Fans of Stephen King inspired sci-fi should explore the post-apocalyptic drama Earth Abides while awaiting the next season of Pluribus. Both shows delve deeply into humanity’s struggle to survive and adapt following world-altering events, showcasing the resilience—and fragility—of human society.
Why Earth Abides Is a Must-See During the Pluribus Hiatus
As the Apple TV series Pluribus prepares for its second season, viewers can turn to Earth Abides, a post-apocalyptic drama that debuted on MGM+ in December 2024. Like Pluribus, Earth Abides centers on the aftermath of a global viral outbreak, focusing on survivors who must navigate a radically altered world. Alexander Ludwig stars as Isherwood “Ish” Williams, one of the few immune survivors who wrestles with accepting the collapse of society and the impossibility of restoring what once was.
While Pluribus uses a sci-fi lens with extraterrestrial elements, Earth Abides opts for a more realistic, grounded portrayal of post-pandemic life. Ish’s journey closely mirrors the emotional and cultural erosion that characters in similar narratives face, representing how traditions and identities dissolve over time. Both shows use the end of the world as a stage to explore what it truly means to be human in isolation and upheaval.
George R. Stewart’s Earth Abides as the Foundation of Post-Apocalyptic Stories
Originally published in 1949, George R. Stewart’s novel Earth Abides laid the groundwork for countless stories that followed about civilization’s collapse. Its influence is evident not only in contemporary series like Pluribus but across the broader sci-fi genre. The novel introduced the concept of a pandemic sweeping the globe, leaving only a handful of survivors to grapple with the aftermath without relying on explosive action or high-concept twists.
The MGM+ adaptation feels like revisiting the genre’s original blueprint, emphasizing the slow decay of culture and the enduring human spirit rather than flashy effects. It highlights how survival is intertwined with loss—the loss of old ways, knowledge, and relationships—and the challenge of rebuilding amid profound change.
Stephen King’s The Stand Draws Inspiration from Earth Abides
Stephen King’s own work in the post-apocalyptic genre connects directly to George R. Stewart’s Earth Abides. In his nonfiction book Danse Macabre, King mentions that a real-life event in Utah involving
“about an accidental CBW spill in Utah,”
caught his attention and reminded him of Stewart’s book. This insight inspired King’s creation of The Stand, where
“the world comes to an end, but everybody in the SLA is somehow immune.”
This connection reveals Earth Abides’ significant impact, bridging decades of speculative fiction and shaping how writers conceptualize the end of civilization:
The Lasting Importance of Earth Abides for Genre Enthusiasts
Both Pluribus and King’s The Stand owe a creative debt to George R. Stewart’s Earth Abides, making its story essential for anyone fascinated by post-apocalyptic themes. Audiences who appreciate narratives that explore the fragile social dynamics between survivors and the relentless forces of nature will find much to admire in Stewart’s work and the MGM+ adaptation.
With only one season and six episodes, Earth Abides offers a concise yet profound experience, perfect for binge-watching during the wait for Pluribus’ continuation. Its thoughtful exploration of humanity’s adaptability under extreme circumstances adds a measured, contemplative alternative to more action-driven shows.
As both series continue to shape the sci-fi landscape, viewers can anticipate future stories grounded in this tradition of examining humanity through the lens of survival and loss. Earth Abides not only honors the roots of this genre but also challenges contemporary audiences to reflect on what it means to endure when the world—as we know it—has ended.
