In the realm of television, a select few series resonate deeply with the thematic and stylistic nuances of Christopher Nolan's cinematic universe. These shows, each in their own right, capture the essence of Nolan's exploration of the human condition, the complexities of memory, the allure of the unknown, and the tension between individual agency and collective destiny. Here's a curated list of 10 TV shows that mirror the intellectual and emotional depth of Nolan's films, offering a unique perspective on the human experience through the lens of science fiction, historical drama, and psychological thriller.
The Prisoner (ITV)
A classic British series, "The Prisoner" is a precursor to the modern mystery box show, inspiring even American TV classics like "Twin Peaks" and "Lost." Created by and starring Patrick McGoohan, the series follows the enigmatic "Number Six" as he awakens in a secluded, artificial town, "The Village." Here, he is constantly tortured, coerced, and interrogated by equally mysterious agents, all while trying to uncover why he left British intelligence behind. The series boasts a classically ambiguous ending, leaving fans divided and McGoohan in hiding after its 1968 finale. "The Prisoner" is the prototypical Nolan sci-fi epic, with its government conspiracy, advanced yet loosely plausible science fiction concepts, and an everyman protagonist desperate to leave his past behind.
Devs (Hulu/FX)
"Devs" understands the characterization of Christopher Nolan's heroes better than any show on this list. The series follows an egotistical tech CEO, played by Nick Offerman, who attempts to subvert religious belief while inventing a new god through quantum computing. Its obsession with determinism and the precise nature of free will is reminiscent of both "Tenet" and "Inception." "Devs" is written and directed by Alex Garland, one of Nolan's contemporaries in British sci-fi filmmaking, and its exploration of the human condition and the impulse for mortals to play god is a testament to Nolan's thematic concerns.
Westworld (HBO)
Despite the disappointing circumstances of its end, "Westworld" is a landmark of television adaptations and serialized sci-fi storytelling. The series, created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, explores the structural ambition of the first season, which had the capacity to change the way a viewer thought about time in relation to the perception of events and the overarching narrative. "Westworld" is a direct, subversive use of time in storytelling, a technique Nolan has only been able to use reservedly. The series also delves into recurring themes of free will, morality, religion, and institutional distrust, making it a compelling watch for fans of Nolan's films.
Dark (Netflix)
"Dark" is a German series that takes place in a small town inexplicably connected to 1986 and 1953. It begins as a time travel mystery thriller but evolves into a profound meditation on the nature of free will and determinism. The series explores the philosophical approach similar to that exploited in "Inception" — as characters in "Dark" say throughout the series, actions are technically chosen, but the innate desires that influence those actions are not. "Dark" cuts to the heart of Nolan's fixation on control, where characters must defy the natural to succeed.
For All Mankind (Apple TV)
"For All Mankind" is a cosmic period drama that looks backward to a "What If?" alternate history. The series explores the inflection point for this cosmic period, where Soviet Russia beats the United States to the moon, leading to unpredictable long-term consequences. The show's approach to this "catastrophic" hypothetical is fascinatingly nuanced, emphasizing the reality that innovation usually paves the way for new methods of self-destruction. "For All Mankind" drives home the political and existential anxieties present in Nolan's recent work, offering a unique perspective on the human race's journey into space.
Chernobyl (HBO)
An Emmy Award-winning series, "Chernobyl" is one of the greatest historical miniseries ever produced. Like Nolan's "Oppenheimer," "Chernobyl" proves the historical drama can be combined with horror. The series explores the aftermath of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster, using the insidious fallout to examine how institutional dishonesty can be just as deadly. "Chernobyl" carries an air of existential dread, forcing the audience to confront the emotional reality of the darkest moments in human history.
Mr. Robot (USA)
"Mr. Robot" explores the idea of collectivism as both vital to the survival of humanity and a potential lever for total self-destruction. The series delves into the unreliable narrator, where the filmmaking is dedicated to putting the viewer inside the protagonist's mind, creating a paranoid viewing experience. "Mr. Robot" also examines the complexities of character-level subjectivity in cinematic storytelling, a theme that resonates with Nolan's work.
Homecoming (Amazon Prime Video)
"Homecoming" is a series that explores the central mystery of memory. The series intercuts the narrative with sequences from four years later, when the protagonist's character seems to live an entirely different, simpler life with no memory of her previous job. "Homecoming" rises to Nolan's level in terms of presentational ingenuity, genre, and thematic interests, offering a unique perspective on the human condition and the complexities of memory.
Severance (Apple TV)
"Severance" positions memory as the foundation of one's personality and personhood. The series imagines what might happen if a corporation found a means of editing that soul, separating it, and even cleansing it through biotechnological innovation. "Severance" is on par with Nolan's work as defining entertainment in the 2020s, exploring the complexities of memory and the human condition.
The Rehearsal (HBO)
"The Rehearsal" is a comedy series created by and starring Nathan Fielder, who stages elaborate recreations of real-life situations. The series is imbued with the singular style of Fielder, who may have molded his on-screen persona into the perfect Nolan-esque tragic hero. "The Rehearsal" explores the complexities of human experience and the tragic hero's journey, resonating with the themes and style of Nolan's films.
In conclusion, these 10 TV shows offer a unique perspective on the human condition, the complexities of memory, and the allure of the unknown, mirroring the thematic and stylistic nuances of Christopher Nolan's cinematic universe. From "The Prisoner" to "The Rehearsal," these series provide a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with fans of Nolan's films, offering a fresh and engaging take on the human experience.
