Netflix’s 10-Part Sci-Fi Thriller Is Quietly One Of Its Best Shows To Binge

Netflix‘s 10-part sci-fi thriller with a strong Rotten Tomatoes score is quietly one of its best shows to binge-watch, even seven years after its world premiere. Often categorized as one of the most disappointing Netflix cancellations in recent memory, this series received critical acclaim following its 2019 debut, resulting in a Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 86%.

This overlooked Netflix sci-fi thriller also has a surprisingly stacked cast led by Rachel Keller (Tokyo Vice), Kathryn Newton (Big Little Lies), Kristine Froseth (The Buccaneers), Spencer House (Tell Me Lies), and more. Offering an intriguing blend of dystopian sci-fi, teen drama, and psychological thriller, similar to Yellowjackets and The 100, this forgotten Netflix series is still worth a 10-part binge and is perfect for a one-weekend watch.

The Society Is Quietly One Of Netflix’s Best Shows To Binge

The Society is still quietly one of Netflix’s best shows to binge-watch, especially if you’re looking for something quick to binge in just a few sittings. The series was tragically canceled after already being renewed for a second season due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down all TV and film productions for months. The Society suffered from massive production delays after originally being scheduled to begin filming season 2 in March 2020.

Because The Society features such a large ensemble cast, the series wasn’t able to recover from the widespread production delays, and many actors had already committed to other projects. As such, The Society represents one of the biggest disappointments in Netflix streaming history, as the series was well-deserving of a second season and perhaps more, thanks to its critical acclaim and strong viewership.

The Society takes a page out of the classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, centered around a group of high school students who must work together to fight for survival. The series also features a unique sci-fi twist, as the students leave their wealthy town of West Ham, Connecticut, for a 10-day camping trip, only to return to discover inexplicable developments. For one, all the adults have disappeared, and a dangerous forest now surrounds the town, allowing for no escape.

What’s more, the high school kids in The Society are cut off from the rest of the world without access to the internet or cell service. Left in complete isolation with no apparent way out, the high schoolers form a new social dynamic and a local government system to stay alive. Cassandra (Keller) and Allie (Newton), who are sisters, emerge as the leaders of the pack and try to establish order, but the rebellious Harry (Alex Fitzalan) leads an anti-authoritarian resistance.

Binge Netflix’s 10-Part Sci-Fi Thriller In Just One Weekend

The Society is one of those shows that will have you hooked from the very first episode, although it does take a few episodes for the story to really get going. While it is undoubtedly disappointing that there is no second season, it’s still worth watching for its strong storytelling, great performances, and inventive sci-fi twist on a timeless survival tale. Although the series comes off as a simple teen mystery show, it develops into something much more unexpectedly sophisticated.

Most critics agree that The Society is a winner on Netflix. Variety writes, “Even as much as “The Society” spins its wheels… there just aren’t many other teen shows that routinely debate the advantages of capitalism versus socialism or democracy versus dictatorship.” In the same vein, The Hollywood Reporter writes, “The Society does justice to much of its potential and there’s an audience out there, not exclusively in that young adult demo, that will devour it.”

All things considered, The Society on Netflix may leave you wanting more, but that’s exactly why it’s worth watching if you haven’t seen it already, or worth a modern re-watch if you haven’t seen it since its 2019 premiere.