In the world of entertainment, grotesque visuals are portrayed in an epic rather than a downright terrifying manner. For this reason, viewers can never have enough of a well-made post-apocalyptic series. Fortunately, there is no dearth of shows in this genre, whether it is wild zombies devouring helpless characters in The Walking Dead, viral outbreaks wiping out civilizations in The Last of Us, or humans facing cosmic wrath for their greed in Fallout.
Fallout
The second live-action video game adaptation on this list is just as thrilling as the first. Fallout is set in a dystopian future where the society is forced to seek shelter in underground bunkers known as Vaults. Within this space, different communities engage in trading with each other. Following a series of tragic events, a young woman named Lucy, played by Ella Purnell, embarks on a journey to the surface in search of her missing father. The hostile wasteland above the ground is populated by a group of humans.
This show showcases outstanding performances bt ist cast across the board. The creators of Fallout have meticulously incorporated the game’s storylines, resulting in a true immersive viewing experience for the audience. Apart from the series’ high production values, attention to detail, and carefully constructed worldbuilding, the show resonates with both hardcore fans and casual viewers. Whether it is the allure of mutants, killer robots, radioactive faunas, human conflict, or genuine high-stakes end-of-the-world vibes, this series has something to offer all enthusiasts of apocalypse setting.
The Last of Us
Great video games rarely translate into great films or TV shows, but The Last of Us is a delightful exception to that norm. The events of this show are set 20 years after a dreaded viral outbreak. A fungus-based entity has devastated human civilization, and the protagonist Joel Miller is one of the only people capable of countering it. The central storyline of this show revolves around Miller’s attempts to deliver a 14-year-old girl named Ellie across a decimated country to remedy the grim situation.
Actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey brought their respective characters Joel and Ellie to life with their earnest performances. Some highlights of The Last of Us are its brutal creature effects, the riveting emotional scenes, and the thrilling background score. This was a rare adaptation that was adored by critics and fans alike.
Station Eleven
The most relatable element of this show is its theme of humanity at the heart of a devastating crisis. Station Eleven focuses heavily on the most human elements—art, community, and affection—even as a deadly pandemic rages across the land. Based on Emily St. John Mandel’s bestselling novel, Station Eleven follows the life of an actress named Kirsten over two timelines. In the present day, the grown-up Kirsten, portrayed by Mackenzie Davis, travels across the Midwest with a Shakespeare troupe called Traveling Symphony. As a child, Kirsten witnessed the early days of the outbreak that brought humanity close to extinction. And there are other survivors who also emote their ordeal while trying to rebuild their lives.
The nuanced performances of all the actors involved help carry this show and drive its message home with flair. In all, this show displays a slightly different and refreshing take on the usual bleak-obsessed end-of-the-world drama.
The Walking Dead
This is the longest-running post-apocalyptic show on TV today. The massive popularity of The Walking Dead, one of the original zombie dramas of the last decade, means that this show has spawned a massive franchise of its own. Based on Robert Kirkman’s iconic comic book series, this show follows a group of survivors as they desperately try to stay alive in the middle of hordes of zombies and ill-natured humans.
This simple yet effective premise, combined with the makeup and effects for the zombies and the realistic worldbuilding, make The Walking Dead a staple in the zombie category of the post-apocalyptic genre. The actors Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, and Norman Reedus enhanced their popularity through this show and their memorable performances.
While The Walking Dead series concluded a few years ago, its spin-off shows such as World Beyond, Dead City, and The Ones Who Live are keeping the post-apocalyptic excitement alive for its ardent fans.
Battlestar Galactica
The fusion of dystopian elements and science fiction is seamless, making Battlestar Galactica a timeless and compelling series despite the show’s relatively short-lived 5-year run.
Set in a distant solar system, the show navigates the struggle of civilization spread across 12 planets for its existence against a highly advanced cybernetic species that is hellbent to eradicate them.
The core focus of the story revolves around a small group of survivors that use their last battleship (named Galactica) to find refuge on a refuge planet called Earth. Although the premise may seem a bit dated now, the captivating performances by the cast members, consisting of seasoned performers such as Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer, and Edward James Olmos, were instrumental in carrying the show forward. The show’s dialogues and the orchestral, intense background score have become iconic, too.
Sweet Tooth
This series ventures into a more unconventional realm by infusing light-hearted depictions into dark themes like zombies, pandemics, and warped robots. As unbelievable as it reads, this show transforms these grim elements into a post-apocalyptic fairy-tale. Set ten years after a devastating viral outbreak claimed millions of lives worldwide, the series unfolds in a dystopian society where women give birth to hybrid offspring.
The protagonist of Sweet Tooth is a young half-boy, half-deer named Gus. The series follows Gus as he ventures out of his remote forest home to explore the wider world. Along the way, he is joined by a lovable protector and companion known as Big Man. The show’s unique narrative and the compelling performances by its cast make Sweet Tooth a riveting and heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure that is definitely worth watching.
The Last Man On Earth
This show stands out as a rare post-apocalyptic comedy. Similar to Sweet Tooth, this show’s narrative is also set in the aftermath of a deadly virus outbreak. The lead character, Phil Miller, sets out on a quest to connect with other survivors of the calamity. The series cleverly combines humor and self-referential wit to portray Miller’s interactions with the other survivors. As Miller reconnects with others, the plot unfolds with a surprising discovery of someone waiting for him upon his return home.
This show is a great choice for fans of dark comedies and self-deprecating humor in the post-apocalyptic genre.
Besides these, check out Into The Badlands, The 100, and The Leftovers. Each of these shows offers unique yet captivating storytelling, compelling characters, and nail-biting drama that is sure to keep one hooked to the screen.
