Sense8

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 5, 2015
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 873 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 705 out of 873
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 873
  3. Negative: 112 out of 873

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  1. critic12345
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    I have never written a review before, but I had to for one simple reason. This is by far the best show I have ever seen. I'm not much for art, but this show is exactly that, a piece of art. It's harsh but the reality is the people who give this show negative reviews don't understand the deeper messages this show is attempting to portray to the masses.

    Interconnectivity, the self, love,    I have never written a review before, but I had to for one simple reason. This is by far the best show I have ever seen. I'm not much for art, but this show is exactly that, a piece of art. It's harsh but the reality is the people who give this show negative reviews don't understand the deeper messages this show is attempting to portray to the masses.

    Interconnectivity, the self, love, the problem with a world that lives unconscious. It is easy to study these things, but it's another thing to experience those states. That is exactly what this show does, it explores these different states and concepts in a symbolical way. And it's funny as **** haha.:) My hats go off to everyone who worked on that show-writers, directors, actors. They explored something far ahead of the masses understanding and helped people by introducing those concepts to the world.

    Most creative artwork i've ever seen. It's a show that makes you really feel, and the importance of feeling. Enjoy!    … Expand
  2. mag111
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    very positively surprised Sense8, beginning is slow but from episode 5 is getting better and better and the last 2 ep are brilliant, there is a perfect balance between action, character development, comedy (not much comedy but it's placed perfectly)
  3. Wuehltisch
    Jun 23, 2015
    7
    There are quite a few plotholes and unanswered questions in this series. Yet it still is interesting to watch, and entertaining. I personally find that the characters' interactions with each other are off at times, and unsensical.
  4. Butchn72oldman
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    Great show has everything sex drugs rock and roll and great action.A great character study in human relations.Or maybe un-human relations.Needless to say hope there is a season 2 coming into play.
  5. maxish21
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    Amazing serie, just can,t wait to see others seassons, i hope they renovate it, its a really good producction with great actors, and the history its really great
  6. tinar1
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    Great show!
    I love the image and the characters. Each story is interesting and they have a cultural background very well done.
    I love the various subjects and the peace.
    I guess it is confusing at the beginning as we discover with the characters their new sense.
    This is not a lineal simple show. I love it makes you think.
  7. edlilli
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    Absolutely loved it. Blew through it in just a couple days. Cannot wait for season two. I'm baffled by the critics. Did they even watch it? It would seem not.
  8. Lhotse5
    Jun 18, 2015
    10
    I watched this on the strength of the Wachowski's involvement alone, so in the interest of going into it fresh, I didn't read any reviews or watch any trailers, I just went in cold and although it took me 4-5 episodes to get my feet under me in regards to the plot, the characters and where it was all going, I'm glad I did.
    The series is brilliant and far exceeded my expectations in so    I watched this on the strength of the Wachowski's involvement alone, so in the interest of going into it fresh, I didn't read any reviews or watch any trailers, I just went in cold and although it took me 4-5 episodes to get my feet under me in regards to the plot, the characters and where it was all going, I'm glad I did.
    The series is brilliant and far exceeded my expectations in so many ways but.....overall it is in dire need of better editing or more to the point, more of it. Too often I found myself wishing they could dispense with the extended soulful looks a little sooner and just get to it already ! It just seems like they just take it too many times around the dance floor to get to the point. As much as I loathe the expression, in this case, less would be more. As in more entertaining. Unless they start evolving the story lines quicker in Season 2, I fear this series, that has such enormous potential, will die due to lack of ratings, as it really does demand some patience on the part of the viewer and I'm just not sure the average viewer will appreciate sitting through the truckloads of nuance, this show heaps on you. Kudos on the spectrum of characters and I do hope this one survives the hatchet because it's VERY well written and groundbreaking in so many ways.    … Expand
  9. magillaguirilla
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    So this show won't be for everyone and there were moments when I felt it wasn't going to be for me either. That being said, I ended up binge watching all 12 episodes in about 24 hours. (Not an exaggeration, I was hooked after the 3rd episode.)

    I'll rate by a few categories. Story line 9/10 - I would say, this story line and plot requires you to think about what has happened in past    So this show won't be for everyone and there were moments when I felt it wasn't going to be for me either. That being said, I ended up binge watching all 12 episodes in about 24 hours. (Not an exaggeration, I was hooked after the 3rd episode.)

    I'll rate by a few categories.

