If you’re seeking a thought-provoking, emotionally charged dystopian drama that flips societal norms on their head to explore themes of racism, privilege, and forbidden love, then the British series “Noughts + Crosses” offers a compelling and often uncomfortable viewing experience. Based on the bestselling novel series by Malorie Blackman, it forces viewers to confront familiar injustices from a starkly different perspective.
What is “Noughts + Crosses” about?
“Noughts + Crosses” is set in an alternative present-day London, in a nation called Albion. In this world, history has been dramatically reversed: 700 years prior, the powerful “Aprican Empire” (African nations combined) colonized Europe. As a result, society is rigidly segregated, with power and privilege belonging to the black ruling class, known as Crosses (or “daggers”), while the white indigenous population, the Noughts (or “blankers”), are relegated to a marginalized, oppressed underclass.
The series primarily follows a forbidden “Romeo and Juliet”-esque love story between two young people from opposite sides of this racial divide:
- Sephy Hadley (Masali Baduza): A “Cross” and the privileged daughter of Kamal Hadley (Paterson Joseph), the powerful Home Secretary. She is idealistic and generally unaware of the brutal realities faced by Noughts.
- Callum McGregor (Jack Rowan): A “Nought” and the son of the Hadley family’s housekeeper, Meggie McGregor (Helen Baxendale). He is intelligent, ambitious, and deeply resentful of the systemic discrimination his family and community endure.
Sephy and Callum have been friends since childhood, but as they grow older, their bond deepens into a passionate romance that is strictly forbidden by their society. Their relationship becomes a microcosm of the larger societal tensions. As Callum strives to break free from the Nought underclass, even joining the military (one of the few avenues open to Noughts for advancement), and Sephy grapples with the uncomfortable truths of her privileged world, a growing rebellion among the Noughts, led by groups like the Liberation Militia (which Callum’s brother, Jude, becomes involved with), threatens to ignite a full-scale social explosion.
The show explores how even seemingly small acts of prejudice or kindness can have immense consequences in a deeply divided world, constantly building towards a climax of personal and political turmoil.
Why “Noughts + Crosses” is a compelling watch:
- Powerful Role Reversal: Its central premise powerfully highlights the absurdity and injustice of racism by inverting the historical power dynamic. This forces viewers to experience prejudice and systemic oppression from a new, often uncomfortable, perspective.
- Intense Romantic Drama: The forbidden love story between Sephy and Callum is at the heart of the series, filled with passion, heartbreak, and the constant threat of discovery and retribution.
- Thought-Provoking Social Commentary: Beyond the romance, the show tackles complex themes of classism, privilege, identity, the nature of protest and rebellion, and the devastating impact of racial division.
- Gritty Dystopian Atmosphere: The series creates a believable and often unsettling dystopian London, with stark visual contrasts between the opulent world of the Crosses and the struggling existence of the Noughts.
- Strong Performances: Masali Baduza and Jack Rowan deliver compelling performances as the central couple, supported by a talented ensemble cast.
Where to Watch “Noughts + Crosses”:
“Noughts + Crosses” originally aired on BBC One in the UK.
In the U.S., both seasons are available to stream on:
- Peacock Premium (with a subscription)
- Netflix (check local availability as this can vary by region)
You may also find it available for purchase on digital platforms such as:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
If you enjoyed “Noughts + Crosses,” you might also like:
- The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu): Another acclaimed dystopian series that explores a repressive society and the fight for freedom and identity, albeit with a focus on gender.
- The Man in the High Castle (Prime Video): An alternative history series set in a world where the Axis powers won WWII, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and identity.
- Lovecraft Country (HBO/Max): A horror drama that boldly confronts themes of racism and systemic injustice in 1950s Jim Crow America, blending genre elements with powerful social commentary.
- Gangs of London (AMC+/Netflix): If you enjoy intense, character-driven crime dramas with high-stakes power struggles and visceral action, though without the overt dystopian/race-reversal element.
- Black Mirror (Netflix): While an anthology, many episodes explore dystopian futures and societal issues, often leaving viewers with a sense of unease and a lot to think about.