The Best Sci-Fi Show on TV Right Now Is One You Won’t Hear People Talking About

As a movie buff with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Apple TV+’s “Silo” is not just another sci-fi series; it’s a masterpiece hidden within the digital vaults of streaming services. Based on Hugh Howey’s novels, this show takes you on an exhilarating journey to a distant future where humans dwell in underground silos, and unveils the mystery surrounding the truth about the silo’s history and what lies beyond its walls.

You may not hear much social media hype about Apple TV+’s sensational science fiction series Silo – and that needs to change. Based on the novels by Hugh Howey, Silo takes place in a distant future in which apocalyptic events have rendered the Earth’s air toxic to breathe, prompting humans to construct and dwell in underground silos. All physical remnants of the before times, dubbed “relics,” have been destroyed as a means to keep order, while inhabitants who voice their desire to exit the silo are sent outside to “clean” — an act that guarantees death. Season 1, which aired in 2023, chronicles Juliette Nichols’ (Rebecca Ferguson) rise from a skilled engineer in the mechanical sector to the silo’s sheriff, as she strives to solve a series of mysterious murders, as well as uncover the truth about the silo’s history and what really lies beyond its walls. Silo Season 2 is currently streaming (at the time of writing this), and examines the intense power struggles, and a society on the brink of revolt, as unanswered questions begin to shake the systems of control.

The recent extension of Silo for seasons 3 and 4 by Apple underscores the series’ exceptional standing as one of the most outstanding science fiction TV shows in recent times. With a stellar ensemble cast headed by Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Common, Chinaza Uche, Harriet Walter, Shane McRae, David Oyelowo, Remmie Milner, and Iain Glen, the show presents intricate characters set against a thrilling backdrop of suspense, action, and ethical quandaries. The series also boasts impressive production design and an unforgettable musical soundtrack.

What Makes Silo a Brilliant Sci-Fi Show

The compelling narrative of Silo stands out from other series due to its achievement across multiple aspects. While Season 1 unfolds, it weaves together elements of a gripping murder mystery and an expansive sci-fi saga filled with pulse-pounding confrontations. Emmy-nominated composer Atli Örvarsson contributes an intense score that creates a tangible sense of unease. The post-apocalyptic environment recalls Fallout, the character development echoes The Expanse, the mystery mirrors Westworld, and the dystopian society resembles that seen in The Hunger Games. Despite drawing on elements from numerous genre classics, Silo manages to emerge as a unique work that feels fresh and distinct.

On average, the two seasons of this show have garnered an impressive 92% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Specifically, the first season received a score of 88%, while the current second season is receiving an outstanding 96% rating.

I share the same sentiments expressed in Vanity Fair: Silo is already captivating on its own. The show is a stunning achievement in production design, and Ferguson’s performance, with her roles in both Silo and Dune, solidifies her as a strong contender for the new queen of sci-fi, radiating steeliness throughout.

Author Hugh Howey sparked excitement among fans when he shared that Silo Season 2 ranks as “one of the finest visual experiences I’ve ever had.

Concerning season 2, Paste Magazine noted that it was not a letdown at all; instead, they found it superior to the first season in numerous aspects. Although the narrative flowed more gradually than anticipated, the development of the world remained remarkably impressive.

Silo & Other Apple TV+ Series Are Still Flying Under the Radar

Apart from “Ted Lasso” and “Severance,” many Apple TV+ shows have not received as much attention from television viewers. This streaming platform offers a variety of top-notch science fiction series such as “For All Mankind,” “Foundation,” and “Silo.” In other genres, “Bad Sisters,” “Dickinson,” “Slow Horses,” and “Masters of the Air” are all worth giving a try. Despite having a strong library of content, Apple TV+ only has approximately 25 million subscribers, according to Forbes — a significantly smaller number compared to Netflix’s 247 million, Prime Video’s 200 million, Disney+’s 150 million, and Max’s 95 million.

The difficulties faced by Apple TV+’s series in capturing a wider audience stem from insufficient promotion of their shows and a highly competitive streaming market. Launched in November 2019, Apple TV+ is one of the newer entrants to the streaming landscape. Despite investing $20 billion over the past five years on original content and offering a free trial for new Apple device owners, it has failed to eclipse the popularity of established platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Max (formerly HBO Max and HBO Go), which have been active for an equal or greater duration. Furthermore, competition from services like Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+ adds to the challenge of gaining traction in the streaming industry. Consequently, Apple TV+’s struggle can be attributed to the fact that many viewers are reluctant to subscribe to multiple streaming platforms due to cost concerns.

Despite this, anyone who enjoys television shows should take notice of Apple TV+, particularly its impressive collection of science fiction series. The gripping second season of “Silo” is currently airing, with two more seasons planned, making it an appealing time to delve into the show, whether before or after reading the books. Given that seasons 1 and 2 have shown the potential of “Silo”, the program seems poised to leave a significant impact on science fiction entertainment.

Silo Season 1 & 2 are available to stream on Apple TV+.

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2024-12-23 22:43