Aquarius (2015)
A gripping NBC crime drama that plunges into the dark orbit of Charles Manson through the eyes of a determined LAPD detective.
Aquarius - Series Information
- Original Title: Aquarius
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: John McNamara
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 28, 2015 (United States - TV-14), May 28, 2015 (Germany - 18), May 28, 2015 (France - 12), May 28, 2015 (Australia - MA 15+), May 28, 2015 (Spain - 18), May 28, 2015 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Tomorrow Studios, McNamara Moving Company, King Baby, Fabrication
- Production Countries: United States of America
Aquarius - Plot
In the late 1960s, a Los Angeles police sergeant with a complicated personal life starts tracking a small-time criminal and budding cult leader seeking out vulnerable women to join his "cause." The name of that man is Charles Manson.
Aquarius - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chilling world of Aquarius come to life:
Murder. Madness. Manson.
Where to Watch Aquarius
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Aquarius - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John McNamara
Main Cast
- David Duchovny
- Grey Damon
- Gethin Anthony
- Emma Dumont
- Claire Holt
- Michaela McManus
- Brían F. O'Byrne
- Milauna Jackson
- Ambyr Childers
- Chance Kelly
Writers
- Sera Gamble
- Rafael Yglesias
- John McNamara
Executive Producers
- Sera Gamble
Aquarius - FAQs
Is Aquarius based on a true story?
Aquarius is rooted in real history. Charles Manson, the cult leader at the center of the story, was a genuine historical figure whose followers committed the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969. The show blends documented facts about Manson's rise with a fictional LAPD detective named Sam Hodiak.
Who plays Charles Manson in Aquarius?
Welsh actor Gethin Anthony portrays Charles Manson throughout the series. Anthony brings an unsettling charisma to the role, capturing Manson's manipulative charm and the hypnotic pull he exerted over vulnerable young followers during the late 1960s counterculture era.
Where can you stream Aquarius?
Aquarius is currently available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. If you prefer to own the series, episodes are available for purchase through the Apple TV Store. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Who stars as Detective Sam Hodiak in Aquarius?
David Duchovny leads the cast as Detective Sam Hodiak, a grizzled LAPD sergeant navigating both the Manson investigation and a turbulent personal life. Duchovny brings weathered authority to the role, making Hodiak a compelling anchor in a world rapidly unraveling around him.
Why was Aquarius cancelled after two seasons?
NBC cancelled Aquarius in 2016 after two seasons, primarily due to declining viewership ratings. Despite a bold experiment in which NBC released the entire first season online simultaneously with its broadcast premiere, the show struggled to build a large enough audience to justify a third season.
How was Aquarius received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed but generally favorable toward the performances. Reviewers praised David Duchovny's commanding lead turn and Gethin Anthony's chilling portrayal of Manson, while some critics felt the procedural elements occasionally overshadowed the show's more compelling historical and psychological dimensions.
What is the setting and time period of Aquarius?
Aquarius unfolds in late 1960s Los Angeles, immersing viewers in the era's counterculture upheaval, social tensions, and the dawning of the Manson Family's sinister influence. The period setting is richly detailed, from the music and fashion to the political anxieties defining that turbulent decade.
What are some shows similar to Aquarius?
If Aquarius hooked you, Crime Story and Hill Street Blues offer similarly gritty period police drama. For true-crime procedural tension, Interrogation and Murder in a Small Town are strong picks. Inspector George Gently delivers comparable detective work set against a vivid historical backdrop.
More About Aquarius
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