The Last of Us, Civil War and Fallout are just some examples of how apocalyptic entertainment seems to be more popular than ever. There's also a Canadian show hosted by Jay Baruchel taking a long look at the end of the world and our fascination with it.

Toronto

Apocalyptic pop culture is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, with narratives surrounding the end of the world captivating audiences worldwide. Series and movies like "The Last of Us," "Civil War," and "Fallout" have become standout examples of this trend. Additionally, a Canadian TV show hosted by Jay Baruchel, "We're All Going to Die," takes a comprehensive look at the global fascination with apocalyptic scenarios, exploring themes from killer bugs to artificial intelligence gone rogue.

Audience interest in apocalyptic narratives is seemingly at an all-time high, a reflection perhaps of the tumultuous and divisive climate of recent years. In the show, Jay Baruchel addresses his anxieties by delving into various doomsday scenarios, suggesting that there's a compelling draw to these catastrophic stories. This sentiment is echoed by critic Rachel Ho, who links the success of apocalyptic content like "Civil War" to the current divided and tense political and social environment, particularly in the United States.

Experts and creators within the genre suggest that the appeal of apocalyptic stories may stem from a deeper, more introspective place. These narratives offer a way to confront societal fears, reset the complexities of modern life, and imagine new beginnings out of the chaos. It's a thematic exploration that resonates with many, offering both a reflection of our current anxieties and a cathartic pathway to envisage hope and change amidst despair.

Interestingly, Jay Baruchel's journey through the apocalyptic genre has led him to a more optimistic outlook on humanity. Despite the prevalence of negative news, he highlights progress in health, literacy, and a decrease in violence, suggesting that, in some ways, life is better now than it has ever been. This counterintuitive perspective offers a silver lining to our apocalyptic obsessions, proposing that such narratives not only captivate but can also inspire a positive outlook on the future of humanity.



Apocalyptic pop culture enjoying explosive renaissance

I just want to start... I've had a rough week. On the small and the big screen... You watch. As soon as DC falls, they'll turn on each other. Audiences can't get enough of apocalyptic scenarios. The collapse is so near. Holy Moses. On We're All Going to Die, Canadian Jay Beruchel confronts his anxiety, exploring everything from killer bugs to AI run amok. I don't know if you're like a news junkie, but the past four or five years have been quite colorful and eventful. They could bring about the end of life as we know it. What? We need monsters, and we need to name them. And we always have. I think we kind of like to swim in that dark space. I think that humans, naturally, we do like dark things. Critic Rachel Ho isn't surprised by Civil War's success at the box office. We're living in very divisive times, especially our friends down south. It's quite tense, I think is the best word for it, probably. So it makes sense that our entertainment is reflecting that reality. Think about your lives. I'm sure one of you is going to realize that it's not all that great. This author says apocalyptic scenarios are on the rise for good reason. It really is like resetting everything. You're getting rid of the baggage, you're able to start anew, or perhaps you're able to have this ideal future that mirrors, in some ways, the things you wish would happen. As for J. Bear Richell, after staring into the abyss, he's found something surprising. It's made me more of an optimist. We are prone to less diseases. We are more literate. We kill each other less than we ever have, which is crazy considering what a garbage fire it is out there, right? So as shitty as it is, and anecdotally especially, it is very shitty, this is the best it's ever been. A silver lining for our apocalyptic obsessions. Eli Glasner, CBC News, Toronto.

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