The Unbelievable Way Apple Revitalized Smart Sci-Fi and Shattered Cinema's Legacy

Apple TV+ is revitalizing the science fiction genre with its high-quality television shows, filling the void left by the decline of smart sci-fi in movies. However, in order to sustain this momentum, the streaming service needs to make a few additional adjustments. Science fiction not only offers entertainment and escapism, but also provides viewers with a glimpse into the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. For example, while the portrayal of flying cars in "Back to the Future" may have been exaggerated, the depiction of drones, mobile-aided payment systems, biometric devices, and other futuristic technologies was remarkably accurate.

In addition to envisioning the future, science fiction movies and TV shows often utilize dystopian settings to reflect contemporary issues, concerns, and fears of the present day. For instance, a certain episode in the sixth season of "Black Mirror" weaves a true-crime story within its sci-fi narrative, subtly critiquing the current streaming era. Apple TV+ is breathing new life into the sci-fi genre by producing original shows and adapting books, which has the potential to shift the direction in which the genre has been heading in recent years, particularly since the 2010s.

The Rise & Fall Of Smart Sci-Fi Movies In The 2010s

The early 2010s marked a new era for science fiction, with the release of several epic speculative fantasy films. These thought-provoking movies explored complex themes such as artificial intelligence ethics (Ex-Machina) and the intricacies of dreams and reality (Inception). Alongside these, genre classics like Arrival, Her, Gravity, The Martian, Snowpiercer, and Interstellar challenged audience perceptions of alien encounters, human-technology relationships, class divides, and outer space on the big screen.

However, this period of boundary-pushing ideas and concepts in the sci-fi genre peaked in the mid-2010s and gradually declined throughout the rest of the decade. Films such as Transcendence, The Cloverfield Paradox, Jupiter Ascending, and Passengers attempted ambitious sci-fi storytelling but struggled to find the right balance between intellect and engaging narratives. Even movies like Blade Runner 2049, Tenet, and Annihilation, which delivered on the storytelling front, failed to perform well at the box office. While there has been a resurgence of the sci-fi genre after the pandemic with films like Dune and Everything Everywhere All At Once, it still doesn't quite capture the same magic as the early 2010s.

Apple TV+ Is Now The Home Of The Best Smart Sci-Fi

Severance and Silo have proven to be standout originals on Apple TV+, showcasing the platform's ability to deliver smart and engaging science fiction. While other series may have faltered, these shows take risks and delve into the unknown, captivating audiences with their complex themes and world-building elements. Silo, in particular, successfully adapts the original Hugh Howey novels into a slow-burn, mystery-driven sci-fi drama, effectively catering to the audiovisual medium of storytelling. With its careful changes to the source material, it's no wonder that Apple TV+'s Silo has surpassed competitors like Netflix and HBO in popularity ranking.

Apple's Sci-Fi TV Shows Still Need To Break Through More

To ensure continued success, Apple TV+ must not only deliver high-quality sci-fi television content, but also attract a larger audience. While shows like Silo have shown promising demand, it is important for Apple TV+ to gain more viewership, especially considering its relatively recent launch compared to industry giants like Netflix. Consistently delivering top-notch content is crucial to keep audiences engaged with the sci-fi genre.

In addition, Apple TV+ should strive to break new ground and push boundaries with its future science fiction shows, similar to the innovative approach seen in Silo and Severance. By exploring popular sub-genres and merging them with science fiction, such as Severance's blend of workplace satire or Silo's incorporation of mystery and political drama, Apple TV+ can expand its viewership diversity. By expanding its genre offerings while maintaining high quality, Apple TV+ has the potential to establish itself as a leader in smart sci-fi television and pioneer a new wave of innovative storytelling.