Apple TV+ Previews New 'Calls' Series Based on Short Phone Conversations, Debuts March 19

Apple today shared a trailer for an upcoming original series "Calls," told entirely through 12-minute phone conversations. The series will be an English adaption of the French series of the same name that was created by Timothée Hochet.


Apple describes "Calls" as a "groundbreaking immersive television experience that masterfully uses only audio and minimal abstract visuals to tell bone-chilling snackable stories." The series will chronicle the "mysterious story of a group of strangers whose lives are thrown into disarray in the lead-up to an apocalyptic event."

Apple explains further:

Launching in a binge model worldwide, all nine 12-minute episodes are told through a series of phone calls that use sharp writing, compelling voice talent and graphics to aid in transcribing the darkly dramatic conversations onto the screen. These relatable scenarios transport the audience into familiar situations that quickly become surreal with thrilling and frightening moments. Featuring Lily Collins, Rosario Dawson, Mark Duplass & more, Calls proves that the real terror lies in one's interpretation of what they cannot see on the screen and the unsettling places one's imagination can take them.

The series will feature appearances from Lily Collins, Nick Jonas, Pedro Pascal, Rosario Dawson, Mark Duplass, Riley Keough, and others. Apple says all nine 12-minute episodes will be released on Apple TV+ on March 19.

Top Rated Comments

Ar40 Avatar
29 months ago
This looks FREAKING amazing!! I love how Apple is completely breaking our definition of TV. This feels like something I would play on Steam, a video game, what with the freaky audio visualization. OOOoh, I am really looking forward to diving into this show!! Keep thinking different Apple!! LOVE!

The shortsightedness of commenters on this forum is astounding. I can't believe people are so quick to judge. Netflix did something similar with Bandersnatch and that was a phenomenon. For a forum of people following a company which professes to "Think Different," I'm aghast at the IBM mentality on display here.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ConsultingJoe Avatar
29 months ago
LOL, made from "anonymous" recordings from siri requests.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
29 months ago
This sounds very innovative.

Love that Apple are being creative with tv+
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrTechAdvice Avatar
29 months ago
who signed off on this?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
29 months ago
There used to be a whole genre of comedy around the audience hearing one side of a phone call. Bob Newhart, George Carlin, Lenny Bruce all had routines using that structure.

Today, it seems nobody actually calls each other any more. The title says "short phone conversations", but 12 minutes seems like an epic in the modern era.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Madmic23 Avatar
29 months ago

Apple describes "Calls" as a "groundbreaking immersive television experience that masterfully uses only audio and minimal abstract visuals to tell bone-chilling snackable stories."
So it's a podcast? :)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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