Since its original debut in 1959, The Twilight Zone has captivated audiences with its thought-provoking paranormal storytelling. The show’s latest iteration is no different, adapting the series’ ubiquitous elements to fit a modern context.
The show is exclusive to CBS’s online streaming service, continuing the recent trend of networks developing series for the ever-growing number of streaming platforms.
The series is the third reboot of the 1959 classic, following revivals in 1985 and 2002. The show seems very aware of its history and makes an effort to breathe new life into the franchise, with episodes varying from original narratives to remade episodes from the classic series.
The series’ first episode, “The Comedian,” is available for viewing on YouTube. Directed by Owen Harris, the episode focuses on an unfunny stand-up comic played by Kumail Nanjiani who suddenly gains the ability to make the audience laugh when he meets a famed comic, portrayed by Tracy Morgan. Morgan’s character advises him to include personal material in his sets, failing to mention that whomever he talks about onstage is erased from existence, a power that Nanjiani soon starts to abuse.
Jordan Peele takes on the role of narrator and executive producer for the series. His recent success in the horror-film genre with his film efforts Get Out and Us makes his involvement an obvious choice. He adapts to the role well, delivering ominous introductions to every episode with a chilling glare.
The topics explored in the show are especially relevant to today’s society. The first four episodes, all available on CBS’s platform, explore social media, race relations and government corruption—all hot-button topics that give the show a distinctly relevant feel.
The series’ cast is excellent, as well—Adam Scott, Steven Yeun, Seth Rogen, Tracy Morgan and Kumail Nanjiani, to name a few—many of whom, like Peele, have been associated with comedic projects in the past. Seeing the actors take on serious roles is one of the show’s most interesting aspects.
It’s disappointing that the series is limited to the streaming service, since it means that if you want to watch it, you have to pay. The paywall is sure to reduce the impact of the revival, though Motley Fool estimates CBS’s platform figures are on the rise with 8 million current subscribers, up from 5 million in 2015.
While far from an original concept, The Twilight Zone succeeds in recontextualizing the classic series for a new generation of viewers. Despite its numerous incarnations, the series finds solid footing in its dissection of current issues, bringing its characteristic eerie scenarios into the world we recognize today.
