Summary
- Unique parallel universe exploration in
Dark Matter
provides a captivating journey into different realities. - Apple TV+ continues to impress with adaptations, showcasing the depth of the sci-fi genre.
- From
Wizard of Oz
to
Sliders
to
Spider-Verse
, the concept of multiverses has long fascinated audiences.
Apple TV+’s Dark Matter is one of the most unique TV shows of the year, telling the story of physicist Jason (Joel Edgerton) as he is kidnapped and transported into an alternate version of his life and fights to get back to his core universe. It’s an entertaining journey that explores the idea of parallel universes, a concept that has been used in many movies and TV shows before.
While the idea of parallel universes has become more popular in the last few years with the releases of Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and the introduction of the Multiverse in the MCU, the idea has been used in Hollywood in movies and TV shows since the 1930s. Dark Matter is just the latest in a line of fantastic movies and TV shows that enter multiple different universes. While the wait for season 2 of Dark Matter begins, there are plenty of movies and TV shows that offer different looks at their respective multiverses.
Related I’m Confident Apple TV+ Could Do This Blake Crouch Book Justice After Dark Matter’s Success
Now that I’ve seen how well Dark Matter was adapted by Apple TV+, I’d trust them to take on one of my other favorite Blake Crouch sci-fi novels.
1
15 Sliders (1995-2000)
Imaginative And Groundbreaking
Sliders is often revered as the quintessential TV show about alternate realities, centering around Quinn Mallory (Jerry O’Connell) and his companions. Quinn accidentally opens an interdimensional portal which sends the group on a cosmic adventure around parallel Earths, a method of transportation they call “sliding”. Across its five seasons, Sliders offers viewers something new every time, from a world where the US lost the Revolutionary War, to one where men were treated as the “weaker sex”, making it a refreshing take on the sci-fi genre.
Sliders TV-PGSci-FiAdventureFantasy
Sliders is a science fiction television series that follows Quinn Mallory (Jerry O’Connell) and a group of fellow travelers as they “slide” between parallel universes. With each new world presenting a unique alternate reality, the team encounters various versions of Earth, facing different challenges and societal structures. The series, which aired from 1995 to 2000, explores themes of consequence, diversity, and adaptation.
Cast Jerry O’Connell , Sabrina Lloyd , John Rhys-Davies , Cleavant Derricks , kari wuhrer , Charlie O’Connell , Robert Floyd , Tembi Locke Release Date March 22, 1995 Seasons 5 Main Genre Sci-Fi Creator(s) Tracy Tormé , Robert K. Weiss
14 Community (2009-2015)
A Unique Take On The Concept
The “darkest timeline” continues to pop up throughout the show, making
Community
one of the more unique uses of the parallel universe concept.
Community may appear to be just a regular sitcom, but its exploration of parallel universes is one of the most prominent storylines throughout the show. The introduction of parallel universes in the iconic episode “Remedial Chaos Theory” is one of the cleverest pieces of TV in the sitcom, not only providing expert comedic material but also delving into the relationships and dynamics between the characters in different ways. The “darkest timeline” continues to pop up throughout the show, making Community one of the more unique uses of the parallel universe concept.
Community TV-PGComedy Where to Watch
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Created by Dan Harmon, Community is a comedy series that follows a study group at an unorthodox community college where zany antics occur daily. When disgraced lawyer Jeff Winger is forced to enroll in a local college to get a degree and reinstate himself, he gets roped in with fellow students from different backgrounds, races, religions, and ages and reluctantly forms a study group. Together, these lovable misfits will navigate their school lives in some nigh unbelievable situations as they all try to figure out where their futures lie.
Cast Ken Jeong , Chevy Chase , Joel McHale , Jim Rash , Gillian Jacobs , Alison Brie , Yvette Nicole Brown , Donald Glover , Danny Pudi Release Date September 17, 2009 Seasons 6 Writers Dan Harmon Showrunner Dan Harmon Main Genre Comedy Expand
13 The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
There’s No Place Like Home
The iconic Wizard of Oz is probably the most famous, yet unknown, use of a parallel universe in movie history. Oz is quite literally depicted as being a different reality to Kansas, with this being highlighted particularly by the stark difference between the dull sepia of Dorothy’s home and the Technicolor fantasy of the magical world. A timeless, heartwarming tale about courage, home, and the meaning of friendship, The Wizard of Oz is an iconic movie, and perhaps one of the earliest explorations of a parallel universe in movie history.
