Watch Upload

"Upload" is a science fiction comedy-drama series created by Greg Daniels and aired on Amazon Prime in May 2020. The story is set in the year 2033, where people can opt for uploading their consciousness to a virtual afterlife called the Lakeview. The show follows the journey of Nathan Brown, played by Robbie Amell, a young programmer who dies in a car accident and gets uploaded to Lakeview by his wealthy girlfriend Ingrid Kannerman, played by Allegra Edwards. Lakeview is a digital paradise with stunning landscapes, endless food options, and various recreational activities but comes with a hefty price tag. The world-building of the show is top-notch, and the VFX and set designs are impressive. The Lakeview is depicted as a vibrant and colorful world that is both surreal and believable. The show also touches upon themes like corporate greed, the class divide, and the ethics of technology. In the show, the Lakeview essentially becomes a digital representation of the physical world, including its capitalist hierarchy. The afterlife is owned by Horizen, a tech company that has a monopoly in the market of digital afterlife. The wealthy can afford luxury upgrades like unlimited high-speed data, whereas the poor struggle to pay for basic necessities like food and clothing in exchange for a slower internet connection. The relationship between Nathan and Ingrid is one of the central plots of the show. Nathan is uneasy about his dependence on Ingrid, who controls his life in the Lakeview. He meets his "Angel," a customer service representative named Nora Antony, played by Andy Allo. Nora helps Nathan navigate the Lakeview and gradually becomes a confidante for him. The chemistry between Nathan and Nora is one of the show's highlights, and their blossoming romance is a subplot that the audience can root for. The show's humor is a blend of satire and slapstick, and the actors make the most out of the material. The show's cast is diverse, and the characters are well-rounded. Zainab Johnson, who plays Denise, Nora's best friend, provides excellent comic relief. Kevin Bigley, who plays Nathan's Lakeview buddy Luke, is one of the most memorable characters in the show. Andrea Rosen, who plays Nathan's outspoken and odd-looking aunt, is another standout performer. As the story progresses, the plot takes a darker turn, and the show injects some mystery to its narrative. Nathan starts to have some memory glitches, and his chats with Nora lead to some revelations about Lakeview's inner workings. The show's pacing is consistent, and the stakes increase with each episode. The show's finale culminates in a cliffhanger that sets up the show for a potential second season. Overall, "Upload" is a fun and engaging show that balances its comedy and sci-fi elements well. It explores thought-provoking themes without being too preachy and has a diverse and talented cast. While the show's concept is not entirely original, the execution and attention to detail make it stand out. The ending of the show leaves some questions unanswered, which is a good indication that the show's creators have more stories to tell.