3%

First of all, watch it subbed, not dubbed! The acting is great! But it's tougher to look convincing when the words don't quite match up. In the original language, tone, pacing and inflection help complete the communication package.

The main characters all have distinct personalities, but while some are more likable than others, they all have a strong drive to do what it takes to progress.

The story has just enough mystery and plenty of twists. Don't expect a ton of special effects though. This isn't the sort of Sci-fi that's all lasers and robots, but it has just enough to remind you it's the future. I'm looking forward to finishing the series but dreading the end of season 1 before I get to watch season 2.

I was really surprised by the fact that this show is really unknown. It is a great tv series that definitely deserves more recognition. Some of the reviews say that they couldn't get past the first episode. The show does get better. It is not perfect. It takes a while to get you hooked and it has a lower budget than other Netflix series. But overall, it is a clever and great series, with good themes, complex and grey characters, and an intriguing plot. It is a dystopian YA thriller with a lot of depth. At least, that is the case for seasons 1 and 2. Season 3 was a disappointment, which is the reason why I did not rate this show higher. Season 4 was intense and complex, and a great conclusion to this great tv show that will always be on my Netflix list

Definitely Recommend It

There's plenty to recommend this low-budget, futuristic Portuguese- Brazilian 8-episode SciFi teleseries. It has a gripping plot, the characters have plenty of magnetism and the situation of poverty versus privilege will ring true with many.

It's about a futuristic, real-life competition designed to choose the optimum 3% of new adults, who deem their skills sufficient to "pass" a truly grueling selection process. Successful candidates are rewarded with a life in a man-made paradise "Offshore", whereas the rest are doomed to continue living "Inland" - a huge poverty-stricken, environmentally degraded favela. There's plenty of sub-plot, social current and Machiavellian wickedness to keep viewers on the edge of their seats till the last episode. Despite the DIY feel of the close sets there are fortunately enough locations to relieve viewers of claustrophobia, that hampers many other cheap SciFi productions. I think this one (thanks to a good English dubbed version) will catch on with a wider TV audience than the normal Portuguese, homespun audience.

As I'm scrolling around through Netflix trying to find something to watch I come across 3%. I think to myself 'Hm, that's an interesting title' and without hesitation I clicked on the link.

I really had no expectations and didn't even bother reading the plot. Immediately the cinematography caught my attention. The show had a unique style with the camera angles, lighting and theme.

I particularly like movies/shows with actors I don't recognize because I feel the character is more real for me. I liked how every character was different and each had their own story. The script was well written and I focused a lot on that because it is subtitles for this show (unless you know what they are saying, cause I sure as hell didn't).

There were a couple things here and there that I didn't like. For example, The acting can be a little dull at times. I didn't like the romance between two characters because it was hard to believe they were really in love. The show wasn't perfection and the overall look might not be for everyone. The story is what really kept me into the show and I was hyped up for the last episode. The ending was amazing and I hope the story continues on for a second season.

3% is one of those rare shows that only gets better and better as it goes. Season 3, so far, is shaping up to be the most enthralling season yet, which, let me tell you, is absolutely saying something! The world continues to be fleshed out, and the already quite complex characters are only getting more interesting.

Do yourself a favor, watch at least to episode three before you pass judgement. You won't regret it!