The Wizard of Oz PGMusicalFantasyFamilyAdventure
Based on Frank L. Baum’s book of the same name, The Wizard of Oz follows young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) as she’s swept away to the magical land of Oz. Upon arriving, she falls afoul of a witch, then enlists the help of a scarecrow, a tin man, and a lion in order to find the Wizard and get home to her family.
Director Victor Fleming Release Date August 25, 1939 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Florence Ryerson , Noel Langley , Edgar Allan Woolf Cast Margaret Hamilton , Jack Haley , Judy Garland , Bert Lahr , Ray Bolger Runtime 102 minutes Expand
12 Barbie (2023)
Barbie World vs The Real World
Playful and poignant, Barbie uses the concept of a parallel universe to highlight the difference between the “perfect” Barbie World and the messy reality of the human world. By juxtaposing Barbie World with the real world like this, the movie takes both Barbie (Margot Robbie) and the audience on a journey, exploring what it truly means to be human. Barbie is a coming-of-age movie like no other, and its use of a parallel universe as a metaphor for embracing the imperfections of humanity is fantastic.
Barbie PG-13ComedyAdventureFantasy Where to Watch
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Barbie is a film adaptation of the generational iconic toy directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach. The film centers on Margot Robbie’s Barbie who is expelled from Barbieland and travels with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to the real world in search of happiness. The film also stars Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and several other famous celebrities in cameo roles.
Director Greta Gerwig Release Date July 21, 2023 Studio(s) LuckyChap Entertainment , Mattel Films , Heyday Films Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Noah Baumbach , Greta Gerwig Cast Margot Robbie , Ryan Gosling , Simu Liu , Ariana Greenblatt , Helen Mirren , Nicola Coughlan , John Cena , Will Ferrell , Ritu Arya , Michael Cera , America Ferrera , Alexandra Shipp , Kate McKinnon Runtime 114 Minutes Main Genre Adventure Expand
11 Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
A Culmination Of Two Decades Of Live-Action Spider-Men
A fan-favorite, Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third installment in Tom Holland’s trilogy, and introduces the initial consequences of the multiverse on the MCU. As Peter Parker grapples with his identity being revealed, he then takes it upon himself to “save” a host of villains from previous Spider-Man franchises by sending them back to their own universes. Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s convergence of parallel universes managed to blend heart-pumping action with some truly emotional scenes about doing what’s right, while remaining a nostalgic and endearing story.
Spider-Man: No Way Home PG-13SuperheroActionAdventureFantasy Where to Watch
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For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when his identity becomes a problem for the ones he loves. Unfortunately, when the spell goes wrong, Spider-Man will now have to face off with villains such as Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) as Peter finally comes to terms that he can’t run from being Spider-Man. Supported by his close friends and help from an unexpected place (or multiverse), Spider-Man will go toe-to-toe with some of the most legendary foes in his storied history.
Director Jon Watts Release Date December 17, 2021 Writers Chris McKenna , Erik Sommers , Stan Lee , Steve Ditko Cast Tom Holland , Zendaya , Benedict Cumberbatch , Jacob Batalon , Jon Favreau , Jamie Foxx , Willem Dafoe , Alfred Molina , Benedict Wong , Tony Revolori , Marisa Tomei , Andrew Garfield , Tobey Maguire Runtime 148 Minutes Main Genre Superhero Expand
Related Would a live-action Spider-Man (Peter Parker) series be exciting?
Sony is planning multiple Spider-Man-related series for Prime Video. Currently, the studio is getting ready to start filming Spider-Man Noir, which will star Nicolas Cage as the title character, who is not a version of Peter Parker in this story. Based on Sony’s plans for the characters, there could be the potential for a Spider-Man reboot on TV, which Spider-Verse producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were reportedly hired to oversee back in 2019. TV’s format allows for a Spider-Man story that is more akin to the comics’ style, delving deeper into the characters and staying more in that world.
10 Rick and Morty (2013-)
A Constant Parallel Universe Innovator
Rick and Morty is an outrageously funny and uniquely clever animated TV show that tells the story of alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez, and his impressionable grandson, Morty. Using Rick’s portal gun, the titular characters travel through innumerable different worlds and universes in the show, embarking on a series of creative and exciting adventures as they do so. Rick and Morty consistently pushes the boundaries of the parallel universe concept, while frequently diving into the existential questions of infinite realities through a vessel of dark humor and absurdism.
