I don't know if I have ever watched a darker TV series in my life. This had it all from horrific torture to violence against children.
The scariest part is you can understand why these people are doing what they are doing and you don't just label them monsters as many shows with this level of violence would. I can't say I have ever watched a show quite this dark and I loved every minute of it.
So back to my original question is Utopia the darkest TV show ever? If not what is?
I have yet to watch a darker show than this, thank god. I loved Utopia but I don't think I need to see any more depictions of torture or child/animal/family member murder.
"What race are you? If you don't tell me I'll just...assume the worst."
Is it in a darker sense because, it rings true to real life, or can a show that's more closer to the fictional side be counted to ? because there are quite few tv shows that are just as dark, out there.
what about American horror story, or Hannibal series ? Dexter and bates motel, Mr Robot, X files even, there a lot out there.
not sure if utopia is the darkest show I have seen, but its pretty twisted.
What makes Utopia (for me at least) much much darker than any of the shows you've listed there is indeed because Utopia is rooted in a reality that makes it feel like these events are taking place in the real world.
In the shows you've mentioned (perhaps with the exception of Mr. Robot) we're constantly aware and reminded that those are fictional realities, with Utopia it's very easy to forget imo.
Hannibal is in no way darker in my mind. The only thing Hannibal has on Utopia is pure grossness. I could show you plenty of gross things but they don't always hit all the elements of what makes something dark to me.
American Horror Story is more of a comedy/joke that implements horror elements.
Hannibal is certainly more grotesque with things like the mushroom people and body totem poles but it lacks other elements that would make it darker than Utopia.
Dexter has a slightly lighter tone although it is fairly gory.
X-files is not even on my scale of darkness.
Mr. Robot is probably the closest that I have seen on American TV. It doesn't quite make it to Utopia's league since it isn't quite as sinister. Shows in America would not kill kids in the manner of Utopia. I know AHS had their little school shooting scene but it was nowhere near as graphic as Utopia. Then you consider the fact of the story behind why the people are doing what they are doing in Utopia and I feel like it is the darkest show ever.
Black Mirror is another one that comes close but doesn't have the violence of Utopia. I highly recommend Black Mirror to anyone who hasn't watched it because it is excellent. It is 7 stand alone episodes that focus on the dark side of technology but in a fascinating and fresh way. They are available on Netflix and apparently they are making more as we speak.
Black Mirror is tremendous....I must watch the newest season...the last episode I saw was with Jon Hamm and it was splendid. I don't think it is quite as dark because it doesn't have the same level of violence but from a purely psychological standpoint it is certainly up there.