Which TV Series Incorporate Nietzsche Abyss Concepts?

As someone who deeply enjoys dissecting philosophical themes in media, I've noticed Nietzsche's abyss concept—often summarized as 'when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you'—popping up in some unexpectedly profound TV series. 'True Detective' Season 1 is a masterclass in this, with Rust Cohle's nihilistic monologues and the show's exploration of darkness within humanity. The series doesn’t just reference Nietzsche; it embodies his ideas through its bleak, cyclical narrative and characters who are irrevocably changed by their encounters with evil.

Another standout is 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' where the abyss isn’t just metaphorical but literal, as characters confront existential despair and the void within themselves. The series’ psychological depth and themes of isolation resonate strongly with Nietzsche’s ideas. 'Berserk' (1997) also delves into this, especially through Griffith’s transformation and the Eclipse arc, where the abyss becomes a physical and spiritual consuming force. These shows don’t just name-drop philosophy—they live it, making them compelling for anyone interested in Nietzsche’s darker insights.

I’m a casual viewer who stumbled into Nietzschean themes without even trying, and 'The Sopranos' is one that stuck with me. Tony’s therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi often feel like a direct dialogue with the abyss—his inner darkness mirrors Nietzsche’s idea of confronting one’s own demons. The show’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the cost of power is textbook abyss-gazing. 'Westworld' also plays with this, especially in Dolores’s journey from innocence to vengeance, questioning whether she’s become the very darkness she fought against. It’s less about quoting Nietzsche and more about showing how his ideas unfold in a world where humanity and artificial intelligence blur. Even 'Black Mirror' episodes like 'White Christmas' tap into this, with characters trapped in their own psychological abysses. These series make philosophy feel visceral, not academic.

For fans of anime, 'Psycho-Pass' is a goldmine for Nietzsche’s abyss concept. The Sibyl System’s dystopia forces characters to grapple with their own morality, and Akane’s evolution from idealism to confronting systemic corruption mirrors Nietzsche’s warning about becoming monsters. 'Madoka Magica' takes it further, with its twist on magical girl tropes revealing a cosmic abyss of despair and sacrifice. The show’s portrayal of hope and futility feels like a direct nod to Nietzsche’s darker musings. Both series use their genres to explore profound philosophical questions, making them standouts for viewers who want depth with their entertainment.

I’ve always been drawn to stories where characters face their darkest selves, and 'Breaking Bad' is a perfect example. Walter White’s descent into Heisenberg isn’t just a crime story—it’s a slow, inevitable gaze into the abyss. His transformation embodies Nietzsche’s idea that battling monsters risks becoming one. 'Hannibal' takes this even further, with Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter’s twisted relationship blurring the lines between hunter and prey. The show’s aesthetic violence and psychological depth make it a visual and thematic exploration of Nietzsche’s philosophy. These series don’t just entertain; they challenge viewers to reflect on the nature of evil and self-destruction.

If you prefer historical drama, 'The Terror' Season 1’s Arctic nightmare is a chilling take on the abyss. The crew’s isolation and descent into madness under pressure from an unseen force literalize Nietzsche’s metaphor. Even 'Dark,' with its time-looping narrative, frames its characters as both victims and architects of their suffering, echoing the abyss’s cyclical nature. Both series use their settings to amplify the philosophical weight, making them unforgettable for anyone interested in how Nietzsche’s ideas play out in storytelling.