Orphan Black: Echoes clearly has a connection to the earlier Orphan Black series from 2013, but it deserves clarity about how the two shows are related. In 2013, Orphan Black starring Tatiana Maslany began airing on BBC America. Over the following five seasons, the show established an incredible sci-fi world where cloning technology is capable of creating viable life, but also raises questions about the morality of such activities. This series went on to establish a cult following and, despite ending in 2017, the show’s spin-off series is a hotly anticipated addition to the franchise.

While the original series was created by writer Graeme Mason and director John Fawcett, the new series, Orphan Black: Echoes, has been created by Anna Fishko, with Fawcett coming on board as an executive producer. The spin-off is named after the original show, and features a storyline about clones and the associated technology, but the deeper connection between the two may not be immediately obvious. Fortunately, there is plenty of information about the new series which clarifies how it is connected to 2013’s Orphan Black.

Orphan Black: Echoes Is A Sequel To The Original Show

Following On From The Events Of Orphan Black

Orphan Black: Echoes is set up as a sequel to Orphan Black. The events of the original series remain influential and significant in the new series, and Echoes explores the life of a now fully grown Kira Manning, the daughter of Sarah (Maslany) from the original show. With the events of the original series providing a foundation for what happens in Echoes, the show is enjoyed to the fullest extent when viewed as an expansion to the 2013 series.

However, Echoes also creates enough distance from the original show in order to be enjoyable and comprehensive without prior knowledge of Orphan Black and its events. This is done by introducing an entirely new cast, with only one primary character returning to star in the series, and a significant time jump. This means that it can function as a sequel for fans of Orphan Black, and as a new stand-alone adventure for new audiences. This makes the show much more accessible and entertaining, especially considering the original series came out more than 10 years prior.

Echoes Is Set 37 Years After Orphan Black’s Ending

A Large Time-Jump To Seperate The Story

Echoes leaps forward 37 years after the conclusion of Orphan Black to explore a brand-new story with a new cast of characters. In the year 2052, Kira has had a long and successful career as a scientist whose work has led to groundbreaking new treatments for a variety of illnesses. She also had a full life outside of her work commitments, finding love, getting married, and having a child.

While the original characters are referenced and remain alive, they are not the focus of the new series. Echoes instead focuses on Lucy, played by Jessica Jones actress, Krysten Ritter, who learns that she is a clone, and embarks on a perilous adventure to uncover the truth about her identity and the reason for her existence. Other clones and influential characters appear, but the events happen with almost no influence from characters found in the original series.

Are Any Original Orphan Black Characters In Echoes?

Original Characters Making A Comeback

During the first 10 episodes of Orphan Black: Echoes, viewers can expect to see some familiar faces returning to the show. Kira’s relationship with the cast of Orphan Black, as the daughter of Sarah Manning, makes it a simple matter of including some of the original cast in minor roles to help Kira in her moments of need. However, keep expectations to a minimum, as major characters like Sarah, Cosima, and the other clones played by Tatiana Maslany do not return to the show in Orphan Black: Echoes season 1.

With the global release of Echoes season 1, it is possible that the show will receive approval to create additional seasons, and if and when this happens, it is possible that more of the original cast may return. However, taking into account the 37-year time jump, these characters are now much older, and may not be able to take part in the action in the same way that they did during Orphan Black. Either way, Orphan Black: Echoes does leave room for the show to bring back more of the original cast in the future.