Awake (2012)
A haunting NBC drama about a detective trapped between two realities, where both his wife and son are alive — but never at the same time.
Awake - Series Information
- Original Title: Awake
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2012
- Created by: Kyle Killen
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 1, 2012 (United States - TV-14), March 1, 2012 (Germany - 12), March 1, 2012 (France - 12), March 1, 2012 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Teakwood Lane Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, Letter Eleven
- Production Countries: United States of America
Awake - Plot
Michael lives in two separate realities after a car accident. In one reality, his wife Hannah survives the accident; in the other reality, his son Rex survives. Michael does not know which reality is "real", and uses the wristbands to differentiate the two. He sees two therapists: Dr. Jonathan Lee in the "red reality" and Dr. Judith Evans in the "green reality". At work, Michael's erratic behavior triggers clashes with his team; they do not know about Michael's uncanny ability to solve crimes using details from both realities.
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Awake - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kyle Killen
Main Cast
- Jason Isaacs
- Wilmer Valderrama
- Steve Harris
- Dylan Minnette
- Laura Allen
- Michaela McManus
- Cherry Jones
- BD Wong
- Eddie Matos
- Chris Brochu
Writers
- Evan Katz
- Noelle Valdivia
- Howard Gordon
- Lisa Zwerling
- David Graziano
Awake - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch Awake?
Awake is available to purchase digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. It is not currently available on major subscription streaming platforms. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your region.
Did Awake get a proper ending or was it cancelled abruptly?
Awake was cancelled by NBC after one season in 2012. The series finale, however, was written to function as a potential series conclusion. Creator Kyle Killen crafted a deliberately ambiguous, surreal ending that left Michael Britten's dual-reality existence open to interpretation, giving the show a memorable if divisive close.
What is Awake about?
Awake follows Detective Michael Britten, who survives a car accident only to find himself living in two parallel realities — one where his wife survived and one where his son survived. Unable to determine which is real, he uses details from both worlds to solve crimes, while consulting separate therapists in each reality.
Is Awake based on a true story?
No, Awake is not based on a true story. It is an original concept created by Kyle Killen. The premise — a detective simultaneously inhabiting two alternate realities after a traumatic accident — is a work of speculative fiction, though it draws on real psychological themes such as grief and dissociation.
Who are the main actors in Awake?
Awake stars Jason Isaacs as Detective Michael Britten, with Wilmer Valderrama, Steve Harris, Dylan Minnette, Laura Allen, Michaela McManus, Cherry Jones, BD Wong, Eddie Matos, and Chris Brochu rounding out the principal cast across the show's two parallel storylines.
How many episodes does Awake have?
Awake consists of 13 episodes across its single season, which aired on NBC in 2012. The show was cancelled after that one season, so no additional episodes were produced beyond the original 13-episode order.
When did Awake first air on NBC?
Awake premiered on NBC on March 1, 2012. The series ran for a single season before being cancelled by the network. Its 13-episode run concluded in 2012, leaving it as one of the more critically appreciated but short-lived dramas of that television season.
How was Awake received by critics?
Awake earned strong critical praise for its ambitious premise and Jason Isaacs' lead performance. Critics highlighted the show's inventive dual-reality structure and emotional depth. Despite favorable reviews, it struggled to attract a large audience and was cancelled after one season due to low ratings.
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