Even as an entertainment editor, there are only so many hours in a week for me to catch up on the latest shows and movies on streaming (don’t even get me started on trying to see films in the actual theater). And so, admittedly, I’m a little behind getting to one of the buzziest thrillers of 2024, Netflix’s 3 Body Problem. But as anyone who didn’t join Lost until season two or waited until after the Red Wedding aired to binge-watch Game of Thrones knows, better late than never.
I Finally Started Watching the Buzziest Netflix Thriller of 2024—and I’m Obsessed After Just One Episode
It’s from the creators of ‘Game of Thrones’
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Published May 21, 2024
Ed Miller/Netflix
And speaking of Game of Thrones, 3 Body Problem comes from the epic HBO series’ creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, in addition to Alexander Woo. The show is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Liu Cixin.
The sci-fi mystery series follows multiple timelines—in the past and the present—and is filled with action, Lost-like twists and top-notch special effects (from the guys who brought us flying dragons, I’d expect no less). Without giving too much away, at the start of the show, we learn that the world’s top scientists keep mysteriously turning up dead (usually by suicide) in the most gruesome of ways. What could be causing these deaths? One detective is determined to find out—and the answer (or what I think is the answer after watching the first episode and a half) is truly wild.
Ed Miller/Netflix
As with Game of Thrones, there are a lot of storylines to follow and a lot of intricate layers to the plot. But fortunately, there are fewer characters and the storyline is presented in an easily digestible way, so I’m not sitting there thinking to myself what the hell is actually going on?
Even though I wouldn’t call this a binge watch—the episodes are on the longer side and I wanted to process a bit after the first iteration, I’ll certainly be sad once the season comes to a close. Fortunately, fans like myself will be happy to know that Netflix has already ordered more episodes of 3 Body Problem (though it’s unclear how many or if it will be a full season, partial season or even multiple seasons).
Maria Haras/Netflix
3 Body Problem is complex, fun and a true mystery, with a constant flow of clues, reveals and twists. I can’t wait to finish it (which should be any day now) and I can only imagine that the ending will be just as dramatic and jaw-dropping as the first episode.
