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

[MacRumors]

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.

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

 

[Mike_Trivisonno]

Sigh. Why not do a series on the history of Apple? I'd watch that.

This "Calls" sounds more like radio than TV.

 

[zubikov]

How funny would it be if this show was a low-key subliminal ad to use FaceTime audio.

 

[BruiserB]

Sounds perfect for Quibi!

 

[MrTechAdvice]

who signed off on this?

 

[ConsultingJoe]

LOL, made from "anonymous" recordings from siri requests.

 

[Prof.]

Ugh, Apple…

 

[Analog Kid]

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.

 

[DanTheMan827]

Seems like something that would cost a couple hundred per episode at most

 

[orbital~debris]

This sounds very innovative.

Love that Apple are being creative with tv+

 

[Madmic23]

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?

 

[DEXTERITY]

Finally Apples secret sex talk show masked as everyday telephone conversations...pure genius

 

[BuffaloTF]

A Jerky Boys tv show?

I'll bring all my shoes and all my glasses.....

..... so I have them.

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

Well... Time to watch another boring show on Apple TV.

 

[WWPD]

"We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty."

 

[TrenttonY]

How about they post HD versions of every Steve Jobs keynote, now that would actually be entertaining to watch.

 

[BJMRamage]

The title says "short phone conversations", but 12 minutes seems like an epic in the modern era.

I see you haven't talked to my mom...12 minutes is less time than the "oh sorry I meant to call your brother..." phone call.

Though totally understand your reference. I watched/listened to the trailer. it seems interesting and probably a good idea to drop all at once. I think I would not remember a week-to-week release on these. Perhaps if these were Podcasts with a Video counterpart version on TV+ then that would be better.

 

[iFonny]

The french original serie is amazing!

 

[laz232]

The past few years I've been having trouble differentiating between spoofs and reality.

All this "entertainment" seems like onion articles that I was reading in the 1990s!

 

[Ar40]

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.

 

[Marie.D]

I have seen the original French version of this show in its entirety and it's really good. I'm excited about this adaptation, I wonder if it's gonna be a 1:1 or a totally different thing.

 

[citysnaps]

This sounds very innovative.

Love that Apple are being creative with tv+

Agree. Sounds intriguing. Nice that Apple is willing to explore something out of the box.

 

[1258186]

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.

Bob Newhart is one of my all time favourite comedians. A master of the one sided conversation. The Driving Instructor is my favourite. So so funny. He could teach modern comedians a lesson or two.

 

[Slippery Gimp]

And the cliffhanger at the end of the first episode is that they’re holding it wrong.

 

[Rochy Bay]

This sounds very innovative.

Love that Apple are being creative with tv+

That’s probably what the producer and product manager said to convince the board of directors about approving this LOL. I pass