Why are there no elevators in the Silo? Explained

The hit Apple TV+ series Silo, a dystopian sci-fi drama created by Graham Yost and starring Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo, Common, and Tim Robbins, premiered on May 5, 2023. The second season debuted on November 15, 2024. It follows the story of Juliette, played by Ferguson, who begins to uncover secrets about the underground community while investigating a colleague's mysterious death.

The series has sparked countless fan debates, one of the most popular being why there is no elevator in its massive underground community. Based on Hugh Howey's trilogy of novels Wool, Shift, and Dust, the show explores life in a colossal, 144-level underground enclosure. In the underground community, humanity clings to survival under strict regulations.

There's no elevator to avoid anti-authoritarian communication among those who live there, according to fan theories and online discussions. The lack of an elevator stands out as a glaring omission in this self-sustaining, technologically advanced community. Fans speculate whether the absence serves a practical, narrative, or thematic purpose. It also adds to the tension and realism of the setting's rigid and survivalist environment.

With season 2 now streaming, fans are eager for more elaborate answers about this intriguing architectural choice and its implications for life underground.

---

In Silo, the absence of elevators can be intentional to prevent rebellion

The dystopian sci-fi drama is set in a massive underground community (Image via YouTube/Apple TV)

One of the major discussions among AppleTV+'s Silo fans is the absence of elevators in the vast underground structure. Residents must climb or descend long staircases that spiral through the center of the architecture, connecting its many levels.

These stairs stretch for miles, with citizens assigned to specific floors based on their jobs and social status. Online discussions and fan theories say that the absence of elevators is a way to control the underground citizens.

Comment byu/Stunning-Funny643 from discussion inSiloSeries

The Direct also confirms that the architects intentionally omitted elevators to exert control over the population. The design reduces the risk of dissent or the spread of rebellion among the residents as it restricts movement between floors and limits communication and interaction.

In addition, the design choice maintains a strict hierarchy so the people remain divided and manageable.

---

Where is the silo located?

Tim Robbins as Bernard Holland (Image via YouTube/Apple TV)

According to the books, the underground structure is likely situated somewhere in the continental United States, though its exact location is never explicitly revealed. The Westernized characteristics of the silo's society suggest it occupies what was once U.S. territory before the apocalypse.

The location aligns with details from the second arc of the book, Shift, which mentions a total of 50 silos. Silo 1 is identified as being in Georgia, further indicating that Juliette's silo is also located in the U.S.

The underground represents a post-apocalyptic U.S., with its authoritarian system designed to control and divide its citizens. This reflects common themes in dystopian literature, such as The Hunger Games and Divergent, in which oppressive regimes maintain power by promoting apathy among the people and restricting freedom.

While the New York Times bestselling author has not confirmed any of the online theories, book communities have speculated about these ideas long before the TV series aired. One such theory suggests that the lack of elevators is designed to slow communication, prevent uprisings, and maintain control within the community. Ultimately, it serves as a means of population control.

---

Don't miss this post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama with season 2 now streaming on Apple TV+.