What if physics stopped working? What if extraterrestrial life exists? Two of the questions the new science-fiction series on Netflix tries to answer. With 3 Body Problem, the streaming service delivers an exciting new series that ticks all the boxes. From casting to cinematography, 3 Body Problem is a true masterpiece for sci-fi enthusiasts.
The series is set in a world where proven physics phenomena suddenly can’t be proven anymore. And physicists are taking their own lives en masse. A group of friends, consisting of graduate physicists and other bright minds, find themselves in the midst of the problem. Their teacher is one of the physicists who suddenly takes her own life. It brings the friends closer together.
Years earlier during the Cultural Revolution in China, an imprisoned physicist is tasked with sending a signal into space, hoping for a response from extraterrestrial life. She gets the response, but Ye Wenjie keeps her contact a secret. She invites the aliens to Earth. All of this results in a cult-like situation where physicists are recruited based on their skills in an advanced VR-game. Of course, the group of friends find themselves in the middle of this. Can they come up with a solution before the aliens reach Earth?
Well-known producers
3 Body Problem is based on the book series of the same name by Liu Cixin. What seemed like an impossible-to-adapt story, is skillfully brought to the small screen. Partly thanks to executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, better known as the showrunners behind Game of Thrones. Their involvement means there’s a clear vision, as long as there is a book storyline to follow (let’s not talk about the last season of GoT).
In the case of 3 Body Problem, there seems to be plenty of inspiration. The book series, consisting of three books, provides enough material for a second and perhaps even a third season. But whether there will be a 3 Body Problem season 2 is not officially announced yet. With the open ending of this strong first season, a sequel is more than welcome. We’re waiting on Netflix to announce.
Benioff and Weiss aren’t the only notable producers who believed in Liu Cixin’s books. Rian Johnson (Knives Out, Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, The Wheel of Time) and Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) are also involved as producers in 3 Body Problem. Hopefully, they’ve exceeded their own expectations with this well-thought-out science-fiction story. For viewers unfamiliar with the books, the expectations have certainly been exceeded.
3 Body Problem: sciencefiction on Netflix
With eight episodes of less than an hour each, 3 Body Problem is a worthy binge-watching series. However, the series does not immediately convince viewers in episode one. This is probably due to the complexity of the story. The shifts, from past China to the present time where particle accelerators no longer word, can be a bit incoherent. As a viewer new to the story, you might have to ‘push through’ the first episode. But it’s worth it.
From the second episode onwards, things improve significantly. The foundation is laid, and the story gains momentum. This is also partly due to the strong, diverse cast. The mix of familiar names/faces and relative newcomers come from every continent in the world. This ensures that everyone can relate to a character.
Netflix has made significant strides in developing science fiction content in recent years. A genre where HBO has already made significant strides (Westworld). With 3 Body Problem, Netflix has now delivered a series of the same quality. The streaming service can confidently compete with other science fiction series on all fronts with such a mature series.
3 Body Problem (2024-) – Netflix
Across continents and decades, five brilliant friends make earth-shattering discoveries as the laws of science unravel and an existential threat emerges.
Cast: Eiza González, Benedict Wong, Liam Cunningham, Jess Hong, e.a.
Producers: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Alexander Woo
Studio: Netflix
