Apple TV+‘sPrime Targetis unique in more ways than one, but it also serves as a reminder to watch Netflix’s $160 million critically-acclaimed sci-fi show. Despite having a talented cast, led byLeo Woodall ofThe White LotusandOne Dayfame,Prime Targetsurprisingly has a relatively low Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 41%. Interestingly, however, its audience score of 71% on the same platform seems way less divisive, suggesting that it deserves a chance.
Apart from its audience score, another good reason to watchPrime Targetis that it seems reminiscent of one ofNetflix’s best sci-fishows from last year. AsPrime Target’s episodes 1 and 2establish, its narrative adopts many original elements that have probably never been explored in other TV shows and movies. However, some of the aspects of its story are similar to a high-budget Netflix sci-fi show, giving audiences a solid reason to check it out.
How Prime Target Is Similar To Netflix’s 3 Body Problem
Both Shows Have Similar Story Setups
In bothNetlix’s3 Body Problemand Apple TV+‘sPrime Target, mathematicians/scientists are secretly watched by shadowy organizations. As both progress, academicians also suddenly start getting mysteriously murdered because they dive too deep into forbidden research. The two series also introduce myriad numerical theories and scientific gobbledygook, combining fantasy with realism. Despite exploring many complex ideas and being high-concept shows,3 Body ProblemandPrime Targetalso ensure that their narratives can be followed by most viewers.
Prime Target Cast & Character Guide
Prime Target not only grips viewers with its thrilling mysteries but also keeps them engaged with its well-written characters and cast performances.
Prime Targetis more grounded in realism compared to 3 Body Problem because it does not involve supernatural or extraterrestrial elements. Even when it comes to its portrayal of technology,Prime Targetkeeps a more realistic and believable approach, primarily relying on devices that could exist in the real world. However, both shows creatively ground their stories in physics and math and manage to turn otherwise jarring scientific concepts into something more thrilling.
Prime Target Is A Good Alternative To Apple TV+’s Sci-Fi Shows
It Unfolds Like A Typical Puzzlebox Thriller
Apple TV+ arguably has one of the best catalogs of sci-fi shows in the streaming space. While some of its better-knownshows, likeSiloandSeverance, have performed incredibly well both critically and commercially, even its canceled series, likeConstellationandSunny, have acquired wide acclaim.Prime Targetinclines more towards the espionage thriller genreand less towards sci-fi. However, it is hard not to see that similar toApple TV+’s sci-fi shows, it presents a puzzle box of fascinating mysteries to viewers in its early moments and prompts them to theorize and speculate.
Sofia Barclay
Sufiya Zamil
While only time will tell whether it will receive the same reception asSilo,Severance, andDark Matter, Prime Target is a detail-oriented show like most other sci-fi series on the streamer. It rewards viewers for paying attention and promises to leave them with a lesson or two about real scientific and mathematical theories. Owing to its narrative and thematic similarities with Netflix’s3 Body Problemand Apple TV+’s other sci-fi shows,Prime Targetdeserves to be on the watchlist of viewers who enjoy thought-provoking action thrillers.
Prime Target
Prime Target follows Edward Brooks, a brilliant mathematician, in his pursuit of a prime number breakthrough that could blow open the door to international cybersecurity. Teamed with NSA agent Taylah Sanders, he confronts a hidden conspiracy threatening his discovery and life.
3 Body Problem
Cast
3 Body Problem is a Netflix original series from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Alexander Woo. Based on the novel of the same name by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem centers on a detective who joins forces with a group of scientists after an unknown force begins killing scientists around the world.
