#8 - Anticipating the Post-Capitalist Apocalypse with ‘The Wilds,’ ‘The Society,’ and ‘Daybreak’

Leftist Teen Drama

In the season 1 finale of Leftist Teen Drama, Maria is joined by Emma and Dondré as we discuss the recent emergence of post-apocalyptic teen dramas like THE WILDS (2020-present), THE SOCIETY (2019), and DAYBREAK (2019). We talk about everything from the Gen Z/millennial climate anxiety present in all three scenarios to the way these shows answer the questions, “how will we survive? Where will we get food from, or shelter?” We also discuss the huge parallels between THE WILDS and reality shows, particularly controversial teen reality show KID NATION (2007). Although these scenarios speak to apocalyptic climate anxiety, we find nuggets of hope in the ways the teens join together to help everyone survive; the queer love that thrives in all three shows; and the fact that here, in the present, we have the ability to organize for a Green New Deal and avert the apocalypse.

For this episode, we recommend you first watch and/or have general familiarity with THE WILDS Season 1, streaming on Prime Video; THE SOCIETY Season 1, streaming on Netflix; and DAYBREAK Season 1, streaming on Netflix.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com

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ABOUT US:

MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead

EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's)

DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a television writer in Los Angeles where he splits his time between writing, adult content creation and obsessively listening to R&B deep cuts like it's 1996. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta

MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com

JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV.

Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned.

intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats

All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with.

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SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

• A Planet To Win: Why We Need A Green New Deal by Kate Aronoff, Alyssa Battistoni, Daniel Aldana Cohen, and Thea Riofrancos (with foreword by Naomi Klein)
• The New York Times, August 9, 2021, A Hotter Future Is Certain, Climate Panel Warns. But How Hot Is Up to Us.
• Vox, July 21, 2021, Extreme heat is killing American workers
• Politico, September 20, 2021, Biden administration to write workplace safety rule tackling heat stress
• The New York Times, August 25, 2007, ‘Kid Nation’ Lesson: Be Careful What You Pitch
• The AV Club, March 10, 2020, Bonanza City, revisited: The pioneers of Kid Nation remember the controversial reality show
• Kid Nation trailer
• Sunrise Movement’s Green New Deal definition

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SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING:

• plug in to…Sunrise Movement
• plug in to…DSA Ecosocialists
• It Could Happen Here podcast