"Earth Abides" delivers strong performances in it's debut

December 2, 2024

Courtesy: MGM+

After the exceptional third season of FROM and the mind-blowing season finale (we impatiently wait for season 4), Earth Abides is the newest, highly anticipated post-apocalyptic thriller series that debuted on December 1 on MGM+.

Starring Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes, the 6 episode series is based on George R. Stewart's 1949 novel of the same name, where civilization has ceased to exist, taken over by a global pandemic, succumbing to a deadly virus. A group of lone survivors struggle to adapt to the new world before them, led by Isherwood William, to develop a new civilization. New episodes will be released every Sunday through its season finale on December 29, 2024.

Created by Todd Komarnicki, the series is executive produced by Juliana Maio, Kearie Peak, and Michael Phillips with production companies Brightlight Pictures, Lighthouse Productions, and MGM Studios.

Courtesy: MGM+

The series stars:

• Alexander Ludwig as Ish

• Jessica Frances Dukes as Emma

• Aaron Tveit as Charlie

• Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as Jorge

• Elyse Levesque as Maurine

• Luisa D'Oliveira as Molly

• Birkett Turton as Ezra

• Hilary McCormack as Jean

• Jenna Berman as Evie

Courtesy: MGM+

The series is a fantastic adaptation of the novel with modern updates led by the strong performances of Alexander Ludwig and Jessica Frances Dukes, who individually and together command their scenes. The first episode sets the tone of the series beautifully. It does not stray too far from the novel as Geologist Ish, having been bitten by a rattlesnake, flitted in and out of consciousness for days, slept through the height of the pandemic, and has suddenly awakened to quiet chaos. The first episode quietly and effectively searches for metaphoric answers for humanity's purpose as the series spans 50 years of Ish's life.

Unlike other popular hit post-apocalyptic shows, there are no zombies or aliens that our protagonists need to fight except the silent killer of loneliness and despair as they try to carve a path toward re-building for the future. Ish and Emma make it work until tension and suspense come in the form of other survivors, namely Charlie, who oozes charisma but has an ulterior motive.

 The series raises moral and philosophical questions that leave viewers thinking. If you're a fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, this series fits the bill. The chemistry between Ludig and Dukes is endearing, shaping both characters in a highly entertaining and immersive series with fantastic performances by the ensemble cast.

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Earth Abides is currently streaming on MGM+.

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