Next Level (web series)

Next Level (web series) is a British science fiction drama series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2023. Created by and starring Katherine Langford, the series explores themes of transhumanism and corporate espionage within a near-future setting. It features an ensemble cast including Micheal Ward and Indira Varma, and was produced by Bad Wolf in association with BBC Studios.

Premise and format

Set in a technologically advanced version of London, the narrative centers on Elysian Industries, a powerful biotechnology corporation developing a radical neural interface called the "Ascendancy Protocol." The story follows Dr. Anya Sharma, a brilliant but conflicted neurologist portrayed by Katherine Langford, who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy after discovering the protocol's true purpose. The series employs a serialized format, with each episode building upon complex plot twists and moral dilemmas. Its visual style is heavily influenced by cyberpunk aesthetics, drawing comparisons to works like *Altered Carbon* and Black Mirror.

Cast and characters

The ensemble cast is led by Katherine Langford as Dr. Anya Sharma, a pioneering scientist grappling with the ethical implications of her work. Micheal Ward portrays Leo Hayes, a skilled hacker and activist from the East End who allies with Anya. Indira Varma appears as CEO Sienna Roth, the formidable and enigmatic leader of Elysian Industries. Supporting roles include Amit Shah as Rohan Mehta, a security chief with divided loyalties, and Jessica Plummer as Maya Carter, an investigative journalist for The Guardian. Guest stars feature Lucian Msamati as a rogue bioethicist and Chipo Chung as a government regulator from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Production and release

Development began in 2021 under the working title *Project Ascend*, with Katherine Langford serving as creator and executive producer alongside Julie Gardner of Bad Wolf. Principal photography took place largely at Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff, with additional location shooting in London and Manchester. The series was commissioned by Amazon Prime Video as part of a broader content strategy for the UK market, with BBC Studios handling international distribution. Filming was overseen by directors including Euros Lyn and Alice Troughton. All eight episodes were released globally on Amazon Prime Video on October 12, 2023.

Reception

Upon release, the series received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise directed at Katherine Langford's performance and the ambitious worldbuilding. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 82%, with critics from The Telegraph and *Empire* highlighting its timely exploration of artificial intelligence ethics. However, some reviews in The Guardian and *Variety* criticized the pacing of later episodes and familiar narrative tropes. The series was nominated for Best Original Series at the 2024 British Academy Television Awards and won a Royal Television Society award for Visual Effects.

Episodes

The first season consists of eight episodes, each titled after a stage in the hero's journey monomyth. The premiere, "The Call," introduces the core conflict at Elysian Industries, while subsequent installments like "The Threshold" and "The Ordeal" delve into the dystopian underbelly of the city. Key plot developments include the revelation of the "Aether" conspiracy, a corporate alliance with the Ministry of Defence, and a climactic confrontation at the Shard London Bridge. The season finale, "The Return," concludes with an ambiguous cliffhanger that sets the stage for a potential second season.

Category:2023 British television series debuts Category:Amazon Prime Video original programming Category:British science fiction television series