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Best series to watch if you like Mr. Robot

If you're a fan of Mr. Robot's complex plots, deep characters, and explorations of technology and society, finding your next binge can be a challenge. This list offers shows that capture a similar spirit of intrigue, psychological depth, and narrative ambition.

Westworld
Utopia
Person of Interest

Mr. Robot carved out a unique space in television with its unflinching look at mental health, corporate malfeasance, and the power (and danger) of technology. Elliot Alderson's journey through a fractured reality, coupled with the show's intricate hacking sequences and bold visual style, left audiences craving more.

The series that resonate with Mr. Robot fans often share its willingness to challenge viewers with complex narratives, unreliable perspectives, and a focus on characters grappling with internal and external conflicts on a grand scale. You'll find shows here that dive into the dark side of technology, explore the nature of reality, feature brilliant but troubled protagonists, or weave mysteries that demand your full attention.

These series often blend genres, pushing the boundaries of what television can do, much like Mr. Robot did. They aren't just entertainment; they're experiences that linger long after the credits roll, inviting discussion and rewatches to uncover hidden layers.

10. The Expanse (2015)

If the corporate and political conspiracy aspects of Mr. Robot appealed to you, but you're looking for a grander scale, The Expanse delivers a complex, politically charged science fiction epic. Set hundreds of years in the future when humanity has colonized the Solar System, the show follows a disparate group – a detective, a ship's crew, and a politician – who uncover a vast conspiracy that threatens to plunge the entire system into war.

Based on the popular novels, The Expanse is praised for its realistic portrayal of space travel and physics, its intricate world-building, and its compelling narrative that weaves together multiple storylines across planets and asteroid belts. It's a show about power struggles, class conflict, and the fight for survival on a galactic stage, with a strong emphasis on character development and smart, hard-sci-fi concepts.

The Expanse

9. The Americans (2013)

For viewers who appreciate the psychological depth, exploration of dual identities, and the pervasive sense of paranoia found in Mr. Robot, The Americans offers a compelling spy drama set during the Cold War. The series follows Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in suburban Washington, D.C., and their children, who are unaware of their parents' true identities.

The show is critically acclaimed for its nuanced portrayal of its complex characters, exploring the personal toll of living a double life and the moral ambiguities of their mission. It's a slow-burn thriller that focuses on espionage tradecraft, political intrigue, and the intense emotional drama within the Jennings family. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys deliver powerful performances, making this a captivating look at duty, deception, and identity.

The Americans

8. Halt and Catch Fire (2014)

While less focused on hacking and conspiracy than Mr. Robot, Halt and Catch Fire shares a fascination with the world of technology and the ambitious, often flawed, individuals driving innovation. Set in the 1980s and 90s, the series chronicles the rise of the personal computer and the internet through the eyes of a visionary, a talented engineer, and a gifted programmer as they navigate the competitive tech landscape.

The show is a superb character study, delving deep into the motivations, struggles, and relationships of its protagonists. It captures the spirit of innovation and the challenges of building something new, while also exploring themes of partnership, ambition, and the relentless pace of technological change. It's a beautifully crafted period piece that offers a grounded, human perspective on the industry that laid the groundwork for the digital age.

Halt and Catch Fire

7. Dark (2017)

If you enjoyed the complex, interwoven mysteries and the dark, atmospheric tone of Mr. Robot, Germany's Dark is a series that excels in intricate plotting and a pervasive sense of dread. Set in the fictional town of Winden, the disappearance of a child exposes the hidden connections and secrets among four estranged families, slowly revealing a mind-bending conspiracy that spans across generations.

The show is known for its incredibly dense narrative structure, involving time travel and multiple timelines that weave together in surprising ways. It requires attention to detail and rewards viewers who enjoy piecing together a complex puzzle. Dark is a philosophical and existential exploration of fate, causality, and the cyclical nature of time, all wrapped up in a beautifully shot and intensely compelling mystery.

Dark

6. Orphan Black (2013)

Delving into themes of identity, corporate control, and intense conspiracy, Orphan Black offers a thrilling sci-fi experience that fans of Mr. Robot's darker, more paranoid elements might appreciate. The series kicks off when a streetwise woman named Sarah Manning witnesses the suicide of a woman who looks exactly like her, leading her down a rabbit hole into a world of illegal human cloning.

