Altered Carbon (2018)
A visually stunning cyberpunk noir from Netflix, where identity, mortality, and power collide across a darkly imagined future.
Altered Carbon - Series Information
- Original Title: Altered Carbon
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Laeta Kalogridis
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 2, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), February 2, 2018 (Canada - 18+), February 2, 2018 (United Kingdom - 18), February 2, 2018 (Germany - 16), February 2, 2018 (France - 16), February 2, 2018 (India - A), February 2, 2018 (New Zealand - 16), February 2, 2018 (Australia - MA 15+), February 2, 2018 (Brazil - 18), February 2, 2018 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: Mythology Entertainment, Skydance Television, Phoenix Pictures, Virago Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Altered Carbon (MX), Altered Carbon (IT), Модифікований карбон (UA), 碳變 (TW), 碳變 (HK), Modyfikowany Węgiel (PL), Видоизмененный углерод (RU), Θνητοί Θεοί (GR)
Altered Carbon - Plot
After 250 years on ice, a prisoner returns to life in a new body with one chance to win his freedom: by solving a mind-bending murder.
Altered Carbon - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Altered Carbon come to life:
No body lives forever.
Where to Watch Altered Carbon
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Altered Carbon - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Laeta Kalogridis
Main Cast
- Renée Elise Goldsberry
- Chris Conner
- Dichen Lachman
- Martha Higareda
- Ato Essandoh
- Joel Kinnaman
- James Purefoy
- Kristin Lehman
- Trieu Tran
- Hayley Law
Writers
- Richard K. Morgan
- Laeta Kalogridis
- Alison Schapker
- Nevin Densham
- Steve Blackman
Executive Producers
- Marcy Ross
- David Ellison
- Alison Schapker
- Laeta Kalogridis
- Bradley J. Fischer
Altered Carbon - FAQs
Is Altered Carbon based on a book or true story?
Altered Carbon is based on Richard K. Morgan's 2002 cyberpunk novel of the same name. It is entirely fictional, set in a distant future where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred between bodies. Morgan's novel was the first in his Takeshi Kovacs trilogy.
Why was Altered Carbon cancelled after two seasons?
Netflix cancelled Altered Carbon in 2020, citing the high production costs associated with its ambitious sci-fi world-building and visual effects. Despite a dedicated fanbase, the series did not attract sufficient viewership to justify its expensive budget, leading to its cancellation after Season 2.
Where can you stream Altered Carbon?
Altered Carbon is available to stream on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. Both seasons are available in full. You can compare all regional viewing options and check current availability on JustWatch.
Who are the main actors in Altered Carbon?
Season 1 stars Joel Kinnaman as Takeshi Kovacs, alongside James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Kristin Lehman, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman, and Ato Essandoh. Season 2 replaces Kinnaman with Anthony Mackie in the lead role, with Renée Elise Goldsberry, Simone Missick, and Lela Loren joining the cast.
How many seasons and episodes does Altered Carbon have?
Altered Carbon ran for two seasons and 18 total episodes. Season 1 consists of 10 episodes and Season 2 contains 8 episodes. The series aired on Netflix from February 2018 to February 2020 before being cancelled.
What is Altered Carbon about?
Set in a future where consciousness is stored on digital implants called cortical stacks, Altered Carbon follows ex-soldier Takeshi Kovacs, revived after 250 years to investigate a wealthy man's murder. The series blends neo-noir detective fiction with cyberpunk themes of identity, mortality, and class inequality.
What is the content rating for Altered Carbon?
Altered Carbon is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong violence, explicit sexual content, and adult language throughout both seasons. Viewer discretion is strongly advised for audiences under 17.
How was Altered Carbon received by critics?
Season 1 earned mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its stunning visuals, world-building, and noir atmosphere, though some found the plot overly dense. Season 2 received more mixed notices. The show holds a 67% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1 and was noted for its bold cyberpunk aesthetic.
More About Altered Carbon
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