Dimension 404
Episode 1.1 “Matchmaker”
Directed by Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman
Written by Will Campos and Dez Dolly
Starring Robert Buckley, Lea Michele, Joel McHale, Matt L. Jones, Karissa Staples, Mark Hamill
Hulu
Air Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Warning: Minor spoilers for Dimension 404 below:

Imagine if Doctor Who and The Twilight Zone had a baby; the result would be Rocket Jump’s new Hulu series, Dimension 404. Each installment of the six episode anthology show is inspired by the internet’s all too familiar “404” error code, and focuses on the deeper, darker, and stranger depths of the World Wide Web — and did I mention that Mark Hamill is the narrator?

But is the show itself a success, or does it deserve its own “error” mark? Find out below in this review of episode one, “Matchmaker.”

Adam (Robert Buckley) is desperately lonely. Thankfully, his roommate signs him up for the dating app service, Make-A-Match, where he meets and quickly falls in love with Amanda (Lea Michele); however, As their relationship progresses, Adam soon discovers that not all is as it seems when it comes to Amanda, Make-A-Match, and even himself.

For a pilot, “Matchmaker” has it all. Dimension 404’s premiere episode is evenly paced with great production value, and smoothly blends together thought-provoking science fiction, horror, and comedy “” something that is not easily done. However, where it really shines, is in its witty subtlety; the writers have managed to seamlessly address ridiculous television tropes in a humorous way. For instance, the protagonist “” who runs a music blog “” has a really nice apartment in New York City. This sort of circumstance occurs in a plethora of TV shows, but is never really remarked upon; until now!

Buckley and Michele are fantastic in their roles, providing excellent character depth and growth in a very short period of time; Joel McHale plays the conceited, self-serving founder of Make-A-Match, and is delightfully devious; and Matt L. Jones’ character portrays Adam’s best friend, stealing the show with every single line.

If “Matchmaker” is any indication, Dimension 404 is going to be a really fun show. In a way, the series also bears a resemblance to Black Mirror; however, if you don’t feel like taking a shower after every single episode and then curling up into fetal position, this is the show for you.

Trailer