Who doesn’t want to explore a world that is unlike our own? Searching through the vast universe to find a world that is much like our own, but also nothing like it. Plus, if there’s a thrill to the adventure, a world that promises to give us something more than mere speculation, then things can get truly interesting.
The concept of parallel universes has been mentioned in media more and more over the last couple of years, where there is danger and adventure down every avenue. One can find themselves getting lost in these worlds constantly and thanks to the well-written plots and characters, it’s very easy to find yourself relating to a concept that might or might not exist! Thus, if you, like us, want to get lost in the thrilling adventures of TV shows about parallel universes, then check out these below.
Dark (2017 – 2020)
This German sci-fi series has been on people’s minds since its first season and for good reason. Following a child’s disappearance in a fictional German town, the series explores the implications of a time travel conspiracy as it unravels the sinister pasts of four families in the town. Although this plot might seem simple enough, Dark is famously known for creating a family tree like no other, one that a lot of people might still be trying to untangle. It has one of the most memorable endings, one that will make your head swim!
The dark and gritty storytelling is like no other and the way all the sequences have come together through the complicated web of lies, deceit and conspiracies is truly remarkable. The series is a unique experience that will stay with you long after the end of the runtime. The series features an ensemble cast of talented actors who nail their roles, including Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Gina Stiebitz, Oliver Masucci, Andreas Pietschmann, Maja Schöne, Julika Jenkins and others.
Stranger Things (2016 – Present)
This sci-fi drama horror series with an ensemble cast including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton and others, is a treat for adults and youngsters alike. With a dramatic coming-of-age storyline amid a complicated sci-fi experiment gone wrong, it’s the young adults in the series that truly win hearts. Their lives, loves, and normalcy are what we root for as they go up against an enemy that is bigger than them. Its portrayal of the 1980s, additionally, is spot on and the Duffer Brothers do an excellent job at making us connect to these characters who are in peril at the hands of an enemy from another realm.
Following the disappearance of one of a young boy, a group of friends make it their mission to find out the truth and stumble upon government conspiracies and supernatural forces that threaten to destroy their small town.
The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
The story of this Korean romantic-fantasy series, starring Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Kyung-nam, Jung Eun-chae, and Lee Jung-jin, is set in two parallel worlds where Emperor Lee Gon of the Kingdom of Corea finds and crosses a barrier in an alternate reality where the Republic of Korea exists in the Kingdom’s stead. Facing the horrible repercussions of this discovery, he and Detective Jeong Tae-eul attempt to close the barrier and protect those they love with thrilling consequences.
With a talented ensemble cast, the series is a thrilling ride that is unlike others in Korean dramas. The series is unique in its storytelling and veers away from tropes, bringing forth a show that tries its best to be different. You will be enamoured by the performances of the cast, who do their best to bring the magnitude of the storyline to the audience. Although there are flaws here, there’s enough going on in the series to make it a very interesting binge.
Loki (2021 – Present)
Taking place after the events of 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, in which Loki created an alternate timeline, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki gets picked up by the Time Variance Authority and is given an ultimatum – either he fixes the rift in time or ceases to exist. Much like the character himself, the series is a fun, sort of dangerous and entirely delightful entry in the MCU that has a little different feel to it than the rest of the franchise.
Bringing forth some beloved characters, one being the God of Mischief himself who sees himself turning into an anti-hero from a villain, the series is an entertaining, endearing and somewhat emotional entry that stays with you long after the series is over. Fans, however, must be delighted that this one is still ongoing so we might just get more paradoxes and mindf*cks going forward.
Alice in Borderland (2020 – Present)
This Japanese sci-fi thriller series stars Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya in lead roles as allies stuck in an alternate and abandoned Tokyo and forced to play dangerous games in order to stay alive. As the fierceness and types of games change and the stakes increase, they must band together to save each other and hope to go back to their own worlds at the end.
The series is a visual and thrilling treat that will make you think hard and long about what is happening. The first season keeps us at the edge throughout and you get no answers by the end. The characters are written so well that you will root for them throughout and as they face deeper obstacles going forward, your heart breaks with them. The second season, with more thrilling games, attempts to answer questions but, in the end, with one short scene, leaves us questioning everything we watched for the past 16 episodes!
Which of these series about parallel universes do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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