If you’ve been tuned into pop culture at all in the last 30 years, then there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve heard of the Wachowski Sisters, the two masterminds behind the 90s Matrix franchise. There’s also a pretty good chance you’ve heard of J. Michael Straczynski or at least seen his work, which includes Babylon 5 and writing many, many comic books for Marvel and DC, including The Amazing Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Thor, and Superman: Earth One.
If you’re a fan of science fiction at all, you’re going to want to add the Netflix series created by these three sci-fi titans to your watch list: Sense8.
Sense8 Is Still Unlike Anything Else
Sense8 is a groundbreaking science fiction drama series that captivated audiences with its innovative storytelling, diverse characters, and exploration of empathy on a global scale. The show dives into the lives of eight individuals scattered across the world who discover they are mentally and emotionally linked as “sensates.” From its inception to its reception, this series pushed boundaries and challenged norms, leaving a lasting impact on viewers all the way up to its unfortunate cancellation.
Interconnected And Under Attack
The story of Sense8 begins with the birth of a psychic connection between eight strangers, triggered by a woman named Angelica, who takes her own life to evade capture by a man known as “Whispers.” The eight sensates, named Capheus, Sun, Nomi, Kala, Riley, Wolfgang, Lito, and Will, find themselves linked in a profound way. Throughout the series, they navigate their interconnectedness while dealing with threats from the Biologic Preservation Organization (BPO) and Whispers, who seek to control or eliminate sensates.
A Diverse Ensemble From Around The World
The ensemble cast of Sense8 is as diverse as the locations they inhabit. From Capheus, a matatu driver in Nairobi, to Nomi, a transwoman hacktivist living in San Francisco, each character in the series brought a unique perspective and background to the cluster.
Sense8 garnered praise for its innovative storytelling and representation of marginalized communities. The first season received acclaim for its portrayal of LGBTQ characters and themes, earning accolades, including the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
In addition to the show’s thrilling plot, engaging characters, and relatable themes, the series was also visually stunning. The Wachowskis filmed in many locations throughout the world and spared no expense when it came to the production budget of each episode.
Canceled But Beloved
Unfortunately, it was this sparing of no expense that led to the series’ downfall. In 2017, after just two seasons, Sense8 was canceled. The Chief Content Officer at Netflix, Ted Sarandos, cited the show’s passionate yet insufficiently large audience as the reason behind the decision to cut the show, claiming that the cult fanbase wasn’t enough to support the super high production costs.
Saved By Fans And Allowed To Go Out On Its Own Terms
In response to the abrupt cancellation, fervent fans mobilized, launching online petitions, flooding Netflix with calls, and trending hashtags like #RenewSense8 on Twitter. Their persistence paid off when, on June 29, 2017, Lana Wachowski, via the show’s official social media accounts, announced the forthcoming release of a two-hour special in 2018. This special, eagerly anticipated by fans, finally premiered on June 8, 2018.
While the series should have seen more episodes, at least the fans got closure to the story. And now, new fans can watch the show and add to its cult following legacy. Sense8 is available to stream on Netflix.
