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. Caramia
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    Wow, Wachowskis. I have never seen a movie or TV like this, in this format, although I gather it is like anime, which they are huge fans of. It is art, as in the viewer is allowed to participate, and allowed not to like it; it is not trying too hard to be a hit, as, for the most part, formula has been left behind (but some small bit in the last episodes). During the first few episodes, IWow, Wachowskis. I have never seen a movie or TV like this, in this format, although I gather it is like anime, which they are huge fans of. It is art, as in the viewer is allowed to participate, and allowed not to like it; it is not trying too hard to be a hit, as, for the most part, formula has been left behind (but some small bit in the last episodes). During the first few episodes, I couldn't figure out whether I should keep watching or not, then read some reviews here, and hard to believe the positive ones. But, in the end, yes, best character driven sci-fi since the Battlestar Gallactica reboot (but lighter) and incredibly inspiring. Wonderfully shot and paced (believe it or not, just stay with it). Everything balances out. Fewer/shorter action scenes than I would expect (esp since I just watched their Jupiter Ascending). When the final Season 1 episode ended, I felt like I had just seen a 12 hr movie, and the story arc points to that. Sure, there are 'flaws', but one diamond's flaw is another's brilliance. I love that they used Beethoven's Emperor Concerto (Concerto No. 5) throughout much of the season, as it is so brilliant yet so overlooked and so emotional. Many great songs are used to perfect effect. Not every episode and not when you'd expect it, but just enough, like all else. Did I mention great acting, no melodrama, and superb story? Can't wait for Season 2, and I hope there is one!… Expand
  2. crabapple
    Jun 19, 2015
    0
    Well shot with crap storytelling. Became a painful chore to watch at episode 3. It was not interesting and felt like they were just trying to fill the hours instead of focusing on plot and story. Each episode has at best 10 minutes of plot. More about characters breaking traditional social norms than sci-fi. Brings absolutely nothing new to the table. Was not entertained.
  3. ogower
    Jun 19, 2015
    3
    First off, I was really pleased to see Brian J. Smith back. I loved him in SGU and he is great in this. However, I haven't warmed to this series. I found too much going on, with the series desperately trying to be so much and so 'right on' that for me, it didn't impact me as a story or as science fiction. I found myself watching each episode in small chunks as it didn't inspire me andFirst off, I was really pleased to see Brian J. Smith back. I loved him in SGU and he is great in this. However, I haven't warmed to this series. I found too much going on, with the series desperately trying to be so much and so 'right on' that for me, it didn't impact me as a story or as science fiction. I found myself watching each episode in small chunks as it didn't inspire me and although this might be something that I need to stick with, according to others, a great show shouldn't take this long to engage.… Expand
  4. toliverjohn
    Jun 19, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ver.........y slow start. I feel there is an overload of gay stuff. Of course you cannot watch anything anymore without gay stuff.

    That said, I like the fact that each character is given time to develop. This is also science fiction with a very complex story line. It is an excellent series to binge watch. The slow start is due to the series looking at 8 individuals plus Darryl Hannah.

    The locations and photography are amazing.    … Expand
  5. playlister101
    Jun 19, 2015
    10
    It begins very slow and it felt confusion elsewhere. But.. the story improves EP after EP, It made me realize that whoever is behind this series is a genius! Character development is insane and the plot sequences to support character roles are well-managed. Great actors as well! A sci-fi themed series always amaze me but this one is just greatly crafted/conceptualized.
  6. ignore78
    Jun 18, 2015
    3
    This was not good. Its slow and boring. The end sucked big time. The mexican story and the lesbian couple story was the most interesting. They played best. everyone else was mediocre.
  7. djryang
    Jun 18, 2015
    5
    Had a lot going for it. Great locations and cultures as well as interesting concept. The use of English through out is ridiculous. Also I find the Nomi character to be some sort of personal extension of the Lana Wachowski. Hugh plot holes in later episodes. Too many pointless sex scenes that don't add anything to the story. The whole flash back sequence of the car accident is so absurd.Had a lot going for it. Great locations and cultures as well as interesting concept. The use of English through out is ridiculous. Also I find the Nomi character to be some sort of personal extension of the Lana Wachowski. Hugh plot holes in later episodes. Too many pointless sex scenes that don't add anything to the story. The whole flash back sequence of the car accident is so absurd. Again i feel the Wachowski's are using great visuals and concepts with poorly written scripts.… Expand
  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. 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.
