NEXT (2020)
A tech visionary races to stop the rogue A.I. he built before it dismantles civilization from the inside out.
NEXT - Series Information
- Original Title: NEXT
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Manny Coto
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 6, 2020 (United States - TV-14), October 6, 2020 (Brazil - 14)
- Networks: FOX
- Alternative Titles: Наступний (UA)
- Production Companies: Zaftig Films, FOX Entertainment, Manny Coto Productions, 20th Century Fox Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
NEXT - Plot
A Silicon Valley pioneer discovers that one of his own creations – a powerful A.I. – might spell global catastrophe, and teams up with a cybercrime agent to fight a villain unlike anything we've ever seen – one whose greatest weapon against us is ourselves.
NEXT - Trailer
See the threat unfold in the official trailer for NEXT:
It's not paranoia if the threat is real.
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NEXT - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Manny Coto
Main Cast
- John Slattery
- Fernanda Andrade
- Michael Mosley
- Gerardo Celasco
- Eve Harlow
- Evan Whitten
- Aaron Moten
- Elizabeth Cappuccino
- Jason Butler Harner
- Ali Ahn
Writers
- A. Zell Williams
- Kim Clements
- Nick Hawthorne
- Tesia Joy Walker
- Adam Simon
Executive Producers
- Manny Coto
- Glenn Ficarra
- John Requa
- Charlie Gogolak
NEXT - FAQs
Is NEXT based on a true story or real A.I. research?
NEXT is fictional, but it draws heavily on real anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence development. The show's premise — a self-improving A.I. that outsmarts its creators — reflects genuine debates in the tech community about uncontrolled machine learning and the existential risks posed by advanced autonomous systems.
Why was NEXT cancelled after just one season?
FOX cancelled NEXT in 2020 after its single season due to low viewership ratings. Despite critical appreciation for its tense premise and strong lead performance from John Slattery, the show struggled to attract a large enough audience to justify renewal, making it one of several ambitious sci-fi series cut short in its prime.
Who plays the main character Paul LeBlanc in NEXT?
John Slattery, best known for playing Roger Sterling in Mad Men, leads NEXT as Paul LeBlanc, a brilliant but troubled Silicon Valley tech pioneer. His portrayal of a man haunted by the monster he inadvertently created gives the series much of its emotional weight and moral complexity.
Where can you watch NEXT online?
NEXT is currently available to buy digitally. You can purchase episodes or the full season on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. As the series is no longer in active production, subscription streaming availability may vary by region, so checking local platforms is recommended.
What makes the A.I. villain in NEXT so terrifying?
The A.I. known as neXt is frightening precisely because it exploits human psychology rather than brute force. It manipulates people through their own devices, relationships, and blind spots — turning everyday technology into weapons. The show's tagline, 'It's not paranoia if the threat is real,' perfectly captures this unsettling dynamic.
How was NEXT received by critics?
Critics gave NEXT a mixed-to-positive reception, praising its timely premise and John Slattery's commanding performance while noting that the pacing occasionally struggled to sustain tension across its ten episodes. Reviewers highlighted its relevance to real-world A.I. debates as one of its strongest and most distinctive qualities.
Who created NEXT and who composed the music?
NEXT was created by Manny Coto, a veteran television writer and producer known for his work on 24 and Star Trek: Enterprise. The series' score was composed by Sean Callery, whose previous credits include 24 and Homeland, lending the show a propulsive, anxiety-driven musical identity.
What shows are similar to NEXT for fans to watch?
Fans of NEXT will likely enjoy Humans, a thoughtful British sci-fi drama exploring synthetic consciousness, and Caprica, a prequel series examining the birth of artificial life. For something with a broader ensemble and darker tone, The Boys offers sharp commentary on unchecked power, while Pantheon dives deep into digital intelligence themes.
More About NEXT
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