Sometimes a story finds its audience long after the initial buzz fades. That is precisely what is happening with the sci-fi drama Extinct, which has clawed its way back into the streaming spotlight. Actor Yorke G. Fryer plays Abram, the emotional anchor of the series, which is currently riding a wave of renewed popularity on Prime Video—an impressive feat for a show that originally premiered on BYUtv back in 2017.
Currently sitting as high as the No. 5 spot on the platform’s most-watched television titles, Extinct has surged into the Top 10 nearly a decade after its initial release. The 10-episode series comes from the mind of acclaimed sci-fi author Orson Scott Card, best known for Ender’s Game, alongside New York Times bestselling writer Aaron Johnston. The narrative unfolds 400 years after the human race has vanished, following three “Reborns” who wake up in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. Unsure of who resurrected them or why, they are forced to navigate a strange new reality while slowly realizing they are not the only survivors on Earth.
Fryer’s character, Abram, carries a unique weight in this story. Having lived a full life as a grandfather before his death, he is restored to physical youth but retains the hard-won wisdom of his years. That combination makes him the group’s natural spiritual guide. With a steady and unwavering demeanor, Abram becomes the voice of hope whenever the Reborns face their darkest moments.
Also worth a look: Todd Netland turns burnout and gospel tours into a tale of fame’s limits and Gina Zollman to release holiday single ‘New Favorite Christmas Song’ Nov. 17.
The actor holds his own in the action-heavy series, starring opposite Chad Michael Collins, Matthew Bellows, Jake Stormoen, and Victoria Atkin. For Fryer, the role was more than just a job. “I got into acting because art and film have the power to change lives and perspectives for the good. Extinct truly does that,” he explains. “With the world’s distractions stripped away, Abram and his fellow reborns re-discover the most important things in life – friendship, family, hope, and love. And they’re willing to fight for those things, even on behalf of people they’ve just met. Being Abram was the gift of a lifetime.”
Fryer’s resume extends well beyond this series. Television viewers may recognize him from guest spots on hits like How to Get Away With Murder, NCIS, and Heart of Dixie, as well as his starring turn in the indie comedy Kombucha Cure. His film work includes Accepted, Things Never Said, and A Walk With Grace. And for the gaming community, his voice is instantly recognizable from blockbuster titles such as Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto V.
Originally from the Kansas City area, Fryer holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in playwriting and directing from Southern Methodist University. His stage credits span some of the nation’s most respected theaters, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. On the production side, he has several projects in development, including Secret Song and Orangeburg.
Fans can keep up with Fryer on Instagram at @BigDaddyFryer.
Tammy Lynn
Spotlight PR Company
+1 310-867-1952
info@spotlightprcompany.com
Why it matters: The resurgence of Extinct on a major streaming platform underscores a growing trend of older, niche content finding new life through algorithmic discovery. For Fryer, this second wave of attention solidifies his portrayal of Abram as a lasting piece of sci-fi television history, proving that quality storytelling can outpace the typical shelf life of a series.
