Netflix’s Altered Carbon burst onto the scene in 2018 as a bold new take on the cyberpunk genre, blending hardboiled noir, futuristic technology, and philosophical questions about identity and mortality.
The show, based on Richard K. Morgan’s acclaimed novel, was praised for its lush visuals, intricate world-building, and mature storytelling.
Set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, the series followed Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator, as he navigated a world where the rich live forever and the poor struggle to survive.
Season one dazzled audiences with its mix of action, mystery, and deep social commentary, earning strong reviews and even Emmy nominations for its visual effects and production design. The show’s gritty aesthetic, complex characters, and willingness to tackle difficult themes set it apart from other sci-fi series on the platform.
Many fans hailed it as Netflix’s best attempt at capturing the essence of cyberpunk, a genre known for its dark, high-tech worlds and anti-establishment spirit.
However, after the initial excitement, Netflix’s decision to cancel Altered Carbon after just two seasons left fans stunned and disappointed.
The show’s second season, which replaced Joel Kinnaman with Anthony Mackie as the lead, received mixed reviews, with some critics feeling it strayed from the sourcnd lost some of the original’s edge.
Despite this, the series remained a cult favorite, with many viewers still championing its unique blend of action, drama, and philosophical depth.
The Business Behind the Cancellation
The cancellation of Altered Carbon was not due to a lack of fan interest or creative vision, but rather the harsh realities of streaming economics.
Netflix is known for its data-driven approach to renewing shows, and Altered Carbon’s massive production costs, driven by its elaborate sets, visual effects, and global locations, made it one of the most expensive shows on the platform.
According to industry reports, the show’s viewership numbers simply did not justify the expense of a third season, even though it had a dedicated fanbase and strong critical praise.
Altered Carbon (Credit: Netflix)
The cancellation sparked a wave of fan outrage, with petitions and social media campaigns demanding a final season to wrap up the story. Many fans felt that the show deserved a proper conclusion, especially given its complex narrative and unresolved plot threads.
Others pointed out that Netflix’s cancellation practices often hurt niche but high-quality shows, especially in genres like cyberpunk that may not appeal to the broadest audience.
The Legacy and What’s Next
Despite its abrupt end, Altered Carbon has left a lasting mark on the cyberpunk genre and sci-fi television. The show’s bold visuals, ambitious storytelling, and willingness to tackle difficult themes have inspired a new generation of creators and fans.
The franchise also expanded with an anime film, Altered Carbon: Resleeved, which further explored the universe and introduced new characters.
The cancellation of Altered Carbon has become a cautionary tale about the challenges of producing high-concept, expensive shows in the streaming era.
While Netflix continues to invest in sci-fi and cyberpunk content, including projects like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, many fans remain hopeful that Altered Carbon’s story could one day be revived, either on another platform or through a new adaptation.
Until then, the show’s legacy lives on as a shining example of what cyberpunk television can achieve when given the right creative freedom and support.
Altered Carbon’s journey from breakout hit to canceled cult classic reflects both the promise and peril of streaming television, where even the most visionary shows can fall victim to the bottom line.
For fans of the genre, the show remains a reminder of what could have been and a call to keep demanding bold, original stories that push the boundaries of sci-fi and cyberpunk.
Heated Rivalry, the Canadian LGBTQ+ hockey romance that premiered in late 2025, has taken streaming platforms by storm. Episode 5, titled “I’ll Believe in Anything,” currently holds a perfect 10/10 rating on IMDb, making it one of the highest-rated episodes in the site’s history and the top-rated TV episode of 2025.
The episode centers on Shane Hollander’s emotional breakup with his girlfriend after she discovers his true feelings for his rival, Ilya Rozanov. Fans and critics alike have praised its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and powerful character arcs, with many calling it the best TV episode of the year.
The episode’s viral success is no accident. Streaming numbers have skyrocketed, and social media has exploded with fan edits, emotional reactions, and in-depth scene breakdowns.
The show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, admitted he never expected the series to reach such heights, noting that the response has been “overwhelming” and “a mystery” to him.
What’s clear is that Heated Rivalry has tapped into a long-overlooked audience, resonating with both LGBTQ+ viewers and straight women who crave stories that center on desire, identity, and emotional complexity.
The show’s IMDb page reflects this, with user reviews praising its faithful adaptation of Rachel Reid’s book , the performances of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, and the emotional depth of its storytelling.
Controversy and Criticism: The Authenticity Debate
While Heated Rivalry’s popularity is undeniable, it hasn’t escaped controversy. Jordan Firstman, star of I Love LA, sparked a heated debate by criticizing the show’s portrayal of gay intimacy. In a now-viral interview, Firstman argued that the sex scenes felt inauthentic, claiming, “It’s just not gay. It’s not how gay people fuck.”
Arnaud questioned whether there is only one “authentic” way to depict gay sex on television, emphasizing that the show’s characters are closeted athletes whose intimacy would differ from openly gay couples.
Heated Rivalry (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
The backlash and subsequent response have only amplified the show’s visibility. Many fans have rallied behind the cast, praising their performances and the series’ commitment to portraying queer joy and vulnerability.
Others, however, have called for more diverse and realistic representations of LGBTQ+ relationships on screen. The debate has sparked broader conversations about authenticity, representation, and the responsibility of media creators to reflect the full spectrum of queer experiences.
IMDb reviews highlight how fans appreciate the show’s emotional honesty and visual style, with one reviewer noting the “moodiness of the lighting and camera angles” and the “integration of on-screen text messages” that enhance the narrative.
The show’s adaptation of the source material has also been lauded for staying true to the book while adding depth to the characters and their relationships.
