sci-fi

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on sci-fi:

Silo stays a big sci-fi hit for Apple TV+ week after week

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Apple TV+ sci-fi mystery SIlo stars Rebecca Ferguson.
Apple TV+ sci-fi mystery Silo stars Rebecca Ferguson.
Photo: Apple TV+

The Apple TV+ sci-fi series Silo remains one of the most watched shows on streaming, just as it has since season two debuted in November. It’s once again on the most recent lists of the top 10 most popular streaming series maintained by two ratings companies.

And the feel-good comedy Shrinking season two drew an audience last week, too. As did Severance.

Silo getting complete story arc as Apple TV+ greenlights season 3 and 4

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Take a sneak peek Common, Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins in 'Silo' season 2
Common, Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins star in “Silo.”
Photo: Apple TV+/Cult of Mac

Don’t worry about getting left hanging by Silo. The sci-fi mystery series will go all the way to the conclusion of its story now that Apple TV+ gave the go-ahead for two more seasons on Monday.

It’s really not a surprise — Silo is one of the most popular shows on any streaming service, and draws praise from critics too.

“I’ve loved every minute of bringing Juliette to the screen and am immensely proud of what we’ve all created with Silo since the first episode,” said Rebecca Ferguson, who stars as Juliette Nichols in the series. “I have always felt passionately about telling the entire story contained within Hugh Howey’s books, so I couldn’t be happier that audiences around the world have enthusiastically embraced the show.”

Scarlett Johansson‘s Fly Me to the Moon sci-fi comedy rockets onto Apple TV+

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Fly Me to the Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum.
Fly Me to the Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum.
Photo: Apple TV+

The alternate-history comedy Fly Me to the Moon starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum launched on Apple TV+ on Friday. The film covers events that definitely did not happen during the 1969 moon landing.

It premiered in theaters over the summer, and is only now reaching streaming.

Finally, Silo season 2 details arrive — in a couple of weeks

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Silo season 2 details
"Silo " star Sarah Ferguson peers at you mysteriously in this season 2 teaser image.
Photo: Apple TV+

Release dates for new seasons of hit Apple TV+ shows like Severance and Slow Horses are in the news, and now we can add Silo to that list — maybe. The show’s stars and producers will discuss season 2 details at San Diego Comic-Con July 27, Apple TV+ said Friday. And a release date — and maybe more, like a trailer — will probably come out of that panel discussion.

Rashida Jones investigates a mystery with creepy robot in Sunny [Now on Apple TV+]

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Apple TV+ mystery thriller 'Sunny' stars Rashida Jones and a robot
Rashida Jones and her robot star in Sunny on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Suzie’s Japanese husband and son are missing and possibly dead, so her husband’s secretive company gives her a creepy robot named Sunny as a consolation prize. Together they’ll uncover the dark truth of what’s really going on. Intrigued? Stream the newly released Apple TV+ mystery series Sunny now.

It’s already earned a high score from Rotten Tomatoes.

Dark Matter trailer unveils a multiverse mystery

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'Dark Matter' is a multiverse mystery on Apple TV+
Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly star in Dark Matter, a new sci-fi thriller series coming to Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Dark Matter, one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade, is about to become an Apple TV+ series. It’s a thriller about a man lost in the multiverse trying to find his original universe, and stars Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly.

The trailer released Thursday asks the question “What if the person who abducted me is me?”

Fingernails rom-com trailer literally puts love to the test

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Can true love be scientifically tested and proven?
Can true love be scientifically tested and proven?
Photo: Apple

Apple TV+ debuted its first trailer Wednesday for a rare beast — a sci-fi romantic comedy. It’s called Fingernails, and its appealing cast includes Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White and Luke Wilson.

Set in and around a “love-testing institute,” the Apple Originals film debuts in New York City and Los Angeles theaters October 27 and in more theaters and on Apple TV+ November 3.

Fantastic Foundation season 2 finale promises hope for the future [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Jared Harris in ★★★★★
What's next for Hari Seldon and the Second Foundation?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review Apple TV+’s epic science fiction series Foundation concludes its second season this week and it goes out on a remarkable high note.

Who knows what the future holds for the Second Foundation? But I’ve greatly enjoyed this season. The hours I’ve spent getting sucked into this excellent sci-fi show were well worth the investment.

Epic battles lift Foundation to new highs [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Lee Pace and Laura Birn in ★★★★★
Terminus had better watch out for Brother Day (played by Lee Pace, left) and Demerzel (Laura Birn).

