Arcadia

After a catastrophic disaster reshapes the world, a fresh community called Arcadia takes root. In this fragile society, scarce resources are rationed through a strict Citizen Score, a number that gates access to essential goods, opportunities, and freedoms. The score governs daily life, shaping not just what people can do, but who they can become. Amid the uncertainty, individuals and families grapple with the new rules and hidden costs of belonging, as trust, loyalty, and survival clash in a world where every move is measured. The show balances intimate scenes with stark social tableaux as it sketches a world where small acts can alter a whole community. As people adjust, moral choices surface around trust, trade and loyalty, all under the watchful eye of officials who track every choice.

Released in 2023, Arcadia is the brainchild of Philippe De Schepper, Zita Theunynck and Bas Adriaensen. This original series blends European sensibility with speculative drama anchored by Melody Klaver and Gene Bervoets, with stark production design and a tense score.

Initial conversations around Arcadia focus on its look at scarcity and social control, examining how a numeric system reshapes relationships, ambition, and loyalty. The performances from Melody Klaver, Gene Bervoets, and Lynn Van Royen anchor the tense family dynamics at the heart of Arcadia. The show uses family dynamics to ground its sci fi premise, letting intimate moments illuminate questions about belonging and the cost of security. Viewers are invited to weigh practical needs against personal principles.

The premise of a Citizen Score as a governing currency and the focus on a close knit family under pressure invites viewers to reflect on real world debates about data driven governance and social inequality. The show uses its visuals and performances to spark discussion about fairness and freedom. While Arcadia is still finding its footing, its premise invites discussion about how societies assign value and limit autonomy through numbers. The show's visual language and performances offer talking points about surveillance, trust, and what people are willing to sacrifice for safety.