“Almost Human”: The Sci-Fi Drama That Deserved More Than One Season

In 2013, Fox introduced audiences to Almost Human, a futuristic sci-fi crime drama that blended action, mystery, and compelling character dynamics. Despite its potential and a dedicated fanbase, the series lasted only one season before being abruptly canceled. Let’s take a look at what made Almost Human stand out, why it was cut short, and why it still holds a special place in the hearts of sci-fi fans.

The Story Behind Almost Human

Almost Human was created by J.H. Wyman, known for his work on Fringe, and was executive-produced by sci-fi heavyweight J.J. Abrams. The show was set in the year 2048, a time when crime had risen to uncontrollable levels. To combat this, law enforcement required every human police officer to be paired with an android partner.

The story followed John Kennex (Karl Urban), a hardened detective who had a deep distrust of androids after a traumatic past experience. Despite his reservations, he was assigned a synthetic partner—Dorian (Michael Ealy), an older model android with a highly advanced artificial intelligence that made him more “human” than the newer, more robotic units. Together, they navigated futuristic crimes, their uneasy partnership gradually developing into a deep friendship.

A Strong Cast and Engaging Performances

Almost Human boasted a talented cast that brought depth to the show’s futuristic world:

• Karl Urban (The Boys, Star Trek) as Detective John Kennex, a cop struggling with trauma and his distrust of technology.
• Michael Ealy (The Intruder, Think Like a Man) as Dorian, an emotional and perceptive android who defied expectations.
• Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights, Titans) as Detective Valerie Stahl, a skilled officer with a fascination for human-android relations.
• Lili Taylor (The Conjuring, American Crime) as Captain Sandra Maldonado, the strong-willed leader of the police unit.
• Mackenzie Crook (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Office UK) as Rudy Lom, the tech expert responsible for maintaining the android units.

Urban and Ealy’s chemistry was a major highlight, with their buddy-cop dynamic offering humor, tension, and emotional depth.

Critical and Fan Reception

Almost Human received generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Many praised the show’s world-building, action sequences, and the engaging dynamic between Urban and Ealy. The futuristic setting, combined with strong procedural storytelling, gave it a unique appeal.

However, the series also faced criticism for its episode sequencing issues. Fox aired the episodes out of order, which disrupted character development and ongoing story arcs, making it difficult for audiences to follow the plot as intended.

Why Almost Human Was Canceled

Despite its strong potential, Almost Human was canceled after just 13 episodes. Several factors contributed to its downfall:

1. High Production Costs – The futuristic setting and advanced CGI made the show expensive to produce.
2. Declining Ratings – While it started strong, Almost Human struggled to maintain viewership, averaging around 6 million viewers per episode but dropping later in its run.
3. Scheduling and Airing Issues – Fox aired the episodes out of order, confusing viewers and making serialized elements harder to follow.
4. Lack of Network Support – Fox has a history of prematurely canceling sci-fi shows (Firefly, Terra Nova), and Almost Human unfortunately met a similar fate.

A Show Gone Too Soon

Almost Human had the potential to be a long-running, engaging sci-fi series. With its mix of action, futuristic crime-solving, and heartfelt character moments, it felt like a spiritual successor to shows like Fringe and Blade Runner. Unfortunately, network decisions and ratings struggles cut its journey short.

Despite its cancellation, Almost Human remains a cult favorite among sci-fi fans. The series is still available on streaming platforms, and for those who enjoy cyberpunk aesthetics, buddy-cop dynamics, and thought-provoking AI themes, it’s definitely worth watching.

Would you have liked to see Almost Human continue? Let us know your thoughts!