‘The Leftovers’: Margaret Qualley’s 3-Part Sci-Fi Series That Remains a Classic

by

I’m so excited to see Margaret Qualley in her new movie, How to Make a Killing this weekend! But I’ve been a fan for years – she was amazing in The Leftovers back in 2014. That show was incredible, and it really put her on the map. Before Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Drive-Away Dolls, and The Substance, The Leftovers was one of the first roles where she really got to shine, and I’ve been following her career ever since.

The Leftovers is a three-season drama that begins three years after a mysterious event called the “Sudden Departure,” where 2% of the world’s population simply vanished. The show focuses on the lives of those left behind and their struggles to deal with the loss. Adapted from Tom Perrotta’s novel, it was created for television by Damon Lindelof, who also famously ran the show Lost. Like Lost, The Leftovers is known for its complex mysteries and intriguing storylines.

‘The Leftovers’ Only Got Better the Longer It Went

It’s common for TV shows to lose quality over time, but The Leftovers actually gets better as it goes on. The first season is the most challenging to watch because it’s deeply pessimistic. It focuses on the Garvey family to show how grief can divide people rather than bring them closer.

It’s hard to find any hope as everyone in town spirals downward. Laurie abandons her family to join the unsettling Guilty Remnant cult, Tom falls for a manipulative spiritual leader, Jill becomes emotionally numb, and even the police chief, Kevin, is falling apart, experiencing memory loss and committing disturbing acts – like kidnapping and torturing the cult’s leader. It’s a truly depressing situation.

Season 2 of The Leftovers was a remarkable turning point for the show. It felt like a fresh start after completely changing direction. The setting moved from Mapleton, New York to Jarden, Texas—a town uniquely untouched by the mass disappearance—and a new family took center stage, though the Garveys still played a role. Instead of focusing solely on grief, the season offered a sense of hope. It also leaned into deeper mysteries and explored supernatural ideas, solidifying The Leftovers‘ reputation as one of television’s best shows.

‘The Leftovers’ Remains an Iconic Series

Despite running for just three seasons, The Leftovers is a truly memorable TV show. Similar to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, it was bold and unafraid to explore strange and unusual ideas. What’s especially impressive is that the show ended satisfyingly, on its own terms. After Season 2, its continuation was uncertain, but HBO renewed it, giving creator Lindelof the chance to provide a conclusive ending instead of leaving viewers with unanswered questions.

Subscribe to our newsletter for smarter TV analysis

Dive deeper into shows like The Leftovers by subscribing to our newsletter. Get thoughtful analysis, behind-the-scenes context, and curated recommendations on standout TV so you can better appreciate and pick your next binge.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

That’s why The Leftovers is a show you really should binge-watch. If you haven’t seen this unique and captivating series yet, all three seasons are currently available on HBO Max.

Read More

2026-02-20 18:32