Los Angeles, California – Netflix’s latest sci-fi series, “3 Body Problem,” has sparked controversy and garnered mixed reactions from viewers in China and the United States. The adaptation of Liu Cixin’s acclaimed novel follows humanity as it prepares for an impending alien invasion, with the show’s opening scene set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1966.
While the scene is crucial to the story and faithfully adapted from the novel, it was notably absent from the Chinese version of the book released by Tencent last year. The depiction of the Cultural Revolution and its atrocities has ignited strong reactions on social media, both in China and among some conservatives in the United States who see it as a cautionary tale against collectivist ideologies taken to extremes.
In response to the show’s controversial opening scene, some Chinese viewers have lauded the international version for its more diverse cast and global setting, while others have criticized it for allegedly painting China in a negative light. Despite its unavailability in China, the series has generated significant buzz on social media platforms in the country, sparking debates on nationalism and historical accuracy.
Co-showrunner David Benioff addressed the thematic parallels between the Cultural Revolution and current societal trends during a visit to the show’s set, emphasizing the importance of historical context in storytelling. Actress Rosalind Chao, who plays a key role in the series, commended the decision to adapt the novel for a broader international audience, highlighting the need to explore and understand different perspectives on world history.
The show’s hefty production budget of over $20 million per episode has made it Netflix’s most expensive first season show to date. Despite mixed critical reviews, “3 Body Problem” has received praise from some viewers as a refreshingly progressive and thought-provoking sci-fi drama. The series has been lauded for its allegorical exploration of humanity’s response to existential threats like climate change, drawing comparisons to real-world challenges.
Even amidst the controversy, some viewers in China have embraced Netflix’s adaptation, recognizing its fidelity to historical events and the diversity of perspectives it brings to the screen. As debates continue to unfold on social media and beyond, the show remains a focal point for discussions on storytelling, representation, and the power of science fiction to reflect and challenge our understanding of the world.