Utopia

The Utopia Experiments is a legendary graphic novel shrouded in mystery. When a group of strangers find themselves in possession of an original manuscript, their lives suddenly and brutally implode.

Utopia (2013-2014) is a British conspiracy thriller created by Dennis Kelly for Channel 4. Across two seasons and twelve fifty-minute episodes, a group of strangers who come into possession of an original manuscript for a legendary graphic novel called The Utopia Experiments find their ordinary lives violently unravelling. Wilson (Adeel Akhtar) and Becky (Alexandra Roach) are drawn into a pursuit that brings them into contact with Jessica Hyde (Fiona O'Shaughnessy), a fierce and enigmatic figure, while a sinister network of operatives led by Arby (Neil Maskell) and Michael Dugdale (Paul Higgins) hunts the manuscript's secrets. The engine of the show is a relentless chase in which every hiding place becomes a trap and each revelation exposes a deeper layer of institutional cruelty. Episodes are built around tense confrontations, sudden bursts of brutal violence and grim, darkly comic set pieces. Its tone is paranoid, macabre and propulsive, with an absurd streak running beneath the dread. Fans of The X-Files, Hannibal and The Crown will find resonance in its shadowy state secrets and unsettling atmosphere. The story moves through contemporary Britain, with the conspiracy spreading into the lives of ordinary people who never asked to be involved.

Acclaimed by audiences for its menacing conspiracy plotting, shocking violence and dark comic edge, though its tonal extremes divide some viewers.

• Hannibalshared cynical conspiracy thriller tone with a shadowy government agency and graphic violence
• The X-Filesshared paranoid conspiracy thriller tone, cult-like secret organisation and serialized mystery
• The Crownshared dark British thriller register with a sinister pharmaceutical or state conspiracy and a flu-like outbreak
• Fleabagshared macabre, absurd British black comedy edge mixed with brutal thriller violence and a hunted outsider

Created by

Dennis Kelly

Release Date

2013-01-15

Episode runtime

50 min

Rating

8.4 / 10 (725)

What is Utopia about?

Strangers who come into possession of a mysterious graphic novel manuscript find their lives brutally unravel as a shadowy conspiracy closes in.

What is Utopia like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Utopia as breakneck, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as dense.

Is Utopia violent?

Yes. Ember rates the violence in Utopia as graphic.

What did critics think of Utopia?

Acclaimed by audiences for its menacing conspiracy plotting, shocking violence and dark comic edge, though its tonal extremes divide some viewers.

Which shows are like Utopia?

Shows with a similar feel include Hannibal, The X-Files, The Crown, and Fleabag.

How long is Utopia?

Utopia: 2 seasons, 12 episodes.

Is Utopia still running?

No, Utopia was canceled.

Where can I watch Utopia?

In United States, Utopia streams on Britbox Apple TV channel, BritBox Amazon Channel.