Rick and Morty TV-MAAnimationAdventureComedy Where to Watch
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Rick and Morty is an adventure/Sci-Fi animated series that follows the intergalactic, inter-dimensional adventures of super-genius Rick Sanchez and his less-than-average grandson Morty Smith. Rick’s daughter, Beth, his granddaughter, Summer, and his hated stepson, Jerry, also take center stage more often than not. Hailing from creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the series blends comedy with science fiction as a way of exploring a wide variety of themes aimed at an adult audience.
Cast Spencer Grammer , Kari Wahlgren , Chris Parnell , Sarah Chalke , Ian Cardoni , Harry Belden Release Date December 2, 2013 Seasons 7 Writers Dan Harmon , Justin Roiland , Tom Kauffman , Eric Acosta Directors Dan Harmon , Ryan Ridley , Lee Hardcastle Showrunner Dan Harmon Creator(s) Justin Roiland , Dan Harmon Expand
9 Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
It Really Is Madness
Fun, utterly chaotic, and full of heart,
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
is a solid addition to the parallel universe genre.
The second installment in the Doctor Strange series sees Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) embarking on a mission to protect America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) from the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Chavez’s superpower allows her to travel through the multiverse, with Multiverse of Madness exploring a host of different parallel universes, including one where the Illuminati (led by Professor Charles Xavier) is the dominant superhero group on Earth. Fun, utterly chaotic, and full of heart, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a solid addition to the parallel universe genre.
8 Stranger Things (2016-Present)
The Duality Of The Upside Down And Hawkins
Stranger Things is a cultural phenomenon, taking the world by storm ever since it premiered on Netflix in 2016. It tells the story of a group of townspeople and kids from Hawkins, Indiana, as they seek to uncover the mysteries of why odd phenomena keep happening in their town, including the disappearance of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). It is eventually revealed that Hawkins is linked to a parallel universe known as the Upside Down, where a host of evil entities, including a demagorgon, originate and wreak havoc on the town. As original as it is iconic, Stranger Things is a fantastic exploration of the concept of a parallel universe to ours, particularly one that is “evil”.
Stranger Things FantasyHorrorDrama Where to Watch
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Inspired by 80s pop-culture and elements of Stephen King’s works, Stranger Things is a supernatural action-drama TV series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. When a young boy goes missing, his group of friends stumbles upon a young girl with telekinetic powers who recently escaped from a mysterious facility. They soon realize that she may be their only chance at stopping an impending doom that threatens to engulf Hawkins whole.
Cast Finn Wolfhard , Joe Keery , Jamie Campbell Bower , Brett Gelman , Caleb McLaughlin , Maya Hawke , David Harbour , Matthew Modine , Priah Ferguson , Gaten Matarazzo , Winona Ryder , Charlie Heaton , Sadie Sink , Millie Bobby Brown , Joseph Quinn , Dacre Montgomery , Natalia Dyer , Noah Schnapp Release Date July 15, 2016 Seasons 4 Writers Matt Duffer , Ross Duffer , Paul Dichter , Kate Trefry Directors Matt Duffer , Ross Duffer Showrunner Matt Duffer , Ross Duffer Expand
7 Deadpool and Wolverine (2024)
A Comedy Like No Other
Utterly hilarious and ridiculous, Deadpool and Wolverine is a refreshing and fun take on the parallel universe genre, continuing to explore the multiverse of the MCU. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) team up to try and save his universe in this R-Rated superhero comedy. The multiverse is used here as a metaphor for Deadpool himself not feeling like he truly belongs anywhere, and his team-up with fellow lost soul Wolverine allows the two of them to challenge and change each other for the better, all while exchanging a wide array of expletive insults.
