Post-apocalyptic stories often lean heavily into darkness. Most often showing humanity at its most savage. From roving bands of marauders to desperate survivors turning on each other. It seems like the end of the world is always the greatest hit of the worst instincts humanity has to offer. But every now and then, a story comes along that flips this trope on its head. It reminds us that even in the bleakest times, people can rise above the madness. ‘Earth Abides,’ the new miniseries on MGM+, is that kind of story.
Based on George R. Stewart’s 1949 novel, ‘Earth Abides’ isn’t your typical apocalypse drama. There are no zombies, no evil warlords, and no endless violence. Instead, it offers a gentle, introspective look at what it means to be human in the face of near extinction and how we might rebuild, not through chaos but through connection and a firm determination.
‘Earth Abides’ is a different kind of apocalypse. The show follows Isherwood “Ish” Williams (Alexander Ludwig), who survives a rattlesnake bite only to discover that a mysterious illness has wiped out most of humanity. What makes ‘Earth Abides’ different is how it handles this premise. It doesn’t overly rely on grim, nihilistic survivalism. In its place is a meditative exploration of time, aging, and the slow, deliberate process of building something new from the ruins.
Ish doesn’t immediately spring into action as a leader or hero. Faced with the enormity of what’s happened, he moves cautiously. Along the way, he meets Emma (Jessica Frances Dukes), a woman whose warmth offers him a glimmer of hope. Together, they begin to lay the foundation for a new community, not through domination or force, but through connection and shared humanity.
Unlike many apocalypse stories, the show is hopeful, not sadistic. In a genre where scarcity often brings out the worst in people, ‘Earth Abides’ is a welcoming new take. It’s been called a “cosy catastrophe,” and that description fits perfectly. There are no sadistic power struggles or the collapse of morality, only humanity’s capacity for resilience and cooperation. What we have is a group of people who understand their situation and finding a way to move forward instead.
The series suggests that when the world falls apart, people don’t have to fall apart with it. There’s beauty in the small acts of rebuilding and doing mundane stuff like planting a garden, teaching a child, or simply sharing a meal. And while there are challenges and hardships, ‘Earth Abides’ focuses on how humanity can adapt and move forward rather than being consumed by the darkness.
Having read the book, I was surprised by how faithful the series feels to its tone and themes. The show captures that beautifully, with stunning cinematography and sincere performances from Ludwig and Dukes.
As someone who consumes a lot of sci-fi, I’m finding Earth Abides refreshingly different. There’s no battling hordes of enemies or exposing the worst in people. What truly matters are the connection, community, and the ability to find hope even in the face of unimaginable loss.
I’m only three episodes in, but I’m already hooked. Nonetheless, the time jumps might have the series feeling rushed, which might not be for everyone. Still, those moments between time jumps give us time to sit with the characters, feel the weight of their world, and appreciate their triumphs as they rebuild.
If you’re tired of post-apocalyptic stories that are all doom and gloom, Earth Abides is worth checking out. It gives us a glimpse of what we’re capable of when humanity faces its worst. This is a story about survival, but most importantly, hope. And in times like these, we could all use a little more of that.
Screen Rated 