Upload (2020–)

What is Upload Season 4 About?

Season four of Upload is the final chapter of Nathan Brown’s story. This sci-fi comedy series focuses on a young man whose consciousness is transferred to a digital afterlife after he dies prematurely. The previous series ended with a cliffhanger ending and two versions of Nate existing at the same time, and here it all comes to a head. The real world and the virtual one are about to collide. 

Our Honest Upload Season 4 Review

The first thing you’re likely to notice with Upload Season 4 is how short it is. There are just four episodes in this climactic series, and you might worry there’s not enough space to wrap everything up. However, the shorter series actually works in its favour. 

These four episodes are tightly written with almost no padding. It brings all the major storylines to a satisfying conclusion; the central love triangle between Nathan, Nora, and Ingrid is handled very well, while the supporting characters get their moments too. 

The pace feels more hectic, but there’s still room for laughs amidst all the corporate kicking. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed Upload, and it’s a little sad to see it come to a close, but this is a rewarding finale. We have to give Zainab Johnson a shout-out too; she’s excellent here, and all but steals the entire show. 

What Do the Critics Think of Upload Season 4?

The reaction from professional critics was largely positive. The series was praised for its acting, intelligence, charm, and insight, but there were a few reviewers who argued it felt truncated. 

• “Upload has taken us on a rollercoaster ride as it explored life after death, technology, capitalism & what truly makes us human in a poignant & comedic way. Paired with a cast that feels more like family, it’s bittersweet this show didn’t get to continue.” – Kristen Maldonado, Pop Culture Planet.

• “Sometimes a warning but always a laugh, Upload began as a bleak satire about the darkest and impending version of our world that then grew into a story about finding love in the midst of all of it.” – Lindsay Traves, Pajiba. 

• “Delivers a brilliant, touching, bittersweet ending that will leave fans satisfied, but still frustrated that the series was not given more time for a final season.” – Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geekly. 

• “Despite offering a delightfully original story that often hits the nail right on the head when it comes to satirising a digital near-future, Season 4 of Upload misses the mark in its final moments…” – Therese Lacson, Collider. 

• “Aside from a rather cheap trick that deflates some of the final episode’s emotion, this four-part series finale event is the perfect length to send the series out on an emotional high note.” – Kyle Wilson, The Lamplight Review. 

What Awards and Nominations did Upload Season 4 Receive?

Upload Season 4 has not received any award nominations thus far, but the previous series picked up a few. We think it has a good chance of being nominated for:

• Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Series at the Critics Choice Super Awards.
• Best Actor In A Science Fiction/Fantasy Series for Robbie Amell, at the Critics Choice Super Awards. 
• Best Actress In A Science Fiction/Fantasy Series for Zainab Johnson, at the Critics Choice Super Awards. 
• BMI Streaming Series Award at the BMI Film & TV Awards. 
• Top Streaming Series at the ASCAP Film & Television Awards. 

Upload Season 4 Cast & Crew

Fun Facts About Upload Season 4

• Robbie Amell’s favourite scene was the bench conversation between Nate and Nora. 

• Chloe Coleman has a recurring role as Nevaeh. Her name is ‘Heaven’ spelt backwards. 

• This is the shortest season of Upload. It has four episodes, compared to ten for the first, and seven and eight for the second and third seasons, respectively. 

• The character of Nate’s neighbour was based on the multimillionaire David Koch. 

Themes of Upload Season 4

Upload is a satirical comedy series, but it deals with a few weighty themes. It grapples with questions about mortality and what it means to be human, and while it is funny, it gets you thinking too. There are different versions of Nate running around, and the cast repeatedly asks which is the real one. 

There is also a commentary on class distinctions and the commercialisation of immortality. In this world, the rich can effectively buy themselves out of death. It can easily be seen as a deeply satirical take on modern capitalism, as mega corporations can make enormous profits while diluting what it means to be human. If we can no longer die, what is the purpose of living?

How Does Upload Season 4 Compare to Greg Daniels’ Other Work?

Greg Daniels has worked on several of our favourite TV shows, and if you’ve enjoyed Space Force, Parks & Recreation, King Of The Hill, and The Office, you’ll recognise his style here. The witty dialogue and satirical insights are present and correct, albeit with a slightly more philosophical tone. 

Upload handles heavier topics than his previous work, but is similarly rewarding. Parks & Recreation is especially popular in the Compare TV office, and we’ve not had any staff complaining about Upload. 

Iconic Scenes from Upload Season 4

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• The previous series finished in November 2023 and despite a strong showing, it was another five months before it was officially renewed.

• Owen Daniels, the actor who plays the AI Guy, is the son of series creator Greg Daniels.

• Director Jeffrey Blitz has said that the AI Guy is his favourite part of the show, and compares picking the best AI Guy to choosing the best Taylor Swift song: “it can only generate outrage.”

• Greg Daniels has named James Cameron’s Titanic (1997) as an influence on the central love story. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he stated, “When you think about which stories are more romantic, Titanic is the big romantic story. It doesn’t necessarily end happily, but it ends with a lot of meaning and a lot of tears and an exchange of emotions. Giving that to Nathan and Nora was the prize in terms of letting them have the big, most emotional thing.”
  
• Andy Allo has described her character’s ending as “heartbreaking but hopeful,” and has joked that she was jealous of Ingrid’s ending and wanted to swap.
  
• Robbie Amell and Kevin Bigley shared a love of boxing and golf, and would regularly hang out together when not shooting.
  

What’s the Soundtrack Like for Upload Season 4?

The season 4 soundtrack consists of several indie-rock songs, usually from the gentler end of the genre. Artists like Penny And The Quarters bring a folky, whimsical flavour and there are a couple of upbeat numbers from groups like LEN. It switches between misty-eyed ballads and jaunty pop, and isn’t too far removed from the musical equivalent of Autumn leaves fluttering to the ground.

Best Quotes from Upload Season 4

• “No matter what happens to us, Brownie, no matter where you float away to, I will always find you. And you will end up in my bed.” – Ingrid is convinced that she and Nate are meant to be.

• “Just because something doesn’t last forever, doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. And that it wasn’t amazing. Even if they invent time travel one day, wouldn’t it suck to come back and everyone’s crying because things are ending, instead of loving that things are happening?” – Nora gets philosophical.

• “Everything I ever was, I saved it for you. You are my angel, Nora Antony. The love of my life. This one. And the next one. And the one after that. And the one after…” – Nate confesses his love as the end approaches.

What People Are Asking About Upload Season 4