Deadpool & Wolverine RAction Sci-FiComedySuperhero
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Director Shawn Levy Release Date July 26, 2024 Studio(s) Marvel , Maximum Effort Distributor(s) Disney Writers Rhett Reese , Paul Wernick , Shawn Levy , Ryan Reynolds , Zeb Wells , Rob Liefeld , Fabian Nicieza Cast Ryan Reynolds , Hugh Jackman , Emma Corrin , Morena Baccarin , Rob Delaney , Leslie Uggams , Karan Soni , Matthew Macfadyen , Brianna Hildebrand , Shioli Kutsuna , Stefan Kapicic , Lewis Tan , Randal Reeder , Jennifer Garner , Aaron Stanford , Billy Clements , Ollie Palmer , Chris Hemsworth , Rob McElhenney Runtime 127 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
6 Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
The Parallel Universe Pushes The Story Forward
One of the most acclaimed animated TV shows of recent years, Gravity Falls tells the story of twins Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel (Kristen Schaal) as they spend their summer in the titular town, where a variety of mysterious things occur. Gravity Falls eventually introduces the twins and the audience to a portal between dimensions, with this particular parallel universe setting the foundation for the show’s climax in its three-part finale, “Weirdmaggedon”. A timeless tale of siblinghood, coming-of-age, and adventure, Gravity Falls is a more than worthy addition to the parallel universe genre.
Gravity Falls TV-Y7AnimationComedyAdventure Where to Watch
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When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town’s mysteries.
Cast Jason Ritter , Alex Hirsch , Kristen Schaal , Linda Cardellini , Kevin Michael Richardson , Kari Wahlgren , John DiMaggio , Jennifer Coolidge Release Date June 15, 2012 Seasons 2 Writers Alex Hirsch Directors Alex Hirsch Showrunner Alex Hirsch Main Genre Animation Expand
5 What If…? (2021-Presen)
A Refreshing Take On The Parallel Universe Concept
Marvel’s What If…? is an entertaining and unique anthology series that explores parallel universes that branched off as a result of reimagining key moments from the MCU. Each episode provides viewers with a new “what if” question, including “What If… T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?”, with these alternate realities offering a different perspective on characters and events that are otherwise very familiar to MCU fans. A breath of fresh air for both the superhero and parallel universe genres, What If…? truly is an anthology series like no other.
What If…? SuperheroAnimationActionAdventure Where to Watch
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What If… ? is an animated anthology series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which features fan-favorite characters, including Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger, Thor, and more. The new series, directed by Bryan Andrews with AC Bradley as head writer, features signature MCU action with a curious twist. The show sees Uatu the Watcher, an omnipotent being that observes the events of multiple universes from afar as they unfold, unable to interfere. However, things shift when an entity peers beyond the veil, jeopardizing the multiverse.
Cast Samuel L. Jackson , Stanley Tucci , Michael Douglas , Sean Gunn , Mark Ruffalo , Karen Gillan , Tom Hiddleston , Jeffrey Wright , Michael B. Jordan , Toby Jones , Sebastian Stan , Paul Rudd , David Dastmalchian , Natalie Portman , Josh Brolin , Dominic Cooper , Jeff Goldblum , Hayley Atwell , Djimon Hounsou , Chadwick Boseman , Taika Waititi , Chris Hemsworth , Neil McDonaugh , Jeremy Renner , Michael Rooker Release Date August 11, 2021 Seasons 1 Writers Ashley Bradley , Matthew Chauncey Directors Bryan Andrews Showrunner Ashley Bradley Expand
4 Inception (2010)
The Dream Worlds Are The Parallel Universes
While never explicitly calling them “parallel universes”, Christopher Nolan’s Inception tells the story of a thief who steals information by infiltrating the subconscious minds of his targets. Each layer of the subconscious in Inception can be understood to be a different universe in its own right, each with its own set of rules. Inception is a movie that truly challenges its viewers to question the nature of their own reality, all while emphasizing the individual power and brilliance of the human mind, making it one of the most stimulating explorations of parallel universes in cinematic history.
Inception PG-13Adventure Sci-FiThrillerAction Where to Watch
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Christopher Nolan’s 2010 Sci-fi action film Inception follows a thief who enters the dreams of others to steal information and, after being caught, is given a chance to clean his slate by performing an untested concept – implanting an idea within another mind. An ensemble cast is brought together by former target Saito, who seeks to implant the idea of destroying his own company into his father’s mind. In a complex labyrinth of dreams and untested theories at the forefront, survival is not guaranteed in this psychological heist where the stakes are high, and nothing is what it seems.
