As much as I loved Westworld, it’s not HBO’s best sci-fi TV series. That honor belongs to another masterpiece. It’s been three years now since Westworld’s ending, and the TV series is still considered one of the most disappointing TV shows ever made, offering immense promise in its first season before taking a steep decline.
Regardless, Westworld has its virtues. Even if the show’s narrative didn’t pan out after a masterpiece premiere season, it’s difficult to think of a sci-fi TV series with such an outstanding cast and impeccable production value. HBO brings quality to every series, and it’s no wonder that the network has produced many of the best TV shows of all time.
The Leftovers Is A Philosophical Sci-Fi Masterpiece
The Leftovers Offers A Profound Approach To Its Themes Of Science & Faith
When considering HBO’s masterpiece shows, titles like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Band of Brothers are often listed. However, one of the most daring, profound TV shows they’ve ever made is The Leftovers, which was consistently snubbed by awards shows and ignored by mass audiences despite being lauded by critics.
I’ve often compared Westworld to Lost in terms of its ability to establish addictive, captivating mystery boxes that make it hard to turn off the TV. The Leftovers was created by Damon Lindelof, one of Lost’s showrunners, who has since developed shows like HBO’s Watchmen and the upcoming DCU Lanterns series.
The Leftovers is set in a world where 2% of the Earth’s population vanishes in an inexplicable event called the “Sudden Departure.” What ensues is a character-driven narrative set in the aftermath. As with many of Lindelof’s projects, The Leftovers explores philosophical themes about science and faith.
Unlike Westworld, The Leftovers Is Perfect From Start To Finish
The Leftovers Continuously Improves
Damon Lindelof is one of the most outstanding sci-fi writers in the industry, with work on the Alien franchise, Star Trek, and multiple DC projects. Nearly a decade after its final season, The Leftovers is still his magnum opus. Unlike Lost, which divided audiences over time, The Leftovers only continued to improve.
If you’re still lingering on the show’s unfortunate cancellation, The Leftovers is a perfect follow-up series.
I’ve often heard the critique that the series starts slowly. While I personally disagree with that assessment, I recommend sticking with it, as it only improves. Season 2 has one of the most astounding TV episodes of the 21st century, and season 3 offers one of the most beautiful endings in television history.
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Westworld could have gone down as one of the greatest TV shows of all time if not for its notable decline in quality. If you’re still lingering on the show’s unfortunate cancellation, The Leftovers is a perfect follow-up series.