  10. ceissman
    Jun 17, 2015
    6
    First of all, this show is beautiful to look at and the cast is refreshingly diverse in race and nationality as well as in lifestyle. The quality of the writing is above typical network television. There are alot of problems though. I did watch it all, if that says anything.
    Initially I thought i was going to love the show. It was so beautiful to look at that I figured some of the early    First of all, this show is beautiful to look at and the cast is refreshingly diverse in race and nationality as well as in lifestyle. The quality of the writing is above typical network television. There are alot of problems though. I did watch it all, if that says anything.
    Initially I thought i was going to love the show. It was so beautiful to look at that I figured some of the early narrative incoherence intentional. Unfortunately incoherence ebbs and flows in and out of each story line. Characters sometimes act irrationally or recklessly for no reason to keep the narrative moving. It seems they had an idea for the narrative framework, wanted to get from A to B with the main plots and ended up forcing a bit too much.
    There are a bunch of things that are just a little dumb. I found myself thinking 'if they had just asked someone if this made sense, the answer would have been no'.
    Just not good enough but it does contain elements that could easily make a great season 2    … Expand
  11. JB
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    This is a fantastically well done ensemble cast show. Many shows fall for the pitfall of having a main character for whom the writers run out of things to say. So they make the character stay stuck in old patterns or do stupid stuff for lack of anything new to say about the character. The strength of a properly done ensemble show is to be able to leave characters alone for a while and tellThis is a fantastically well done ensemble cast show. Many shows fall for the pitfall of having a main character for whom the writers run out of things to say. So they make the character stay stuck in old patterns or do stupid stuff for lack of anything new to say about the character. The strength of a properly done ensemble show is to be able to leave characters alone for a while and tell stories about other characters. The stories and characters are all tremendously well done and well interwoven. Very smartly done. Unlike a lot of shows where the creators are wandering to find their story the creators on this show definitely know where they are going.… Expand
  12. 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
  13. disobedientlib
    Jun 17, 2015
    9
    A slow-burn, complex character and cultural study, wrapped the guise of a sci-fi action show (and it does have some very good action set pieces). The fact that the show has such a diverse cast and takes place in such diverse settings involving interesting characters, makes it worth watching. It has TWO gay protagonists (one who is Mexican and another transgender!), along with charactersA slow-burn, complex character and cultural study, wrapped the guise of a sci-fi action show (and it does have some very good action set pieces). The fact that the show has such a diverse cast and takes place in such diverse settings involving interesting characters, makes it worth watching. It has TWO gay protagonists (one who is Mexican and another transgender!), along with characters from Korea, India, Kenya, Iceland and Germany. But you do have to come in with some suspension of disbelief in the sci-fi and plot elements, which make little sense on their own. But as a vehicle to get these diverse characters talking to and supporting one another, it makes perfect sense. I hope they continue this into Season 2, so some of the broader plot elements can be resolved, but if not, it still makes for riveting television.… Expand
  14. Rachcansense26
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    The writers have an awesome sense of humor and I find myself on the edge of my seat when watching. Perfect balance of laughter and suspense. I'm very excited for this show. They did a great job with casting too! Wish "Nomi" would whine a little less and "Will" could stand to be viewed a little less crazy by his peers, and Tina or "Kala" (my opinion) over acts just a little some times butThe writers have an awesome sense of humor and I find myself on the edge of my seat when watching. Perfect balance of laughter and suspense. I'm very excited for this show. They did a great job with casting too! Wish "Nomi" would whine a little less and "Will" could stand to be viewed a little less crazy by his peers, and Tina or "Kala" (my opinion) over acts just a little some times but over all great show!!! I love it!!! DEFINITELY will keep Watching!!! SUPER GRAT JOB GUYS!!!… Expand
  15. TechWithArt
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    The sci-fi sub-plot was really interesting to me as an ex-physicist and IT consultant, and the action scenes were great fun for the adrenaline rush. My wife loved the character development, drama, and plot twists. I especially loved having a show that my wife and I could watch together.
