The TV series “Fallout,” available on Amazon Prime Video, is inspired by the same-titled video game franchise. Given that Hollywood often struggles to faithfully adapt popular games, “Fallout” deserves praise for getting it right. The initial season, masterminded by the producing team of Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, who also created the show, paints a distinct post-apocalyptic world inhabited by captivating characters all striving to survive in 2296.
Lucy MacLean (portrayed by Ella Purnell) dwells within one of America’s underground shelters, known as Vault 33, yet ventures into the harsh post-apocalyptic wilderness in search of her father, Hank (Kyle MacLachlan), who has been abducted by a group of marauders, headed by Lee Moldaver (Sarita Choudhury). Maximus (Aaron Moten) ascends from an apprentice to the Brotherhood of Steel and accompanies Knight Titus on a journey through the wasteland. In addition, Cooper Howard (Walton Goggins), originally an actor in 2077, experienced radiation mutation following the nuclear catastrophe, resulting in his transformation into a Ghoul and paving the way for a new line of work as a bounty hunter.
The show isn’t directly tied to any specific game within the “Fallout” video game series, resulting in significant variations between the two versions of the franchise. However, it stays true to the “Fallout” universe’s essence. This unique approach has led to both critical and commercial acclaim, earning numerous award nominations. Notably, these 10 shows share a common theme with “Fallout,” as they all depict stories set after an apocalypse. However, each series offers its distinct flavor, ranging from the spread of a zombie virus to the birth of human-animal hybrid babies. Here they are, presented in no specific order.
The Last of Us (2023-?)
The television adaptation of ‘The Last of Us,’ unlike ‘Fallout,’ features fungal-infected zombies instead of post-apocalyptic scenarios. Surprisingly, this series, which debuted on HBO in 2023, has garnered as much affection as its video game counterpart. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the writer behind the game, collaborate on the show’s script.
In the post-pandemic world of “The Last of Us,” we follow the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and his young companion Ellie (Bella Ramsey). After a fungal outbreak transforms humans into zombies, Joel, an older survivor living in Boston’s quarantine zone, encounters Ellie who seems immune to the infection. Marlene (Merle Dandridge), leader of the Fireflies, a resistance group opposed to the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA), asks Joel and his partner Tess (Anna Torv) to escort Ellie to a federal building in Massachusetts in exchange for a reliable vehicle. As Ellie becomes like a daughter to Joel, he goes to great lengths to keep her safe on their trek across the United States.
Before ‘Fallout’ debuted in 2024, ‘The Last of Us’ paved the way as it was the initial live-action video game adaptation to be recognized for major awards. Notably, it garnered several accolades, such as Emmys for guest stars Nick Offerman and Storm Reid, a Screen Actors Guild Award win for Pedro Pascal, and more. ‘The Last of Us’ is set to return for its second season in 2025.
Station Eleven (2021)
Both “Station Eleven” and “Fallout” explore the periods just preceding an apocalypse and the years afterwards when civilization has significantly declined. However, while “Fallout” features a fantastical backdrop and spans over 200 years across its timelines, “Station Eleven” offers a more realistic perspective with only a gap of approximately 20 years between its different periods. Despite this difference in time span, neither novel loses any of its impact.
The story “Station Eleven” begins by depicting its unique form of apocalypse – a rapid global flu pandemic, rather than the nuclear devastation seen in shows like “Fallout”. In this tale, young Kirsten (Matilda Lawler) is safeguarded during the outbreak by Jeevan (Himesh Patel). Twenty years later, now played by Mackenzie Davis, Kirsten is a prominent member of the Traveling Symphony – a troupe of actors and musicians who perform Shakespearean plays while journeying from one town to another. Throughout their travels, they come across a charismatic leader known as the Prophet (Daniel Zovatto), who possesses knowledge about a graphic novel that Kirsten believed was unique to her possession.
The captivating limited series “Station Eleven” delivers information in a deliberate manner, providing both surplus and essential details at different points, yet never failing to keep you hooked with its intriguing premise. It’s no surprise that this show has garnered a 98% critics’ approval on Rotten Tomatoes and has been nominated for numerous awards, including several Emmys.
Arcane (2021-2024)
As a dedicated gamer, I can say that much like my favorite game “Fallout,” the captivating animated series “Arcane” is derived from a video game world. Similar to “Fallout,” it revolves around a profound chasm between the privileged and the underprivileged. In “Fallout,” this divide is portrayed through the contrast between the inhabitants of the fortified Vaults and the dwellers in the aftermath of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. On the other hand, in “Arcane,” this disparity reaches new heights as the narrative unfolds not on our Earth but within the struggle between the opulent city of Piltover and its oppressed counterpart, Zaun.
