With striking similarities in 'Dark Matter' and 'Constellation', Apple TV+ risks its reign in sci-fi genre
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: When Apple Inc., a tech giant, launched its streaming platform in 2019, people were doubtful of its success in the already crowded market. Fortunately, within a short span of time, Apple TV+ has produced some remarkable content.
From heartfelt 'Ted Lasso' to the gripping 'The Morning Show', the streaming giant offers a diverse lineup across genres. However, we have been witnessing a recent surge in the sci-fi series on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ and its undying obsession with sci-fi genre
'Invasion', 'Circuit Breakers', 'Severance' and 'For All Mankind' are some of the notable sci-fi series streaming on Apple TV+. In 2024, the platform is busy making more additions.
In February, it treated fans with 'Constellation', starring Noomi Rapace and Jonathan Banks. High on the darker aspects of science fiction, the series revolves around an astronaut who lands in a different reality. The series draws its inference from the concept of the Observer effect of Quantum physics.
Shortly after its conclusion, it dropped 'Dark Matter', another sci-fi series based on the same concept of a multiverse where the protagonist is trapped in another reality.
'Constellation' and 'Dark Matter' are so similar that it makes us wonder if Apple TV+ has spoilt the sci-genre for itself.
'Constellation' vs 'Dark Matter' on Apple TV+
We have failed to understand why Apple TV+ would pit its own shows against each other. Both shows have the same premise and are based on the exact same concept of quantum physics.
What's more bizarre is that the streaming giant placed the release of both shows closer to each other. A random look at the online chatter would tell how people are skipping 'Dark Matter' only because they had a recent episode of disappointment with 'Constellation'.
Despite the lurking shadows of 'Constellation', 'Dark Matter' stands strong in the battleground, strongly backed by its wise treatment of the theme where the Noomi Rapace starrer faltered.
Is sci-fi a worn out genre already?
Science fiction is an ever-evolving genre. It is a tough space to crack and Apple TV+ has been making constant attempts, with a few successful ones, to emerge as the king of sci-fi.
It demands extreme levels of creativity, delving into uncertain aspects of technology and science, while maintaining a rhythm with emotions that resonate with the audience.
With back-to-back shows offering similar kinds of futuristic, mind-bending plots, viewers might start to feel overwhelmed.
Though it's an exciting space, sci-fi content is at higher risk of rejection as it demands the audience's extra attention, engagement, and mental investment.
If Apple TV+ continues to roll out sci-fi series one after another, viewers might not have the bandwidth to fully engage with each new story.
Does this mean Apple TV+ should stop making sci-fi series for a while? Absolutely not! But it must pause and reflect upon its content library before introducing a new series.
Only by bringing innovation and diversifying their offerings, they can avoid the risk of genre fatigue and maintain a broad appeal.