Apple Has Saved Smart Sci-Fi After The Movies Died Out - But There's A Catch
Apple Has Saved Smart Sci-Fi After The Movies Died Out - But There's A Catch
It is commendable how Apple TV+ has consistently delivered quality sci-fi television content, but the streamer still seems to have a long way to go. TV shows like Silo have been showing promising numbers in demand, but that does not necessarily translate to massive viewership. Also, given how Apple TV+ launched relatively recently compared to giants like Netflix, there are fewer eyes on its shows, regardless of how high they rank in terms of their ratings and quality. To ensure that audiences keep engaging with its compelling offerings to the sci-fi genre, Apple TV+ must consistently deliver top-notch content.
Apart from that, like Silo and Severance, Apple TV+'s future science fiction shows must continue breaking new ground and pushing boundaries to expand the diversity of its viewership. One way to achieve this would be by branching out sci-fi into other popular sub-genres, like Severance merges science fiction with workplace satire, and Silo fuses it with mystery and political drama. If Apple TV+ continues to expand its genre offering without compromising on quality, it could effectively build its brand identity around science fiction and maybe even start a new wave of smart sci-fi on television.
I haven't seen Silo yet (soon!), but Severance was amazing, and very unique. For All Mankind is great, too. And I know people have mixed feelings about Foundation, with all the changes from the source material, but I enjoyed that, as well.
One thing I like about Apple TV's shows is that they don't seem to be afraid to try new directions - Severance is a great example of this. As is Servant - I didn't enjoy that one, but it was certainly different! While other streaming services appear to be primarily focussed on the next big media property they can adapt (The Witcher, Wheel of Time, Rings of Power), Apple seem to be a bit more willing to think outside the box.
I had no idea about Silo. Funny enough, Wool is on my library holds list currently. My wife and I just finished Severance and are looking for something to fill the void that show left.
Silo is a good contender to fill in that gap.
As a fan of the books, I found Foundation's sins too great to ignore. I don't think it's particularly well-written either as it becomes predictable due to an overuse of tropes.
I really wanted to like Severance, and I really tried, but it was unbearable. I think I made it like 3 episodes before I just couldn't take it anymore. It's right up my alley, so I should have liked it, but I definitely didn't. It probably doesn't help that I really don't like Adam Scott. He just has such a punchable face.
I do like Silo, though.
For All Mankind is on my list, but I feel like I'll really struggle with it, since husband is an Apollo era nerd, and it's rubbed off on me, somehow.
I do agree that I like the different direction Apple seems to be taking. At least it's not typically the same rehashed shit everyone else seems to be putting out.