  16. gunshlong
    Jun 16, 2015
    6
    I really don't know what to think at this point, I feel that there are multiple people like me out there who want to know how the show improves; or if it does at all. I am four episodes in and am struggling to go any further, people keep saying to "give it time", I just don't know if I can. The biggest turn away for me is the force that LGBT struggles are thrown at you. I am a bigI really don't know what to think at this point, I feel that there are multiple people like me out there who want to know how the show improves; or if it does at all. I am four episodes in and am struggling to go any further, people keep saying to "give it time", I just don't know if I can. The biggest turn away for me is the force that LGBT struggles are thrown at you. I am a big supporter of equality, yet Sense8 takes it a tad too far.
    I feel that the Wachowski's have bitten off more than they could chew, with this many storylines that need to eventually interlock, you never really have any progression in each episode. Not as much as you would like is all I'm saying.    … Expand
  17. mygrrd
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    I'm not very eloquent with words but I think a lot of what makes this show good has been said by other's who gave Sense8 a 10. Loved this and I hope they get to go through with their 5-year plan (and hopefully more) plan for this.
  18. MovieGal2016
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    Groundbreaking - gorgeous - interesting!! I loved this show. I'll admit that the first couple of episodes start out a bit slowly but the series is absolutely worth the patience required to stay with those opening episodes. Best television out there. Characters multidimensional and plot intriguing. Thank you Netflix for this great show! Way to go!
  19. gilga73
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    It is simply a brilliant show!
    I was a skeptic about three or four episodes in...but it all pays off at the end of season. Story is complex and fragmented, characters seems to be over/underdeveloped at the beginning, yet all pieces of the puzzle fall to to their places in final episode. Exquisite storytelling encompassing some of the fundamental questions of "meaning" of life like    It is simply a brilliant show!
    I was a skeptic about three or four episodes in...but it all pays off at the end of season. Story is complex and fragmented, characters seems to be over/underdeveloped at the beginning, yet all pieces of the puzzle fall to to their places in final episode. Exquisite storytelling encompassing some of the fundamental questions of "meaning" of life like empathy, sexuality, love, hate, revenge and so on - are all encapsulated in this series. Occasional slow pacing and forced LGBT issues might repel part of the audience, but still does not undermine unparalleled humanistic story.
    Can`t wait for season two!    … Expand
  20. RafaDrogo
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    One of the best TV show i have seen so far.It makes you get into the history and and for several moments even feel yourself part of it.Hope for the next season be as good as the first.
  21. jacereview
    Jun 16, 2015
    10
    absolutely perfect..! It's my kinda' thing i mean the drama, the action, it's all in here...Netflix did a good job, the actors were not that familiar but they did an excellent acting. What more can I say.. I really like it.. Hope you entertain us more with your upcoming episodes...
  22. Jerden
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    Excellent show! It starts slow, but once you grasp the concept you are fully enthralled. At times I caught myself with mouth agape or leaning forward in my seat. The feeling of being like-minded with people from around the world is engaging. My favorite sci-fi show for sure!
  23. legendro
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    Best series bringing fiction a reality ....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.
  24. Carmichael
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    This show is amazing. It's true that the story unfolds slowly and you have to invest time in the beginning. But the reward is worth it. I've fallen in love with the characters!
    I would recommend everybody to give it a shot :)
  25. TheBoredBoy
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    this means so much to me right now. it's really so good. if I were to point out my favorite things, it's the pacing, it is spot on, and it has so many smile on your face moments. so no matter what you're into, I'd say give it go! :D
  26. maryMar
    Jun 14, 2015
    10
    W O W!!! This is the best tv series of the year!!! What can i say more? You have to watch it, because it's so complex and mysterious and it's not the typical cliché series.
  27. Zephyre
    Jun 14, 2015
    10
    Suspenseful yet beautiful! The Wachowskis prove again that they are amongst the foremost storytellers in the Science Fiction/Fantasy genres. Sense8 is unlike anything that has appeared on screen before - stand out performances from Bae Doona, Tuppence Middleton and Max Riemelt.
  28. 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
  29. escowler
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    The premise was fascinating. The characters and story compelling...we were hooked in two or three episodes. it does take a couple to figure out what's going on but that is indicative of what the characters are feeling and it works. I'm ready for season 2.
  30. 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.
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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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