What happens to humanity after the aliens have already won the war?

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most science fiction depicts the chaos of an ongoing invasion, but this series begins six months after the world has already fallen. With major cities destroyed and the power grid neutralized, a ragtag militia of survivors attempts to rebuild while navigating a landscape dominated by mysterious, technologically advanced extraterrestrial occupiers.

The series centers on the 2nd Mass, a paramilitary group led by Colonel Dan Weaver and history professor Tom Mason. Unlike traditional invasion narratives, the story explores the aftermath of a successful conquest. The invaders, known as the Espheni, have decimated the human population and enslaved children using biomechanical spinal harnesses. The show focuses on the struggle to survive, resupply, and reclaim a world where 90 percent of humanity was wiped out in the initial assault.

Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the project emphasizes themes of family, brotherhood, and human resourcefulness. Spielberg, who developed the title to reflect the state of the planet post-invasion, drew on his interest in how survivors feed children and maintain military defenses. The production was noted for its massive scope and high-quality visual effects, earning multiple Saturn Award nominations and two Primetime Emmy nods for its technical achievements.

The narrative evolves across five seasons, moving from desperate guerrilla warfare to a global resistance. The 2nd Mass encounters various alien factions, including the mechanical mechs, the six-legged Skitters, and the Volm, who eventually aid humanity. The final season concludes with a decisive strike against the Espheni Queen, freeing Earth and allowing humanity to begin rebuilding with salvaged alien technology. The series finale reveals that the entire invasion was a long-standing vendetta, stemming from a failed attempt to conquer Earth 1550 years prior.

Beyond the television screen, the franchise expanded through digital comics and a tactical video game. The comics, such as The Battle of Fitchburg, provided additional context between seasons, while the game attempted to bring the show's strategic elements to consoles. Despite mixed critical reception for the game, the television series maintained a strong following, with its premiere reaching 5.9 million viewers and becoming a significant cable success for TNT.

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