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ science fiction show Foundation reaches the penultimate episode of a very fine second season this week

Brother Day demands answers from the people of Terminus, who disappoint him with their conviction. Gaal and Salvor plot a daring escape from the Mentalics. And a great big dogfight in space precedes the showstopping image of the season.

It’s all secrets and schemes this week on Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Sandra Yi Sencindiver and Terrence Mann in ★★★★
Rue (played by Sandra Yi Sencindiver, left) reveals something earth-shaking to Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann).
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewSalvor and Gaal are in trouble this week as incredible Apple TV+ space opera Foundation heads into the home stretch of its great second season.

With the Mentalics moving on our two heroines, it seems that everyone has their fair share of trouble in the episode, entitled “The Last Empress.” Cleric and Constant find themselves at the business end of a Trantor firing squad. Dusk and Dawn see themselves fading into obsolescence. And Sareth’s running out of time to make her move.

Imperial intrigue rocks Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Cassian Bilton, Laura Birn, Lee Pace and Terrence Mann in ★★★★☆
The Empire
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewEveryone’s making compromises this week on Foundation, the gorgeous and exciting Apple TV+ sci-fi series based on the writings of Isaac Asimov.

Day and Demerzel sweat their next move as the Second Foundation rears its head (and Queen Sareth shows her fangs). Salvor and Gaal make the most of a new home. And Bel Riose meets Hober Mallow — with disastrous consequences.

Schemes and a royal screwup shake Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Leah Harvey and Lou Llobell in ★★★★
Salvor (played by Leah Harvey, left) and Gaal (Lou Llobell) wonder what Hari Seldon's up to this week on Foundation.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review Foundation, the epic Apple TV+ sci-fi show about the political machinations and battles being fought for control of a galaxy, finds its players being manipulated in all sorts of scary and surprising ways this week.

Hari looks backward and forward and finds nothing he likes. Cleric and Constant get Trantor’s version of a warm welcome. And finally, Brother Day unveils a new succession plan — that immediately backfires on him. It’s a very fine installment of this most exciting show.

Suspicion is the word of the week on Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Jared Harris, Leah Harvey and Lou Llobell in ★★★★☆
Who can you trust in Foundation? Hari (played by Jared Harris, left), Salvor (Leah Harvey) and Gaal (Lou Llobell) get a crash course in making new allies.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewFoundation finds old flames, new complications and uncertain allies in a very engaging episode this week. Hari, Salvor and Gaal find themselves in the company of a goddess. Dusk, Dawn and Day start suspecting each other. And Sareth gets closer to the truths she came to Trantor to divine.

Unsurprisingly strong performances elevate “The Sighted and the Seen,” this week’s episode of Apple TV+’s epic science fiction series based on the work of Isaac Asimov.

Foundation takes a moment for humanity [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Dimitri Leonidas and Isabella Laughland in ★★★★☆
Hober (played by Dimitri Leonidas, left) and Constant (Isabella Laughland) grow closer this week on Foundation.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+’s magnificent space opera Foundation is lost in space this week. A small party heads inside the Vault on Terminus to speak to the prophet — and comes away bewildered by what they find.

Plus, Bel Riose is back in action and finds himself a different creature than when last he stormed the battlefield. And Brother Day’s marriage is about to get complicated by his bride’s secret, all on a very l0vely episode of the series, entitled “Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly.”

3 Reasons to Watch: Apple TV+ sci-fi epic Foundation

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An outer space shot from “Foundation,” now streaming on Apple TV+.
Imagined on an epic scale, Foundation delivers the classic sci-fi combo of otherworldly vistas and mind-bending ideas.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewIn this installment of 3 Reasons to Watch, blast off with Apple TV+’s spectacular Foundation, a space opera worthy of the classics of the genre. After a stellar first season of the show, which is based on the timeless novels of Isaac Asimov, the second season is even more tremendous!

Here’s why you should check out this epic sci-fi show if you haven’t already.

Everyone’s on an epic mission this week on Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Jared Harris in ★★★
Everyone's looking for answers in strange places this week on Foundation.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+’s epic space opera Foundation shores up its defenses this week as everyone prepares for the second crisis.

Hari and Gaal have a crucial appointment with an ancient power. Cleric and Day both need to rescue the last men in the galaxy that either of them wants to ask for help. And new and greater puzzles wait behind every corner.

Great pacing, great character work and a couple of welcome additions to the Foundation cast make this week’s episode, “King and Commoner,” appointment television.

