So, you’ve just finished the fifth season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ and you’re left with an empty feeling in your soul. Now that’s a feeling that only the next season of Margaret Atwood‘s gut-wrenching tale can fill and that is a good year away. The next best thing we have for you are these five shows to take you on a similar journey to another world.
These gifts that I come bearing in the form of five captivating shows are guaranteed to reignite your passion for riveting storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Strap in, grab your popcorn, and get ready with pen and paper to scribble the thoughts down. We’re taking a walk through the twisted corridors of dystopia, the enigmatic realms of science fiction, and the haunting landscapes of mystery and intrigue.
Related: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’: What Happens To June At The End Of The Book?
1. ‘Alias Grace’ (2017)
Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Maria Doyle Kennedy
Where to watch: Netflix
Another adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, ‘Alias Grace’ will transport you to 19th-century Canada. The story peels its layers back as it follows Grace Marks, a murder convict, played by Sarah Gadon. As Grace recounts her past to a psychiatrist, the lines between truth and fiction seem to blur. Grace’s struggle with her own identity led to her imprisonment and now she’s trying to turn things around.
With a gripping narrative, stellar performances, and an atmospheric setting, this miniseries offers a captivating exploration of power, oppression, and resilience. Gadon shines in the titular character with her outstanding delivery of a woman caught in the currents of history. If you’re a fan of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘s’ themes of female agency and societal control, ‘Alias Grace’ will leave you spellbound.
2. ‘The Plot Against America’ (2020)
Cast: Winona Ryder, Zoe Kazan, Morgan Spector
Where to watch: Netflix
Based on Philip Roth’s 2004 novel, ‘The Plot Against America’ puts before you, an alternate history where aviation hero Charles Lindbergh becomes President of the United States, ushering in a fascist regime that threatens to tear the country apart. The TV adaptation of this thought-provoking piece of literature is portrayed from the point of view of a Jewish family based in New Jersey. The series has been a success in exploring the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of civil liberties.
With its chillingly plausible premise and stellar ensemble cast, it offers a timely meditation on the dangers of demagoguery and the fragility of democracy just like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. With a staggering performance by Winona Ryder as Evelyn Finkel, a character caught between loyalty to her family and allegiance to her country, this should be a must-watch in your ever-growing list.
3. ‘Colony’ (2016-18)
Cast: Josh Holloway, Sarah Wayne Callies, Peter Jacobson
Where to watch: Netflix
If you are sick of all the unrealistic dramas romanticizing alien invasions then this one might hit the spot. ‘Colony’ flips the script on Los Angeles, turning it into an occupied zone ruled by extraterrestrial overlords. As survivors navigate the ruins of their city, alliances shift, and every day is a fight for freedom. The show’s strength doesn’t just lie in its dystopian atmosphere but also its unpredictability.
With its tense atmosphere, intricate world-building, and compelling performances, there is no better pick for a dystopian fan. The series follows the struggles of a former detective fighting the system to carve a better life for his family, not knowing that there is no better left. ‘The Walking Dead’ star Sarah Wayne Callies starer where her maternal instincts take over the fear of the enemy. With themes of resistance and rebellion like that of Handmaid’s, ‘Colony’ also keeps your blood boiling and senses sharp.
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4. ‘The Leftovers’ (2014-2017)
Cast: Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Margaret Qualley
Where to watch: Prime Video
Based on Tom Perrotta’s novel, ‘The Leftovers,’ explores the aftermath of a mysterious event known as the Departure. This Departure makes a significant portion of the world’s population inexplicably disappear. Set in the small town of Mapleton, the series follows the residents as they deal with loss, grief, and existential uncertainty in the wake of this global catastrophe. Does that sound like the order you’ll make?
‘The Leftovers,’ offers a clear glimpse of human loss, faith, and the search for meaning in a world shattered by tragedy. Justin Theroux as our police chief Kevin Garvey delivers a standout performance. As our hero struggles to hold his fractured leftover community together, we’re reminded of the fierce heroine dressed in scarlet red.
5. ‘Orphan Black’ (2013-2017)
Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Maria Doyle Kennedy
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘Orphan Black’ follows the story of Sarah Manning. She is a streetwise hustler who finally figures out that she is one of several clones created as part of a scientific experiment. What a way to nullify one’s existence huh! Sarah digs deeper to know more about the conspiracy surrounding her origins. She soon becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, danger, and moral ambiguity.
A thrilling rollercoaster ride to the potential world of cloning and genetic manipulation sounds like a fun weekend sport to me. Tatiana Maslany delivers a tour de force performance, playing multiple versions of herself as the show is about her clones. If you were captivated by ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’s’ exploration of identity and agency, ‘Orphan Black’ will leave you breathless and begging for more.
Here are our top five phenomenal shows that will transport you to worlds of wonder, intrigue, and excitement. It doesn’t matter if you’re drawn to dystopian drama, speculative fiction, or psychological thriller, there’s something here to satisfy your cravings for compelling storytelling. Happy watching!
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