Netflix's New Western Sci-Fi Series Debuts To Stellar Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Published Nov 11, 2026, 12:26 PM EST Abdullah Al-Ghamdi joined Screen Rant in August 2019 and is now one of the leading contributors of the TV News team. Having written over 4000 news stories in that time , with his work cited in Buzzfeed and TV Insider, he's always bemoaning that there's too many shows and not enough time. You can contact him at: aalghamdi@hey.com. Netflix's new blend of sci-fi thrills and Western backdrops is resonating with audiences. The streamer is still trying to break through with a major new Western hit after short-lived attempts like Ransom Canyon failed to go the distance. Next up, on the movie side, Netflix has the Jessica Chastain-led film Heartland. It mixes country music and crime, is directed by Shana Feste, and premieres on November 13. But on the small screen, where potential Western franchises may be better suited, the new Bass X Machina is off to a good start. It has received positive reviews from critics, and audiences are now signaling their enjoyment as well. Bass X Machina has debuted to an impressive 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The number is based on fewer than 50 user-submitted ratings, so the score may change as more user submissions are published. The strong response from subscribers matches the critics' score. The animated sci-fi has a 100% score based on 13 reviews. Bass X Machina consists of six episodes. Its story takes place in a steampunk version of the West, where the law no longer holds authority. Instead, violence reigns. In this setting, machines and supernatural horrors run wild. The story centers on the titular Bass Reeves, a real historical figure, who must become judge, jury, and executioner, even though it could cost him his family and everyone he is trying to save. The Oscar-nominated Brian Tyree Henry headlines the cast as Bass Reeves and executive produces, lending his voice alongside Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), Tati Gabrielle (You), Cree Summer (Rugrats), Chaske Spencer (The Twilight Saga), Currie Graham (NYPD Blue), and Starletta DuPois (The Notebook). The genre-mashing series is created by LeSean Thomas, who previously worked on Black Dynamite, The Legend of Korra, and The Boondocks. It's co-written by Chad Handley of The Righteous Gemstones. Overall, audiences find Bass X Machina entertaining, praising its action, animation, acting, and dialogue. User-submitted reviews also praise the interesting characters and strong message, while several enjoy the show's blend of Western and science-fiction elements, which has drawn comparisons to Cowboy Bebop. While the animated sci-fi is generally described as a fun and engaging outing, some cited flaws in what they found to be an increasingly complicated story, overcrowded with conspiracies and unresolved ideas. It's also noted that the Western tropes may feel familiar and that some crucial characterization scenes never rise to the level of convincing despite laudable efforts elsewhere in the show. Choose the movie with the higher Rotten Tomatoes score. ScreenRant's review of Bass x Machina by Grant Hermanns is largely positive, praising the blend of anime and Western elements and noting that Studio Mir delivers visuals that will attract audiences. It also underscores that the steampunk sci-fi skillfully explores difficult themes. Despite some shortcomings around the edges, it is increasingly clear that the Netflix Original is at least worth trying out. That's especially true for sci-fi and anime fans. It could help pave the way for Bass X Machina season 2. All episodes of Bass X Machina are on Netflix. Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00 Network Netflix Writers Chad Handley Cast Janelle Monae Glory (voice) Brian Tyree Henry Bass Reeves (voice)