Calls (2021)
A daring Apple TV+ anthology series by Fede Álvarez, told entirely through phone calls as strangers edge toward an apocalyptic reckoning.
Calls - Series Information
- Original Title: Calls
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Fede Álvarez
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 9
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 19, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), March 19, 2021 (Canada - 14+), March 19, 2021 (United Kingdom - 15), March 19, 2021 (Germany - 12), March 19, 2021 (France - 12), March 19, 2021 (India - A), March 19, 2021 (New Zealand - M), March 19, 2021 (Australia - M), March 19, 2021 (Brazil - 14), March 19, 2021 (Mexico - B-15), March 19, 2021 (Italy - T), March 19, 2021 (Spain - 12), March 19, 2021 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: Apple TV
- Alternative Titles: Calls US (FR), Calls コール (JP)
- Production Companies: Canal+, StudioCanal, Bad Hombre, Logan
- Production Countries: France, United States of America
Calls - Plot
Interconnected phone conversations chronicle the mysterious story of a group of strangers whose lives are thrown into disarray in the lead-up to an apocalyptic event.
Calls - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and hear the voices behind this chilling anthology:
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Calls - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Fede Álvarez
Main Cast
- Aubrey Plaza
- Clancy Brown
- Matt Lauria
- Salli Saffioti
- Nika Futterman
- Nicholas Braun
- Karen Gillan
- Lily Collins
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Riley Keough
Writers
- Timothée Hochet
Executive Producers
- Alexei Tylevich
- Shana Eddy-Grouf
- Françoise Guyonnet
- Raphaël Benoliel
- Fede Álvarez
Calls - FAQs
What is Calls about on Apple TV+?
Calls is a minimalist anthology series built entirely around phone conversations. Nine interconnected episodes follow strangers whose lives spiral out of control as a mysterious apocalyptic event approaches. The format strips away visuals in favor of audio and abstract animation, creating an unsettling, immersive experience unlike anything else on television.
Is Calls based on a true story or original series?
Calls is adapted from a French series of the same name that aired on Canal+ in 2017. Creator Fede Álvarez reimagined the original concept for an English-speaking audience on Apple TV+, expanding its scope and assembling a high-profile Hollywood cast while preserving the stripped-back, audio-driven storytelling format.
Who are the main actors in Calls?
The cast is stacked with recognizable names, all performing voice-only roles: Aubrey Plaza, Clancy Brown, Matt Lauria, Nicholas Braun, Karen Gillan, Lily Collins, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Riley Keough, Pedro Pascal, Ben Schwartz, Jennifer Tilly, Mark Duplass, and Judy Greer all appear across the nine episodes.
What makes Calls visually unique compared to other series?
Rather than traditional footage, Calls presents abstract, glitchy waveform animations and oscilloscope-style visuals synchronized to the audio. There are no actors on screen — just voices and sound. This bold formal choice forces viewers to engage their imagination, making the horror and tension feel deeply personal and surprisingly effective.
Where can you stream Calls right now?
Calls is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+. It can also be accessed through the Apple TV Amazon Channel for subscribers who access Apple TV+ via Amazon. The entire nine-episode miniseries is available in one go, making it an ideal binge for a single evening.
How many episodes does Calls have?
Calls consists of nine episodes, all released simultaneously on Apple TV+ on March 19, 2021. The series is structured as a miniseries — Season 1 is the complete story. Each episode centers on a distinct phone call or set of calls, yet all nine are woven together into a single overarching apocalyptic narrative.
Is Calls worth watching for horror and mystery fans?
For fans of unconventional horror and slow-burn mystery, Calls is a genuinely compelling experiment. Its audio-first format is polarizing but rewarding, and the ensemble voice performances are exceptional. Critics praised its ambition and atmosphere. If you enjoy anthology series like Black Mirror or The Twilight Zone, this one deserves your attention.
What are some shows similar to Calls?
Fans of Calls tend to gravitate toward other anthology and speculative fiction series. Strong picks include Fringe, Inside No. 9, The Twilight Zone, and Fear the Walking Dead for their genre overlap. For a similarly eerie, intimate tone, Teacup and All of Us Are Dead also capture that creeping sense of dread Calls does so well.
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