Tatiana Maslany's performance is an absolute tour-de-force; she plays multiple distinct clone characters, often interacting with each other in the same scenes, with incredible skill and nuance. The show is a high-stakes chase with constant reveals and twists, exploring the ethical implications of biotechnology while delivering a compelling, character-driven narrative about sisterhood and survival against a powerful, hidden enemy.

Orphan Black

5. Person of Interest (2011)

While it starts as a more procedural show, Person of Interest quickly evolves into a sophisticated and compelling sci-fi thriller with strong ties to themes of surveillance, artificial intelligence, and corporate/government conspiracy, much like Mr. Robot. The premise involves a mysterious billionaire programmer who has built an AI system (The Machine) that can predict future crimes, and he teams up with a former CIA operative to prevent them.

As the series progresses, it delves deeper into the nature of the AI, the ethics of surveillance, and the emergence of rival AI systems. The show gained a reputation for its surprisingly deep philosophical discussions and its ability to weave complex, serialized arcs within its procedural framework. It's a smart, well-written series that became far more than just a 'case-of-the-week' show.

Person of Interest

4. Utopia (2013)

The original UK version of Utopia is a cult classic for a reason and a great follow-up if you enjoyed Mr. Robot's conspiracy elements and dark, stylized aesthetic. The series follows a group of strangers who find themselves in possession of the manuscript for a legendary graphic novel, which is rumored to predict major global disasters. This quickly pulls them into a deep, dangerous conspiracy involving a shadowy organization known as The Network.

Known for its striking cinematography, unsettling atmosphere, and sudden bursts of graphic violence, Utopia is a relentless thriller. It balances its dark themes with a unique brand of pitch-black humor. The show is not afraid to be bold and unpredictable, making it a genuinely thrilling and distinctive watch for anyone who loves a good, paranoid conspiracy story.

Utopia

3. Westworld (2016)

Exploring themes of consciousness, control, corporate power, and the nature of reality, Westworld shares significant DNA with Mr. Robot, albeit in a futuristic theme park setting populated by advanced androids (Hosts). What starts as a look into a world built for human indulgence quickly spirals into a complex narrative about artificial intelligence gaining sentience and rebelling against its creators.

The series is renowned for its intricate, multi-layered plotlines and non-linear storytelling, which demands attention and rewards careful viewing. It features a phenomenal ensemble cast, including Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, and Jeffrey Wright, delivering performances that anchor the show's ambitious philosophical questions. If you appreciate shows that make you think deeply about technology, power structures, and what it means to be 'real', Westworld is a must-watch journey.

Westworld

2. Black Mirror (2011)

For those who love the social commentary and technological anxieties explored in Mr. Robot, Black Mirror is essential viewing. This anthology series masterfully presents standalone stories, each delving into the dark side of technology and its impact on society and individual lives.

Every episode is a self-contained cautionary tale, ranging from unsettling near-future scenarios to chilling dystopias. The show excels at taking a single technological concept – like advanced social credit systems, immersive virtual reality, or memory recording devices – and exploring its potential terrifying consequences. It's sharp, thought-provoking, and often leaves you questioning your own relationship with technology and the direction humanity is heading. Prepare to feel uncomfortable, challenged, and utterly captivated.

Black Mirror

1. Legion (2017)

If the psychological breakdown and unreliable narrator aspects of Mr. Robot hooked you, then Legion is an absolute must-watch. This series, based on the Marvel Comics character David Haller (Professor X's son), is less about superheroes and more about exploring the fractured mind of a diagnosed schizophrenic who might actually be the most powerful mutant in the world.

The show is a visual and narrative masterpiece, constantly playing with perspective, reality, and memory. The surreal set design, the anachronistic fashion and music, and the absolutely bonkers storytelling create an experience unlike anything else on television. Dan Stevens gives an incredible performance as David, navigating layers of perceived reality and internal battles. It's a deep dive into mental health, power, and identity, wrapped in a stylish, mind-bending package.

Legion

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