In the crowded landscape of streaming TV, few shows manage to blend genre thrills with real-world commentary as seamlessly as Prime Video's Cleverman. This 2016 sci-fi fantasy series, which ran for two seasons until 2017, earned an impressive 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and left audiences hungry for more. Now, with its themes more relevant than ever, the call for a revival grows louder.
What Is 'Cleverman' About?
Set in a near-future Australia, Cleverman draws inspiration from Aboriginal mythology to tell a story of oppression and segregation. The series centers on the Hairies, a race of werewolf-like beings who are relegated to a ghetto known as "the Zone." These creatures possess enhanced strength and a deep connection to ancestral wisdom, guided by the titular Cleverman—a spiritual leader who can heal, regenerate, and communicate with the afterlife.
The narrative follows Koen (Hunter-Page Lochard), a young man who unexpectedly inherits the Cleverman powers from his uncle, Uncle Jimmy (Jack Charles). This sudden shift creates tension with his older half-brother Waruu (Rob Collins), who had long prepared for the role and now feels betrayed. Meanwhile, Game of Thrones alum Iain Glen plays Jarrod Slade, a ruthless media mogul and scientist who publicly champions the Hairies while secretly exploiting them in horrific experiments.
A Metaphor for Modern Injustice
While Cleverman delivers supernatural thrills and eerie suspense, its true power lies in its allegorical depth. The Hairies serve as a potent metaphor for real-world racism, xenophobia, and the refugee crisis. As one Rotten Tomatoes critic put it, the series offers "a unique take on Blackness, indigeneity, border protection, and the 'other' all packed into a dope ass sci-fi burrito." By grounding its fantasy in pressing social issues, the show avoids becoming a dry political lecture, instead offering a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.
Collider's own Chris Cabin gave the series 3 out of 5 stars, praising its ambition but noting that its execution sometimes faltered. "As basic entertainment, Cleverman fulfills its duties outright," he wrote, "but as a work of political contemplation and metaphor, it's too quick to take the easy moral high ground." Still, the series remains a bold and unique entry in the sci-fi genre.
Why 'Cleverman' Deserves a Revival
With immigration and border security continuing to dominate global headlines, Cleverman feels more timely than ever. Its blend of fantasy and social commentary offers a fresh perspective that few shows have matched. The series may have ended prematurely, but its cult following and critical acclaim suggest there's still an audience eager for more.
For fans of underrated genre gems, Cleverman is a must-watch. And if you're looking for other hidden treasures, check out why 'Galavant' is the most underrated fantasy series you need to watch or explore Daniel Radcliffe's bizarre A24 fantasy 'Swiss Army Man'. For more Prime Video arrivals, see Oliver Stone's Vietnam War masterpiece 'Platoon'.
In a world hungry for stories that challenge and entertain, Cleverman stands out as a near-perfect series that deserves a second chance. Let's hope Prime Video hears the call.
