This 100% RT British Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is Just As Good As Pluribus

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Apple TV+ has become a consistently excellent source for high-quality, thought-provoking science fiction. The platform delivers both groundbreaking hits and daring, original concepts, and its sci-fi TV offerings just keep getting better. The latest example is Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus, which has been a huge success and is already being hailed as one of the best sci-fi shows in recent years.

While the first season was a hit, there’s a catch. Because it takes more time to make each episode and Apple is prioritizing quality, the second season of Pluribus might not arrive for a while. This delay has left viewers looking for another show that offers the same compelling story and thoughtful themes.

Look, if you’re like me and still completely blown away by the ending of Pluribus season one, you’re probably itching for something similar to fill the void. Let me tell you, The Lazarus Project is it. This British sci-fi thriller isn’t just good, it’s really good – it’s currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It tackles some of the same mind-bending concepts, but does so with a gripping, character-focused approach. Seriously, consider this essential viewing while we wait for season two of Pluribus – it’s the perfect thing to keep you occupied.

What Is The Lazarus Project About?

A High-Concept Time Loop Thriller Grounded In Human Consequences

Though it doesn’t feature a collective consciousness like in Pluribus, the main character in The Lazarus Project shares similarities with Carol. The show follows George (Paapa Essiedu), an average man who suddenly finds time has reversed by half a year, and he’s the only one who remembers what life was like before.

It’s revealed that George has a rare genetic trait – he’s one of the incredibly few people who can remember what happened before time is reset. This leads to his recruitment by the Lazarus Project, a secret organization dedicated to preventing global disasters. Whenever a catastrophe threatens humanity, they reset time to try and avert it.

Similar to how Carol was unaffected by the collective consciousness in Pluribus, George’s power to recall past timelines in The Lazarus Project seems straightforward at first, but it’s actually very impactful. Because time only resets to a specific point, each reset wipes out relationships, personal development, and any achievements he’s made. This leaves George constantly living in a world where everyone else has forgotten what happened, isolating him from those around him.

The show features a fascinating organization called The Lazarus Project. It’s run by the no-nonsense Archie (Anjli Mohindra), and her team has a single, unwavering goal: protecting the timeline, no matter the consequences. They operate under harsh rules, where personal feelings are discouraged, difficult choices are common, and breaking those rules can be deadly. The show’s strength lies in the conflict between doing what’s right for the mission and staying true to one’s own values.

Unlike many time-loop sci-fi shows, The Lazarus Project doesn’t shy away from the lasting impact of its resets. Each time loop takes a psychological toll on the characters, particularly George, whose increasing understanding makes him valuable, but also a potential problem. Knowing what’s coming gives him power, but it also increasingly isolates him.

Unlike many sci-fi shows that rely on flashy effects, The Lazarus Project prioritizes compelling characters and a strong story. It uses its intriguing premise to explore deeper themes like loss, free will, and how far we should go to control things. This focus on the people involved makes the high-stakes situations feel personal and impactful, even when the world is in danger.

Why The Lazarus Project Is Perfect For Pluribus Fans

Both Shows Turn Secret Knowledge Into A Psychological Burden

Both Pluribus and The Lazarus Project fundamentally explore the theme of loneliness that comes with being uniquely aware of a situation. This shared core makes The Lazarus Project a great show to watch after Pluribus. In Pluribus, Carol is one of the few people unaffected by a mind-controlling virus and must keep her desire to restore the world a secret. The Lazarus Project puts George in a very similar position, forcing him to keep his true intentions hidden.

Carol and George both live outside of what everyone else considers real. Carol sees society crumbling under a hidden power, and George keeps reliving the same world, but it doesn’t match his memories anymore. For both of them, understanding what’s really happening is a burden, isolating them from genuine connections and a normal life.

Both shows explore how powerful groups control people. In Pluribus, this control comes from a mysterious group called the Others, while The Lazarus Project centers on a strict organization that believes it’s acting in everyone’s best interest. Neither show portrays those in charge as kind or reliable.

Paranoia acts as a common thread in both stories. Carol constantly questions people’s true intentions, while George lives with the fear that reality itself could disappear. Both narratives build tension by making normal, everyday conversations feel unsettling and potentially dangerous.

Both shows are fundamentally about identity and use science fiction as a way to explore what makes us who we are. They question how much of a person remains when their reality changes, and whether it’s right to sacrifice your own identity to save the world. If you enjoyed the thought-provoking and unsettling nature of Pluribus, The Lazarus Project is a great choice for your next binge-watch.

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2026-01-11 23:14