    Story line 9/10 - I would say, this story line and plot requires you to think about what has happened in past scenes. You're definitely not watching this for a full action movie like Rambo and Expendables (I love Rambo and watched Expendables more than a few times). You need an open mind with some short term memory retention and some compassion for others. You do jump around to develop the characters which is to my next point.

    Character Development - 9/10, The development was great but some of the scenes (sex scenes mostly) weren't really my type of thing to watch. A few uncomfortable moments but that's what fast forward is for. Some people are going to knock it by believing there's a political agenda behind the movie. I personally did not see it that way, while some of the sex scenes were a bit over the top and unnecessary, a lot of the other stuff was necessary for character development. You have to appreciate how in depth they made each character.

    Shooting / Cinematography - 10/10, As others have mentioned , you get to see a wide range of places from Chicago, Nirobi, South Korea, Iceland, India etc. The scenes were shot nicely, transitions were pretty good. I did enjoy the fight scenes as well, most of them were necessary for character development and to get a feel for their personal beliefs and feelings. It's not like a Transformers movie (Guilty pleasure of mine) where everything is blown up via Michael Bay style.

    You cannot watch this show and base it on the first 3 episodes. If you're not able to follow along, I would advise watching it twice. The last 2 or 3 episodes were great. I will certainly look forward to a 2nd season of Sense 8.    … Expand
  10. StatlerWaldorf
    Oct 27, 2015
    8
    Sense8, while only a season in, has already beat Lost for “Best Character-Dependent Scifi Mystery”. Not bad, Sense8. Can I call you Sense8? Am I pronouncing that right? Lost’s problem was a bloated cast of frustrating characters taking up hours upon hours of space while the only compelling thing, the mystery, idled until stalling out. Sense8 has the opposite problem. A cast of interestingSense8, while only a season in, has already beat Lost for “Best Character-Dependent Scifi Mystery”. Not bad, Sense8. Can I call you Sense8? Am I pronouncing that right? Lost’s problem was a bloated cast of frustrating characters taking up hours upon hours of space while the only compelling thing, the mystery, idled until stalling out. Sense8 has the opposite problem. A cast of interesting characters you’re compelled to explore before the damn mystery comes and takes everything over. When Upstream Color came out it was tough to handle emotionally—all those amazing scifi concepts dealt on an art film and left unexplored, certainly lost to memory. But then Sense8 comes in and steals like a third of the movie and makes it feel fresh enough to stand on its own and finally explore some of that awesome material! Way to Mr. Robot that **** Sense8. Like Mr. Robot it requires a lot of suspension of disbelief but rewards you for your cooperation. Once you accept the ridiculous turns the only sad part left is the pacing. When you think about it, the idea of a show about a meta-organism is probably the best postmodern premise you could have. The potential for exploring next step evolution as cultural evolution in which individuals are elevated through sharing and reconciling of difference and experience—that’s maybe the most timely and uplifting story one could tell. Halfway in though, you get the old G-men plot. It’s cool but it does a disservice to what the development of the meta-organism could have been. There’s a lot of good material that will probably never get explored unless season 2 steps back and slows down, which will almost definitely not happen. Lito’s story is a good example of how the rest should have been plotted.… Expand
  11. wornoutspines
    Jun 7, 2015
    8
    Compared to what the Wachowskis have previously given us, Sense8 is a whole other story. Obviously being a TV-show the format is different from what I've seen from the Andy & Lana Wachowski, and one of the things that I appreciated about the show is that they really - but I mean really - took the time to hash out the characters and their story. It's always nice when that happens in a show,Compared to what the Wachowskis have previously given us, Sense8 is a whole other story. Obviously being a TV-show the format is different from what I've seen from the Andy & Lana Wachowski, and one of the things that I appreciated about the show is that they really - but I mean really - took the time to hash out the characters and their story. It's always nice when that happens in a show, it allows us to understand and to related to the characters. In this case it not only made the characters realistic but also gave them interesting stand alone storylines. They didn’t exist as a group but as individuals, with their own lives and their own set of problems, they were individuals who eventually teamed up.

    Fleshing out characters is nice but the creative team might have been a little too generous with that. It slowed the pace of the show so much that it was - at times - a bit annoying, but their story is gripping enough to keep you watching. The premise alone does it because with a bit of wits you can easily see some of the cool things that could be done in the show from the get go, and it pays off. The action sequences are beautiful and quite enjoyable to watch. I also loved how they peppered some key information throughout the episodes before that knowledge became relevant for a particular situation.

