The Underrated Sci-Fi Show That Black Mirror Fans Completely Missed

Six years ago, AMC premiered Soulmates, a sci-fi anthology series that deserved far more attention than it received. The premise sounds familiar to Black Mirror fans: in a near-future world, a scientist discovers the "soul" gene, enabling people to take a test that matches them with their one true partner. But while comparisons to Black Mirror's "Hang the DJ" episode are inevitable, Soulmates carves out its own thoughtful exploration of human nature, relationships, and the pursuit of perfection.

A Test That Changes Everything

The show's central conceit is elegantly simple: everyone can pay for a test that identifies their scientifically determined soulmate. Results only appear when both parties have taken the test, creating a world where destiny becomes a matter of waiting for database matches. Rather than examining the technology itself, Soulmates focuses entirely on human reactions to living in a world where romantic optimization is possible.

This approach distinguishes the series from typical tech-focused dystopias. The "test" remains an omnipresent but unexplained force—simply accepted as part of this reality. What matters isn't how the technology works, but what people do when confronted with the possibility of finding their perfect match.

Six Stories, Six Provocative Questions

The anthology format allows Soulmates to explore diverse scenarios through six standalone episodes, each asking challenging "what if" questions. What if you're already married when you take the test? What if someone weaponizes this technology against you? What if one soulmate can't fulfill all your needs? What if the scientifically "best" partner isn't better than your "good" relationship? What if your soulmate is already dead? What if you're matched with someone you cannot conceivably be with?

These questions drive vastly different stories with distinct tones. The opening episode, "Watershed," follows a married couple navigating a world where everyone around them finds their perfect matches, creating dark, strained tension. Episode four, "Layover," shifts completely into light-hearted romantic comedy territory. This tonal variety makes the series easy to consume in short sessions while keeping each story fresh and unpredictable.

More Than Just Romantic Black Mirror

While Black Mirror comparisons are understandable, Soulmates pursues its own thematic territory. The series consistently interrogates what "perfect" actually means in relationships and life. One episode explores polyamory, questioning whether one person can truly be everything to someone. Another forces a character to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves when matched with someone whose values challenge their self-perception.

These provocative moments elevate Soulmates beyond simple sci-fi premises into genuine philosophical inquiry. The show recognizes that optimizing one aspect of life—even something as significant as romance—doesn't guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Sometimes "good enough" is actually better than algorithmic perfection.

A Star-Studded Cast Delivering Nuanced Performances

Perhaps most surprising about Soulmates' lack of initial success is its exceptional cast. Each episode features acclaimed actors including Sarah Snook (Succession), Bill Skarsgård (It), Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things), Malin Akerman (The Hunting Wives), and David Costabile (Breaking Bad). These performers bring emotional complexity and nuance to their characters, making each story's relationship dynamics feel authentic despite the sci-fi framework.

Snook delivers tentative, deadpan vulnerability as a married woman questioning her relationship, while Skarsgård generates unpredictable chemistry with Nathan Stewart-Jarrett in a Mexico-set story. The performances anchor the philosophical concepts in genuine human emotion, transforming abstract questions into deeply felt dilemmas.

Worth Discovering Now

Despite flying under the radar during its initial release, Soulmates deserves rediscovery. Fans of Black Mirror or dystopian sci-fi will find the storytelling deeply satisfying, especially since the anthology format leaves room for further expansion. The series proves that examining technology's impact on humanity doesn't require explaining every technical detail—sometimes the most interesting questions emerge from accepting a premise and exploring its human consequences.

With a second season reportedly in development, there's still plenty of territory for Soulmates to explore regarding perfect romance, optimized lives, and the messy reality of human connection. For viewers seeking thought-provoking sci-fi that prioritizes character and theme over spectacle, this overlooked gem offers exactly what they're looking for.

If you're searching for an unsettling yet thoughtful exploration of romance in the age of optimization, Soulmates might just be your perfect match.