Netflix has quietly added a ‘masterpiece’ drama series that is said to be ‘perfect for Black Mirror fans’.
Years and Years was originally broadcast on the BBC in 2019. It was a joint production with HBO, with the show created and written by Russell T. Davies, who is known for his work on Doctor Who, Torchwood, It’s A Sin and more. Now, the limited series was added to Netflix’s extensive library as of the most recent weekend.
It’s good news for fans who may have missed out on the series first time round as even though it was broadcast on BBC, it is not currently available on the iPlayer. It is expected to gain a new increased fan base after being included on the streaming giant.
Years and Years is described as a dystopian series and follows an ordinary British family who have to contend with the hopes, anxieties and joys of an uncertain future. Across six episodes, their story begins in 2019 but viewers follow the characters 15 years into the future in a more unstable world.
Members of the Lyons clan converge for the birth of the newest family member, baby Lincoln, and an outspoken celebrity begins her transformation into a political figure whose controversial opinions will divide the nation.
As the Britain of this imaginary drama is rocked by political, economic and technological advances, the family experiences everything hoped for in the future, and everything that is feared. Its cast includes a stellar lineup of talent with the likes of Emma Thompson, Rory Kinnear, Russell Tovey and Jessica Hynes in major roles.
The show boasts an 89% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes and is recommended to viewers who may have already binged their way through the latest season of Black Mirror. That is because many characters are seen having to cope with changes in technology.
Many critics were quick to praise the show upon its initial release although some admitted it could be a difficult watch for some. One reviewer claimed: “More often than not, Years and Years is a smart, funny, and genuinely emotional ride that comments on current-day anxieties and the pliable yet resilient nature of the family unit. It’s terrifying, tender, and true.”
Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like The Last of Us and Black Mirror.
Meanwhile, one critic put forward: “It’s all a queasy reminder of how, in a hop, skip and a Facebook click, the world is sleepwalking its way to the apocalypse. Forget five years, in fiction ‘the future’ has always meant ‘now’.”
A viewer also shared their thoughts online and posted on Reddit saying: ” Years and Years is a masterpiece that that is more relevant now than ever. It’s essentially a show that asks ‘What if everything went wrong in the most predictable way possible?’ It’s a dystopia and analyses almost every single crisis or potential crisis that our world is facing right now.”
Another added: “A very realistic and therefore terrifying cautionary tale of where we might be going in the near future. Or, Black Mirror done right.”
While a third claimed: “Quite simply one of the best things I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how anyone can criticise it at all.”
They continued: “Not only does it present a scary, near -future scenario that is uncomfortably realistic feeling, but beyond the doom and gloom, it provides realistic hope and beauty at the end. I’m stunned by this series.”
Years and Years is streaming on Netflix.
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