    Like the premise suggest Sense8 has a broad scope, which allows for beautiful landscape shots, and a glimpse at different cultures and/or way of life. In a single episode we travel around the world, we go from something familiar to something foreign in minutes, and that’s another appeal of the show. The actors themselves represent the diversity their characters showcases. A lot of nationalities, colors, and sexual orientation are represented in Sense8. On that aspect it truly feels like these people are an archetype of someone you know.

    Sense8 is intriguing, gripping, and entertaining to watch. The show is a beautiful mashup of genres and I’m really crossing my fingers for a second season. @Gulk on Tumblr / @wornoutspines    … Expand
  12. theladywrath
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    I really enjoyed this show. Took me three days to finish it, but anytime I wasn't watching Sense8 - I was thinking about it. The first episode moves slowly but it still draws you in and by episode three you are hooked and have to see what happens next. I like how it kind of develops slowly so you are learning what is going on along with the characters. I cannot wait to see more.
  13. EmilinaZombie
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    This show is just brilliant! It may be confusing at first, but I love the characters and the plot. I'm hoping there will be a season 2, otherwise I'll be disappointed. More people should start watching this show in my opinion.
  14. AnnaRose96
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    Sense8 is an intriguing show, and one which at this point I am extremely fond of. How much one enjoys the show is really up to ones taste in genre. Sense8 is almost typical of a Wachowski project. It has a similar feel to their other works and to those not accustomed to it, a similar ability to confuse.

    The pacing of the story is more reminiscent of Japanese anime than the typical    Sense8 is an intriguing show, and one which at this point I am extremely fond of. How much one enjoys the show is really up to ones taste in genre. Sense8 is almost typical of a Wachowski project. It has a similar feel to their other works and to those not accustomed to it, a similar ability to confuse.

    The pacing of the story is more reminiscent of Japanese anime than the typical western sci-fi drama. The plot is convoluted and is slow to reveal aspects that many would consider standard in such a show. The main antagonist is unknown for much of the series, the nature of the bond between the main characters is unclear, as is the power they possess, and all this can get in the way of ones viewing experience.

    For the first few episodes your attachment to the series will be more based on how you like each of the characters. There is little else going on at the beginning and in reality Sense8 entirely relies on the characters being likeable enough to hold your interest for at least the first 3.

    Personally my favourites are Nomi, Sun and Capheus and whilst I really emphasize and connect with these characters, my interest wanes in regards to the other characters. That being said the characters are largely given equal screen time, with the exception of Nomi and Will, and they are all quite interesting.

    Unfortunately all the character development may get in the way of the story in the eyes of some

    But for me these are all plusses

    I love convoluted plots and unclear enemies . I love how the series introduces you to the characters. I love how it can be funny in unexpected places.

    I really like Sense8, and maybe its because I'm an anime girl and Im used to this kind of storytelling, but it is one of my favourite shown this year.    … Expand
  15. lechifffre
    Jun 7, 2015
    7
    This show requires patience to truly enjoy. The first few episodes lack any plot and seem to have a narrow focus. At first, when introducing the sense8 characters it feels a little bit all over the place as the show randomly shifts from one person to another introducing each character accordingly. The problem is the acting and it also immediately feels like the Wachowski are trying toThis show requires patience to truly enjoy. The first few episodes lack any plot and seem to have a narrow focus. At first, when introducing the sense8 characters it feels a little bit all over the place as the show randomly shifts from one person to another introducing each character accordingly. The problem is the acting and it also immediately feels like the Wachowski are trying to force the whole LGBT community struggle at you in a bid to show you how they are persecuted by society. That aside, the show actually becomes a lot better in the last episodes of the series. The antagonist makes an appearance, and the sense8 form a stronger bond allowing them to share abilities among each other. The concept is brilliant , but the show isn't without flaws. I think the fairest rating is a 7 because a lot of people won't have the patience to make it past the first few episodes but i still think its worth seeing because the concept is very interesting… Expand
  16. zubarsky
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    I don't want to give any spoilers, but I do think this show is great. I really like the acting, I like all the different locations, and even the accents. The characters are really likable. I am usually on the more negative side, and when I read review like mine, I think "moron." I just really like the show. Its not perfect, and I have a few issues but as I said before, I think it isI don't want to give any spoilers, but I do think this show is great. I really like the acting, I like all the different locations, and even the accents. The characters are really likable. I am usually on the more negative side, and when I read review like mine, I think "moron." I just really like the show. Its not perfect, and I have a few issues but as I said before, I think it is great. I keep rooting for them to work together.… Expand
  17. simo
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    i just started watching this show. it starts pretty slow but it gets better after the first couple episodes. i haven't finished the whole season yet, but i cannot wait to do so. Beautiful picture and amazing cast. Netflix did an amazing job with this one.
  18. tvnewsguido
    Jun 6, 2015
    8
    It's not a "sci-fi show."