Director Christopher Nolan Release Date July 16, 2010 Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Christopher Nolan Cast Tom Hardy , Elliot Page , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Cillian Murphy , Ken Watanabe , Marion Cotillard , Leonardo DiCaprio Runtime 148 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
3:04 
Related 3 Most Intriguing Theories for Inception’s Final Scene
Inception’s final scene has puzzled fans for years, but some intriguing theories could explain the mysterious ending.
3 The Spider-Verse Series (2018-Present)
Innovative, Cohesive, and Thrilling
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse are two films that are as groundbreaking in their animation as they are with their exploration of parallel universes. Telling the story of Miles Morales/Spider-Man (Shameik Moore) as he grapples with his new powers, the Spider-Verse movies introduce viewers to the multiverse, where different versions of Spider-Man all come together to protect their universes. Emotionally compelling, and with a unique animation style, the Spider-Verse series are some of the greatest parallel universe movies of all time.
Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse PGAnimationAction Where to Watch
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In the first animated Spider-Man film released in theaters, Miles Morales, a teenager who idolizes Spider-Man, gains Spider-Man powers of his own. While learning to use his new abilities, Miles crosses parallel dimensions and teams up with the different versions of Spider-Man from those dimensions to stop a threat to all reality.
Director Bob Persichetti , Peter Ramsey Release Date December 14, 2018 Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Sony Writers Phil Lord , Chris Miller Cast Jake Johnson , Kimiko Glenn , Hailee Steinfeld , Liev Schreiber , Luna Lauren Velez , Nicolas Cage , Lily Tomlin , Mahershala Ali , John Mulaney , Shameik Moore , Brian Tyree Henry Runtime 117 minutes Expand
2 Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Everything A Good Parallel Universe Story Should Be
Everything Everywhere All At Once rewrote the script for what a parallel universe movie could be. Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) is just an ordinary woman with a family and a struggling launderette business, but soon she is thrust headfirst into a whole new world, one where she can access the minds and abilities of her alternate selves across different dimensions and universes. Undoubtedly a modern masterpiece, Everything Everywhere All At Once manages to be massive in scale with its exploration of alternate universes while telling an intimate story of family, identity, and the choices that make us who we are.
Everything Everywhere All At Once was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Michelle Yeoh.
Everything Everywhere All at Once RAdventureComedyAction Where to Watch
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In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
Director Daniel Kwan , Daniel Scheinert Release Date March 25, 2022 Writers Daniel Scheinert , Daniel Kwan Cast Jenny Slate , Ke Huy Quan , Stephanie Hsu , Harry Shum Jr. , Jamie Lee Curtis , James Hong , Michelle Yeoh Runtime 132 minutes
1 It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Emotional Highs And A Great Story
Frank Capra’s timeless masterpiece It’s A Wonderful Life, is a movie that is sure to make even the most stone-faced audiences tearful. When George Bailey (James Stewart) is contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve, he is visited by his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), who shows him an alternate reality where George never existed. Clarence’s revelations show George that life truly is worth living, because of all the people he has helped along the way. Even in Dark Matter, never has a parallel universe been used so emotionally as in It’s A Wonderful Life, and it may never happen again.
It’s a Wonderful Life PGFantasyFamilyDrama Where to Watch
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Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town business and family man who, after a series of personal and business losses, attempts to jump off a bridge on Christmas Eve. Bailey is stopped before he can jump by Clarence, an angel who wishes to show him how much impact he has had on those around him in order to keep him from killing himself. Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, with a further cast that includes Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Henry Travers.
Director Frank Capra Release Date January 7, 1947 Studio(s) RKO Pictures Distributor(s) RKO Pictures Writers Frank Capra , Albert Hackett , Frances Goodrich Cast James Stewart , Thomas Mitchell , Lionel Barrymore , Donna Reed , Henry Travers Runtime 130 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Dark Matter (2024) Drama Sci-FiThriller Where to Watch
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Based on his novel of the same name, Dark Matter is a sci-fi drama-thriller television series created for Apple TV+ by Blake Crouch. The series follows a physicist who is kidnapped and thrown into an alternate reality where he witnesses one potential path his life could have taken. However, he learns that the lives of his family are in jeopardy by an alternate version of himself.
Cast Joel Edgerton , Jennifer Connelly , Alice Braga , Jimmi Simpson , Oakes Fegley , Dayo Okeniyi Release Date May 8, 2024 Seasons 1 Writers Blake Crouch Directors Jakob Verbruggen Main Genre Sci-Fi Creator(s) Blake Crouch Expand