Get ready for “The Lazarus Project,” a critically‑acclaimed sci‑fi thriller about time‑loop survivors saving humanity—streaming exclusively on Netflix from July 28, 2025.
What happens if your chance to stop the end of the world takes you to the brink of insanity? That premise and premise are only two of the exciting aspects of the mind-bending British sci-fi thriller The Lazarus Project, which just released on Netflix US and is already generating a buzz — though not a Netflix original, the unfathomable mystery, action-packed thrills, and stellar performances could help launch this into the American sci-fi canon.
What Is The Lazarus Project About?
What it essentially explores is the philosophy of time travel and its moral baggage; it is a difficult experiment far greater than any organization’s flourishing morality of control.
The Premise
The story follows George in the form of Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), who wakes up to find that time has reset itself, only George remembers from the events of yesterday. It doesn’t take long & he is recruited into the work of a covert agency called The Lazarus Project – a secret agency using time manipulation to prevent global catastrophes.
While George struggles with the ethics of interfering with timelines, personal loss, and the meaning of fate, the series provocatively delves into such notions as free will, the costs of sacrifice, and the ability to have agency to make a difference.
Could This Be Netflix’s Next Sci-Fi Sensation?
The Lazarus Project originally premiered on Sky Max in the UK, but is now available on Netflix US; it will hopefully see much greater attention. Here are the reasons it could go off the charts:
Why it Could Have Hit Potential
It is a time-loop thriller (Dark, Russian Doll, Looper), and this has added a level of psychological depth
It combines action, thriller, and sci-fi in a tight narrative that keeps viewers on their toes
Great performances and production value that feel cinematic
Philosophical elements that might appeal to Black Mirror and The OA fans.
Netflix is known for taking a chance on non-original programming (Manifest, You) that gets discovered and become a global hit, and The Lazarus Project is the next one in line
Meet the Cast: Who Appears in The Lazarus Project?
The cast consists of a mix of both new and recognizable actors.
Paapa Essiedu as George
Emmy-nominated for I May Destroy You.
Brings emotional weight to a morally conflicted lead character.
The first Black lead in a sci-fi series, which is a nice change-up for the genre.
Anjli Mohindra as Archie
Former Doctor Who guest.
Portrays George’s mysterious handler at The Lazarus Project.
Calm, insightful, and layered.
Tom Burke as Rebrov
From The Souvenir and Strike.
The show’s anti-hero – he is a rogue agent with a cause that challenges everything Lazarus stands for.
Caroline Quentin, Rudi Dharmalingam, and Charly Clive do great work to round out the cast with subtle performances in a high-stakes world.
Plot Deep-Dive: Overview of Season 1 (Spoiler-Free)
Without giving too much away, here is what to expect from Season 1 of The Lazarus Project.
Structure of each episode:
8 episodes, tight episodes (~45 minutes each)
Each episode has a new twist in this meta-timeline.
Get ready for flashbacks, alternative realities, and shocking revelations.
Themes Explored
Ethics of time travel: can -and maybe should- we change what happened?
Free will vs fate: do our choices even matter in a world we can reset?
Loss and sacrifice: Is saving the world really worth sacrificing the people we love?
The Lazarus Project will be popcorn-worthy television viewing for the appeals of the plot alone – but it is riveting television for its emotional heft, as well. George’s personal stakes – particularly around his partner Sarah – provide a genuine emotional spine.
What Critics and Viewers Are Saying
Critic Reviews
The Guardian called it “a smart, slick sci-fi show with genuine emotional heart.”
Radio Times stated it had “intelligent writing and a lead performance to remember
Rotten Tomatoes Score (July 2025): 91% (Audience), 88% (Critics).
Viewer Reactions
On Reddit and Twitter, fans are declaring:
The best time travel series since Dark.
It was a hidden gem and is now finally getting the acclaim it deserves.
Premiere Guide: How & Where to Watch
Platform Availability
Sky Max (UK) Original Broadcast
Netflix (US) Streaming Now
Peacock (US) Also Available
Season 1 – Now available on Netflix US as of July 2025.
Season 2 – Aired in the UK — Expected to come to US platforms soon
Pro Tip: Ensure to “Remind Me” on Netflix for updates on Season 2!
Real Life Sci-Fi Connections
Time-loop narratives shouldn’t just be seen as fiction — they are tied to actual scientific inquiry.
The notion that time can reset is not entirely ludicrous,” says physicist Dr. Brian Greene. It isn’t possible to travel in time as represented in fiction, but with quantum mechanics there are alternative realities.
Should you watch The Lazarus Project?
You should watch it. Whether you’re a science fiction fanatic or just looking for your next favorite binge-able thriller, The Lazarus Project has the perfect combination of thought-provoking material, action, and heart.
FAQS
1. Is The Lazarus Project a Netflix original series?
No, The Lazarus Project was first released and aired on Sky Max in the U.K. and became a series owned by Netflix when it obtained the U.S. streaming rights in 2025.
2. Is Season 2 on Netflix?
Season 2 aired in the U.K. and should come to Netflix or Peacock in late 2025.
3. Is the show based on a book or true story?
No, The Lazarus Project is an original script from screenwriter Joe Barton, who also wrote Giri/Haji.
4. What is the age rating for The Lazarus Project?
The Lazarus Project is rated TV-MA (Mature Audiences). This means the show contains violence, bad language, and intense subject matter.
5. Is it like Dark or Travelers?
Yes! If you liked Dark, Travelers, The Umbrella Academy, or 12 Monkeys – this series will suit you perfectly.
6. How many episodes are in Season 1?
There are 8 episodes in season 1, and each episode runs at around 45-minutes long.
7. Where can I watch it if I don’t have Netflix?
You can also watch The Lazarus Project on Peacock and through select digital platforms.