Set in Victorian London, what HBO science fiction drama features a group of mostly women, known as "the Touched," who suddenly manifest abnormal abilities?

The HBO science fiction drama set in Victorian London featuring a group of mostly women with abnormal abilities is "The Nevers." The series, which premiered in 2021, centers on a mysterious event in August 1896 that granted certain individuals, predominantly women, extraordinary powers known as "turns." These individuals, referred to as "the Touched," found themselves suddenly imbued with a wide array of supernatural (Review) abilities, from seeing glimpses of the future to manipulating electricity or growing to immense sizes.

In the show, the Touched are often ostracized and feared by Victorian society, with some viewing their abilities as afflictions or even wickedness. To protect and shelter (Review) these gifted individuals, a quick-fisted widow named Amalia True and a brilliant inventor named Penance Adair run St. Romaulda's Orphanage, which serves as a sanctuary for the Touched. The series explores their mission to protect their kind from those who seek to exploit or eradicate them, including government officials, a doctor conducting gruesome experiments, and an unhinged murderer who is also Touched.

The title The Nevers (Review) itself is a phrase meant to evoke a reaction to the oddity of these individuals, suggesting that they "should never be like this" or "should never have existed." This concept of unexpected people with power, particularly women, challenging the established patriarchal order is a central theme of the show. While the series explores themes reminiscent of the X-Men, focusing on individuals with powers facing societal prejudice, it offers a unique steampunk, historical fiction setting. Although the series was canceled before its full run aired on HBO, all 12 episodes were later made available on Tubi.