Mr. Robot, 12 Monkey & 7 shows like Utopia for fans to watch

2. Shows like Utopia: 12 Monkeys

I only just returned to my 12 Monkeys watch (I know, I’m late to the game) after completing Season 1 of Utopia on Amazon. Immediately, I noticed massive similarities between the two shows. Like Utopia, 12 Monkeys, which is based on the film of the same name, revolves around a group of people trying to stop a deadly world-ending virus from releasing into the public. Except, 12 Monkeys tries to stop the virus by using time travel.

Each show also has a mysterious organization at the forefront intent on releasing said virus. In 12 Monkeys, it’s the Army of the 12 Monkeys. In Utopia, it’s the Harvest (or The Network, in the U.K. version).

I recently started Season 2 of 12 Monkeys, and one of the main characters, Jennifer Goines, started rambling about her “purpose” — because the Army of 12 Monkeys gives everyone a purpose. Of course, I started having flashbacks to Kevin Christie and his obsession with people finding a reason to “earn their crowded place in this world!”

12 Monkeys is one of those underrated series that went unnoticed by many, sadly. But it’s worth watching. It’s only four seasons, and while I haven’t finished it yet, I’m enjoying it and have heard nothing but good things about how it ends. Regardless, I’ve watched enough to say it deserves a spot on this list with confidence.

12 Monkeys is streaming on Hulu.

1. Shows like Utopia: Utopia (U.K.)

In the number one spot on this list, I felt like it would be a disservice not to include the original Utopia created by Dennis Kelly. It pains me to write that I have not had the chance to watch it. I think I would enjoy it, since I did like the U.S. remake, despite its flaws. But if you live in America, you’re stuck in the same boat as me — no access to Utopia (U.K.). It’s not available to stream or buy anywhere, as far as I can tell.

However, that could always change at any moment. I do think people in the U.K. and potentially other countries might have access to the series on Amazon Prime Video. I would even pay money to watch the show at this point, but you can’t even buy it here for some reason. Maybe the release of the new version will get people talking about the original so much that some streaming service will nab the streaming rights, or, at the very least, make it available for purchase through digital retailers.

For anyone unfamiliar with the U.K. Utopia and only watched the new Flynn version, you might be wondering: Why should I seek out the British version? Isn’t it the same story?

As I said, I haven’t seen it yet, but from what I’ve read, the original has a more robust story — and it’s a full season longer. It also sounds like the original show might be much darker than the American version. Some critics have even called the U.S. version “sanitized.” So, make of that what you will, and if you do come across the U.K. Utopia out in the vast, wild world of streaming (or DVDs), perhaps you’ll want to give it a chance.

Which of these shows like Utopia are you planning to watch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!