Apple TV's Sci-Fi Thriller Silo: A Fusion Of Fallout And Severance's Best Elements

By Sofia Martinez · Culture & Entertainment Editor

April 20, 2026· 2 min read

Zach Moser

Published Apr 20, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT

Zach Moser is a Philadelphia native who writes about film and television news. Zach has been published in Points In Case, Business Insider, Slackjaw, ROCA Travel, and McSweeney's Internet Tendency.

Apple TV has an ongoing dystopian sci-fi thriller that combines the best parts of Fallout_ and Severance, and is well-deserving of its streaming success. Apple TV appears to be the new home of exciting sci-fi TV shows, with Pluribus, For All Mankind, Foundation, and more still adding new seasons.

However, it doesn't feel like the streamer has been able to top Severance, which has its much-anticipated third season in production. Apple TV does have some shows that have learned great lessons from the puzzle-box-like storytelling of Severance, including one that brings the mystery to a post-apocalyptic future.

Apple TV's Silo takes place in a dystopian future where the environment has become inhospitable to life, and so people eventually moved into large city-buildings called Silos. There, the populations live under a totalitarian rule that they believe is meant to protect them. Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette Nichols, an engineer in the poorest sector of the Silo.

There's some Fallout in the DNA of Silo in its setup, and some Severance in the mysteries and puzzles presented. Silo manages to weave all these sci-fi elements into something special, bolstered by a strong ensemble cast. If you're a fan of either of those latter two shows, Silo will be for you.

Silo Gets The Mystery Aspects Of Its Post-Apocalyptic Story Right

Silo's world-building is excellent, and while the idea of groups of people trapped together in a secluded home after an apocalypse isn't new, see Fallout, it still takes its time to explain its world, painting a unique picture. There's thought put into Silo, and the story is able to explore its world with more fluidity.

The series also features a fantastic cast, including Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo, Tim Robbins, Harriet Walter, and Steve Zahn. What Silo does best, though, and why it has become such a compelling show, is how well it constructs its mystery. Every new episode offers something exciting and worth staying for until the next episode.

Silo slowly draws out its mystery, and just when you think you understand what's going on, the series changes course. The twists and puzzles never feel obvious, however, and there's always a clear sense that Silo knows where it's going, allowing you to sit back and trust what the show has to offer.

Silo Season 3 And Season 4 Are On The Way

Silo_ season 1 takes some time to find its bearings, but once it does, it's full steam ahead. Season 2 doesn't slow down at all, and together, the show has a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The series has quietly become one of Apple TV's big successes, and they've already ordered two more seasons.