8 shows to watch while waiting for 'Silo' season 2

Welcome to Silo, Apple TV+'s gripping dystopian series that's everyone's talking about. The show is set in a future where humanity's last survivors live in a massive subterranean silo, and follows Juliette Nichols (played by the stunning Rebecca Ferguson) as she unravels the community's long-held secrets.

Mixed in is a dose of mystery and tension that kept viewers on the edge of their seats, with a cast including heavyweights Tim Robbins and Common. Some fans loved the intricate plot and world-building, while others said the pacing was a bit slow. But that jaw-dropping season finale left everyone wanting more.

In the season finale, Juliette defies orders to discover the outside world, surviving its supposedly toxic environment and exposing the inhabitants' fabricated reality. The episode concludes with Juliette walking away, leaving viewers with questions about the truths they've been told.

Good news for the curious: Season 2 is confirmed for 2024, and the trailer for the same has been released with the first episode premiering on November 15. While much is still yet to be revealed about the upcoming season 2, this is the perfect time for enthusiasts to indulge in the world of Silo or watch these 8 other amazing sci-fi dystopian shows until the new season arrives.

Severance, Black Mirror, and 6 other dystopian shows to watch until the new season of Silo

1) Severance

Adam Scott in Severance (2022) (image via Apple TV)

The surreal mind-bender Severance takes viewers into a world where Lumon Industries employees have a procedure that splits their memories, leaving them with a chilling work-life divide. The unique premise of this one hooks you as you follow Mark Scout (Adam Scott) in a sterile office environment unraveling dark secrets.

Fans love the dark humor and mystery blend of the show, as well as its rich storytelling and striking visuals. Viewers are kept on edge by key moments, such as the eerie discovery of the 'severed' identities. Severance is a must-watch for fans of Silo because of the shared themes of confinement and existential questioning.

2) Black Mirror

Aaron Paul in Black Mirror (2011) (image via Netflix)

Black Mirror is an anthology series that delves into the sinister aspects of technology and humanity, sometimes unsettling and other times extremely unsettling. The intense narrative and unexpected turns captivate audiences, such as in the well-known "National Anthem" episode featuring a strange ransom request for a prime minister or in "San Junipero," which turns the story around with a touching love story.

Silo fans will feel at home with the dystopian themes and societal control explored by the show, as both shows delve into isolation and the human condition in exciting ways. Black Mirror is a mix of satire and psychological thrillers that keep viewers wondering about what the price of progress is and what shadows are lurking behind their screens.

3) The Expanse

Keon Alexander in The Expanse (2015) (image via Amazon)

Set in the near future with Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt on the brink of war, The Expanse follows a dark narrative of politics, hidden truths, and survival in the expansive realm of outer space. The mesmerizing visuals, engaging character growth, and examination of topics like power and identity in the series held the viewers' attention, with highlights like the protomolecule reveal and thrilling space fights shining on the screen.

Fans of Silo will find a similar vibe here; both series explore survival in oppressive societies, where hidden truths can shatter the facade of safety. With its intense storytelling and moral dilemmas, The Expanse grabs attention and won’t let go, making it a must-watch for those craving a thrilling ride through cosmic chaos.

4) For All Mankind

For All Mankind (2019) (image via Apple TV)

In For All Mankind, a mind-bending twist on the Space Race unfolds, imagining a world where the Soviets landed on the moon first, sparking an era of relentless exploration and competition. Viewers loved the show’s mix of historical events with futuristic tech, spotlighting themes of ambition, gender equality, and the pursuit of dreams—highlights including moon colonies and emotional family dramas hit peak tension.

Fans of Silo will vibe with its exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity, as both series delve into societal structures and the quest for truth in oppressive settings. With gripping arcs and unforgettable moments, For All Mankind captures imaginations and delivers a cosmic thrill ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, craving more.

5) Westworld

James Marsden in Westworld (2016) (image via HBO)

Westworld dives into a wild, immersive theme park where guests live out their wildest fantasies with lifelike hosts, sparking a deep exploration of consciousness, free will, and morality. Viewers were captivated by its mind-bending twists, jaw-dropping visuals, and complex narratives, with key moments like Maeve’s awakening and Dolores leading a host rebellion leaving jaws on the floor.

Fans of Silo will find common ground here as both shows tackle the battle for autonomy within controlled environments and explore what it means to be human. With its philosophical undertones and thrilling plotlines, Westworld serves up a provocative ride that keeps audiences guessing, making it a worthwhile watch for those who crave a mix of existential musings and gritty action.

6) Devs

Devs takes viewers on an awe-inspiring adventure into the world of quantum computing and the ethical conundrums that arise when a tech company delves into determinism and free will. Audiences were hooked by its cinematic visuals and gripping storyline, particularly pivotal moments like the shocking death and the unraveling secrets surrounding the mysterious Devs division.

With deep themes of fate, identity, and the impact of technology on humanity, the show resonates with fans of Silo, who appreciate narratives about existential survival and the search for truth in oppressive environments. Devs is a one-of-a-kind experience, blending philosophical inquiry with thrilling suspense, making it a must-watch for those drawn to cerebral sci-fi adventures.

7) Dark

Dark weaves a gripping tale of time travel and interconnected families in a small German town, where the disappearance of children uncovers a tangled web of secrets that spans generations. Viewers loved the show's intricate storytelling and atmospheric cinematography, with jaw-dropping twists like the reveal of the time loop and the true identities of key characters shaking them to the core.

Its deep exploration of fate, free will, and the cyclical nature of time resonate strongly, echoing themes found in Silo, where characters confront harsh truths within their confined world. With its brain-bending narrative and emotional depth, Dark offers a thrilling ride that keeps audiences hooked, making it a perfect match for fans who crave intricate sci-fi mysteries and existential dilemmas.

8) The 100

The 100 (2014) (image via The CW Network)

The 100 begins with an exciting concept: following a nuclear disaster, the remaining humans reside in a space station and send 100 rebellious teenagers to Earth to assess its livability. Viewers adored the exciting mix of survival tension, ethical intricacy, and intense action, showcased through monumental scenes such as the showdown at Mount Weather and the heartbreaking decisions of fan-favorite characters.

The series delves deeply into themes of leadership, loyalty, and the price of survival, resonating with fans of Silo, who enjoy narratives taking place in oppressive settings where decisions are crucial. The 100 offers an engaging experience for fans of character-driven science fiction, with its high stakes and emotional plot twists.

As viewers eagerly anticipate the gripping twists of Silo season 2, the recently released trailer promises even more mind-bending intrigue, making now the perfect time to dive into these eight must-watch shows.

Edited by Somava