In 2015, broadcaster AMC and Channel 4 started transmitting the series ‘Humans‘. Contrary to what the title of the series suggests, the show actually involves more robots (in the series often called ‘synthetics’) than humans. That doesn’t mean, however, that this series does not reflect upon us, humans. In fact, by bringing (conscious!) synthetics into the mix, this series is able to touch upon themes that are incredibly interesting and important for our contemporary society.

We need to explore a possible future for humankind alongside conscious robots

During the first season, the story follows a small group of robots that have become self-aware and fully conscious, with all the consequences this entails. This makes the TV series typical for our time because nowadays, there are rapid developments in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. In fact, it would be hard to miss that. Partly due to these rapid developments, people have become increasingly concerned with the possible dangers of (too) intelligent robots and artificial intelligence in general. This is an issue that concerns (or will concern) all of us (in the near future), because these developments cannot and should not be stopped. Technology is the cement of the public sphere since it enables us to communicate with one another. Artificial intelligence could either be useful or dangerous in the public sphere, depending on how we develop it.

Thinking ahead

Consequently, it is of great importance to think ahead about the issues that may surface when our technology becomes more and more intelligent, and that is exactly what Humans does. Robots could make great, unbiased news reporters for example, or they could even become our companions. But if we don’t think carefully about what we want from artificial intelligence and how it may develop itself in the future, things could also get pretty nasty and unpleasant. Therefore, we need to explore a possible future for humankind alongside conscious robots, such as is portrayed in Humans.

On the one hand, the series deals with multiple issues that could arise and shows viewers what life could look like if we are not careful with this potentially dangerous technology. On the other hand, Humans is also very successful in showing how these smart robots are useful to us and how they can be great friends to humans. Later on in the series, as more synthetics awaken and become conscious, it also becomes apparent that humans and synthetics can fall in love. This series certainly shows its viewers scary possibilities, but doesn’t forget that artifical intelligence and robots likewise may offer us great prospects and advantages as well. This makes the series informative as well: it showcases multiple sides of the story (and the possible complications), instead of just one. But even more importantly: it doesn’t fail to entertain its viewers and keeps them wondering about what will happen next. The story is suspenseful, but also charming and heartwarming at times.

In short, if you haven’t watched Humans yet, it would not only be a smart thing to do, but also an exciting series to watch! The series is both typical for our time, since it addresses ideas and issues that we are presently increasingly concerned with, and advisable to watch, for its story is interesting, meaningful, ánd entertaining.

More information about the series and its cast can be found here.