Fans of The Handmaid's Tale mourning the end of that dystopian thriller may have found their next obsession in a lesser-known Netflix series called 3%. The Brazilian show, which debuted in 2020, has accumulated glowing ratings and is being hailed as a 'rare gem' that rivals the beloved series.
A Captivating Premise
The thriller centers on a society where only 3% of people live in luxury on an offshore island, while the rest endure poverty on the mainland. At age 20, ordinary citizens get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the elite through a grueling competition known as 'the Process.' Designed to be challenging and sometimes fatal, the competition eliminates most participants, sending them back to impoverished circumstances—occasionally too weakened to survive.
One IMDb reviewer said: 'I was really surprised by the fact that this show is really unknown. It is a great TV series that definitely deserves more recognition.' Another called it 'cinematically and visually stunning, a political, Hunger Games-esque storyline with believable acting.'
Critical and Audience Praise
Viewers have compared 3% to The Hunger Games and praised its intelligent script and strong characters. One audience member posted: '3% is one of those rare shows that only gets better and better as it goes. Season 3 is shaping up to be the most enthralling season yet.' Another added: 'This is truly an outstanding dystopian/post-apocalyptic series. The acting, the shots, the pace, the character development... Everything is on point!'
The show features a Brazilian ensemble cast, including João Miguel as Ezequiel, the leader of the Process, Bianca Comparato as Michele Santana, and Michel Gomes as Fernando Carvalho. One viewer noted: 'I watched this out of boredom, but boy, was I glad that I did. It totally caught me off guard by how wonderful this show was. It is intelligent, futuristic, and well acted.'
Streaming Availability
3% is currently available to stream on Netflix, with all four seasons ready for binge-watching. Despite being from Portugal, English-speaking audiences have embraced the series via subtitles or dubbed versions.
