Utopia: A TV Show You Haven’t Heard About

For those who like creepy, mystery-packed action thrillers, Utopia might just be the series you’ve been looking for. Utopia (2020) is an American web television series adapted from a British TV series (2013) under the same name. 

The American series was created by Gillian Flynn, who is the same creator of the movie Gone Girl. Released in September 2020, Utopia is available to watch online. We’ve compiled some info on the disturbing yet interesting TV show that parallels real-world events a little bit too close for comfort.

What’s It About?

Utopia is an Amazon Original thriller series. It includes a group of young adults and two children, who initially meet online, getting hold of an elusive cult underground comic called “Dystopia.” 

Dystopia is no ordinary comic, as the fans and the group alike believe that it contains truthful information about the future. In particular, it uncovers an evil plan that’s about to be set worldwide, masquerading as a fake virus outbreak.

While trying to get the comic’s sequel called “Utopia,” the group becomes the target of a dangerous and shadowy organization. On top of that, because of their findings, they’re burdened with the task of trying to save the world.

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Characters 

Get acquainted with Utopia’s cast from the 2020 US version.

• Jessica Hyde (played by actress Sasha Lane): arguably the main character of the show, Hyde has a mysterious past to uncover.

• Michael Stearns (played by Rainn Wilson): a bearded scientist with a history in virology.

• Ian Ackerman (played by Dan Byrd): a comic book devotee who sells insurance as a day job. 

• Grant Bishop (played by Javon Walton): an 11-year-old boy who tricked some of the other members in the group into thinking he’s an adult, at least online. Grant is in an online chat group about Dystopia, along with Ian Ackerman, Samantha J, Wilson Wilson, and Becky Todd.

• Thomas Christie (played by Cory Michael Smith): the ambitious and bright son of Dr. Kevin Christie. He works under his father at their laboratory called “Christie Laboratories.”

• Becky Todd (played by Ashleigh LaThrop): a comic book enthusiast who’s part of the online discussion board regarding Dystopia. 

• Wilson Wilson (played by Desmin Borges): a doomsday prepper who lives off the grid and has no ID card, bank accounts, or credit cards.

• Alice (played by Farrah Mackenzie): a young girl, maybe around 11 years old, who becomes friends with Grant Bishop. 

• Arby (played by Christopher Denham): a killer working for the organization who targets the protagonists.

• Dr. Kevin Christie (played by John Cusack): a CEO of a multinational corporation that produces new food sources. He wants to make the world a better place.

• Colleen (played by Jeanine Serralles): a mortgage broker married to Michael Stearns.

• Samantha J (played by Jessica Rothe): another member of the online chat group discussing Dystopia. She’s a comic book devotee who’s idealistic and sharp-witted.

The characters in the 2013 UK version are similar, with a few name changes and some different character descriptions here and there. Yet, the 2020 US version hasn’t strayed too far from the proverbial tree. They just intended to Americanize it so that the viewers would be able to relate more to the characters. Of course, the characters had to be modernized as well.

Seasons

Unfortunately, Utopia only has eight episodes and one season readily available to watch online. The show was canceled after one season. While there have been no clear reasons as to why they pulled the plug on the show, it’s most likely because of bad timing and the controversy of the plot. 

The plot is set in a time of a pandemic where everyone will need to be shot with a vaccine. Moreover, the show has some violent scenes and disturbing theories. Perhaps, the producers felt it would be too much considering that we are still in the process of handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The original statement was that the series would run for at least nine episodes long, but in the end, there are only eight episodes on Prime. The producer didn’t dismiss the possibility of the second season, but with the present state of the show, it seems unlikely that it will be continued.

Reportedly, from the various critics online, the show didn’t have too strong of a fanbase to begin with, which can explain, at least partly, why it stayed under the radar. Perhaps, they would have continued it if it had a bigger fanbase.

Why Watch It?

Although Utopia might be quite disturbing and violent, not intended for many viewers, it’s definitely worth the try for thriller fans who don’t shy away from blood. While many critics bashed the show, the reviews online are very mixed. The show’s premise in itself is very intriguing and dark, and the visuals and characters don’t seem flat and generic. 

Where to Watch It?

Viewers can watch Utopia on Amazon.com as an Amazon Prime series. For those who don’t have a Prime Video account, Amazon invites you to become a member for 30 days (free of charge) and take advantage of their free trial. Viewers can cancel their subscription before it gets renewed, so you can basically watch it for free.

Utopia’s 2013 UK version is also available on Prime. 

Wrapping Up

While Utopia has gone under the radar and has been canceled, we still think it’s worth checking out for fans of the genre. Amazon itself calls it a conspiracy thriller, so for thriller fans who’ve never tried any show falling under that sub-genre, Utopia might be a good way to start