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The post-apocalyptic TV show is back to its platform, and it's safe to say that fans were pleasantly surprised by the quality of its first season. By portraying the atomic-age, post-apocalyptic United States through the eyes of three separate characters, it succeeded in capturing multiple facets of the player's adventure.

There was vault-dweller Lucy, attempting to do the right thing and learning that the wasteland made that incredibly hard; Brotherhood initiate Max, the Brotherhood of Steel initiate, who starts doubting his cult's authority and creates significant chaos in powered exoskeleton; and the Ghoul, a fan-favorite figure who has long since lost any ethical bearings out in the contaminated wastes.

Building Anticipation for the Second Season

The debut season's finale disclosed crucial details about who helped cause the global annihilation that sealed a society in subterranean shelters for hundreds of years. It also left several enigmas unresolved for the upcoming chapter – and, now, hopes are much greater.

“We’ll take ‘pretty good’ – we should print that on merchandise,” says the show's co-creator.

“Going into the first season, everyone’s like, ‘Just get it right’,” comments Todd Howard. “We are thrilled with the reception to the show, so this time people are bringing more excitement and new expectations.”

The Mojave Beckons for Season Two

The upcoming season is taking place in New Vegas, the location of the beloved game Fallout: New Vegas, which is often praised for having the best writing and cast in the series, even if it was somewhat buggy at launch.

“It has a arid atmosphere, a Southwestern essence, that’s so integral to that game,” notes Nolan. “That parched, blasted-out Route 66 aesthetic of the game is so much rewarding to bring into the show.”

In the show's timeline, a long time has elapsed since the story of the New Vegas game by the time the protagonists make their way there. However, the creators suggest that it acknowledges the gamer's experience.

The Importance of Physical Sets

The Fallout TV series is notable for its tactile feel – its creators ensured authentic items and locations were built, mirroring the cobbled-together nature of the outposts in the games.

“As a sci-fi fan, so many shows I watch, I’m aware that they’re all filmed against a green screen,” observes another of the showrunners. “The primary goal of an adaptation, especially of a interactive medium, is to feel like it’s tangible.”

Actually, almost every element you see on-screen is practical, even the infamously terrifying radioactive creatures known as Deathclaws. In the show, they are portrayed by practical effects, and were by all accounts pretty frightening up close.

A Labor of Love

The Fallout series resonates because it is made by talented film-makers who are also dedicated players, alongside the game developers behind the video games. This mutual respect for the lore is evident in the end result.

The new batch of episodes is launching on a episode-by-episode basis rather than as a binge-able batch, marking a change from the previous season. This format will allow for a new viewing experience, a dynamic the team themselves are eager to observe.

“It has more depth, it’s larger in scale, it’s more humorous, it has a lot of surprises,” teases the game director. “I can't wait to seeing what people think.”