‘Kaleidoscope’: Netflix’s Upcoming Unusual Heist Drama Series Starring Giancarlo Esposito

Netflix isn't only the biggest streaming platform but is also known for bizarre experiments that make for an interesting streaming experience now and then. 

The platform’s newest eccentric project is Kaleidoscope, initially titled Jigsaw, a nonlinear series that allows users to watch any episode while still staying on track with the plot.

Netflix released the show's preview video a day ago, offering a first look at the cast members and the unique journey in store for viewers. 

Here’s the streamer’s official synopsis:

“Spanning 25 years, Kaleidoscope is a new anthology series that centers on a gang of artful robbers who attempt a seemingly impossible heist by cracking an unbreakable vault heavily guarded by the world's most prominent security and law-enforcement group. Each episode tackles a piece of the puzzle of betrayal, corruption, greed, loyalty, scheming and vengeance.'

So how exactly do you watch a series in no particular order?

If you can watch any episode of this eight-episode series, how will you know where to start? Sounds confusing, right? But Netflix has got you covered. 

The platform will randomly assign you an episode to start with named after a specific color. For instance, it might start you off with the episode Yellow, set six weeks before the robbery. Meanwhile, another viewer might begin with the episode Red, set on the heist day. 

Once you finish that episode, Netflix chooses another random episode, for example, Violet, set 24 years before the heist or Pink, covering events six months after the heist. After all the episode jiggling, all viewers will end on the episode titled White, marking the powerful conclusion to the compelling plot. 

Below are the series of events covered in each episode:

• Violet: 24 Years Before the Heist

• Green: 7 Years Before the Heist 

• Yellow: 6 Weeks Before the Heist 

• Orange: 3 Weeks Before the Heist 

• Blue: 5 Days Before the Heist

• Red: The Morning After the Heist 

• Pink: 6 Months After the Heist 

• White: The Heist (Finale)

Kaleidoscope is created, spearheaded and executive produced by Eric Garcia for the production companies Automatik Entertainment and Scott Free Productions. 

Giving details about the show, Garcia mentioned, “It’s loosely based on something that might have happened. After Hurricane Sandy, $70 billion worth of bonds got flooded in the basement of the DTCC, which is a large clearing effort that's owned by a bunch of the big banks. To my mind, I was like, Well, that's a perfect cover-up for a heist.'

Playing a befitting villainous role is Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul’s Giancarlo Esposito as Leo Papa, the heist master and the leader of the gang. Paz Vega (Spanglish) joins as Ava Mercer, the weapons specialist; Rufus Sewell (The Holiday) as Roger Salas, the corporate security titan; Tati Gabrielle (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Hannah Kim, the protégé; Peter Mark Kendall (Strange Angel) as Stan Loomis, the smuggler; Rosaline Elbay (Qabeel) as Judy Goodwin, the explosive expert; Jai Courtney (The Terminal List) as Bob Goodwin, the safecracker; Jordan Mendoza as RJ Acosta Jr., the driver; Niousha Noor as Nazan Abbasi, the driven agent and Soojeong Son as Liz Kim, Hannah’s younger sister. 

Recent stars confirmed to join the cast list include Hemky Madera (Queen of the South) as Carlos, the henchman; Stacey Oristano (Friday Night Lights) as Barbara Loomis; James Augustus Lee (Marvel’s Jessica Jones) as Cade, Max Casella (Doogie Howser, M.D.) as Taco; Whit Washing as Ted and Bubba Wailer as Agent Samuel Toby, the partner.

The ambitious TV show will head to Netflix on New Year’s January 1 2023. Get ready to be blown away!