Life and Art from FT Weekend

Culture Chat: '3 Body Problem', Netflix’s next big swing

Mar 22, 2024

Explore Netflix's '3 Body Problem' sci-fi series based on a Chinese trilogy, covering themes of alien contact, technology fears, and prestige TV. Discuss the show's intricate storyline, character development, and societal impact of AI. Also, delve into local cultures in NYC and the value of small businesses.

19:34

Creator website

Episode guests

Madhumita Murgia

Emma Jacobs

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Three Body Problem explores fears around advancing technology in a unique sci-fi narrative.

Viewers criticize the lack of deep human relationships and emotional cores in the series.

Deep dives

Complex Sci-Fi Series with Multidimensional Elements

The podcast discusses Netflix's new show, Three Body Problem, a complex sci-fi series based on a Chinese trilogy. The storyline involves a murder mystery, aliens, and spans various worlds and dimensions. Viewers are immersed in a narrative that intertwines different timelines and concepts like the 10th dimension and the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

Introduction

3min

Exploring Themes and Character Development in a Sci-Fi TV Show

11min

Exploring Complex Themes in Sci-Fi Series

3min

Exploring Local Cultures and Small Businesses in New York City

2min

Closing Credits and Sponsorship Message

2min

Today we take on 3 Body Problem, the new buzzy Netflix sci-fi series from the creators of Game of Thrones. The show is based on Liu Cixin’s best-selling Chinese trilogy and is about humankind’s first contact with an alien civilisation. It spans timelines, worlds and dimensions. Lilah is joined by the FT’s AI editor Madhumita Murgia and work and careers journalist Emma Jacobs to discuss how well the show depicts our fears around advancing technology and how it fits into prestige TV right now.

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We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap and we’re on X @lifeandartpod. You can email us at lifeandart@ft.com. We are grateful for reviews, on Apple, Spotify, etc!

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Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):

– 3 Body Problem is out on Netflix now

– The FT’s review by Dan Einav is here: https://on.ft.com/3vlGlTZ

– Madhu’s book is called Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI and is out this week in the UK and in June in the US. You can pre-order it here or at your retailer of choice. It’s been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non Fiction.

– You can check out Emma’s writing here. We loved this piece on the Willy Wonka experience — and how it’s reflective of the ‘overpromise and underdeliver’ mentality of the British: https://on.ft.com/49Z7xqz.

– Emma is on X @emmavj. Madhu is at @madhumita29.

More or Less:

– Madhu wants to see more writing by women on subjects including science, tech and philosophy. She recommends Doppelganger by Naomi Klein. You can check out the full Women’s Prize non-fiction longlist here.

– Emma wants to see more short TV. She recommends Mr & Mrs Smith on Amazon Prime, and Swedish-language show Tore on Netflix.

– Lilah wants more exploring the enclaves of your cities. Follow her on Instagram to read her Globetrotter piece in a few weeks.

A previous version of this podcast mentioned that an episode is set in the 10th dimension. A chapter of the trilogy is, but not an episode of the show.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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Life and Art from FT Weekend

Culture Chat: '3 Body Problem', Netflix’s next big swing

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Complex Sci-Fi Series with Multidimensional Elements

Challenges in Emotional Engagement and Character Development

Comparison to Prestige Television and Possibilities for Broad Appeal

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts