Sense8 premiered on Netflix in 2015 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the attention of viewers with its unique concept, diverse cast, and stunning visuals. Unfortunately, the series was pulled after 2 seasons, if you miss the series, then for your consideration here is a list of 15 shows like Sense8 that might help you to fill the void. At its core, Sense8 tells the story of eight people from different parts of the world who become connected telepathically. As they navigate their new abilities and try to understand the mysterious forces behind their connection, they must also face personal struggles and external threats. The show features stunning cinematography, action sequences, and special effects.
List of TV Shows Like Sense8
1. Altered Carbon (2018)
Altered Carbon is set in the future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies or “sleeves” making immortality a reality for the wealthy. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator who is hired by a wealthy businessman to solve his own murder. As Kovacs navigates the seedy underbelly of society, he discovers a larger conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society.
In contrast to a series like Sense8, Altered Carbon is more action-oriented, with a focus on high-stakes investigations and political intrigue. But similarly, the show pushes the boundaries of traditional science fiction storytelling and offers compelling series to watch. If you’ve already seen it, check out our list of recommendations for shows like Altered Carbon.
2. Stranger Things (2016)
Stranger Things takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s. It revolves around the disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers, and the ensuing search for him. The search leads to the discovery of supernatural events, experiments conducted by a secret government agency, and the existence of an alternate dimension known as the “Upside Down.”
The story follows a group of friends, including Will’s mother and brother, who band together to uncover the truth and save their town from the dangers of Upside Down. Stranger Things, similar to shows like Sense8 explores the concept of alternate dimensions with a strong emphasis on friendship and the power of human connection in overcoming challenges. The horror-thriller Stranger Things is one of the best shows you can watch.
3. The Defenders (2017)
Marvel’s The Defenders is a show that brings together 4 of Marvel’s street-level heroes, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, to fight a common enemy. The series begins with each hero dealing with their demons and challenges, but as they come together, they realize they have a shared purpose. The show’s main villain is the Hand, a criminal organization that seeks to gain power and control through an ancient artefact.
The Defenders must put aside their differences and use their unique abilities to defeat the Hand and save New York City from destruction. The show is action-packed, and it explores themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and redemption. The Defenders is a great show similar to Sense8 in the world of superheroes.
4. The OA (2016)
The OA is a supernatural series that follows the story of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who disappeared for 7 years and returns with strange abilities and unexplained scars on her back. Prairie insists on being called the OA and claims to have visited a parallel dimension where she met other captives like herself.
Similar to shows like Sense8, The OA also centres around a group of people who have been brought together by a shared experience or destiny, forming an unlikely bond. There is significance given to identity, acceptance, and interconnectedness. The OA highlights the importance of community and the power of human connection. Another show canceled prematurely, The OA remains a fan favorite.
5. Legion (2017)
Legion is based on the Marvel Comics character David Haller, a mutant with vast psychic powers. The series follows David (played by Dan Stevens) as he struggles to understand and control his abilities while battling a host of psychological demons.
The show’s unique visual style, inspiration from the X-men universe, and strong performances from its cast made it a favourite among fans of the superhero and sci-fi television. Legion focuses on mental illness and identity with mind-bending and often abstract ideas, such as the nature of consciousness and the boundaries between reality and fantasy. As a fan of shows like Sense8, I highly recommend you Legion.
6. Travelers (2016)
A group of travelers, who are operatives from the future, travel back to the present to prevent the collapse of society. In their mission, they possess the bodies of people who are about to die, and work to prevent their death while at the same time attempting to accomplish their mission.
In Travelers, the operatives must navigate their new lives and relationships while also grappling with their own personal struggles and moral dilemmas. Similar to a series like Sense8, this series features a diverse cast and highlights the importance of human connection and empathy.
7. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Academy (2016)
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is a series based on the novels by Douglas Adams. It follows the bizarre and unpredictable adventures of Dirk Gently, a detective who believes in the interconnectedness of all things. Dirk operates under the principle of “holistic detection,” which involves using seemingly random events to solve cases.
Dirk is accompanied by his assistant, Todd, who reluctantly is taken in Dirk’s world of supernatural and strange occurrences. They navigate through a series of interlocking mysteries and conspiracies that involve time travel, alternate dimensions, and even a global apocalypse. The show is a blend of sci-fi, comedy, and mystery. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’s offbeat humor and imaginative storytelling make it an entertaining series similar to Sense8.
