Real Humans

Real Humans is a captivating and thought-provoking science-fiction drama series originally broadcasted on Sweden’s public service television, SVT (Sveriges Television) between 2012 and 2014. This Swedish series, also known as "Äkta människor" in its native country, primarily explores the themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, ethics and human identity in a world where human-like robots, or Hubots, have become an integral part of society.

Set in an alternate version of modern-day Sweden, the series presents a society where artificial robotic helpers, designed to mirror human characteristics, thoughts and emotions, are commonplace. These humanoids, referred to as hubots (a portmanteau of 'human' and 'robot'), are used ubiquitously for various labor and service jobs and are also companions to the elderly and children. However, despite bearing an uncanny likeness to humans, each Hubot is installed with an ethereal "User Interface", which glows around their eyes and through their skin, a clearly distinct sign that separates them from real humans.

Throughout the series, viewers are drawn into an intricately layered narrative that skillfully merges many different personal stories to build a larger overall theme. The central conflict of the series lies in the human characters' varying attitudes towards their increasingly anthropomorphic technology. The hubots are seen by some as mere commodities or objects, while others begin to relate to them as individuals in their own right. This provides fertile ground for a myriad of moral, societal and philosophical debates.

One of the primary storylines follows the Engman family, who purchase a hubot to help around the house after the matriarch of the family falls ill. The family members' changing relationships with their new robotic member reflects the wide range of societal attitudes towards these machines. Additionally, there are subplots including a group of self-aware hubots on the run, a hubot-hating rebel group seeking to eradicate them from society, and a love affair between a human and a hubot, each adding diverse angles and depth to the plot.

The success of Real Humans lies in its ability to delve into the complex moral and ethical implications of creating life-like synthetic beings, provoking philosophical discussions and dilemmas. The question it continually poses is evident in its title; what does it really mean to be human, particularly in the face of artificial beings that can think, feel, and make decisions like us? With the hubots’ varying levels of self-awareness and even desires for freedom and equality, Real Humans challenges its audience to examine their biases and reconsider the significance and value of life and consciousness.

The series boasts a skilled ensemble cast that includes the likes of Lisette Pagler, Pia Halvorsen, Johan Paulsen, Natalie Minnevik, Kåre Hedebrant, and many others who bring realism and depth to their characters regardless of them being human or hubot. Lars Lundström, the creator and primary writer of the series, deserves much credit for weaving such a holistic and thought-provoking plot.

The production values of the series are top-notch, and the attentive craftsmanship is evident throughout. From the intuitive technology design and classy atheistic elements to the clever use of color schemes, the team behind Real Humans creates a visually absorbing experience. The intricate balance between familiar, everyday realism and futuristic strangeness is also carefully managed via apt art direction and cinematography, lending a unique atmosphere to the show.

Boasting solid performances, intriguing storylines, and profound themes, Real Humans poses many thought-provoking questions, inviting viewers to engage in an ongoing dialogue about humanity, consciousness, morality, and the increasing integration of technology into our lives. This Swedish import is indeed a treasure trove for fans of smart, substantive science fiction, showcasing an almost prescient sense of foresight into the possibilities and dilemmas of robotic technology.

To sum it up, Real Humans is a deeply philosophical, arresting, and complex drama that elegantly combines the familiar with the futuristic, offering viewers an emotionally resonant exploration into what it means to be human in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.