Hari Seldon returns this week on Foundation, and he’s fuming! [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Leah Harvey, Jared Harris and Lou Llobell in ★★★
It's reunion time for Salvor (played by Leah Harvey, left) Hari (Jared Harris) and Gaal (Lou Llobell).
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review Apple TV+’s epic science fiction series Foundation deals with the fallout from an assassination attempt, a potential marriage and the opening of a puzzle cube this week.

In the episode, entitled “A Glimpse of Darkness,” Salvor and Gaal have their overdue reunion with Hari Seldon. Plus, some new converts are betrayed by their faith. And Hari, like Schrodinger’s cat, may or may not be in a box. It’s a very good episode between major developments.

Foundation’s season 2 opener will floor you [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Episode 1. Lee Pace in ★★★★
Lee Pace continues his hot streak as Brother Day in Foundation.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewEpic sci-fi series Foundation, based on the work of Isaac Asimov, returns to Apple TV+ for a second season this week and blows expectations clean into the next galaxy.

The expensive, expansive show overcome opening night jitters in season one to become one of the more watchable and exciting things on Apple TV+, thanks in no small part to a game cast, tense set pieces, fleet drama and exquisite effects.

Apple TV+ needed its own Battlestar Galactica or Mandalorian, and Foundation more than met the challenge. Will it be able to repeat the successes of its first season?

New Foundation season 2 trailer shows a galaxy ready for war

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'Foundation' season 2 on Apple TV+
The epic saga Foundation will return to Apple TV+ for season 2 in July 2023.
Graphic: Apple TV+

The Galactic Empire and the Foundation prepare for massive conflict in a new trailer for Apple TV+ show Foundation, with the sci-fi series’ gorgeous special effects and cinematography very much on display.

Foundation season two premieres July 14. So now’s the time to watch the epic trailer Apple released Thursday — or get caught up on season one.

The Big Door Prize season finale spits out cliffhangers large and small [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Chris O’Dowd and Gabrielle Dennis in ★★★★☆
Surprise! The Morpho machine has even bigger mysteries to spin.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewThe Big Door Prize closes its first season with a blackout at Deerfest and a big twist from the Morpho. The show, about a mysterious machine that reads people’s futures, throws harsh weather and hard truths at its cast of misfit townies this week.

Father Reuben and Hana experience a few troubling realizations. Cass and Izzy have another blow-up. Jacob and Trina try to make it through their first real date. And more than one storm is brewing in this compelling cap to a winning season of a wonderful show.

New trailer teases return of Foundation to Apple TV+ in July

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'Foundation' season 2 on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ announced that epic saga Foundation will return for season 2 in July 2023.
Image: Apple TV+

The second season of Apple TV+’s epic space opera Foundation premieres July 14, the streaming service said Thursday.

A newly released teaser trailer gives a first look at what’s coming to the series based on Isaac Asimov’s classic novels.

The Big Door Prize plays the emotional card and wins [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Gabrielle Dennis and Djouliet Amara in ★★★★
Everyone's coming clean and unwrapping their emotions this week on The Big Door Prize.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewThe Big Door Prize stares down the barrel at the end of its first season with the first lovey-dovey installment of a two-part finale.

The Apple TV+ sci-fi comedy about a machine that predicts the futures of the busybodies in a small town — and changes a few too many lives in the process — puts on a big display of emotional fireworks in “Deerfest: Part One.” It’s one of the finest episodes of the season.

Silo takes us down a post-apocalyptic rabbit hole [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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Episode 1. David Oyelowo in ★★★☆☆
Sheriff Holston (played by David Oyelowo) is looking for answers about the silo.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review New Apple TV+ series Silo packs what may be the last people on earth into a huge, mysterious structure. Like Snowpiercer pointed straight up, this show offers a look at the hierarchies and conspiracies of silence that lead to cataclysmic turns of events.

This shaggy dog post-apocalyptic story — with an all-star cast spouting a lot of silly sci-fi lingo and exaggerated futurespeak — gets off to a compelling start this week.

The Big Door Prize is (almost) all about Izzy this week [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Crystal Fox in ★★★★☆
As usual, Izzy (played by Crystal Fox) just can't stand not being the center of attention.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewThe Big Door Prize focuses on the prickly mayor of Deerfield this week. The Apple TV+ show, about a small town interrupted in a big way by a machine that’s supposed to be capable of telling people’s futures, digs deep into the hidden feelings among Deerfield’s citizenry.

The episode, entitled “Izzy,” proves very affecting.