The narrative revolves around Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), two sisters hailing from Zaun who had a rift when Jinx was young. As they’ve grown older, Jinx is now allied with Silco (Jason Spisak), a powerful crime lord in Zaun, and harbors distrust towards her sister upon their reunion as adults. This unfolds amidst the growing conflict between Piltover and Zaun, alongside the groundbreaking discovery of Hextech – technology infused with arcane magic that significantly transforms Piltover.
The program has been highly commended across various aspects, such as its exceptional voice acting, imaginative world creation, and distinctive watercolor-inspired animation style. It stands alone on this list with a flawless 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes for both of its two seasons. Moreover, it has garnered multiple accolades, including making Emmy history as the first streaming series to win the Outstanding Animated Program Emmy award.
The Last Man on Earth (2015-2018)
In contrast to the bleakness of “Fallout,” “The Last Man on Earth” presents a post-apocalyptic scenario with significantly fewer survivors and an abundance of humor. This is a sitcom, created by Will Forte, who was previously part of “Saturday Night Live.” It’s also overseen by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the duo known for their work on “The LEGO Movie” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” films. In 2019, a deadly virus ravaged the world, leaving Phil Tandy Miller (portrayed by Will Forte) to believe he’s humanity’s last hope. For an entire year, he searches for others, but finds no one until…
As he teeters on the brink of truck disaster and certain death, he catches sight of smoke billowing from a nearby house. Upon reaching the scene, he discovers another survivor – a woman named Carol, played by Kristen Schaal. Subsequently, Phil encounters various individuals, such as Melissa (January Jones), Todd (Mel Rodriguez), Erica (Cleopatra Coleman), and Gail (Mary Steenburgen). This group sets the stage for Phil’s arduous personal transformation. Initially, he is a compulsive liar and unfaithful partner, showing particular disregard towards Carol, his newlywed wife of just three weeks. However, as time passes, he gradually learns that if he wishes to be accepted into this small community that might be the last remnants of humanity on Earth, he must strive for self-improvement.
The Last Man on Earth” presents a unique atmosphere compared to many other shows in this collection. While it shares common ground with typical sitcoms in its focus on everyday issues like Phil’s habitual dishonesty and attraction towards Melissa due to her beauty, it also delves into the idea that the apocalypse might have had a positive impact on Phil’s personal growth. This perspective suggests that the end of the world could have played a crucial role in helping him become a better individual.
Silo (2023-?)
The story unfolds far into a post-apocalyptic era, 140 years since the last known societal uprising. This timeline is crucial for understanding the inhabitants’ lifestyle, who have resided in a complex silo structure with 144 levels beneath the surface. This silo resembles the Vaults from “Fallout,” and like the latter series, secrets are being concealed by those at the top. In “Fallout,” this secret was the purpose of the Vaults for psychological experiments. In “Silo,” it’s revealed that Bernard (Tim Robbins), the one in power, has been withholding vital information from the residents, including details about their past.
Plunged into this tale, I find myself as Juliette Nichols, an engineer stationed at the deepest levels of the silo. At first glance, I may not seem like the protagonist, but when Sheriff Holston discovers that my lover, George Wilkins, and his wife, Allison, were involved in a clandestine project, and both are now deceased, I become his key ally in probing George’s demise. Moreover, he sees me as the ideal successor for the sheriff role, despite my lack of formal training. In this new position, I gradually unearth a past brimming with corruption, including the lengths the silo’s administration has gone to suppress any signs of rebellion.
The show titled “Silo” offers a methodical blend of intense action and captivating storylines, while maintaining a balance between numerous characters to ensure easy comprehension. It has already been broadcasted for two seasons on Apple TV+, and we can anticipate Seasons 3 and 4 in the near future.
Twisted Metal (2023-?)
As a gamer diving into the world of “Twisted Metal,” I wasn’t sure what to expect given the game’s reputation for high-octane vehicle battles, iconic characters, and a darkly humorous twist, but not much in terms of a compelling narrative. However, the writers of the Peacock show have crafted an original story that sets the stage. I find myself as John Doe, a milkman navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape, delivering packages from one walled town to another. My mission is to retrieve a package from New Chicago and deliver it to New San Francisco in exchange for citizenship.
My journey takes me across treacherous terrains and introduces me to intriguing characters, such as Quiet, with whom I initially lock horns but later find common ground when we’re confronted by Sweet Tooth – a menacing clown hailing from Las Vegas. With his mask and the voice of Will Arnett’s character, he adds a chilling touch to this twisted tale.
While “Twisted Metal” may not receive as much critical acclaim or awards recognition as series like “Fallout” or “The Last of Us,” for those who appreciate humor and high-speed action, it offers an exhilarating ride. Given that the original games were developed between 1995 and 2012 and had less complex plots, it’s not unexpected that the show’s narrative deviates significantly from the games. However, there’s a possibility that the central competition featured in the games might be introduced in the next season, so let’s stay tuned to find out!
