Television networks and streaming platforms can’t get enough of teen dramas. Like dating apps, colognes, or adorable puppy pictures, there’s a plethora of them to choose from, and creating one that stands out from the crowd is no easy task. The newest entry in this genre is Amazon’s Panic (based on the novel by author and show creator Lauren Oliver), whose pilot suggests it could bring something new to the table if the series is given the proper time to breathe.
In the town of Carp, Texas, many of its graduating high schoolers take part in a summer long event called “Panic”, a series of physical (and reportedly dangerous) challenges in which the winner walks away with a sizable cash prize. Teen Heather (Olivia Welch) has chosen to skip the festivities and get the heck out of dodge to make a better life for herself with long-saved money. However, when Heather discovers her money stolen, she must weigh entering the game and facing off against her competitive friend Natalie (Jessica Sula) along with the other contestants.
The first half of Panic’s pilot is textbook teen drama, but it picks up steam as it goes. The relationship dynamic between Heather, Natalie, and their other friend Bishop (Cameron Jones) is primed for juicy drama and the idea of the Panic competition is frightening.
It feels like the creators studied the teen apocalypse film frenzy from a few years back and are taking steps to differentiate this show from them. I’m sure we’ll see some soapy romantic entanglements (what teen drama is complete without them?), but I’m interested to see how they manifest.
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However, what’s scariest and most engaging about the pilot for Panic is that its world isn’t a sci-fi dystopia run by a tyrannical dictator, but a more grounded society with people willing to do anything to get out. Maintain your composure and See Panic on Amazon Prime.
Panic Trailer and Synopsis
PANIC is a new Amazon Prime Video one-hour drama series, written and created by Lauren Oliver (based on her bestselling novel). It takes place in a small Texas town, where every summer the graduating seniors compete in a series of challenges, winner takes all, which they believe is their one and only chance to escape their circumstances and make their lives better. But this year, the rules have changed — the pot of money is larger than ever and the game has become even more dangerous. The players will come face to face with their deepest, darkest fears and be forced to decide how much they are willing to risk in order to win.
3 out of 5 stars (average)
Panic is available to view on Amazon Prime. What did you think of the new series? Let us know in the comment section below or over on our social media!
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