Halle Berry reveals what title of her CBS sci-fi series Extant means

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Over the past several months we've been keeping tabs on the upcoming CBS summer series "Extant", which stars uber-hottie Halle Berry as an astronaut who returns from a space mission only to find herself experiencing some strange events. Most recently we brought you an extended look at the series, but it only added more mystery to the question we've all been asking: what exactly does "Extant" mean and does it clue us in to what the series will hold for us?

THR has revealed that the strange title has even caused confusion amongst the cast and at the June 16 premiere at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, some castmembers admitted they had no clue. Even legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr., who plays Berry's character Molly's alcoholic father, took a stab at the definition without consulting a dictionary, stating…

“Extant is the creation of a new being. [Molly] goes to space and comes back pregnant. She’s an extant.”

Not quite, according to Berry herself, who gave a slightly different explanation for the show’s title.

“It means to be in existence. The name is great because that’s what our show is about is fighting to stay alive.”

Series creator Mickey Fisher agreed, adding that there’s an element of survival, too.

THR goes on to share some new details of the series, giving us a little more insight into what we can expect, sharing that the show is…

Set in a futuristic world where bathroom mirrors turn into digital touch screens and robotic kids are the norm, including Molly and John's son, Ethan (Looper's Pierce Gagnon), the series centers on the quest for survival after an alien species attempts to take over the earth.

Berry goes on to add…

"At the end of the day, we are going to be fighting for humanity to exist. I don’t think there could be a better title actually."

The serialized mystery thriller centers on Molly (Berry), an astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns after a year in outer space. Her experiences lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.

"Extant" is a co-production of CBS Television Studios and Amblin Television. Steven Spielberg, Greg Walker, Mickey Fisher, who wrote the script, Brooklyn Weaver, Justin Falvey, and Darryl Frank will serve as executive producers. Halle Berry will serve as a co-executive producer. The series will be distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and worldwide by CBS Studios International.

Extant premieres July 9 at 9 p.m. on CBS.