Set in the near future, the development of “the test” instantly raises a host of questions, explored over the course of the six-episode run: What if you were with someone when such a test became available, and they’re not your ideal match? What if your soulmate exposes a side of you that you didn’t recognize, or fully understand? What if your soulmate dies?
Created by Will Bridges — whose credits include “Black Mirror” and “Stranger Things” — and actor-writer Brett Goldstein (“Ted Lasso”), the series is especially effective in varying its tone from episode to episode, ranging from straight romantic drama to a more comedic excursion to Mexico to an hour with tinges of horror.
At its core “Soulmates” explores some extremely profound issues, beginning with the notion of ceding our independence and free will over to technological or scientific solutions. It’s not that great a leap, after all, from “the test” to an existing dating/romance ecosystem that already promises computer-blessed matches, only here the concept is put on steroids.
The producers have assembled an excellent roster of actors, with subsequent episodes featuring a pair with “Breaking Bad” pedigrees — Betsy Brandt and David Costabile — as well as Charlie Heaton, Malin Akerman and Bill Skarsgard.
“Soulmates” premieres Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. ET on AMC.