frequent and generally gratuitous, and the whole thing has an epic, over-the-top feel that makes it hard to stop watching.

    The basic underlying premise does not, by the way, make a lot of sense. If you were born in your body, and your brain was being backed up, you still wouldn't want to die, because a backup is not you (though once you've died once it would be different. Same issue for the religious folks who think being resleeved kills your soul; if there's a soul, the chip is not recording it. Basically, which the series never says it, most of these people aren't people, they are computer simulations of people. Which is interesting, but it's weird no one in the series seems aware of something so obvious.
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  93. 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.
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  94. Feb 13, 2018
    6
    There is a lot to love in this show and it gave me great hope that people are ready to make great fresh science fiction again.
    My hope started to fade when I began to understand that they were going for a "noir detective" genre vibe instead of a fresh, unique perspective. My hopes faded further when I began seeing samurai swords in the background behind Asian people 350 years in the
    There is a lot to love in this show and it gave me great hope that people are ready to make great fresh science fiction again.
    My hope started to fade when I began to understand that they were going for a "noir detective" genre vibe instead of a fresh, unique perspective. My hopes faded further when I began seeing samurai swords in the background behind Asian people 350 years in the future. Beautiful women are great and sex can be an important story element, things here got inappropriately sexual though (inappropriate to the setting/story). A few of the episodes became "porny" and juvenile.
    I stopped watching when (mild spoiler alert?) a naked Asian ninja woman tried to murder the female lead with a sword, ninja style, using several clones. A few moments before the scene I was wondering why anyone would design a room the way the clone facility was designed. As the fight scene progressed it became apparent that the room was designed that way so that naked ninja chicks could break through glass walls and jump dramatically down to ground level, landing in that way ninjas land, complete with the slow head raise. Totally moronic. Maybe I'm being nit picky. Maybe I've become accustomed to better, smarter story telling. For creators who care: there are smart people who like sci-fi out here waiting.
    Also - As a general rule for everyone - 90s style martial arts is a no-go if you aren't running a comedy show. Simple as that. There are people who will disagree with this, but please analyse the numbers if you don't believe me. Once you feature choreographed looking fighting, everyone of average or above intelligence is taken out of the drama completely. So, ya, I hope someone who funds this crap reads that. . .
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  95. Feb 12, 2018
    9
    Excellent show love the dark dirty dystopian future setting and the concept of the sleeves, cant wait for more this show was really well executed.
  96. Feb 12, 2018
    8
    Bladerunner+nudity+violence. Whats not to like?

    Some great SI-FI ideas here, maybe the critics don't rate it highly because they didn't understand it.
  97. Feb 12, 2018
    6
    The second half of “Altered Carbon” is far better than the first, as a convoluted, sprawling, and (very) digressive plot gives way to satisfying twists, thought-provoking philosophical scenarios, and terrific action.
  98. pkd
    Feb 12, 2018
    9
    Excellent portrayal of the future revolving around topics as consciousness dl/backup, immortality, virtual / immersive reality and AI. Style-wise it's a Blade Runner copycat for sure, but it's a plus!
    All in all - FUN!!!!
  99. Feb 11, 2018
    9
    My radar had tuned into this program only about 2 months prior to release. I avoid spoilers but saw a short on set video Netflix sent out in a promo that really set the bar high for my expectations. Going into the first episode i was pretty stoked to watch this adaptation from a brilliant author. Half way though and i have to say it hasnt disappointed a fan of this genre at all!

    Great
    My radar had tuned into this program only about 2 months prior to release. I avoid spoilers but saw a short on set video Netflix sent out in a promo that really set the bar high for my expectations. Going into the first episode i was pretty stoked to watch this adaptation from a brilliant author. Half way though and i have to say it hasnt disappointed a fan of this genre at all!

    Great production, sweet special effects, and plot that keeps you invested in this dystopian cyber-punk universe. What i like about this show is that it doesnt try to do too much, but when they do have a lengthy backstory, it seems to add to the story well (The writing really makes you like or dislike the characters). The environments are rich and bustling with cyber noir fare, which is awesome.

    Half way in and i am hard pressed to think of another cyber punk television series (that wasnt anthology), that was so fun and captivating. Super good show that I would recommend to any fan of the genre. Oh yeah, and just a heads up.....lots of nudity, which doesnt seem to devalue or take away from the mythos, but rather seems to tastefully add a smattering of smut that goes hand in hand with good cyber-punk anyway. ;)

    Dont go into this being overcritical or expecting anything on scale with the perfection of the original Bladerunner.....and this will leave you with a whole season of fun. Lets just hope that Netflix can keep turning out good scifi series. Now they have set the bar pretty darn high. Enjoy

    Update: Finished up the season 1 and my rating stands. I cant wait for next season!
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  100. 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
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.