Humans: time to catch up on the 'slow-burn' sci-fi series
Audiences love it, C4 is renewing it, but critics took a while to fall for 'suburban' android drama
Channel 4 sci-fi series Humans was slow to grow on critics, even though audiences flocked to it, but its powerful conclusion has won widespread acclaim, prompting many who missed the slow-burning drama to start catching up on what has been called the surprise TV hit of the year.
The British-American science fiction show debuted in June on C4 (and AMC in the US), and had its finale on Sunday night. Written by British team Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, the eight-episode season is based on an award-winning Swedish science fiction drama, Real Humans, which explores the psychological impact of the blurring of the lines between humans and machines.
The story takes place in suburban London in the near future, where the latest must-have family appliance is a 'synth' – an android robot that resembles a human in nearly every respect.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But many critics didn't warm to the show immediately, with some finding it cliched. An early review of Humans by Benji Wilson in the Daily Telegraph described the show as "old hat" and said that Terminator and 2001: A Space Odyssey had got there first.
The performances were excellent, admitted Wilson. Katherine Parkinson was "wonderfully world-weary" as the mum who was "less excited by a new Synth than she would have been at a new Dyson", and Gemma Chan made an "exceptional robot (which may qualify as good acting or bad)".
But for all its 21st-century sheen, says Wilson, Humans is still just telling "the oldest story in the futuristic book".
Andrew Billen in The Times agreed that originality was a problem for the series, saying that the first episode was "nothing like as thrilling as Blade Runner". The biggest thing going for Humans, added Billen, was that we hadn't already seen the Swedish version, Real Humans.
Not everyone was negative about the show. The Independent called it "a drama for our times" and audiences lapped it up. The Guardian reports that Humans became C4s biggest drama in 20 years, attracting more than six million viewers for its opening episode and averaging 4.8 million viewers per episode overall.
And by Sunday night's series conclusion, most reviewers were on board. In the Daily Telegraph, Michael Hogan called Humans "the surprise hit of the year" and credited its success to "strong performances, stylish production and a secret weapon: its humdrum suburban setting".
The key to its success, it seems, is that Humans didn't strive to be original, whizz-bang or futuristic, but focused instead on a thoughtful human drama. The series' slow-burning pace built beautifully towards its bittersweet climax "that wasn't just hypnotic, but touchingly tender", said Hogan, adding: "If only all finales were this satisfying".
For all Humans fans, diehards and newcomers, the good news is that Channel 4 has just announced the series will be renewed for a second season. And if you haven't watched it yet, you can catch up Season One of Humans on Channel 4 On Demand.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Georgia's new foreign influence bill
Under the Radar Critics claim the 'Russian law' could stifle dissent and wreck the country's chances of joining the EU
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published