Earth Abides: scifi TV series (trailer).
Brace yourselves, sci-fi fans, because Earth Abides is about to hit our screens as a six-episode miniseries, and if you’ve ever wondered what happens when civilisation collapses and humanity collectively shrugs, you’re in for a treat. Based on George R. Stewart’s 1949 novel, this post-apocalyptic drama promises to swap explosions and mutants for thoughtful reflections on society, survival, and why nobody seems interested in algebra anymore. With Alexander Ludwig as the delightfully intellectual Ish and Jessica Frances Dukes as the no-nonsense Emma, this MGM+ adaptation might just bring literary sci-fi into the streaming era with style—or at least with fewer typhoid-induced tragedies than the book.
For those unfamiliar with Stewart’s existential masterpiece, Earth Abides tells the story of Ish, a geography grad who survives a pandemic, wanders a deserted America, and eventually settles down with fellow survivor Emma to repopulate the species—no pressure, right? As the remnants of humanity cobble together a new society, Ish quickly realises that civilisation is about as easy to rebuild as IKEA furniture without instructions. Meanwhile, the younger generation cheerfully ignore his lessons on math and literacy, opting instead to grow corn and adopt superstitious beliefs about his hammer, which they apparently think belongs in Thor: Ragnarok.
The big question is: how will the show adapt the novel’s slow-burning narrative and philosophical musings for the small screen? Six episodes aren’t a lot of time to unpack Ish’s cross-country adventures, humanity’s descent into superstition, and the tragedy of his son Joey’s death. Will we see a faithful retelling of Stewart’s thoughtful prose, or will the producers spice things up with a bit more drama? One can only hope they resist the urge to turn Ish’s hammer into a glowing alien artefact—though stranger things have happened in adaptations.
Casting is also intriguing. Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) as Ish is a bold choice, considering Ish spends much of the novel brooding about humanity’s future and occasionally yelling at children to do their homework. Jessica Frances Dukes (Ozark) as Emma is a promising pairing, though one wonders how they’ll handle Emma’s understated but pivotal role as the community’s backbone. And let’s not forget the potential for Aaron Tveit’s Charlie to bring some much-needed menace to the proceedings—typhoid, anyone?
Fans of the novel may also be curious to see how the show handles some of its more… shall we say, literary elements. Ish spends a lot of time contemplating nature, which works beautifully in prose but might test viewers’ patience if translated into endless shots of Alexander Ludwig staring meaningfully at sunsets. And what about the community’s decision-making drama? Will the ethical dilemmas surrounding Charlie’s fate get a spotlight, or will it be reduced to a tense dinner-table conversation with ominous music?
Of course, the real charm of Earth Abides lies in its quiet, reflective moments—the realisation that civilisation isn’t just skyscrapers and smartphones but shared knowledge, skills, and culture. If the show can capture that essence without straying too far into melodrama or action clichés, it could be a standout entry in the ever-expanding post-apocalyptic genre. After all, it’s not every day you get a series that trades explosions for introspection and zombies for existential dread.
So, set your reminders for December 1st, 2024, and prepare for a show that’s equal parts thought-provoking and heartbreakingly human. Whether it sticks to the novel’s meditative tone or takes a few liberties, one thing’s for sure: Earth Abides is about to make you question everything—from the fragility of civilisation to why nobody in the apocalypse wants to learn geometry.
