Everything to know about MGM+’s new post-apocalyptic series ‘Earth Abides’
Everything to know about MGM+’s new post-apocalyptic series ‘Earth Abides’
Alexander Ludwig stars in this adaptation of George R. Stewart’s classic post-apocalyptic novel.
With the success of “The Last of Us” last year, it’s no surprise to see another post-apocalyptic survival show based on IP (intellectual property) hitting streamers. This time, it’s George R. Stewart’s 1949 novel getting the TV series treatment, with “Earth Abides,” debuting on Sunday, Dec. 1 on MGM+. Here’s everything you need to know about “Earth Abides.”
Everything you need to know about ‘Earth Abides’:
Watch the trailer for ‘Earth Abides’
What is ‘Earth Abides’ about?
“Earth Abides” is a six-episode limited series adapted from George R. Stewart’s 1949 novel of the same name. The series follows Isherwood “Ish” Williams, played by Alexander Ludwig, a geologist who wakes up from a coma (in the trailer, he gets bitten by a snake…) to find out that pretty much everyone is dead. A viral pandemic decimated the human species while he was asleep, and now he’s alone. So, he heads out on a cross-country journey, coming upon multiple scattered survivors, before eventually meeting Emma - played by Jessica Frances Dukes. Together they form a small community with other survivors.
In the trailer, Emma becomes pregnant, so viewers are likely to see what it’s like raising a child in a post-apocalyptic environment. In the novel, Ish attempts to educate the younger members about the old world and old ways, but they show little interest. Like many of shows in this genre, it will explore themes of survival, the resilience of nature, and the cyclical nature of human civilization.
Who are the main characters of ‘Earth Abides’?
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Isherwood “Ish” Williams: Played by Alexander Ludwig, Ish is a geologist who, after months of isolation, discovers that a mysterious illness has decimated most of the world’s population. He takes it on himself to help rebuild society.
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Emma: Played by Jessica Frances Dukes, Emma is a fellow survivor who partners with Ish. Together, they try to survive and establish a new community.
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Charlie: Played by Aaron Tveit, Charlie is another survivor whose role becomes significant as the group tries to reconstruct civilization.
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Jorge: Played by Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, Jorge is part of the survivor group.
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Maurine: Played by Elyse Levesque, Maurine is among the survivors working alongside Ish and Emma in their quest to rebuild society.
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Molly: Played by Luisa D’Oliveira, Molly is another member of the survivor group.
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Ezra: Birkett Turton plays Ezra - another survivor who helps rebuild in the post-apocalyptic world.
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Jean: Played by Hilary McCormack, Jean is part of the community striving to rebuild civilization.
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Evie: Played by Jenna Berman, Evie is a younger survivor whose unique experience gives a voice to the younger generation dealing with the new reality.
Who Is The Creator Behind ‘Earth Abides’?
Todd Komarnicki is the creator of the series adaptation of “Earth Abides.” Both a screenwriter and producer, Komarnicki is best known for writing the screenplay for “Sully,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks. His other film writing credits include “The Professor and the Madman,” and “Perfect Stranger.” He also produced the smash hit Christmas movie, “Elf.” “Earth Abides” will mark his first TV series.
If you want to watch some of Todd Komarnicki’s other project before jumping into “Earth Abides,” check out some of his films and where to stream them below.
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Sully
September 7, 2016On 15 January 2009, the world witnessed the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ when Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 souls aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.
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The Professor and the Madman
March 7, 2019Professor James Murray begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid 19th century, and receives over 10,000 entries from a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr. William Minor.
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Perfect Stranger
April 11, 2007A journalist goes undercover to ferret out businessman Harrison Hill as her best friend’s killer. Posing as one of his temps, she enters into a game of online cat-and-mouse.
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Elf
October 9, 2003When young Buddy falls into Santa’s gift sack on Christmas Eve, he’s transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa’s helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can’t shake the nagging feeling that he doesn’t belong. Buddy (Will Ferrell) vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic publisher (James Caan).
If you love this holiday treat, check out Netflix’s “Movies That Made Us” to learn more about the making of this modern classic.
What Time Will Episodes of ‘Earth Abides’ Come on MGM+?
MGM+ will drop the first episode of “Earth Abides” on Sunday, Dec. 1. While the exact release schedule hasn’t been officially confirmed, MGM+ usually follows a weekly release schedule for its original series, so expect to be able to watch the first ep on Dec. 1, with subsequent episodes released for the next five Sundays.
MGM+ App
MGM+ is a video streaming service that features original TV shows like the Emmy-winner “Godfather of Harlem,” the romantic adventure “Billy the Kid,” the contemporary sci-fi horror thriller “FROM,” and dramas “Rogue Heroes” and “Belgravia.” The service also has a library of Hollywood movies. This same service was previously called EPIX NOW.