'Dark Matter' Had You Hooked? This 100%-Rated Sci-Fi Gem Is Your Next Binge
Dark Matter is far from the only sci-fi project about doppelgangers, nor is it the best. At least there is Counterpart, and here is why it is a must-see for fans of the Blake Crouch show.
Apple TV+'s sci-fi series Dark Matter, released last year and based on the novel of the same name by Blake Crouch, hooked viewers with an unusual concept: the main character must confront his double from another reality.
However, eight years ago, a sci-fi show with a similar premise was released – Counterpart. Although it received high rave reviews, Counterpart remained largely in the shadows.
If you enjoy high-concept projects, you may like Counterpart even more than Dark Matter.
What Is 'Counterpart' About?
Howard Silk works for a secret organization based in Berlin. His position is so insignificant that, even after many years of service, he still doesn't know what the agency does.
Suddenly, he learns that the agency maintains contact with a parallel world established by East German scientists. The two worlds were once identical, but gradually became more and more dissimilar after establishing contact.
Therefore, Howard has a counterpart: an influential, self-confident boss conducting a top-secret operation involving the inhabitants of both worlds.
'Counterpart' Is an Inventive & Gripping Spy Drama That Offers a Fresh Take on Doppelgangers
The double trope itself is not enough to delight seasoned science fiction fans. Even the synopsis of Counterpart hints at the main conflict present in Dark Matter – the confrontation between the two very different sides of one person.
So, besides the amazing performance of J. K. Simmons, who plays both doubles, what does Counterpart offer?
It offers an intriguing spy show combined with an existential drama about the meaning of life, missed opportunities, and the impact of important decisions on our existence.
Counterpart consists of only two seasons, each with ten episodes, and, more importantly, it tells a complete story. If you're looking for a smart, gripping, high-quality sci-fi TV series similar to Dark Matter, there's simply no better option than Counterpart.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Counterpart'?
The Guardian critic Wenlei Ma praised Counterpart, saying:
“It's both cerebral and rip-roaring: enough to elevate it to the top of anyone's watch list.”
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Counterpart has 100% from critics and 85% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the sci-fi series has a score of 8.0/10.
Where to Watch 'Counterpart'?
Counterpart is available to buy or rent on Apple TV and Vudu.
