Upload Season 3 remains consistent to the rest of the series – packed with humor, but also unafraid to dive into relatable social issues and politics.
Greg Daniels has never been afraid to tackle real life issues in his work. Series such as Space Force, The Office, and now Upload, dive into social commentary and point out things that could be improved in the real world, while still delivering laugh out loud humor and characters that viewers immediately connect to. Upload season 3 continues to do this, as Nathan and Nora fight the good fight against big corporations, monopolies, and the treatment of those who don’t have the means to upload.
Upload Season 3 takes place mostly in the real world, as Nathan struggles with his new body and potential impending head explosion, all while exploring his IRL relationship with Nora and hoping to take down those who had his killed. Meanwhile, in Lakeview, Luke is really struggling with the absence of his best friend, even going so far as to start auditioning replacements. We also see Ingrid makes a connection with backup Nathan. It feels strange to say it, but it easy to start to like her in Upload season 3 — something we thought we would never say.
As for A.I. Guy, he continues to deliver a lot of the comedic relief of the season. He is as quirky and fun as ever, but truly shines as the A.I.s learn more about human emotions and work-life balance.
Aleesha has received a promotion, which makes things a bit more difficult for her. She struggles with keeping in touch with Luke and Nora, while also wanting to climb the corporate ladder and be true to her work. Seeing how her life has changed with more money, but maybe her happiness fades a bit, is extremely relatable.
Sometimes we take our friends who granted and don’t know what true wealth is. She also forms a relationship with someone that we don’t talk to about for fear of spoilers, but it adds some great elements to Upload season 3.
Robbie Amell essentially ends up playing two different characters this season. Sure, they are both Nathan, but one of these Nathan’s remains in the dark about some things while the other knows the truth. He does a great job at, more or less, tapping into the version of Nathan he played in season one in order to make backup Nathan believable.
Chloe Coleman returns briefly as Nevaeh, Nathan’s niece. While she isn’t in it a ton, it is nice to see and Nathan back together briefly. He truly becomes a kid again when he is with her, and that is something he needs more than ever this season. To see that stress leave him, if even for a few moments, will have viewers smiling.
Upload season 3 is filled with revelations about the truth of what is happening with Freeyond and the details of why Nathan was murdered. There are major events taking place both inside of Lakeview and in the real world. Right from episode one, the season delivers some intense scenes as Nora and Nathan must fight against some dangerous folks.
At the same time, there are a lot of grounded and relationship based sequences that bring a lot of heart in to the series — some of which are completely unexpected. There are a few missteps here and there, including some of the dialogue and visuals that don’t look perfect. That being said, nothing really takes away from what the season is doing overall.
In true Upload / Greg Daniels nature, we once again end on a massive cliffhanger. The season has propelled us forward through this story, but viewers will be hopeful for an ending. With series getting cancelled left and right, often unjustified, it is terrifying to know this could be the last we see of these characters. It would be painful to end the story on this note, so fans, stream Upload season 3 when it premieres on October 20th and show Prime Video that we need a season 4.
Rating: 4 out of 5
NEXT: Simulant Star Robbie Amell Talks New Sci-Fi Film
About Upload Season 3
Upload is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And, forget about dying – instead, you’ll be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, and enjoy all the comforts of a world-class resort. Provided you can afford it.
In Upload Season Three, Nathan has been duplicated. While “download” Nathan is reuniting with Nora, a Horizen customer service rep realizes he is missing from Lakeview and restores a backup “upload” of him. Now more than ever, Nathan, Nora, Ingrid, Luke, Aleesha … and even A.I. Guy, struggle to find a balance in their careers, technology, and love between the real world and the virtual reality “after-life.”
Upload Season 3 comes to Prime Video October 20th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.