The Handmaid’s Tale has ended, but fans of the dystopian thriller have found a lesser-known Netflix series that viewers say rivals the hit show

Viewers are comparing it to The Handmaid’s Tale (Image: N)

The final series of the universally beloved dystopian thriller, The Handmaid’s Tale, has long finished leaving fans searching for their next television obsession – and they might not need to look far.

Fans of thrillers are equally enthralled by a lesser-known dystopian series called 3%, featuring a youthful cast and set within a fascinating offshore society.

This Netflix programme from 2020 has garnered numerous high ratings since its launch, with viewers proclaiming it “Tremendously Underrated”.

One IMDb review says: “I was really surprised by the fact that this show is really unknown. It is a great TV series that definitely deserves more recognition.”

Another viewer added: “Cinematically and visually stunning, a political, Hunger Games-esque storyline with believable acting, and I thought very interesting, lifelike characters. The script is intelligent, the characters are strong, and the interaction is elegant in its simplicity and natural air.”.

There are four seasons to binge-watch on Netflix (Image: Netflix)

The storyline of this Brazilian thriller centres around just 3% of society living in luxury on an island, while the remainder of the population suffers poverty on the mainland. Upon reaching 20, ordinary citizens are granted a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the 3% through a punishing competition known as ‘the process’.

Intentionally savage and potentially fatal to its participants, the competition ends with the majority of candidates returning to impoverished conditions – occasionally too debilitated to even survive.

While the series originates from Portugal, countless English-speaking viewers have been enthralled by the show, avidly watching each episode through subtitles or dubbed editions.

One fan even described the programme a “rare gem”. They said: “3% is one of those rare shows that only gets better and better as it goes. Season 3, so far, is shaping up to be the most enthralling season yet, which, let me tell you, is absolutely saying something!”.

“The world continues to be fleshed out, and the already quite complex characters are only getting more interesting. Do yourself a favour; watch at least to episode three before you pass judgement. You won’t regret it!”.

Another spectator wrote: “This is truly an outstanding dystopian/post-apocalyptic series. The acting, the shots, the pace, the character development, the storyline… Everything is on point! Seasons 1, 2 and 4 were, for me, all riveting.”

Featuring a Brazilian cast, the actors in this production are relatively unknown but provide an “outstanding” performance, according to viewers.

João Miguel plays Ezequiel in the series, the Process’s leader, alongside Bianca Comparato, who stars as Michele Santana, and Michel Gomes as Fernando Carvalho.

Discussing the performances in 3%, one viewer said: “I watched this out of boredom, but boy, was I glad that I did. It totally caught me off guard by how wonderful this show was. It is intelligent, futuristic, and well acted; all in all, absolutely amazing.” If you’re curious to find out what all the excitement is about, or merely seeking something to watch after finishing The Handmaid’s Tale, 3% is presently available to stream on Netflix.