HBO’s three-part post-apocalyptic masterpiece has one producer still in awe of its legacy

It’s been nine years since the post-apocalyptic series ended on HBO, and producer Michael Ellenberg is inspired by the show’s enduring legacy.

Often associated with HBO; the sopranos and game of thronesit’s also home to some of the best post-apocalyptic shows of all time. This includes: the last of usis based on the hit video game series of the same name, in which the fungus Cordyceps sinensis infects much of the world and mutates those it infects. Although it hasn’t become much of a pop culture phenomenon, there’s another well-received series in this genre on HBO. station eleven, The film is set 20 years after an influenza pandemic destroys world civilization.

In an interview with screen abuseAsh Crossan miniature wifeEllenberg was asked about projects he’s done in the past that felt small before, but have grown over time. His answer was an apocalyptic series leftoversHe explained that while HBO’s viewership ratings were never that great, they gradually increased. Almost 10 years later, he is most often asked about the series he has worked on. “It stands the test of time.” Check out Ellenberg’s comments below.

Well, “The Leftovers” is that show. So The Leftovers is a great show, Damon Lindelof, that was the little engine that made it possible. And while the ratings on HBO weren’t huge during its run, the show gained momentum and grew over time. And 10 years later, I still get asked more questions about this show than almost any other show I’ve produced. And it’s one of those shows that stands the test of time.

leftovers It begins with an event known as the Sudden Departure, in which 2 percent of the world’s population disappears without a trace. Rather than delving into the mystery of why these particular individuals disappeared and where they are now; leftovers Instead, it primarily focuses on the characters left behind after death and how they grapple with grief, trauma, and the struggle to move on with their lives.

One of the many reasons behind long-term success is leftovers“ending. Season 3, Episode 8, “The Book of Nora” received a 9.5/10 rating on IMDb, the third highest rating of the entire series, and on Rotten Tomatoes, Season 3 received a score of 99% from critics and 91% from viewers. It’s rare for a majority of viewers to have an ending that satisfies them, especially when juxtaposed with the more polarizing series finales of Mystery Box shows like: lost and manifesto.

leftovers While not being canceled and ending naturally is important to that tradition, the continuation of the series as a whole continues to be appreciated as well. 9 episodes out of 28 total have a score of 9.0/10 or higher on IMDb. This is an unusual feat for any show, let alone one with fewer than 30 episodes. The overall score on Rotten Tomatoes is also exemplary, receiving a 91% from critics and 90% from viewers.

However, the numbers on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb only tell part of the story. leftovers The film is an exploration of the universal experience of grief and the search for meaning, which is as relevant now and in the future as it was during its 2014-2017 run on HBO. The series prioritizes characters over plot, gaining emotional arcs for their struggles over three seasons that make them feel authentic.

Another thing that makes this show unique is the way it reinvents itself each season. Season 1 in Mapleton, New York, Season 2 in Jarden, Texas, and Season 3 in Australia feel completely different while still respecting what has already happened in the story. Thematic, character-driven approach, continued subversion of the status quo, and refusal to provide easy answers make this show thought-provoking, which leads to why people continue to ask questions about Ellenberg years later.

beyond his work leftoversEllenberg serves as a producer for Ridley Scott. robin hood, prometheus, A scene from a marriage, pachinko, the morning showand now miniature wife.

Total 10 episodes miniature wife Currently streaming on Peacock.

release date

2014 – 2017-00-00

show runner

damon lindelof

writer

Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta

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