    It is a global character study with a sci-fi premise. If you're not into watching these characters' lives develop with just a dollop of martial arts, gun play, explosions, and car chases thrown in - then you're not going to like this show. I mean it. This show is about 8 people with a weird mental disorder just loving, laughing, having sex, and dealing    It's not a "sci-fi show."

    It is a global character study with a sci-fi premise.

    If you're not into watching these characters' lives develop with just a dollop of martial arts, gun play, explosions, and car chases thrown in - then you're not going to like this show.

    I mean it. This show is about 8 people with a weird mental disorder just loving, laughing, having sex, and dealing with family drama.

    That being said - I loved Sense8.

    The premise owes a great deal to Theodore Sturgeon's "Baby is Three" for the idea of humans co-mingling their minds to create a "Gestalt" being (called a "cluster"in the show) that shares all the thoughts, feelings and skills of the individuals.

    There is also the Hollywood standard "shadowy organization" trying to do bad things to the main characters but that's such a minor part of the whole. I've seen this show compared to the first season of NBC's "Heroes" but, while it did remind me of that show at times, Sense8 is the better product.

    It is not for everyone but I found it compelling enough to watch the whole 12 episodes straight through so you should at least give it a shot. You'll know if it's your thing after about 1 and a half episodes.    … Expand
  19. TalesOfGraces10
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    Episode 1 was slow, and the second one was the one that hooked me. I found episode 1 to be a bit too slow paced. The intrigue in this one really pulls you in.

    I'm only a few episodes in, but I don't find the series confusing at all. I don't see why the critics are being harsh. It jumps around a lot, but confusing? No.

    So far, so good. Time to start episode 4. It's a brilliant show so far.
  20. koopaqueen
    Jul 28, 2015
    10
    As many others have stated, the first episode will confuse you, and you might not be interested in the show, but I promise, after the second, you'll want to know more! I highly suggest a full season re-watch after completing the show. the first episode makes so much more sense when you "know" the characters!
  21. Polaris1020
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    Packed with entertaining visuals, it's also rich in characterization, even featuring a few very funny storylines. The show also manages to explore serious questions about sexual politics, civil liberties, economic inequality, and the legacy of colonialism.

    It's worth watching.
  22. quincytheodore
    Jun 6, 2015
    8
    Interesting theme of colorful connection between eclectic lives. Sense8 is immense in its scale, showcasing multitude of characters from different walks of life. A bizarre woman gives the vision of herself to many unrelated people, who ultimately begin to see and feel things occurring in the others' places. Its broad variety of personalities is introduced with gorgeous visual, switchingInteresting theme of colorful connection between eclectic lives. Sense8 is immense in its scale, showcasing multitude of characters from different walks of life. A bizarre woman gives the vision of herself to many unrelated people, who ultimately begin to see and feel things occurring in the others' places. Its broad variety of personalities is introduced with gorgeous visual, switching from one corner of the globe to the next continuously.

    Cinematography ensures that each character has their own respective flair, from the urban Chicago police to the Korean executive lady. This approach engages the viewers as subtle visual and audio cues collide with each other. Color ambiance shifts while the background music or ticking sound interrupts their senses. This is a fascinating concept to portray as they might find solace, anxiety or at least curiosity in the peculiar bond.

    It takes advantage of the cultural contrast to deliver lively and personal story of the cast. They are fortunately adequately interesting as they go through respective issue in their lives. Acting is pretty good throughout, which is crucial because the premise demands all of them need to be balanced instead of relying solely on one strong performance. The pace is properly fast, with focus on transition and proportional development.

    The main concerns are the expected longer time to build up and its use heavily controversial themes. As the title suggests, the show invests in multiple perspectives, which understandably might take a while to fully develop all the characters. It also dabbles in serious subjects such as religion, tradition as well as homosexual rights. One of those could be taken the wrong way if it's presented indelicately, though it shouldn't pose much problem, considering the fictitious nature of the show.

