Dimension 404, an anthology series streaming on Hulu, is a love letter to the internet age, filtered through the lens of classic science fiction and horror. Each episode tackles a different bizarre scenario stemming from the digital world, exploring themes of technology, paranoia, and the uncanny. The series boasts a star-studded cast, including Patton Oswalt, Lea Michele, and Joel McHale, lending credibility and comedic timing to the often unsettling narratives.
What sets Dimension 404 apart is its willingness to embrace absurdity. One episode might explore the dangers of sentient emojis, while another delves into the mysteries of a lost cartoon from the 1990s. While not always groundbreaking, the series offers a consistently entertaining and thought-provoking glimpse into the potential dark side of our increasingly connected world. The anthology format also makes it easy to jump in and out, allowing viewers to sample different stories without a significant time commitment. The visual effects are surprisingly good for a web series, and the writing, while sometimes uneven, is generally clever and inventive. Dimension 404 is a solid choice for those who enjoy quirky, self-aware science fiction with a healthy dose of internet humor.
While not strictly science fiction, High Maintenance, originally a web series before its HBO acquisition, incorporates elements of speculative fiction and explores the impact of cannabis culture on society. The series follows “The Guy,” a nameless weed dealer, as he makes deliveries to a diverse array of clients throughout New York City. Each episode offers a vignette into the lives of these characters, showcasing their anxieties, eccentricities, and vulnerabilities.
The brilliance of High Maintenance lies in its observational humor and its ability to capture the nuances of human interaction. The Guy serves as a connecting thread, allowing viewers to glimpse into different worlds and perspectives. While the show doesn’t feature spaceships or futuristic technology, it subtly explores the potential for altered states of consciousness to impact relationships and perceptions of reality. The show’s grounded realism is often punctuated by moments of surrealism, blurring the lines between the mundane and the extraordinary. The writing is sharp and insightful, and the performances are uniformly excellent. High Maintenance is a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories with a touch of the unconventional.
Future Man, a Hulu original, is a raucous and irreverent comedy that blends time travel tropes with over-the-top action and humor. Josh Futturman, a socially awkward janitor and avid gamer, is recruited by two futuristic warriors to travel back in time and prevent the apocalypse. What ensues is a chaotic and hilarious adventure filled with pop culture references, vulgar jokes, and plenty of self-aware satire.
The show’s appeal lies in its willingness to embrace its own absurdity. The characters are larger than life, the plot twists are often ridiculous, and the humor is frequently crude. However, beneath the surface, Future Man explores themes of responsibility, destiny, and the consequences of our actions. The series features strong performances from Josh Hutcherson, Eliza Coupe, and Derek Wilson, who fully commit to the show’s outlandish premise. Future Man is a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy comedies like “Rick and Morty” and “Archer,” offering a similar blend of irreverent humor and surprisingly clever storytelling.
Video Game High School (VGHS), a YouTube series from RocketJump, is a groundbreaking project that helped pave the way for the modern web series landscape. Set in a specialized high school dedicated to competitive video gaming, the series follows BrianD, a novice gamer who accidentally defeats a world champion and earns a coveted spot at VGHS. He must navigate the challenges of academic life, social hierarchies, and intense esports competitions.
VGHS boasts impressive production values for a web series, with slick visuals, energetic action sequences, and a catchy soundtrack. The show’s appeal lies in its relatable characters, its clever use of gaming terminology, and its exploration of the growing popularity of esports. The series also tackles themes of friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of passion. While the acting is sometimes uneven, the enthusiasm and creativity of the cast and crew are undeniable. VGHS is a nostalgic trip for gamers and a compelling story for anyone interested in the world of competitive gaming.
Electric Dreams, an anthology series available on Amazon Prime Video, adapts short stories by the legendary science fiction author Philip K. Dick. Each episode presents a different dystopian or speculative scenario, exploring themes of identity, reality, and the dangers of technological advancement. The series boasts a stellar cast, including Bryan Cranston, Anna Paquin, and Steve Buscemi, and features visually stunning production design.
What makes Electric Dreams compelling is its faithfulness to Dick’s original vision. The episodes are often thought-provoking and unsettling, challenging viewers to question their own perceptions of reality. While some episodes are more successful than others, the series as a whole offers a compelling and visually arresting exploration of Dick’s enduring themes. The anthology format allows viewers to sample different stories and explore the breadth of Dick’s literary output. Electric Dreams is a must-watch for fans of Philip K. Dick and anyone who appreciates intelligent and challenging science fiction.
Carmilla, a Canadian web series based on the novella of the same name, offers a fresh and engaging take on the vampire mythos. Set at Silas University, the series follows Laura Hollis, a journalism student who investigates the disappearance of her roommate. She soon encounters Carmilla Karnstein, a mysterious and alluring vampire with a dark past.
The series is notable for its strong female characters, its witty dialogue, and its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. The chemistry between the two leads, Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis, is undeniable, and their performances are both captivating and nuanced. Carmilla subverts traditional vampire tropes, presenting a more complex and sympathetic portrayal of the undead. The series also boasts impressive production values for a web series, with stylish visuals and a haunting soundtrack. Carmilla is a must-watch for fans of vampire fiction and anyone who appreciates strong female leads and compelling storytelling.
Con Man, created by Alan Tudyk, is a meta-comedy that explores the life of Wray Nerely, an actor best known for his role as a spaceship pilot on a cancelled science fiction show called “Spectrum.” Wray struggles to find work and is constantly overshadowed by his former co-star, Jack Moore, who has achieved mainstream success. The series is a hilarious and self-deprecating look at the world of science fiction conventions, fan culture, and the challenges of navigating a career in Hollywood.
The show’s appeal lies in its inside jokes and its willingness to poke fun at the science fiction genre. Tudyk’s performance is both charming and relatable, and the series features a host of cameos from other science fiction actors, including Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, and Gina Torres. Con Man is a must-watch for fans of “Firefly” and anyone who appreciates self-aware humor. The series also offers a glimpse into the realities of being a working actor, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of pursuing a creative career.
Before becoming a Syfy television series, Sanctuary began as a series of eight webisodes. Starring Amanda Tapping as Dr. Helen Magnus, a brilliant scientist who studies and protects cryptids (legendary creatures), the series established the world and characters that would later be expanded upon in the television adaptation. The web series utilized groundbreaking green screen technology to create visually stunning environments and bring the creatures to life.
The appeal of Sanctuary lies in its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The series explores themes of morality, prejudice, and the responsibility of protecting endangered species. The web series format allowed for a more experimental approach to storytelling, with each episode focusing on a different creature or mystery. While the production values may seem dated by today’s standards, the series remains a compelling and imaginative exploration of the world of cryptids. Sanctuary is a must-watch for fans of monster movies and anyone interested in the intersection of science and mythology.
Star Trek Continues is a fan-made web series that aims to continue the adventures of Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise where the original series left off. The series is meticulously crafted, with attention paid to recreating the look, feel, and tone of the original Star Trek. The sets, costumes, and music are all designed to evoke the nostalgia of the classic series.
The appeal of Star Trek Continues lies in its dedication to preserving the legacy of Star Trek. The series is made by fans, for fans, and it shows in the care and attention that is put into every detail. The episodes explore classic Star Trek themes of exploration, diplomacy, and morality. While the acting may not always be on par with the original series, the series as a whole is a loving tribute to one of the most influential science fiction franchises of all time. Star Trek Continues is a must-watch for any Trekkie who wants to experience new adventures with the classic crew.
