His Dark Materials (2019)

Synopsis

Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As she learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds.

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Where to watch

Stream

• HBO Max Amazon Channel
• HBO Max

Buy

• Amazon Video
• Apple TV Store
• Google Play Movies
• Fandango At Home

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Dafne Keen as Lyra Silvertongue
• Ruth Wilson as Mrs Coulter
• Kit Connor as Pantalaimon (voice)
• Will Keen as Father MacPhail
• Amir Wilson as Will Parry
• Ariyon Bakare as Lord Carlo Boreal
• Simone Kirby as Mary Malone
• Lewin Lloyd as Roger Parslow
• Ruta Gedmintas as Serafina Pekkala
• Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby

If you liked His Dark Materials, try

• The Sandman
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Doctor Who
• Star Trek: Discovery
• The Legend of Vox Machina
• The Wheel of Time
• Avatar: The Last Airbender
• El Chavo del Ocho

BingeNext's take

If you love stories that mix fantasy and science fiction with a bit of drama and adventure, His Dark Materials is a great pick. It follows Lyra, a brave orphan in a parallel world where science, magic, and religion are all tangled together. Her journey starts with finding a kidnapped friend but quickly grows into something much bigger, involving mysterious forces and a powerful phenomenon called Dust. Along the way, she teams up with Will, a boy with a special knife that can cut through worlds. Watching this show feels like stepping into a richly imagined universe full of danger, secrets, and epic battles against celestial powers. It’s perfect for fans of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Doctor Who who enjoy layered stories with young heroes facing huge challenges. With three seasons and 23 episodes, there’s plenty to keep you hooked. The cast, including Dafne Keen and Ruth Wilson, brings the characters to life in a way that’s both engaging and heartfelt.