If you heard about KAOS, rolled your eyes, and said, “Not another show about the gods,” you probably weren’t alone. The words “Greek mythology” might conjure memories of high school classes where the names Zeus, Hera, and Apollo blurred into monotone lectures. Though the methods used to teach these stories are often boring, we’ve remained fascinated with tales of the constant power struggle between the needs of mortals and the amusement of the gods. Netflix has curated a star-studded cast who have endeavored to breathe new life into these ancient tales, bringing them into our modern world. Finally, our obsession with these myths is paying off! Let’s examine why KAOS is the best Netflix show you haven’t watched yet.
First of all, Jeff Goldblum. Need we say more? He plays Zeus as a charismatic, enigmatic, and eccentric megalomaniac who is grappling with the fear of a prophesied downfall. His fear drives him to meddle in human affairs by causing wars and natural disasters. His meddling is not because wants to save humans from themselves but instead a desperate bid to hold tight to his supreme power. Per usual, Goldblum’s portrayal of his character is fun and sure to deliver a laugh or two. He brings a giddy and mischievous enthusiasm to Zeus’s manipulation, which he sees as a way to keep the people in line. Watching him revel in the chaos he creates, you can’t help but be entertained, even if you’re annoyed by his divine pettiness.
If picturing Goldblum as the king of the gods, with all his quirks and swag, isn’t enough to spark your interest, let’s chat about Hera. Hera, Zeus’ sister and wife, is portrayed by Janet McTeer, who we’ve seen in such fan favorites as Ozark and The Old Man. Hera is a force unto herself. Far from a one-dimensional queen of Olympus, she is strategic, powerful, and not to be underestimated. Her relationship with Zeus is filled with as much tension as it is with tactical maneuvering around his huge ego.
When it comes to the rest of the gods, you’ll see the expected cast of characters who are central to the story’s theme: Prometheus (Stephen Dillane), Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan), Poseidon (Cliff Curtis), Medusa (Debi Mazar), Hades, Persephone, Hippolyta II, the Fates, and the Furies to name a few. They each play an integral part in the twists and turns of this well-written story, whether to rein Zeus in or to beg, bargain, or steal on behalf of the humans.
As for the humans, the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, or “Riddy,” is a tale as old as time — love and loss, inextricably bound together by the choices we make. The storyline is also infused with the people of Troy and the Trojans, the Tacitas, and a woman with the gift of foresight who tries to warn them all of the doom to come.
Now, let’s talk about how Kaos visually knocks it out of the park. Each realm in the show has its own unique color scheme that’s as distinct as the gods themselves. Down in the Underworld, everything is in shades of gray — quite literally. It’s all shadow and monochrome, a perfect match for the somber vibe where Hades rules. The celestial realm — where the gods hang out — captures their larger-than-life personalities with bright colors that make you want to be there. Then there’s Earth, portrayed with gritty and raw realism making you feel like you could step right into the screen. It’s a vivid contrast that really highlights the gap between our everyday world and the divine drama of the gods.
If you’re a fan of gods mixing it up in the modern world, you might think you’ve seen it all. Shows like American Gods throw deities into the melting pot of today’s society, while Percy Jackson and the Olympians spins stories about primordial heroes getting schooled in the 21st century. But here’s where KAOS shakes things up and dances to its own beat. Unlike its predecessors, this show doesn’t just drop mythical characters into today’s world and say, “Go have fun.” It twists the classics, injecting dark comedy and a bit of an edge that’s as refreshing as it is riveting. This isn’t just mythology; it’s mythology with a mischievous side that keeps you guessing and wanting more.
If you’re ready for a show that melds the whimsical with the wise, the ancient with the achingly modern, then give KAOS a chance. Don’t watch it just for the flashy spectacle or Goldblum’s delightful antics, but for the cleverly retold tales that feel as relevant today as they ever were. This isn’t just another show about the gods; it’s a series that turns the classroom myths into living, breathing stories as captivating as any modern drama. KAOS is currently streaming on Netflix. Where else could the gods walk among us, if not in our living rooms?
