Watch His Dark Materials

His Dark Materials is a fantasy drama series based on the trilogy of novels by British author Philip Pullman. The show is produced by HBO and BBC studios and comprises three seasons, spanning a total of 22 episodes. Led by a talented cast, the series presents a breathtaking visual spectacle and an epic story that captivates the audience from the first episode.

Set in a parallel universe known as the multiverse, the show takes place in a world that is similar to our own but has some major differences, the most significant being that every human is accompanied by a daemon. A daemon is a physical manifestation of a person's soul, which takes the form of an animal and acts as a loyal companion throughout their life.

The plot of the show follows the journey of Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), a young girl who is entrusted with a mysterious object called an alethiometer. This device, also known as a truth-telling compass, has the power to give insight into any question asked of it, and its secrets are fiercely guarded by a secretive organisation called the Magisterium. Lyra's mission is to uncover the truth about her mother and the Magisterium, which she discovers are interconnected in ways she never imagined.

Lyra is accompanied on her journey by Will Parry (Kit Connor), a boy from our world who has stumbled upon a portal that links his world to Lyra's. Together, they find themselves embroiled in a world of adventure, danger and magic, with a host of fantastical creatures and villains chasing them every step of the way.

The series is a visual feast, boasting stunning sets and breathtaking locations that bring the worlds of Philip Pullman's novels to life. The CGI effects are top-notch, with each character's daemon being a highlight. The show explores a wide range of themes, including freedom, physics, morality, theology and politics, making it a thought-provoking series that goes beyond the typical boundaries of a fantasy show.

Dafne Keen delivers a remarkable performance as Lyra, capturing the character's strong-willed and adventurous nature with ease. Kit Connor is equally impressive as Will, bringing a sense of compassion and maturity to the role. The rest of the cast, including Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter, James McAvoy as Lord Asriel and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby, all give standout performances, creating a fully realised world of characters that draw the audience into the story.

While the show remains faithful to Philip Pullman's source material, it is not afraid to diverge from the books in order to craft an engaging television series. The first season follows the events of the first book, Northern Lights (also known as The Golden Compass in North America), while the second and third seasons combine elements from the second and third books, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass.

His Dark Materials is a well-executed series that showcases the best elements of the fantasy genre, from its rich mythology and unforgettable characters to its stunning visuals and themes that transcend the fantastical. The show is a must-watch for fans of the books, as well as for those who are new to the world of Lyra and want to embark on an epic adventure that will keep them hooked to their screens.

His Dark Materials is a series that ran for 3 seasons (23 episodes) between November 1, 2019 and on HBO