The Leftovers’ creators know the show feels different after Covid

The Leftovers, an HBO series that aired from 2014 to 2017, is eerily prescient in its depiction of a global event called the "Sudden Departure," where 2% of the world's population vanishes without explanation. The show's creators, Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, recently reflected on their work in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting similarities between the series and real-life societal responses to crisis. Perrotta described the show as the "least apocalyptic postapocalyptic story you could tell," focusing on the profound bewilderment of its characters rather than their struggle for survival. He also noted that the scale of the show's cataclysm is truer to real-life experiences, such as the Holocaust, where the world quickly moves on despite immense suffering. Lindelof emphasized the importance of art that deals with grief, as it provides a space for viewers to process their emotions. The Leftovers has been consistently recommended by The A.V. Club for its unique vision and exploration of mourning. Lindelof believes that the show has a consciousness of its own, rejecting bad ideas that don't fit its framework. The Leftovers' portrayal of a society trying to cope with an inexplicable tragedy resonates with viewers who have experienced loss, whether personal or global. The show's creators are proud of their work, which continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking narrative.