'Wildly insane' Netflix series leaves fans say proves we're in golden age of TV

A Netflix miniseries from 2018 continues to captivate viewers, who describe it as "wildly insane" and deserving of wider recognition. Eight years after its release, Maniac remains powerful, with devoted fans repeatedly revisiting it.

Maniac follows Annie Landsberg and Owen Milgrim, two strangers in a mysterious pharmaceutical trial. Annie is disillusioned, consumed by fractured bonds with her mother and sister. Owen, son of affluent New York industrialists, has grappled with a contested schizophrenia diagnosis. The twelve-participant trial promises to resolve their troubles through tablets claimed to mend any psychological ailment.

Created by Patrick Somerville, who wrote The Bridge and The Leftovers, and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, known for True Detective and No Time To Die, Maniac stars Emma Stone as Annie, Jonah Hill as Owen, and Justin Theroux.

Upon debut, Maniac secured 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, though it didn't break Netflix's most-watched rankings. A critic called it an overlooked sci-fi gem, noting "Maniac is as eye-popping visually and aesthetically inventive as any streaming show of the last few years."

Fans praised the series enthusiastically. One described it as a "wildly insane concept with a little bit contrived story line but still a very enjoyable and entertaining watch," while another gushed they were "absolutely blown away," praising "the perfect mixture of trippy psychological thriller drama quirky and hilarious at the right times." Another noted it "has a solid plot with moral substance but manages to take you on an unpredictable ride with little twists and turns along the way." One fan declared it "arguably Netflix's single greatest achievement."

Despite critical acclaim, Maniac remains an overlooked gem, with fans insisting the series merits greater viewership. Its enduring appeal and passionate fanbase demonstrate the quality available within Netflix's catalogue.