A science-fiction comedy series hailed as 'one of the greatest of all time' has found a new home on Netflix, introducing British viewers to what many are calling a hidden television gem.
From Disney+ Drop to Netflix Resurrection
Future Man, which originally aired between 2017 and 2020 across three seasons, has made a surprising comeback after being dropped from Disney+ in 2023 during budget cuts at the streaming service. The show now enjoys a second chance to find its audience through Netflix's extensive UK platform.
The series boasts impressive critical credentials, including a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid 7.6 out of 10 score on IMDb, suggesting both critics and general viewers have responded positively to its unique blend of science fiction and comedy.
What Makes Future Man Special?
The show stars Josh Hutcherson as Josh Futturman, an ordinary janitor whose life takes an extraordinary turn. His character spends most of his free time playing video games until he accomplishes the impossible - beating a game that the entire world had deemed unbeatable.
This gaming achievement triggers an unexpected chain of events when mysterious visitors from the future appear, placing the world in grave danger. Suddenly, Josh finds himself as Earth's unlikely saviour, forced to assemble a team and travel through time on various missions to protect humanity from extraterrestrial threats.
The cast features several well-known faces including Seth Rogan, Eliza Coupe, Derek Wilson, Ed Begley Jr., Glenne Headly, and Haley Joel Osment, creating an ensemble that viewers have praised for their perfect casting and chemistry.
Viewer Reactions: Why This Show Stands Out
Since arriving on Netflix, viewers have expressed both surprise and delight at discovering the series. Many have taken to social media and review platforms to share their enthusiasm for what they describe as an overlooked masterpiece.
One viewer declared it 'one of the greatest comedy sci-fi series of all times', while another praised it as 'the most creative take on time travel in years'.
The character development and casting have received particular attention, with one fan noting: 'Just the characters themselves make the show.. no matter the plot. It feels weirdly like the perfect casting for every role.'
Another viewer highlighted the show's balance of humour and substance: 'There are parts that have made me split my sides laughing, especially Wolf. It pokes fun at itself and it really is hilarious but with a meaningful plot and great character development.'
The show's arrival on Netflix has been met with such enthusiasm that one viewer joked: 'They put future man on Netflix maybe God does exist.'
A Second Chance for a Beloved Series
The move to Netflix represents a significant turnaround for Future Man, which faced cancellation and removal from Disney+ as part of strategic content changes. At the time of its removal from Disney+, CFO Christine McCarthy explained the service was 'in the process of reviewing the content on our DTC services to align with the strategic changes in our approach to content curation.'
The cancellation had been particularly difficult for the cast and crew. Actress Eliza Clark expressed her heartbreak on social media, writing: 'Well, you work on something for years, pour your heart and soul into it, as do hundreds of other artists. You make it during a global pandemic, far from home. Then it is canceled before it even has a chance to finish airing. Then, it is disappeared...'
Fortunately, Netflix's decision to acquire the series has provided the show's creators and cast with the comfort of knowing their work can now reach a whole new audience who appreciate their creative efforts.
For British sci-fi and comedy fans looking for something fresh yet critically acclaimed, Future Man represents an exciting discovery opportunity now available through their Netflix subscriptions.
