MGM+ invites viewers to contemplate a world stripped bare of civilization in “Earth Abides,” a new limited series premiering Sunday, December 1. Based on George R. Stewart’s 1949 novel, this adaptation envisions a chillingly plausible scenario: a swift, merciless plague decimates most of humankind, leaving scattered survivors to confront a desolate new reality. Check out the trailer below for a flavor of what to expect.
Alexander Ludwig takes center stage as Ish, a geologist who emerges from a coma to find himself in a world eerily devoid of human activity. The six-episode series chronicles Ish’s attempts to comprehend the catastrophe and forge a path forward in a landscape transformed. He soon encounters other survivors, each grappling with their own losses and the daunting prospect of rebuilding. Among them are Aaron Tveit as Charlie, Birkett Turton as Ezra, Elyse Levesque as Maurine, Hilary McCormack as Jean, Jenna Berman as Evie, Jessica Frances Dukes as Emma, Luisa D’Oliveira as Molly, and Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as Jorge.
While the source material is decades old, “Earth Abides” feels remarkably timely. The series taps into contemporary anxieties about pandemics, societal collapse, and the fragility of our interconnected world. It raises questions about what truly matters when the structures of society crumble, exploring themes of resilience, community, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. Directed by Bronwen Hughes and adapted by Todd Komarnicki, the series aims to capture both the starkness of the post-apocalyptic setting and the intimate struggles of its characters.
“Earth Abides” premieres Sunday, December 1 at 9:00 PM EST on MGM+.
Earth Abides is an Anonymous Content production for MGM+. Executive producer is Todd Komarnicki.