    Granting perspectives of myriad characters in their own vibrant worlds while also featuring a good mystery, Sense8 should be a delightful present to many.    … Expand
  23. Chris-Thirteen
    Jun 6, 2015
    9
    Really enjoyed this. Yes its slow at the start, it is a complicated premise, but it is worth investing the time.The all in one go Netflix roll out supports different types of tv shows. So many US shows the fear is of being cancelled mid first season stifles them. netflix is great in letting a whole season get out. I like the diversity in the show. If they don't like that watch NCISReally enjoyed this. Yes its slow at the start, it is a complicated premise, but it is worth investing the time.The all in one go Netflix roll out supports different types of tv shows. So many US shows the fear is of being cancelled mid first season stifles them. netflix is great in letting a whole season get out. I like the diversity in the show. If they don't like that watch NCIS Milwaukee or CSI Phoenix (yawn). The thing that sticks out with this show is the cinematic feel, and wonderful locations, it is high quality. Beyond that its a scifi show, not shocking given its producers. Similarities with Heroes and Touch abound.

    Professional reviewers are so used to damning a series after a few episodes, they should accept the Netflix model is more complicated. How many good books start of slow? Sense8 is a quality TV show, my thanks to Netflix. Keep up the good work please.    … Expand
  24. NancyPorter
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    I really like this show. I will admit that thirst three episodes are slow, but it pays off.

    The cast is interesting and diverse. The acting is good. I love it.
  25. steph1234567
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    This show is so much about the pure joy of human connection, and connecting with all these different characters from different walks of life. Don't think too hard about it, just feel.
  26. proudamerican89
    Jun 8, 2015
    10
    This series was so beautifully shot, the story thought provoking, & action at times was literally breathtaking. 9/10, hoping for a second season. I happen to be one of those few who thought Cloud Atlas one of the finest SciFi movies ever made, it’s on my repeat comfort flick list.
  27. HardcoreGamer
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    This show is just beautiful and smartly written. I can't wait to finish the last couple episodes tonight.

    Just be patient and it'll be worth it.

    This isn't the kind of show for people with short attention spans who want all the answers within five minutes. This is the kind of show that gradually rewards you.
  28. laurenhollys
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    really enjoyed it, fingers crossed for a season 2. I thought all the characters were well developed and realistic, I especially loved Sun and Nomi. The highlights of the series were when the members of the sense8 group met up and interacted with each other.
  29. CRP
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    I've seen some negative reviews from users based off of their politics and not the content of the show, people like "OH MY GAWD DEER PUSHING DA GAY AGENDA ON MEE!!!" and "OMG I GOT A BONER OFF THAT TRANNY BEFORE I KNEW IT WAS A TRANNY AND NOW IM MAD DERP DERP" The characters are amazing. The story telling is great. The cliffhanger is frustrating because i NEED more of this show. And toI've seen some negative reviews from users based off of their politics and not the content of the show, people like "OH MY GAWD DEER PUSHING DA GAY AGENDA ON MEE!!!" and "OMG I GOT A BONER OFF THAT TRANNY BEFORE I KNEW IT WAS A TRANNY AND NOW IM MAD DERP DERP" The characters are amazing. The story telling is great. The cliffhanger is frustrating because i NEED more of this show. And to you conservative price i bid you a fond and heartfelt **** YOU!… Expand
  30. antikus
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    This is not 12 episode show, it's a 12 hour long movie. If you cannot allocate time to watch the whole season, just do not start. You will regret it. This is why this show is on Netflix, so you can watch it in one weekend and not to wait for 2 months to get your answers.

    The first episodes are confusing. This is intentional. The authors want you to be confused, sorry. They want you to    This is not 12 episode show, it's a 12 hour long movie. If you cannot allocate time to watch the whole season, just do not start. You will regret it. This is why this show is on Netflix, so you can watch it in one weekend and not to wait for 2 months to get your answers.

    The first episodes are confusing. This is intentional. The authors want you to be confused, sorry. They want you to be as confused as the characters. You start getting your answers, when the characters are getting their answers. As they are getting their answers, they adjust, they learn to deal with the new connections, new abilities, new threats. The show is picking up its pace as it goes along. If B5 is any indication, there is going to be some serious action, but it will come in the future seasons.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
47
#47 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: David Sims
    May 9, 2017
    80
    It can lead to indulgent storytelling, but in the case of a series like Sense8, real artistry, too.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jun 11, 2015
    70
    Sense8 is a show forever trapped between two things--its core artistic impulses and its need to over-explain everything that happens within its confines. That makes it at once beautiful and maddening, either a complete travesty or a whacked-out masterpiece--and sometimes both in the same scene.
    Read full review
  3. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Jun 5, 2015
    70
    The ultimate paradox of Sense8 is that it can give away so little about its ultimate destination in three hours of screen time, and still be seductive enough to make hour four an attractive proposition.
    Read full review
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