Culture Chat: The Greek myths are sacred. Did ‘Kaos’ desecrate them?

Life and Art from FT Weekend

Put on your laurel wreath. Today we’re joining the gods and taking on Kaos, Netflix's new black comedy series that reimagines the Greek myths. The show follows Zeus (played by Jeff Goldblum) as he struggles to rule over Earth and The Underworld from a gaudy mansion on Mount Olympus. You’ll recognize a lot: the Minotaur and Orpheus myths, the fates, the furies, Medusa in middle management and cameos from the likes of Eddie Izzard and Billie Piper. Why are the Greek myths so endlessly popular? What do we want out of our adaptations? And did this one live up? Lilah is joined by the FT's Josh Spero and Claire Bushey, who enthusiastically disagree with her, to discuss.

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Links (all FT links get you past the paywall):

– Kaos is streaming on Netflix now!

– The FT’s review of Kaos, by Dan Einav, is here

– Josh wants more by the composer Joseph Anton Bruckner. You can read his review of the Berliner Philharmoniker orchestra performing Bruckner here

– Josh Spero is on X @joshspero. Claire Bushey is at @Claire_Bushey

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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. Clip courtesy of Netflix.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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