LOS ANGELES — Extrapolation, a noun, is the action of estimating or concluding something by assuming that existing trends will continue or current method will remain applicable.
In Apple TV+’s new show, “Extrapolations,” the creators give us a series of stories all intertwined by the could be the effects of climate change should existing trends continue. The stories are all interwoven and they are about love, work, faith and family. As the planet changes because of the chaotic effects of climate change, the characters must face the battle between courage and complacency — after all, the fight for the future is universal.
“These are our extrapolations of potential futures. What we are trying to make a show about is, yes and? Yes, there is climate change, and? What do we collectively do about it? We can’t know the future, but can influence the present,” said Dorothy Fortenberry, one of the show’s executive producers.
“We hope the audience gets an understanding of the issues. They are entertained, they are stimulated. It is a look at our future, but really, it is looking at our present. They show is an act of faith and love,” executive producer Michael Ellenberg said.
Imagine having to walk around with an oxygen aid because the Earth’s air has become unbreathable. Imagine living in a world where entire species of animals have gone extinct because of climate change. These are all plausible scenarios “Extrapolations” explores as human do little to nothing in the fight to reverse course when fighting climate change.
In our current reality, how hopeful is the cast that we as humans will resolve the issues the show explores?
Heather Graham says she is hopeful we will find solutions for them in real life.
“How can we know? We can’t know. But actually, if we stimulate that question to an audience, then hopefully they will start to make change, and maybe we will,” said Indira Varma, who also stars in the show.
Daveed Diggs, who plays Rabbi Marshall Zucker, was a bit more cynical.
“It is going to have to be money involved. It is going to have to be profitable to do so. We are good, particularly in America, at making things profitable when we want to. I really do think that if we can figure out a way to monetize this, and once you can get rich off of it, you can make change happen,” he said.
(Daveed Diggs in “Extrapolations,” now streaming on Apple TV+)
For the show creators, how important was it to have a storyline of a faith leader and how did they connect it to climate change?
“These questions of climate change are questions of relationship. How do we relate to each other? How do we relate to God? How does climate change impact that relationship with God? If you believe God made the world, what is like to watch all the changes unfold and how does living within a religious or spiritual context influence the choices that you can make as a person of faith toward the planet itself,” Fortenberry said.
Click the arrow above to watch the full interview with Daveed Diggs, Tahar Rahim, Heather Graham, Indira Varma and executive producers Scott Z. Burns, Michael Ellenberg and Dorothy Fortenberry.
“Extrapolations” is now streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes every Friday, until April 21.
