Rapid Insights Genre Trend: Silo Joins the Dystopian Book Adaptation Boom

Next month, Apple TV+ will be releasing a dark, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi-tinged drama that leans into the recent streaming craze of adapting compelling dystopian novels for the small screen. The series will join the likes of HBOMax’s Station Eleven and Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale in exploring themes of humanity and society in the face of global disaster, from a pandemic to mass female infertility to a ruined and uninhabitable planet.

Here’s what you need to know about Silo and this broader trend:

Who’s the typical audience for dystopian dramas?
It varies. This genre generally skews older (67-71% aged 30+) but hits different gender sweet spots depending on execution. On one end of the spectrum lies The Handmaid’s Tale, attracting mostly women (59%) thanks to its themes of Female Friendship (141) and oppression (Religious Themes, 142); on the other is Silo, expected to be mostly male (59%) due to its embrace of harder Sci-Fi (130) and futuristic Gizmos & Technology (132). Station Eleven falls in the middle (gender balanced at 51% male/49% female); its multi-story structure (Narrative Device, 127) offers something for everyone.

How much potential do these series have for generating online chatter?
A lot. Even in its fifth season, The Handmaid’s Tale maxed out our social buzz meter (at 160) with its late-2022 premiere, and Station Eleven hit a high of (149) when it concluded its limited run in September 2021. Though Silo hasn’t quite broken through just yet, at a month out, there’s still plenty of time for it to start a similar social media fire.

What drives ratings for these types of shows?
Characters fighting back against a dark future. By definition, their Distinctly Realized Worlds (134) are compellingly pessimistic, whether they paint a picture of an uninhabitable Earth (World Turned Upside-Down, 133), the near-end of humanity (Death of a Loved One, 116), or the chilling dominance of Totalitarianism (136) and Abuses of Power (124). In response, their protagonists band together, determined to survive; they make Life-Changing Decisions (111), form Resistance Groups (154), and grapple with issues of Morality (125) to keep the chaos at bay (Overcoming Adversity, 128) and, hopefully, change their worlds for the better.

What do audiences want to see the protagonists strive for?
Their humanity. This genre challenges its characters to find a sense of belonging, connection, and peace–all basic human needs–within devastating and inhumane conditions. They yearn for Family (135), Social Contact (134), Honor (128), Acceptance (131), Order (133), and Tranquility (133), all of which boost ratings.

What kind of emotional experience do viewers come in craving?
A mix of dark and light. Audiences are drawn to the bleak horror of these dystopian landscapes and the characters’ overriding Vigilance (130), Sadness (129), Anger (129), Aggressiveness (129), and Fear (129). At the same time, glimpses of hope puncture the darkness and viewers lean in when it seems things could get better, with moments of Acceptance (138), Optimism (137), Amazement (129), and even Joy (134) and Ecstasy (111).

What will set Silo apart from other series in this genre?
Its Mystery (117). Whereas most dystopian dramas take place on a broader stage–both The Handmaid’s Tale and Station Eleven encompass farflung settings and make no secret of their characters’ realities–the storytelling in Silo is confined to a sealed-off underground city. As its citizens begin to question their confinement and suspect high-level Conspiracies & Cover-Ups (131), the series poses plenty of questions about the true state of its outside world.

Is their source material important?
Yes. The fact that these series are based on well-known, fully-realized novels is a key viewership driver across the board (Based on a Book).