The Leftovers (2014)
HBO's haunting drama about survival, grief, and faith in the wake of an inexplicable global disappearance.
The Leftovers - Series Information
- Original Title: The Leftovers
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 28
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 29, 2014 (United States - TV-MA), June 29, 2014 (Canada - 14+), June 29, 2014 (United Kingdom - 18), June 29, 2014 (Germany - 16), June 29, 2014 (France - 12), June 29, 2014 (India - A), June 29, 2014 (New Zealand - 16), June 29, 2014 (Australia - MA 15+), June 29, 2014 (Brazil - 16), June 29, 2014 (Mexico - C), June 29, 2014 (Italy - T), June 29, 2014 (Spain - 18), June 29, 2014 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: HBO
- Alternative Titles: LEFTOVERS 残された世界 (JP), 末世余生 (CN)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, White Rabbit, Film 44, HBO
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Leftovers - Plot
When 2% of the world's population abruptly disappears without explanation, the world struggles to understand just what they're supposed to do about it. This is the story of the people who didn't make the cut.
The Leftovers - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this haunting HBO drama:
We're still here.
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The Leftovers - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Damon Lindelof
- Tom Perrotta
Main Cast
- Justin Theroux
- Amy Brenneman
- Christopher Eccleston
- Chris Zylka
- Carrie Coon
- Margaret Qualley
- Liv Tyler
- Ann Dowd
- Kevin Carroll
- Jovan Adepo
Writers
- Damon Lindelof
- Nick Cuse
- Tamara P. Carter
- Lila Byock
- Tom Perrotta
Executive Producers
- Peter Berg
- Tom Perrotta
- Sarah Aubrey
- Damon Lindelof
- Mimi Leder
The Leftovers - FAQs
What is The Leftovers about?
The Leftovers is an HBO drama set in the aftermath of a mysterious event in which 2% of the world's population suddenly vanishes. The series follows the fractured residents of Mapleton, New York, as they grapple with grief, faith, and the impossibility of moving on from an inexplicable loss.
Does The Leftovers ever explain the disappearances?
No. The Leftovers deliberately never explains why 2% of the world's population vanished. Creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta made this an intentional creative choice, keeping the focus on how people cope with unexplained loss rather than on solving a mystery — a decision that defines the show's emotional identity.
Where can you stream The Leftovers?
The Leftovers is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) as part of its subscription library. It can also be accessed through the HBO Max Amazon Channel add-on, or purchased digitally via Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region.
Is The Leftovers based on a true story or book?
The Leftovers is based on Tom Perrotta's 2011 novel of the same name. Perrotta co-created the TV adaptation alongside Damon Lindelof. While the first season closely follows the novel, seasons two and three move into entirely original territory, expanding well beyond the source material.
Who are the main cast members of The Leftovers?
The principal cast includes Justin Theroux as police chief Kevin Garvey, Carrie Coon as Nora Durst, Amy Brenneman as Laurie Garvey, Christopher Eccleston as Reverend Matt Jamison, Ann Dowd as Patti Levin, Liv Tyler as Meg Abbott, Margaret Qualley as Jill Garvey, and Jovan Adepo as Michael Murphy.
How many seasons and episodes does The Leftovers have?
The Leftovers ran for three seasons on HBO, comprising 28 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contain 10 episodes, while the final Season 3 wraps up the story in 8 episodes. The series aired from June 2014 to June 2017.
How was The Leftovers received by critics?
The Leftovers is widely regarded as one of the finest dramas of the 2010s. Critics praised its emotional depth, bold storytelling, and exceptional performances — particularly from Carrie Coon. Season 2 is frequently cited as a masterpiece of prestige television, earning near-universal acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike.
What is the content rating for The Leftovers?
The Leftovers is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language, adult themes including grief, suicide, and religious extremism, as well as scenes of violence and sexuality. Viewer discretion is strongly advised for younger or sensitive audiences.
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