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streamingSaturday, June 27, 2026·3 min read

HBO's Forgotten Sci-Fi Masterpiece Station Eleven

Station Eleven is a 10-part sci-fi miniseries worth watching after The Last of Us.

Crowd movement in Grand Central Terminal's main concourse with iconic information booth and clock.
Photo: Chengxiang LIAO

HBO's Station Eleven is a 10-part sci-fi miniseries that deserves another look after The Last of Us. The show is based on the acclaimed post-apocalyptic novel by Emily St. John Mandel and explores the aftermath of a flu pandemic that leads to the collapse of the world's infrastructures and civilization. Station Eleven offers a unique blend of realistic world-building and intimate character exploration, making it a great choice for fans of hard genre storytelling. The show's nonlinear storytelling and emotional stakes are reminiscent of The Last of Us, and its themes of grief, healing, and hope make it a compelling watch.

What happened

Station Eleven was inspired by Emily St. John Mandel's novel of the same name, which was published in 2014. The miniseries was in production before the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the immediate aftermath of a flu pandemic that leads to the collapse of society. The show's storyline is intertwined with a narrative that takes place two decades later, offering a unique perspective on the consequences of the pandemic.

The show's production was well underway before the pandemic, and its themes and storylines are not directly related to COVID-19. However, the show's exploration of a world in crisis and the human condition makes it a timely and thought-provoking watch.

Station Eleven features a talented cast and crew, including director Hiro Murai and writer Patrick Somerville. The show's cinematography and production design are also noteworthy, creating a visually stunning and immersive world that draws the viewer in.

Why it matters

Station Eleven matters because it offers a unique perspective on the human condition and the consequences of a global pandemic. The show's exploration of grief, healing, and hope makes it a compelling watch, and its themes are relevant to our current world. The show's use of nonlinear storytelling and emotional stakes also makes it a great choice for fans of hard genre storytelling.

Station Eleven is also notable for its well-developed characters and character arcs. The show's cast delivers strong performances, and the characters are complex and multidimensional. The show's exploration of relationships and community is also a highlight, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking look at how people come together in times of crisis.

How to think about it

When thinking about Station Eleven, it's essential to consider the show's themes and storylines in the context of our current world. The show's exploration of a global pandemic and its consequences is a timely and thought-provoking commentary on our current situation. The show's use of nonlinear storytelling and emotional stakes also makes it a great choice for fans of hard genre storytelling.

ProsCons

+ Pros
  • Unique blend of realistic world-building and intimate character exploration
  • Nonlinear storytelling and emotional stakes
  • Thought-provoking themes and storylines
Cons
  • Potentially bleak and depressing subject matter
  • Some viewers may find the show's pacing slow
  • Limited availability on streaming platforms

How to think about it

When considering Station Eleven, think about the show's themes and storylines in the context of our current world. The show's exploration of a global pandemic and its consequences is a timely and thought-provoking commentary on our current situation.

FAQ

What is Station Eleven about+
Station Eleven is a 10-part sci-fi miniseries that explores the aftermath of a flu pandemic that leads to the collapse of the world's infrastructures and civilization.
Is Station Eleven related to COVID-19+
No, Station Eleven was in production before the COVID-19 pandemic and its themes and storylines are not directly related to COVID-19.
Where can I watch Station Eleven+
Station Eleven is available to stream on HBO and other streaming platforms.
Sources
  1. 01HBO’s Forgotten 10-Part Sci-Fi Masterpiece Deserves Another Look After ‘The Last of Us’
  2. 02HBO’s Forgotten 10-Part Sci-Fi Masterpiece Deserves Another Look After ‘The Last of Us’
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