Bryan Cranston stars in underrated sci-fi anthology Electric Dreams, a fascinating show that offers a thoughtful alternative to Black Mirror for science fiction fans. Debuting in 2017, Electric Dreams adapts the work of Philip K. Dick, delivering stories rich with hope, humanity, and a fresh lens on technology’s impact.
Electric Dreams Offers a Unique Take on Sci-Fi Storytelling
Electric Dreams, which first aired on Channel 4 in the UK before streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video, draws its core inspiration from the acclaimed short stories of sci-fi author Philip K. Dick. He is best known for works that later inspired major films, including Blade Runner. While Black Mirror became widely popular as a dark anthology series, Electric Dreams carved its own identity by embracing a gentler and often more optimistic view of the future, as seen through technology’s reach.
The series received a 72% critic rating and a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite positive critical attention, it never quite found the same widespread audience as Black Mirror, its Netflix-based rival. Still, for sci-fi favorites and enthusiasts, Electric Dreams stood out for offering stories that felt more humane and reflective, steering clear of constant doom and paranoia.
Bryan Cranston’s Dual Role Elevates the Series
One of Electric Dreams’ biggest draws is the involvement of Bryan Cranston, who both stars in and produces the show. Cranston appears in the episode “Human Is,” portraying Silas, a stern military man on a deteriorating Earth. After returning from an alien planet, Silas exhibits a surprising shift—becoming empathetic and affectionate, which causes his wife to question his true identity. This narrative, rich with classic Philip K. Dick twists, ponders what truly defines a person’s humanity: is it biology, or the capacity for empathy and love?
I don’t want to sound Pollyanna-ish, but Electric Dreams actually has a very positive outlook on life, hidden in this dystopian sci-fi future.
—Bryan Cranston, Producer and Actor
“Human Is” sets the tone for the anthology, demonstrating how the series applies a positive outlook to its often dystopian settings. Rather than focusing solely on the darker side of future technology, it examines the depths of the human spirit and our ability to change.
Notable Episodes and an All-Star Cast Make Electric Dreams Stand Out
Electric Dreams features a selection of standalone stories, each adapting a different narrative from Philip K. Dick’s vault of imaginative works. Episodes like “Autofac” present Janelle Monáe as an android in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by automated factories, echoing wider societal anxieties with an inventive twist. Another notable entry, “Real Life,” stars Anna Paquin and Terrence Howard, delving into grief, trauma, and the nature of reality through a high-concept shared simulation scenario.
The show boasts an impressive lineup of acting talent, including Steve Buscemi, Vera Farmiga, and Richard Madden. Despite this exceptional roster and strong writing, Electric Dreams never gained the same level of mainstream visibility as Black Mirror. Factors like its release timing—launching as Black Mirror was peaking—and the absence of Netflix’s extensive global platform contributed to its relative obscurity.
Why Electric Dreams Deserves a Second Look
While both Electric Dreams and Black Mirror share a fascination with technology’s role in society, Electric Dreams distinguishes itself by focusing on hope, philosophical exploration, and human connection. Its reflective tone often prioritizes introspection over shocking plot twists, encouraging viewers to look beyond mere dystopia to what makes us truly human—empathy, love, and our capacity for change.
Fans of Vera Farmiga, Richard Madden, Anna Paquin, Janelle Monáe, Steve Buscemi, and Terrence Howard will find themselves treated to smart, emotionally resonant storytelling. The stories speak not just to sci-fi fans, but also to anyone interested in how technology may shape, challenge, and ultimately bring out the best in us.
Electric Dreams in Today’s Streaming World
In an era crowded with sequels and reboots, Electric Dreams stands apart as a sci-fi anthology with heart and ambition. Its deep connection to the work of Philip K. Dick lends the series both intellectual heft and narrative creativity. While Black Mirror’s future remains uncertain, those seeking thought-provoking stories with a touch of optimism will find Electric Dreams a rewarding experience.
Though Electric Dreams did not become a cultural juggernaut, it holds a special place for viewers who seek science fiction that questions, challenges, and uplifts. By reimagining what it means to be human in a technology-driven world, the show proves itself as a worthy peer to the greats, inviting new audiences to discover its vision.
You can watch Electric Dreams now on Prime Video in the United States.
