Shiki has built a real following among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Nobuhiko Okamoto — the performance elevates material that could easily tip into self-seriousness. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Shiki arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. What makes Shiki work is that the ideas never crowd out the people having them. Sotobamura is a small village with around 1300 residents; so small the village isn't even connected to a single highway. An isolated village in which old customs, such as the burial of the dead, are still practiced. One day, the bodies of three people are found dead. Nobuhiko Okamoto and Wataru Takagi lead a cast that makes the ambitious moments land. It first aired in 2010. The rules of Shiki's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

Viewers burned by ambitious sci-fi that could not sustain its premise should give Shiki a chance. Monogatari is the obvious comparison, but Shiki earns its own place alongside it. A contained run means every episode is doing real work. Nobuhiko Okamoto grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Once you are in, you will want to talk about it.

Shiki wrapped up in 2010, created by Tetsuro Amino — and 1 season is available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro's free voice app makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just say the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.