New 3 Body Problem trailer teases an ambitious, mind-melting Netflix sci-fi show that demands your attention

They’re coming – and there’s nothing you can do to stop them

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The final trailer for Netflix’s ambitious new sci-fi series3 Body Problemhas been released – and it looks like a mind-melting show that’ll demand your attention.

Set to a haunting version ofThis Bitter Earthtrack by Dina Washington,3 Body Problem’s latest footage offers an unsettling but epic glimpse intoNetflix’s live-action adaptation of Liu Cixin’s best-selling novel series. With melodrama aplenty, unexplainable sci-fi phenomena, and a spine-tingling tonality, it has the makings of being the latest TV hit for the world’sbest streaming service.

3 Body Problem’s latest teaser follows in the footsteps of two other trailers it’s received ahead of the show’s March 21 launch. In November 2023, Netflix revealed the show’s first trailer, which teased amind-bending sci-fi series that’ll give you virtual reality nightmares. Two months later, a new3 Body Problemtrailer showed off its multi-genre narrative in greater detail,teasing a sci-fi epic, VR horror, and mystery thriller rolled into one.

Okay, so what is3 Body Problemabout exactly? That’s… tough to explain. Cixin’s novel series is a convoluted tapestry of abstract ideas, sci-fi genre fare, and real-life history, so it’s difficult to summarize what to expect from a project that seems certain to join ourbest Netflix showslist.

Well, for me, anyway. I could rattle off a lengthy synopsis about3 Body Problem, but I’ve been known to prattle on for ages when it comes to summing up a movie or TV show I’ve seen (don’t tell anyone I’ve watched it all, though). With that in mind, I’ll leave it to Netflix to provide a more concise story overview: “A young woman’s fateful decision in 1960s China reverberates across space and time into the present day. When the laws of nature inexplicably unravel before their eyes, a close-knit group of brilliant scientists join forces with an unorthodox detective to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history.”

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creators ofGame of Thrones' (GoT) live-action adaptation, have co-created the series with Alexander Woo (True Blood). Breathing life into its ensemble cast of characters areGoTalumni Jon Bradley, Jonathan Pryce, and Liam Cunningham, as well as Eiza Gonzalez (Ambulance), Jovan Adepo (The Stand), Jess Hong (Inked), Rosalind Chao (Mulan), Alex Sharp (One Life), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Marlo Kelly (Dare Me), Saamer Usmani (Succession), and newcomer Zine Tseng.

Taking a bite out of Apple’s sci-fi genre dominance

Netflix is the world’s most popular streaming platform, but let’s be real for a moment: it doesn’t have a terrific back catalog of unmissable sci-fi shows to call its own.

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Sure, the likes ofStranger Things,Dark,Manifest, andSweet Toothroutinely dabble in the genre, but I wouldn’t say they sit squarely in this TV category. Indeed,Stranger Thingsis more of a supernatural horror in my eyes, whileDark,Manifest, andSweet Toothare more likely to be labeled as a thriller, supernatural drama, and fantasy show respectively.

Okay,3 Body Problemis similarly genre-bending, but there’s no denying that – visually, narratively, and thematically – it’s first and foremost a sci-fi project. Netflix has corned the market in many other genres, but its library of superb sci-fi fare isn’t as strong as it should be.

That’s where3 Body Problemcomes in. It has the budget, visual ambition, storied epic, and scientific grounding tobea must-see Netflix sci-fi series. Perhaps more important than that, it has the capacity to land a telling blow onApple TV Plus' range of brilliant sci-fi shows, too.Apple’s streaming platform has become many people’s go-to service for all things sci-fi, with acclaimed and award-winning offerings, such asFoundation,Silo,Severance, andFor All Mankind, positioning it as the leader in this storytelling field.

If Netflix hopes to rein in its rival – a rarity for the streaming titan – and truly compete at the sci-fi TV table, it needs shows like3 Body Problemto not only be great, but also successful enough. I picked it out as one of10 exciting TV shows I was looking forward to in early 2024, and I truly believe it has the capability to thrill and amaze,andlift Netflix out of its sci-fi doldrums.  Considering Netflix released two of its three trailers well in advance of the show’s debut – it usually holds teasers back until a month before a series arrives or returns – it clearly has full confidence in3 Body Problemdoing just that.

Be sure to check back with me in the days leading up to the show’s release for my full, spoiler-free thoughts and exclusive chats with3 Body Problem’s cast.

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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

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