Netflix's New 6-Part Steampunk Masterpiece Is Arcane Meets Cowboy Bebop

Published Nov 12, 2026, 1:30 AM EST Kyle is a senior writer at ScreenRant and has been part of the team for over two years. Having led coverage on The Walking Dead projects alongside Rick & Morty, Kyle is well versed in numerous genres. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Kyle is a passionate journalist who has a keen interest in TV and film. He has six years of experience studying journalism including a HND in Practical Journalism and a BA Honours in Journalism, Media and Communication and History. Alongside his love for TV and film, Kyle enjoys video games, football and Formula 1. Year after year, Netflix continues to expand its extensive animated library, and its latest 6-part gem blends elements from two of the best in the industry — Arcane and Cowboy Bebop. Despite both of these animated hits being among the greatest animated shows ever made, the two are entirely different, with Arcane being a steampunk video game adaptation, while Cowboy Bebop is a classic anime Western. They may find themselves being compared due to their quality, or because they are each pioneers in the world of animation, but in terms of plot and presentation, they couldn't be further apart. However, Netflix's newest series feels like the perfect hybrid of them both, as Bass X Machina borrows some of the strongest elements from each show. Based on real-life gunslinger Bass Reeves, Bass X Machina takes place in a fictional Steampunk West universe that adds a futuristic spin on classic history. Segregation is still a prevalent part of this lawless world, where bounty hunting is common practice, and Bass is one of the finest around. Although he excuses his actions by claiming they are to support his family, his early journey is about revenge, with a hefty prize supposedly awaiting him if he can get it. As the story progresses though, the protagonist is influenced by Dana and his long-lost daughter Ahni, who eventually turn him into a better man. This optimistic project had to do a lot to succeed, especially since its two main genres are usually worlds apart. Fortunately, Bass X Machina's reviews have been consistently strong across the board, making it a worthy new addition to Netflix's library that fans of animation in general are bound to enjoy. Bass X Machina Expertly Combines Western & Steampunk Elements As a simple Western, Bass X Machina could've still been fun, but adding in steampunk and supernatural elements gives it an edge that helps it stand out as one of the most interesting shows of 2026. The worldbuilding is sublime, as it features several small towns with saloons and Sheriff's offices that we've come to associate with Westerns. Likewise, there are plenty of shootouts with rifles, pistols, and shotguns, alongside horseback traveling and train robberies that somehow don't feel cliché. It's clear this universe has been inspired by many great Westerns that came before it, including Cowboy Bebop, since that same vibrant anime feel is also present in Bass X Machina despite it being an international production. Naturally, there is also a 19th-century vibe to the show, since it's when the real Bass Reeves lived and forged his legacy. These elements are perhaps the project's biggest strengths, but it also leans heavily into steampunk like Arcane, as man-operated machines are used as weapons to completely turn the tide in many fights. Bass and Lighthorse take on a villain operating a mech inside a small town, while Dana offers assistance with some of her unique gadgets. Alongside Yellowtail, Dana really emphasizes this aspect of the series, as their inventions show how advanced the technology in this world is, including the two being responsible for creating and upgrading Bass' mechanical arm. There are also robots involved, while the final fight centers around an enormous mech capable of destroying entire towns. As if this wasn't intriguing enough, a handful of characters with elemental powers akin to Avatar: The Last Airbender are involved, providing yet another string to Bass X Machina's bow. It's rare all these moving parts actually feel too much, as they are gradually introduced and feel normal by the time episode 6 comes around. As a result, the unexpected hit deserves credit for its creativity, and if it were to be picked up for more seasons, the potential is there to become one of the best animated Netflix shows of all time. Bass X Machina Is Continuing Netflix's Animation Success Over a week after its release, Bass X Machina currently sits at a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 93% audience rating, further emphasizing how well the show came together. Alongside its fun mix of different themes, strong characters, and great voice performances, the soundtrack is immense, while the animation has been widely praised. Even its intro and outro sequences are hard to skip due to how visually pleasing they are, with great music to accompany them, making it clear Studio Mir brought their A-game when producing this instant classic. Bass X Machina's universal approval shouldn't be surprising though, as it is becoming common practice for Netflix to get its animated projects right. Considering the streaming platform was once heavily criticized for not giving animated projects a fair chance and canceling them far too quickly, Netflix has completely turned its reputation around. Although it isn't technically an anime, Bass X Machina is clearly inspired by the genre in the same way Blue Eye Samurai is, which is another successful Netflix hit that is set to return next year. With an exciting story ahead of it, Blue Eye Samurai looks like it will follow in Arcane's footsteps, becoming a critically acclaimed masterpiece that tells a short but effective story. Anime has been a strong point for Netflix as well, with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners winning the hearts of the internet and making a massive cultural impact. There are also a variety of animated comedies that have worked wonders for the platform, such as Big Mouth, Haunted Hotel, and BoJack Horseman, with the latter excelling in its drama and emotion too. Love, Death + Robots is easily one of the most ambitious anthology shows in quite some time, paving the way for Prime Video's Secret Level while winning several awards itself. In truth, this only scratches the surface of Netflix's triumphs in the world of animation, and with more exciting projects and sequels on the way, Bass X Machina doubles down on how much the platform has improved in this respect. Now that yet another gem has been uncovered, questions emerge about Bass X Machina's future, having made such an early impact. Will There Be A Bass X Machina Season 2? Season 1 certainly did a fantastic job of telling a complete story that wrapped things up satisfyingly. However, Bass X Machina showed enough qualities to deserve a second season. As of now, the series hasn't been renewed, meaning Bass' journey isn't set to continue, but with the project only debuting a little over a week ago, everything could still change. The Steampunk West setting suggests there are plenty more stories to tell, and now that the gunslinger has finally been given Marshal status, his responsibilities are even bigger. Lighthorse may be out for revenge if he ever escapes captivity, and there will be no doubt other foes looking to cause problems for Central City and Bass' family. Additionally, Dana's growth as an engineer has more room to be explored, and there are also lots of ways to develop Ahni's story, given she has such unique powers. This all suggests that Bass X Machina season 2 could happen as long as there's an appetite for it, and its future may come down to viewership numbers and franchise potential. On the other hand, Netflix may be happy with its performance as a limited series and see no reason to undo this spotless reputation by adding another unnecessary chapter. If the narrative was always supposed to end with Bass reuniting with his family and connecting with his daughter, it's best to leave things where they are, rather than producing an uninspired second season. Based on the early signs, Bass X Machina season 2 remains a real possibility, and while it will likely be a few years before we see it, all hope isn't lost. Still, until we know what the long-term goals are and how big an impact the show made commercially, its fate is uncertain, making the six episodes we got worth savoring. Release Date 2026 - 2026-00-00 Network Netflix Writers Chad Handley Cast Janelle Monae Glory (voice) Brian Tyree Henry Bass Reeves (voice)