Impulse (2018)
A teenage outsider discovers a terrifying, uncontrollable power after a traumatic encounter in this gripping sci-fi drama from YouTube Premium.
Impulse - Series Information
- Original Title: Impulse
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Jeffrey Lieber
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 6, 2018 (Australia - MA 15+), June 6, 2018 (Brazil - 16)
- Networks: YouTube Premium
- Production Companies: Hypnotic, UCP
- Production Countries: Canada
Impulse - Plot
16-year-old Henry Coles is an outsider in her new town of Reston, New York. With a major chip on her shoulder and no friends, she remains withdrawn and isolated, but everything changes when a traumatic encounter with a classmate triggers something deep within Henry— unleashing a power she cannot control.
Impulse - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Henry's extraordinary and terrifying journey begin:
You can't control what you don't understand.
Where to Watch Impulse
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Impulse - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jeffrey Lieber
Main Cast
- Maddie Hasson
- Missi Pyle
- Sarah Desjardins
- Enuka Okuma
- Craig Arnold
- Matt Gordon
- Daniel Maslany
- Callum Keith Rennie
- Tanner Stine
- Tara Rosling
Writers
- Jeffrey Lieber
Executive Producers
- Doug Liman
- Dave Bartis
- Gene Klein
- Lauren LeFranc
- Jeffrey Lieber
Impulse - FAQs
Is Impulse based on a true story or book?
Impulse is based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Steven Gould, which is itself a sequel to his 1992 novel Jumper. The series adapts the story of a teenage girl who discovers she can teleport, reimagining the source material with a strong focus on trauma and survival.
Why was Impulse cancelled after two seasons?
YouTube Premium cancelled Impulse in 2019 as part of a broader shift away from scripted original programming. The platform moved toward free, ad-supported content, and several of its original series were axed around the same time, regardless of their critical reception or audience engagement.
Where can you stream Impulse online?
Impulse is available to stream on YouTube Premium. You can also buy episodes or seasons on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. It's worth checking your preferred platform for the most current availability in your region.
How does Impulse handle the topic of sexual assault?
The series uses a sexual assault as the traumatic catalyst that first triggers Henry's teleportation ability. Impulse has been praised for treating the subject with unusual care and honesty, centering the survivor's emotional journey rather than using the event purely as a plot device.
Who plays Henry Coles in Impulse?
Henry Coles is played by Maddie Hasson, who delivers a raw and compelling performance throughout both seasons. The supporting cast includes Missi Pyle as her mother Cleo, Sarah Desjardins as Jenna Hope, Callum Keith Rennie as Nikolai, and Daniel Maslany as Townes Linderman.
How many seasons and episodes does Impulse have?
Impulse ran for two seasons, each consisting of 10 episodes, for a total of 20 episodes. Season 1 premiered on June 6, 2018, and Season 2 followed in 2019 before the series was cancelled by YouTube Premium.
What genre is Impulse and what is it about?
Impulse blends sci-fi, drama, and action-adventure. It follows Henry Coles, a 16-year-old outsider in Reston, New York, whose traumatic encounter with a classmate awakens an uncontrollable teleportation power. The show explores trauma, identity, and the weight of abilities you never asked for.
Is Impulse worth watching for sci-fi fans?
Definitely worth a look. Impulse stands out for grounding its sci-fi premise in genuine emotional depth, particularly around trauma and recovery. Maddie Hasson's performance is a highlight, and the series takes risks that most superhero-adjacent shows avoid. Fans of character-driven genre fiction will find plenty to appreciate.
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