Even thoughInvinciblegot rave reviews, J.K. Simmons' outstanding sci fi drama series,Counterpart, probably tops it. AmongJ.K. Simmons' best TV showssits this gem, nestled in the back catalog of one of the lesser-known American TV channels. American actor J.K. Simmons has been active since 1986, making his name in shows likeSpin CityandOz. His expertise in the action and sci-fi genres led to masterpieces likeInvincible, which may encourage fans of the actor to look further afield for their Simmons sci-fi fix.
Invinciblegave the world some ofthe best sci-fi TV characters of all time, from Steven Yeun’s Mark Greyson to J.K. Simmons' Omni-Man. Its genuine and often emotional portrayal of the consequences of superhero responsibility had real-world connotations that resonated with people from all walks of life. Meanwhile, it is Simmons' work inCounterpartthat may end up leaving the biggest mark on TV and sci-fi culture. This two-season tour de force could show smaller sci-fi shows how it’s done.
Counterpart Is An Underrated Sci-Fi Show About Alternate Universes
The J.K. Simmons Series Deserves More Recognition
Premiering in 2017,Counterpartexplores multiple universes that are closer to the one we know and love than many of the wacky settings explored in sci-fi. It was one of the best sci-fi TV shows on Amazon Prime Video, without a shadow of a doubt.Part ofCounterpart’ssuccess was how relatable it wasto action movies and thriller series, presenting worlds just inches apart from the real one. This created an uncanny sense of time and space, a bit like the fantasy seriesHis Dark Materials, set in an alternate Oxford.
Counterpartexplores multiple universes that are closer to the one we know and love than many of the wacky settings explored in sci-fi.
InCounterpart,two worlds called Alpha and Prime were discovered in a science experiment in the 1980s. These worlds collided, pitting secret agents against each other when suspicions arose.Rick and MortyandDark Matterexplore intriguing multiverses too, but their parallel worlds don’t have the same convincing tone asCounterpart.It was so easy to believe that the situation inCounterpartcould actually happen, especially with all the political tension going on in the world. Thisunderrated TV series on Starzmade its way to Amazon Prime Video eventually, proving its popularity.
Why The Reviews For Counterpart Were So Positive
It’s A Wholly Engrossing Sci-Fi Series
WhileInvinciblehas an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes,Counterparthas a perfect score. This is particularly impressive, makingCounterpartone of theTV shows with 100% for every season on Rotten Tomatoes.What critics appreciated was the moral depth ofCounterpart, which consistently asked questions about whether there could be a better version of the human race. In the face-offs between spies of different worlds,Counterpartproved that it doesn’t matter whether the human race gets another chance or not. Greed will always destroy, but love will always create.
Counterpart’s Cancellation After Just Two Seasons Was Hugely Disappointing
It Overly Favored A Male Demographic
Fans ofCounterpart, J.K. Simmons, and sci-fi all mourned whenCounterpartwas canceled after only two seasons. This hugely disappointing move was more complicated than some might think. Starz does have to take viewership into account when deciding on whether to renew its TV series, but it also has to consider its overarching strategy.Counterpartdidn’t have a huge network, and so it got left behind by other sci-fi shows airing at the time on bigger channels, despite being a critical hit. ButCounterpartalso didn’t quite fit with Starz’s strategy going forward.
Speaking toCinemaBlend, Starz COO Jeffrey Hirsch confirmed thatCounterparthad a heavily male demographic. He said, “When you look at bringing shows back, it really has to serve that core premium female audience and if it doesn’t we have to find something else. If it doesn’t serve our core strategy, we’re just not going to do it.” Since the show didn’t serve Starz’s core premium female audience, unfortunately, it met its end after season 2. Regardless,Counterpartwill be remembered as some of J.K. Simmons' best-ever work.
Counterpart
Cast
Counterpart is a science fiction thriller series that stars J.K. Simmons as Howard Silk, a low-level bureaucrat who discovers his organization is hiding a parallel universe. As Howard navigates this revelation, he confronts his doppelgänger from the other side, uncovering intense espionage and political intrigue.
