Almost Human: Why the Sci-Fi Robot Cop Series Was Cancelled

Almost Human, a science fiction television series centered on the partnership between a human detective and his android counterpart, captured audiences with its futuristic crime-solving premise but was ultimately short-lived, ending before reaching its full potential.

An Ambitious Alliance Cut Short

Among the many attempts at blending police drama with science fiction, Almost Human stood out during its brief run in 2013. Created by J.H. Wyman and overseen by heavyweight producer J.J. Abrams, the series promised a compelling reimagining of the classic cop-and-android duo—an idea previously explored in shows such as Mann & Machine, Future Cop, and Total Recall 2070. Yet, like its predecessors, this bold experiment was ultimately short-lived, failing to survive beyond its inaugural season.

A Vivid Future, Strong Characters

Set in the year 2048, the narrative revolved around John Kennex, a seasoned detective played with gravitas by Karl Urban. Haunted by the loss of his former robotic partner and burdened by a cybernetic leg, Kennex’s mistrust of androids formed a tense foundation for his new partnership with Dorian (DRN-0167). Portrayed by Michael Ealy, Dorian was no ordinary machine; his advanced emotional intelligence made him almost indistinguishable from humans. The resulting dynamic between man and android—fraught with initial suspicion but blossoming into camaraderie—became the narrative heart of the series.

The supporting cast offered further depth: Lili Taylor delivered an authoritative performance as the precinct chief, while Minka Kelly portrayed a genetically enhanced officer. Occasional appearances from actors such as David Dastmalchian and John Larroquette, along with the direction of talents like Mimi Leder, only enriched this futuristic world.

Spectacular Visuals and Narrative Choices

Almost Human‘s visual ambition was evident from its striking sets to meticulously crafted special effects, earning it an Emmy nomination. The depiction of a high-tech police station and inventive crime technologies underscored the series’ impressive production values. Stories ranged from classic procedural plots to explorations of ethically complex themes such as cloning and sentient robots.

Several factors explain why these strengths failed to secure longevity:

• The cost of maintaining such high production standards was unsustainable.
• The format—favoring self-contained episodes over ongoing story arcs—contrasted with contemporary trends.
• The series struggled to match the ratings giants like CSI, making renewal untenable.

A Genre Tradition—and Its Curse?

Despite critical praise for its original take on human-machine partnership and strong performances, economic realities prevailed. Thus, what could have been a genre-defining show instead joined the ranks of promising science fiction series cut short before fulfilling their potential—a familiar fate for television’s ambitious pairings of cops and androids.