8. Wanted (2016)
Wanted is an Australian tv series about 2 strangers, Chelsea and Lola, who become unwittingly embroiled in a deadly carjacking that results in the death of a police officer. With the police hot on their heels, the women go on the run, desperately trying to clear their names and evade capture.
Along the way, they must rely on their wits, resourcefulness, and each other to survive as they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens to destroy their lives. Wanted is female-driven action-packed drama series similar to Sense8 that demonstrates the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.
9. Glitch (2015)
The story begins when several people in the small town of Yoorana rise from the dead, seemingly restored to life without any memory of their past. A police officer named James Hayes is tasked with investigating the phenomenon. As James tries to uncover the truth behind the resurrection, he must also deal with personal conflicts and tensions within the town.
In Glitch, the resurrected characters are connected by a shared energy field that seems to draw them together. The show skillfully balances its supernatural elements with a grounded approach to storytelling, exploring themes of death, identity, and human connection. Glitch is worth a watch for a fan of shows like Sense8.
10. Falling Water (2016)
Falling Water is one of the most exciting and intriguing series on this list. It explores a dark and dangerous world where characters are pulled back and forth between dreams and reality. 3 unrelated individuals discover that their dreams are interconnected, leading them on a journey to uncover the truth about their shared dream world.
The series is expertly cast, and intricately plotted. It manages the rare feat of delivering subtle and sophisticated storytelling while consistently deploying an increasingly awesome barrage of shocking surprises. You might enjoy watching it over the weekend if you are on the look out for a series similar to Sense8.
11. 12 Monkeys (2015)
Adapted from the 1995 film of the same name, The series 12 Monkeys follows James Cole, a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future who is sent back in time to prevent the release of a deadly virus that wiped out most of humanity. In his mission, Cole teams up with Dr Cassandra Railly, a virologist who becomes crucial in their race against time to save the future.
As the show progresses, Cole and his allies face numerous challenges and obstacles as they navigate different eras and timelines, all while trying to stop a shadowy organization called the Army of the 12 Monkeys from executing their plan. Similar to a show like Sense8, the story of 12 Monkeys spans multiple timelines and dimensions and should be a part of your list.
12. Humans (2015)
In Humans highly advanced robots known as Synths have become a common sight in society, set in a parallel present, the Synths take on menial jobs and perform various functions for humans. Similar to a series like Sense8, this show explores identity, ethics, and the nature of humanity in a world where technology is blurring the lines between man and machine.
A man called Joe buys a refurbished synth called Mia (played by Gemma Chan) to help his wife. Little do they know, the Synths start becoming increasingly intelligent and self-aware. Just as the Synths gain consciousness, they begin to question their role in society and their place in the world, leading to tensions and conflicts between humans and Synths.
13. The 100 (2014)
Set in the year 2149, this show follows a group of 100 juvenile delinquents who are sent from a space station back to Earth to determine whether it is habitable after a nuclear apocalypse. On Earth, they encounter various challenges, including other survivors and the mutated animals and plants that have developed in the wake of the disaster.
The characters face unfathomable moral dilemmas and are pushed to engage in battles for power and survival. The 100 represents what collective humanity is capable of in the most challenging situations similar to a series like Sense8.
14. Orphan Black (2013)
Orphan Black focuses on a young woman called Sarah Manning, who discovers that she is a clone. A role that won Tatiana Maslany a Primetime Emmy Award, is a discovery of Sarah as she finds that there are many more like her.
As she meets her identical clones, each has their own unique personality and talent. The clones together try to unravel the conspiracy involving their creation and the people who seek to control them. If you’re looking for shows similar to Sense8 with outstanding performance, Orphan Black won’t disappoint.
15. Fringe (2008)
This popular sci-fi mystery series called Fringe begins with an FBI team investigating a series of bizarre and seemingly unconnected cases, which lead them down a path of uncovering a vast conspiracy involving parallel universes, time travel, and other strange phenomena. If you’re already a fan, check out our list of shows like Fringe.
At the centre of the story is Olivia Dunham, an FBI agent with a troubled past, Dr Walter Bishop, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, and his son Peter, who has his own secrets. Together, they attempt to unravel the web of mysteries to save more than the world’s destruction. Fringe is an exceptional and beloved series similar to Sense8 full of twists and turns.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few shows like Sense8 that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out if you wish:
- Heroes
- Lost
- Alphas
- Believe
- The Tomorrow People