The 100 (2014-2020)
In a post-apocalyptic setting, the youth-oriented series “The 100” spanned seven seasons. The storyline doesn’t dwell on events prior to the apocalypse, as none of the characters recall them. The narrative commences 97 years following a nuclear catastrophe that ravaged Earth. Survivors found refuge on the Ark, a space station now facing life-support issues. This predicament leads to the deployment of 100 juvenile offenders to the planet’s surface for an assessment of its livability.
In the fictional setting of “The 100”, the young delinquents aboard the Ark, much like Lucy from “Fallout” who emerges from her Vault, must familiarize themselves with the Earth-dwellers they encounter after their space journey. These inhabitants are not all friendly and are better adapted to survive than those on the Ark. The series unfolds over seven seasons, during which the survivors, particularly Clarke (Eliza Taylor), experience a myriad of challenges. Initially, conflicts arise between the 100 and the Grounders, but soon, the story expands to encompass complex elements such as advanced AI, cannibalism, and ultimately, an exodus to a new habitable world called Sanctum. Here, it delves into the importance of understanding and coexisting with a new society.
In its third season, the series titled “The 100” stirred up the debate known as “Bury your gays” by eliminating a beloved LGBTQ character. Nevertheless, it remains an exceptional portrayal of a captivating post-apocalyptic world populated by young adult characters.
The Leftovers (2014-2017)
The TV series ‘The Leftovers’ doesn’t focus on an apocalypse as such, but rather on the mysterious disappearance of 2% of the global population, approximately 140 million people, all happening simultaneously. This event has caused chaos and upheaval in everyone’s lives, leading to the emergence of cults, a search for meaning, and many struggling to cope with life without their loved ones. Although ‘The Leftovers’ differs greatly from ‘Fallout’ in many aspects, they share a common theme: the unusual behaviors that some people exhibit following the sudden vanishings.
The television series, titled “The Leftovers,” was developed by Damon Lindelof from the show “Lost” and Tom Perotta, and aired on HBO from 2014 to 2017. Each of its three seasons presents a unique atmosphere: the first is set in Mapleton, New York, three years after an unexplained event called the Sudden Departure; the second takes place four years later, primarily in Jarden, Texas; and the third occurs seven years after the event, mainly in Victoria, Australia. Despite their distinct settings, all seasons maintain a cohesive feel. Although challenging to concisely describe, it’s widely acknowledged as a masterpiece and one of the greatest shows ever made, and that assessment is hard to argue with.
Paradise (2025-?)
The series titled “Paradise” has recently made its debut, with only four episodes aired so far. However, it already shows signs of a seemingly idyllic civilization that may not be as tranquil as it appears – much like the show “Fallout.” A notable contrast is that while “Fallout” features hidden vaults concealing the gruesome realities of the apocalypse, “Paradise” presents a massive, city-sized bunker nestled beneath Colorado’s mountains.
The TV series, penned by Dan Fogelman, who’s known for “This Is Us,” is based three years following an apocalypse that forced a select group into hiding. As of now, we have more queries than responses, but here’s what we seem to grasp. The show centers around Sterling K. Brown as Agent Xavier Collins, the head agent in President Cal Bradford’s Secret Service, who discovers the president deceased in his residence. However, Collins seems to be merely a piece in a narrative primarily guided by Samantha Redmond, portrayed by Julianne Nicholson, a wealthy woman whose son passed away young. This event appears to have reshaped her bond with her spouse—and potentially, everyone around her.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have praised “Paradise”, making it a highly anticipated show. At this point, it’s unclear where all the storylines are headed, but the journey to discovering their outcomes promises to be thrilling.
Sweet Tooth (2021-2024)
Similar to “Fallout,” the series “Sweet Tooth” portrays a world that undergoes collapse, though not due to nuclear warfare. Instead, the society crumbles because of a lethal virus known as The Sick, which has claimed the lives of most humans. Like “Fallout,” “Sweet Tooth” retains a unique charm, yet it manifests differently. In this program, some children have miraculously begun to be born with hybrid traits, half human and half animal.
In the world of Yellowstone National Park, I, a part-deer/part-human hybrid named Gus, have spent my days living wild and free with my father. But as people fear hybrids like me for causing a virus, we’ve had to keep our existence hidden.
When my dad falls ill and passes away, I’m left vulnerable to the very hunters who once hid us. That’s when a mysterious traveler, whom I’d later call Big Man, steps in and saves me from certain doom.
Intrigued by tales of a mother supposedly residing in Colorado, I convince Big Man to take me there, hoping to uncover the truth about my past and perhaps find the family I never knew.
The series titled “Sweet Tooth” offers a delightful and imaginative touch, yet it doesn’t shy away from the necessary harshness required for an apocalypse narrative. Furthermore, its timing coincided so remarkably with the COVID-19 pandemic that its parallel seems almost prescient in hindsight.
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