The world is ending, and the Lewis family is… practicing. Not with frantic prayer or desperate escape plans, but with a chaotic, darkly comedic drill. This is the unsettling premise ofEveryone Else Burns, a new series that’s quickly captivating audiences.
At the heart of this dysfunctional family is David Lewis, a man utterly convinced of the impending apocalypse. He’s meticulously prepared, or so he believes, for the fiery end of days. But his unwavering certainty is about to be tested by the very people he’s trying to save.
David’s wife, Fiona, begins to quietly unravel the foundations of their isolated existence. She starts to question the rigid, and increasingly unsettling, rules of their religious sect, noticing a disturbing pattern of control and inequality. Her doubts are a slow burn, threatening to ignite a rebellion within the family.
Their children, Rachel and Aaron, represent two opposing reactions to their father’s obsession. Rachel embraces the fervor, while Aaron actively rejects it, creating a volatile dynamic that fuels much of the show’s tension and humor. They embody the struggle between faith and reason, obedience and defiance.
The series originated from the deeply personal experiences of creators Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor. Mapletoft drew inspiration from his own childhood within a hyper-religious family in northern England, recalling the profound loneliness and fear of a world constantly on the brink of destruction.
That childhood terror manifested in a peculiar family exercise – a mock apocalypse drill. This unsettling practice, discovered in an online evangelical forum where a father boasted about similar preparations, became the striking opening scene of the show. It perfectly encapsulates the Lewis family’s bizarre reality.
Early reactions toEveryone Else Burnshave been overwhelmingly positive. The show currently boasts a 90% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating, signaling a critical success that resonates with viewers willing to embrace its unique blend of dark humor and emotional depth.
While initial impressions might be hesitant – some viewers describe it as a “slow burn” – the series steadily builds momentum, drawing audiences in with its complex characters and increasingly compelling narrative. It’s a show that rewards patience, revealing layers of meaning with each episode.
Many viewers have noted the show’s ability to find humor in the darkest of scenarios, exploring themes of faith, family, and the human need for belonging. It’s a darkly funny, surprisingly poignant exploration of what happens when belief clashes with reality.
The strength ofEveryone Else Burnslies in its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about extremism and the power of indoctrination, all while maintaining a captivating and often hilarious narrative. It’s a show that stays with you long after the credits roll.
