Critics Say These 6 Sci-Fi Shows on Netflix Are a Waste of Time
With so many good shows out there, maybe don't bother with these ones.
Another Life (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 6%
When a massive alien artifact lands on earth, Niko Breckinridge (Katee Sackhoff) is tasked with uncovering its origin. She leads a mission to a distant planet, hoping to make the first human contact with an alien race – but finding life-threatening danger on the way. Unfortunately, there's no new ideas in this loud mess of a series.
Savage Critic Quote: 'If Another Life were a spoof called Instagrammers in Space, it would be a work of genius. Unfortunately, it takes itself deadly seriously, to the point of unwitting self-parody.' – The Herald (Ireland)
The I-Land (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 8%
When ten strangers wake up on a deserted island, they have no memory of what brought them here, or even who they are. Spoiler alert (hey, we're trying to save you time): we soon learn that all ten are prisoners in a simulation. They have been offered the chance to be 'rehabilitated' on the island, where their prison guards can watch and see if their old and violent patterns of behavior will change.
It's a cool idea, but one look at the Baywatch-esque poster should tell you that the producers didn't go very deep with it.
Savage Critic Quote: 'I guess 'mystery box' isn't an apt description for this indisputable disaster, as mysteries come with some intrigue to see them solved and boxes are actually useful.' – TV Guide
Between (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 22%
Pregnant teenager Wiley Day (Jennette McCurdy) is ready to leave her tiny town in the rearview mirror. But when a mysterious virus erupts in Pretty Lake, she gets trapped by a quarantine. Soon, everyone over the age of 22 is dead, and the town's teenagers are left to pick up the pieces – unable to leave in case they spread the virus to the rest of the world. The idea is cool, but the pacing is slack.
Savage Critic Quote: 'Between's writing winds up being as deadly as the show's virus – except this sickness affects viewers of all ages.' – Entertainment Weekly
October Faction (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 29%
Fred and Deloris Allen are monster-hunting members of Presidio, a secret organization that protects the world from evil. When the Allens move to Fred's hometown with their two teenagers, Fred is haunted by memories of an unhappy childhood and the kids are tormented at school.
Meanwhile, the family has pledged to hide their supernatural abilities and lead a normal life. However, the sleepy town is soon rocked by strange events and the Allens are called to action.
Savage Critic Quote: 'The quality control is on a serious wobble over at Netflix Original central and this half-baked effort is a real cause for concern.' – Metro (UK)
Nightflyers (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%
In the year 2093, a team of explorers has pushed past the edges of the solar system in an effort to expand man's knowledge of the universe. However, in classic sci-fi fashion, it soon becomes clear that there's nothing as dangerous outside the ship as there is lurking in the minds of men.
You would only know any of this if you've read the descriptions of Nightflyers' plot. If you just watched the trailer, you would only have seen a long series of loud noises, intense looks, and vaguely ominous pronouncements.
Savage Critic Quote: 'Don't even test out Nightflyers. Let it die as early and as inevitably as its entire cast.' – GQ Magazine (UK)
The One (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 39%
Based on the novel by John Marrs, The One follows a talented geneticist who unlocks the secret to finding true love.
The ambitious Rebecca Webb (Hannah Ware) uses her newfound knowledge to launch a revolutionary matchmaking service, promising to find your perfect partner based on DNA alone. But when a body appears and the pressure builds, Rebecca's ambitions clash with the reality that things may be more complicated than she thinks.
Savage Critic Quote: 'Will slip down easily enough on nights…when you don't have the mental bandwidth for anything more demanding. Beyond that, I doubt The One is anyone's perfect match.' – Guardian