The Apple TV+ series Invasion has struggled for attention amid other popular sci-fi offerings from the platform, such as Silo and Foundation. The show has faced mixed critiques, particularly for its slow pacing in the initial season. Nevertheless, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase that often has a complex relationship with its storytelling. The stunning visuals are a highlight, and the writers aim to tackle ambitious concepts, albeit with varying degrees of success. A newly released trailer for the upcoming third season hints that the show may be entering a more compelling phase.
(Note: Spoilers for the first two seasons are included below.)
Created by David Weil (known for *Hunters*) and Simon Kinberg (who has worked on several X-Men films and *The Martian*), the series initially introduced viewers to the early days of an alien invasion as seen through the eyes of an eclectic group of global citizens. The narrative explores their struggles with this existential threat, delivered in English, Japanese, and Pashto. However, some viewers found the focus on human experiences frustratingly sidelined the aliens for much of the storyline in the first season.
The conclusion of the first season ramped up the action, leading to a significantly more dynamic second season. This season shifted focus to the adjustments faced by the remaining characters as they navigate a world increasingly under alien control, with humanity pushed into confined safe zones. Though it continued as a slow burn, the season set the stage for intriguing developments heading into a two-years-later scenario for the third season, showcasing the aliens as they evolve.
The third season will see the intertwining of various perspectives, uniting the main characters in a critical mission aimed at infiltrating the alien mothership. With the ultimate alien threat now emerging, the stakes rise for the team, requiring collaboration and bravery from the ensemble cast to protect humanity. Relationships will evolve, both new and existing bonds will be tested, and characters must work as a cohesive unit to confront the impending doom.
<pReturning for the third season are key cast members Golshifteh Farahani as Aneesha Malik; Shioli Kutsuna as Mitsuko Yamato; Shamier Anderson as Trevante Cole; India Brown as Jamila Hudson; Shane Zaza as the easily dislikable tech entrepreneur Nikhil Kapur; and Enver Gjokaj as Clark Evans. Additionally, Erika Alexander has been added to the cast in a regular role.
The third season of Invasion is set to debut on Apple TV+ on August 22, 2025.