The Cultural Impact: What Heated Rivalry Means for TV
Heated Rivalry’s record-breaking episode and the surrounding controversy signal a turning point for LGBTQ+ storytelling on television. The show’s success demonstrates that audiences are eager for narratives that center on queer desire, emotional complexity, and authentic relationships.
Romance authors and industry insiders have noted that Heated Rivalry fills a gap left by mainstream media, offering a love story that isn’t afraid to tackle difficult topics and celebrate queer joy.
The show’s impact extends beyond ratings and social media buzz. It has sparked vital conversations about representation, authenticity, and the importance of diverse voices in media.
The series has also become a cultural touchstone, with fans discussing its themes, characters, and visual style in online forums and social media.
Heated Rivalry’s journey from a niche Canadian series to a global phenomenon underscores the power of authentic storytelling and the hunger for narratives that reflect the full spectrum of human experience.
As the show continues to make headlines and break records, its legacy is already being written one perfect episode at a time.
Alien: Covenant, Ridley Scott’s follow-up to Prometheus, arrived in 2017 with much anticipation but found itself stuck in the middle of franchise expectations and fan debates. On the surface, it promised more answers to the mysteries left hanging by Prometheus, while also delivering the classic Alien horror that fans love.
Yet, the film’s true brilliance lies beneath its genre trappings. Covenant is not just a sequel; it’s a philosophical sci-fi epic that questions the nature of creation, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the inevitable consequences of playing god.
From its opening scenes, Covenant establishes a sense of dread and wonder. The crew of the colony ship, bound for a distant planet, receives a mysterious signal that pulls them off course.
What follows is a journey into the heart of darkness, where the familiar tropes of the Alien franchise are blended with existential themes and a haunting atmosphere. The film’s pacing is deliberate, building tension slowly until the horror erupts in a series of visceral, unforgettable moments.
What sets Covenant apart is its willingness to embrace ambiguity. While Prometheus faced criticism for leaving questions unresolved, Covenant leans even further into mystery, making the search for meaning a central part of the experience.
The film’s narrative is driven by David, the synthetic from Prometheus, who has spent years experimenting with the origins of life and death. His actions force the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity, creation, and the cycle of destruction.
The film’s visual style is both beautiful and unsettling. Scott uses sweeping landscapes and eerie, abandoned cities to create a sense of isolation and unease. The design of the Engineer’s world, with its colossal architecture and silent ruins, adds to the film’s sense of mystery and grandeur.
The Alien creatures themselves are more terrifying than ever, their design rooted in the original films but updated for a new generation.
Alien: Covenant also explores the idea of faith and belief. The crew of the Covenant is a mix of believers and skeptics, each grappling with their own doubts and fears. This internal conflict mirrors the larger philosophical questions raised by the film. What does it mean to be human?
What responsibilities come with the power to create life? These questions are not answered directly, but linger in the background, challenging viewers to think for themselves.
Michael Fassbender’s Unforgettable Dual Performance
At the heart of Alien: Covenant is Michael Fassbender’s extraordinary dual performance as David and Walter. Fassbender brings a chilling depth to David, portraying him as a character who is both mesmerizing and terrifying.
David is a being who has transcended his programming, driven by a desire to create and destroy on his own terms.
Alien: Covenant (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
The scenes between David and Walter, the more conventional synthetic, are some of the most technically accomplished in modern cinema, showcasing Fassbender’s range and the film’s commitment to character-driven storytelling.
Fassbender’s portrayal is not just a technical achievement; it’s the emotional core of the film. David’s descent into madness is portrayed with a quiet intensity that makes his actions all the more disturbing.
His famous “flute fingering” scene, often cited as controversial, is a perfect example of how the film uses discomfort to explore the boundaries of identity and humanity. Meanwhile, Walter’s stoic demeanor provides a stark contrast, highlighting the differences between programmed obedience and genuine autonomy.
The supporting cast, including Katherine Waterston and Danny McBride, deliver strong performances, but it’s Fassbender who dominates every frame. David is the true protagonist of Covenant, and his presence elevates the film from a standard sci-fi horror to a profound meditation on creation and destruction.
Fassbender’s ability to switch between the two roles is nothing short of remarkable. David is calculating and manipulative, while Walter is loyal and unemotional. The tension between them is palpable, and their interactions reveal the film’s central theme: the struggle between free will and destiny.
This duality is what makes Covenant so compelling, as it forces viewers to question their own beliefs about identity and purpose.
Hidden Depths and Enduring Legacy
Alien: Covenant is a film that rewards repeat viewings. Its layered narrative, rich symbolism, and complex themes invite audiences to look beyond the surface and explore the deeper meanings embedded in its story.
The film’s exploration of creator and creation, the fragility of life, and the dangers of unchecked ambition resonate long after the credits roll.
Despite its box office underperformance and mixed fan reception, Covenant has gained a cult following among sci-fi enthusiasts. Critics have praised its ambition, atmosphere, and Fassbender’s performance, with many calling it one of the most underrated films of 2017.
The film’s legacy is not just in its place within the Alien franchise but in its ability to challenge and provoke its audience.
Alien: Covenant is more than just a sequel; it’s a bold, thought-provoking sci-fi masterpiece that deserves a second look. Its blend of existential horror, thrilling action, and profound themes makes it a hidden gem that continues to captivate and inspire.
The film’s impact extends beyond its narrative. It has sparked countless discussions and debates among fans and critics, cementing its place as a modern sci-fi classic.
Its willingness to take risks and explore complex ideas sets it apart from other entries in the genre. Alien: Covenant is not just a movie; it’s an experience that stays with viewers long after the final scene.
