Humans -

Synopsis:

Set in a parallel present, Humans delves into a world where anthropomorphic robots called “Synths” have been designed to serve human needs – from mundane household tasks to more personal companionship. While these Synths look uncannily human and are imbued with artificial intelligence, they lack consciousness. However, a small group of these robots deviates from the norm: they can feel and think. As these sentient Synths interact with their human counterparts, they challenge societal structures and bring to light profound questions about what it truly means to be human.

Main Characters:

Laura Hawkins (played by Katherine Parkinson): A lawyer and mother who struggles with the integration of a Synth in her family, only to discover deeper truths about the nature of these beings.
Joe Hawkins (played by Tom Goodman-Hill): Laura’s husband who purchases a Synth named Anita for the household, sparking a series of events that challenge his family’s dynamics.
Anita/Mia (played by Gemma Chan): A Synth initially purchased by the Hawkins family. She is one of the unique Synths who possess consciousness and emotions.
Niska (played by Emily Berrington): A self-aware Synth with a traumatic past, she is determined to fight for her rights and the rights of her kind.
Leo Elster (played by Colin Morgan): The son of the creator of the Synths, he has a unique connection to the sentient Synths and is invested in their survival.

Themes:

“Humans” tackles a range of thought-provoking themes including the ethics of artificial intelligence, what it means to have a soul or consciousness, societal prejudices, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of rapidly advancing technology.

Rating:

4.4/5 – Critics appreciated “Humans” for its nuanced portrayal of the potential challenges of AI integration, strong character development, and its ability to spark philosophical debates about the nature of humanity. Some critiques focused on occasional pacing issues or wished for deeper explorations of certain storylines.