Science fiction on television can be a gamble. Some shows become instant hits, while others, despite all the right ingredients, fade into obscurity. Counterpart, a Starz original that aired from 2017 to 2019, falls squarely into the latter category—and it's a crying shame. This two-season thriller, starring the incomparable J.K. Simmons, is one of the most underrated sci-fi series of the decade, and it's high time it got its due.
At its core, Counterpart is a spy drama wrapped in a mind-bending alternate-reality premise. Simmons plays Howard Silk, a meek office worker at a mysterious UN agency in Berlin. After years of mundane tasks, he uncovers the truth: his workplace is a portal to a parallel Earth, created by a scientific mishap in 1987. The two worlds started identical but diverged drastically—one is our familiar reality, while the other was ravaged by a deadly flu pandemic, leading to a cold war between the dimensions.
J.K. Simmons' Dual Masterclass
What makes Counterpart truly special is Simmons' performance as both Howard Silk and his alternate self, Howard Prime. Silk is timid and kind, while Prime is a hardened, ruthless spy. Through subtle shifts in posture, voice, and expression, Simmons makes them feel like two entirely different people. It's a tour de force that ranks among his best work—yet it remains criminally overlooked. For fans of thriller series that never let go, this is a must-see.
Critical Darling, Audience Flop
Both seasons of Counterpart earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, who praised its intelligence, intricate plotting, and Simmons' acting. But that acclaim didn't translate into viewers. Starz canceled the show in 2019 after just 20 episodes, and attempts to find a new home failed. The series has since vanished from streaming, making it a hidden gem for those willing to hunt it down. If you're looking for binge-worthy thrillers with 8 episodes or less, this fits the bill.
The timing may have been its downfall. Counterpart debuted during the peak of prestige TV, competing with bigger franchises and networks. Without the marketing muscle of a major streamer, it struggled to find its audience. Today, it's all but forgotten—but it doesn't have to be. Starz should bring it back to streaming, because audiences are hungry for smart, character-driven sci-fi like this.
In an era where classic thrillers are often remade, Counterpart stands as a original that deserves a second life. Its blend of espionage, parallel worlds, and emotional depth is rare. If you haven't seen it, seek it out—you'll be rewarded with one of the most inventive and gripping series of the 2010s.
