A Review of ‘Circuit Breakers’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the television series, ‘Circuit Breakers’.

One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that the anthology is something that is supremely important to the fabric of modern television. Because Rod Serling’s work on The Twilight Zone and the advent of The Outer Limits, taught audiences and future creatives several lessons. Such as how, it is possible to tell a layered and powerful story in a short period of time, and of course… that science fiction and other genres can make great use of this format to really wow audiences. Which in turn brought forth shows like Tales from the Darkside, and Tales from the Crypt and more recently, Creepshow.
​
In fact, the thought of bringing short and impactful stories to life, inspired Nickelodeon, and other networks to create spooky anthologies for kids. Such as the wildly popular Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark? But while it was wonderful to see kids shows lean into this as well, there was one problem inherent with those kid-themed anthologies. In that, they never really offered kids depth and meaning, out of the fear that perhaps that would be over their head, and it would be more fun to spook them. But as we continue to learn that children are smarter than we give them credit and that television is a great way to teach young minds, some networks are coming to understand the true power of the anthology, such as Apple TV+.

For earlier today the network debuted, Circuit Breakers, a sci-fi anthology series that is unlike any other on the family-themed market. For not only does this anthology steer clear of scares and gore, but it leans hard into unique themes and messages, the kind… that a child or a teen can completely and utterly relate to. For instance, the series premiere, ‘Test Subject 13’, is an episode that deals heavily with that awkward period of growth for our bodies. Where we either grow too fast or grow too slowly depending on how the genetic winds flow, and how that can frustrate us and push us in ways we don’t need to be pushed. Which is something all of us can speak to and have quality conversations about.

Which in turn gives this show wonderful depth and meaning and engagement. But the best part of all, is that such matters are handled in a subtle manner. Because the science fiction in this show is top notch and it entertains and wows along the way, allowing for fun viewing in general, the kind that can in fact… be revisited on a deeper level early on and not to mention… it’s also a massive labor of love for those involved. For recently, NTG sat down with Cole Keriazakos and Maz Jobrani, who star in the fourth episode, ‘Entangled’ and here is what they had to say about being involved in such a unique and refreshing series.

Cole Keriazakos: It's inspiring for me, because I love acting, and I love making my own stuff too. That's where I would love to live, you know, 10 years from now. So, seeing all these people put such an amazing project together really is inspiring for what I wish that I can do.

Maz Jobrani: Yeah, I'll go back to the idea of being involved in quality projects. I think that they, you know, Apple TV Plus, has done a good job of bringing this anthology together. And again, you just feel like you're in good hands. From the crew in Toronto, to the director to the cast. It was just, you know, and to the final product, I got a chance to see the final product. And I was like, “Oh, wow! That did turn out the way—" because a lot of times, you know, I think it was Ron Howard who famously said you make a movie three times, once on the page once on set, and once in post. So, when you read a script, and you go, “Oh, this is gonna be fun!” and then you go shoot it, you go, “Oh, this was fun.” And then you kind of are cringing and waiting and go, “I hope it turned out fun.” And it turned out fun! And I go “Yes!” So yeah, it's a quality project. And I think that people will enjoy it.

So, as you can see, it’s a series that brought joy to those involved and inspired them and engaged them and it will indeed do the same for you and your family, and the best news of all… is you can see it right now. For season one is now streaming on Apple TV+, and we really hope you give it a look. For it really is a new anthology for a new generation, one that ignites the imagination and entertains, and it inspires and educates at the same time, and most important of all, it brings the family together. Since it starts important conversations in the home that allow for parents and their kids to connect, and you cannot ask for much more than that from an anthology series.

To learn more about the creation of this series, check out our interview with the show’s Creator, Melody Fox, and it's Showrunner, Andrew Orenstein.

---

Powered by JustWatch