Watch The Peripheral

The Peripheral is a sci-fi thriller adapted from the William Gibson novel of the same name. The series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in late 2022, is set in two different futures and follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the consequences of technological advancement.

The show is anchored by the performances of Chloe Grace Moretz and Jack Reynor, who play siblings Flynne and Burton. Flynne is a young woman living in a near-future rural town who supplements her income by beta-testing a new virtual reality gaming system. Burton is her brother, a disgraced veteran who has returned from serving overseas with some serious physical and mental scars. When Flynne witnesses a gruesome murder in the game, she inadvertently becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that spans multiple timelines and realities.

The Peripheral is a complex show, with lots of moving parts and a plot that takes some time to fully come into focus. But it rewards patient viewers with a gripping story that blends elements of cyberpunk, time travel, and political intrigue. The show's writing team has done an excellent job of distilling Gibson's dense prose into a compelling visual narrative, and the visuals are truly stunning. The different versions of the future are both familiar and radically different from our own, filled with strange creatures, advanced technology, and breathtaking landscapes.

One of the things that sets The Peripheral apart from other sci-fi shows is its commitment to portraying a truly diverse cast of characters. Alongside Moretz and Reynor, the show features an impressive supporting cast that includes T'Nia Miller, Charlotte Riley, and Gary Carr. While the characters come from a variety of backgrounds and have different motivations and agendas, they all feel fully realized and three-dimensional. It's refreshing to see a show that's willing to take the time to explore the inner lives of its characters, rather than simply treating them as plot devices.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about The Peripheral is the way it explores complex themes and ideas without ever feeling didactic. The show asks big questions about the nature of reality, humanity's relationship with technology, and the ways power and privilege shape our lives. But it does so in a way that feels organic and grounded in the characters' experiences. The Peripheral is a show that invites its viewers to think deeply about these issues, but never forgets that it's also there to entertain.

Overall, The Peripheral is a bold and ambitious show that rewards viewers who are willing to engage with its complex narrative and themes. With stunning visuals, great performances, and a gripping story, it's one of the best sci-fi shows to debut in recent years. Whether you're a longtime fan of William Gibson's writing or simply looking for a thoughtful, engrossing TV experience, this is a show you won't want to miss.

The Peripheral is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 21, 2022 and on Amazon Studios