Netflix’s ‘Oat Studios’ Sci-Fi Anthology Is an Underrated Binge Watch on Streaming

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While shows like Love, Death + Robots and Black Mirror often dominate the sci-fi anthology conversation (with Secret Level also gaining attention), Netflix quietly released a truly exceptional sci-fi series in 2021. Though plans for a continuing franchise didn’t pan out, this single-season show remains one of the best – and most overlooked – sci-fi offerings on the platform. What makes it stand out is that you can jump in at almost any episode and still be completely captivated.

I’ve been completely blown away by this series! Over ten episodes, it’s an incredible journey through wildly different worlds – from a futuristic, cyberpunk Earth to desolate, post-apocalyptic scenes and everything imaginable in between. The cast is phenomenal, featuring the amazing Sigourney Weaver (yes, from Alien!) along with Dakota Fanning and a whole host of other talented actors like Sharlto Copley, Carly Pope, Robert Hobbs, Brandon Auret, and Ken Lawson. What really sets it apart from something like Love, Death + Robots is that it’s filmed with real actors, then enhanced with stunning CGI. It’s all directed by Neill Blomkamp, who you might know from District 9, Chappie, and Elysium. And if you were impressed by the special effects in those films, prepare to be amazed – Oats Studios pushes the boundaries even further. It’s a visual feast!

While Oats Studios didn’t become as popular as hits like LD+R and Black Mirror, it’s still a strong contender in the sci-fi anthology space on Netflix. It’s a shame that many critics didn’t even give the 10-episode series a chance, resulting in too few reviews for a Rotten Tomatoes score. Viewers who did watch the show were split on whether they liked it, giving it a 50% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Though a 50% rating usually indicates a poor show, this is based on only 50 reviews – far fewer than the 10,000+ most sci-fi shows receive.

‘Oats Studios’ Was Supposed to Launch a New Franchise

I have to say, the name ‘Oats Studios’ always struck me as a bit odd for a TV series! It turns out it’s perfectly fitting, because it’s actually Neil Blomkamp’s new lab for trying out wild ideas. Basically, ‘Oats Studio’ is where he makes and releases these short, experimental films on places like YouTube and Steam. It’s a smart way to test the waters – see what really clicks with audiences and then potentially develop those shorts into full-blown movies. I love that approach!

As of now, Oats Studios hasn’t turned any of its short films into a full-length movie, which is disappointing. Many of the shorts have strong stories, detailed worlds, and visual effects that are as good as, or even better than, those in major Hollywood productions, making them ripe for expansion.

Netflix is Saving the Sci-Fi Anthology


Netflix

Science fiction used to thrive on short stories, films, and TV episodes. Writers like Ray Bradbury became famous creating these shorter works. However, audiences recently shifted towards longer, ongoing shows they could watch weekly or all at once. Now, with the rise of streaming services and subscription models, shorter, self-contained stories are making a comeback. This format allows for a lot of creative freedom, leading to some truly original sci-fi, and Oats Studios is a perfect example of that trend.

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2026-03-20 17:02