13 Best TV Shows Like Silo

Among the top notch sci-fi series currently streaming, “Silo” has made a significant impact on the genre, preparing for its third season in 2024 while securing a fourth one as well. This gripping show is the brainchild of Graham Yost, renowned for creating “Justified,” considered one of the finest modern Western TV series. “Silo” is set in a future not far off where a global catastrophe forces humanity underground and into the circular living spaces of an enormous subterranean silo.

Inside this enclosed society, governed by a oppressive elite, Sheriff Holston Becker (David Oyelowo) and Robert Sims, the security chief (Common), keep things running smoothly. Rebecca Ferguson portrays Juliette Nichols, an exceptionally skilled engineer in this community, who contributes to keeping the generators functioning. However, when she unintentionally uncovers a disturbing secret about the silo, it triggers her to question everything she believes about her world.

For enthusiasts and reviewers alike, “Silo” has been a captivating tale of one woman who uncovers that her entire understanding of her world might be misguided. If you’re already hooked on “Silo” and can hardly wait for the next installment, take a look at these 13 series that share the same engaging atmosphere.

Under the Dome

As a gamer, if you’re seeking a TV series that’s reminiscent of “Silo,” “Under the Dome” might not immediately spring to mind. Broadcasted on CBS in the early 2010s, it carries a more family-friendly vibe, leaning towards the mysteries unfolding in “Lost.” However, beneath its surface lies a tale about an eclectic band of individuals compelled to survive within their confined world. They strive to unravel why they’re trapped together, and along the way, uncover shocking secrets that shake their community to its core.

The narrative unfolds in the quaint, secluded town of Chester’s Mill, where an unexpected event occurs – a massive, indestructible, and invisible barrier encloses the town one day without warning. Trapped inside with no means of escape or contacting those outside their boundaries, a few residents band together to investigate the mystery behind their predicament. However, as resources dwindle, internal conflicts arise, and the town teeters on the brink of civil war. Meanwhile, peculiar, egg-like artifacts are discovered that may hold the solution to ending Chester’s Mill’s isolation.

For just three seasons, “Under the Dome” didn’t quite capture the hearts of many viewers, yet its inaugural season stands out as remarkably underappreciated sci-fi television for that time period.

Revolution

In today’s context, if Erik Kripke, J.J. Abrams, and Jon Favreau were to collaborate on a new series, it could be the most popular show of the year. However, in 2012, they led the creative team behind “Revolution,” a post-apocalyptic drama with Billy Burke, Giancarlo Esposito, Tracy Spiridakos, and Zak Orth. Despite this, many people don’t recall it. Similar to “Silo,” it is set in a world where civilization has fallen apart, focusing on a protagonist who seeks to uncover the truth about what caused the collapse of our familiar world.

Unlike “Silo,” the series “Revolution” starts in the time following a massive societal collapse, triggered by an unknown force that disrupted humanity’s power to produce electricity. After fifteen years, the world is still struggling to rebuild when we encounter Miles Matheson (played by Burke), who owns an unusual amulet – one of many similar ones – which could potentially explain why the world lost its light. However, he’s not alone in his quest for answers.

For two consecutive seasons, the show “Revolution” was regrettably underappreciated, despite boasting an immense pool of talent both on and off screen. Following its termination in 2014, the series found a new life as a comic book adaptation, concluding the narrative in a four-part series penned by David Reed and Ryan Parrott.

12 Monkeys

The title “12 Monkeys” may bring to mind the 1995 sci-fi film with Bruce Willis, but it also refers to a relatively unnoticed TV series that premiered on SyFy in 2015. This show, created by Terry Matalas, follows Aaron Stanford as James Cole, a character from a post-apocalyptic future who travels back to the present day to locate the source of a devastating plague that nearly annihilated mankind.

The TV version of the movie delves deeper into its plot, introducing more dramatic elements such as a group of militant survivors called West VII, headed by a menacing extremist named Deacon (Todd Stashwick). Unlike the film, which is primarily a straightforward thriller, the series also ventures into two distinct time periods. It follows Cole’s adventures in the present, while simultaneously depicting the attempts of his higher-ups to reclaim Earth for humanity in the future.

Similar to the series “Silo,” “12 Monkeys” is a captivating, intricate tale that follows a man’s quest to decipher secrets from the past that could shape humanity’s destiny in the future. Praised by critics, its convoluted timeline might require some explanation, but it ultimately delivers one of TV’s most rewarding time travel stories. The success of this show contributed to Matalas securing directing roles for “Star Trek: Picard” and the forthcoming “VisionQuest” series on Disney+.

Snowpiercer

Similar to “12 Monkeys,” the TNT series “Snowpiercer” is a small-screen adaptation of a well-loved film, specifically the 2013 movie directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Chris Evans, John Hurt, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, and Octavia Spencer. The television show boasts an equally talented cast, with Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs taking the lead roles. Set in a bleak future where Earth has been almost entirely frozen over due to a new Ice Age, the story follows the survivors who have taken refuge on a massive train that perpetually circumnavigates the globe in an effort to preserve the remnants of humanity.

In essence, the famous train known as the Snowpiercer has been continuously moving, yet it has developed an entrenched class system over time, with the wealthy and influential residing in opulence at the front of the vehicle, while the less fortunate inhabit the rear. A detective from the back of the train, played by Diggs, is enlisted by Melanie Cavill, the head of hospitality, to solve a series of strange deaths. As the story progresses, however, it becomes apparent that there are impending revelations about an upcoming revolution and the true nature of the current Ice Age, which could potentially disrupt the social order on board the Snowpiercer.

Delving deeper into the world of the movie, the “Snowpiercer” TV show manages to feel fresh and captivating without being redundant. It consistently provides unexpected twists and a wealth of suspenseful moments.

Foundation

Drawing inspiration from Isaac Asimov’s renowned science-fiction novel series, “Foundation” is a vast narrative that was previously considered impossible to adapt into film. However, Apple TV+ managed to bring this project to life after numerous attempts spanning over several decades. Jared Harris, known for his role in “Mad Men,” takes on the character of Hari Seldon, a remarkable scientist residing in the distant future. With his groundbreaking work in psychohistory, a novel field of study, he possesses the unique ability to delve not only into the past but also into the future. In a startling revelation, he discovers that the Galactic Empire, which has ruled for over 10 millennia, is on the verge of collapse.

When faced with the imminent danger of human civilization’s extinction, potentially erasing the entire species from existence, Seldon establishes a coalition called The Foundation. Comprised of some of humanity’s brightest minds, this group is committed to safeguarding mankind’s knowledge for future reuse. However, not everyone is convinced by Seldon’s plan, and there are those who fear the consequences of his work, leading to increasing disagreements within the Empire and even within the Foundation itself.

In contrast to “Silo,” “Foundation” is an expansive science fiction novel that blends elements dynamically similar to both “Star Wars” and “Dune,” two works significantly impacted by Asimov’s creations.

Westworld

Originating in October 2016, the series “Westworld” is a contemporary remake of a 1973 science fiction film with the same name, written and directed by Michael Crichton. Receiving rave reviews and quickly becoming a modern masterpiece, the show captivated both viewers and critics with its intricate narrative teeming with thought-provoking insights into human nature. The story unfolds in a future where advanced AI and android technology have given rise to theme parks such as Westworld, offering an authentic Wild West experience that allows visitors to explore their deepest desires, free from any risk of harming actual people.

The initial season of the series focuses on William (Jimmi Simpson), as he accompanies his future brother-in-law Logan (Ben Barnes) for a park visit. However, what William discovers is far from ordinary: guests frequently assault and kill the synthetic “host” robots, leading him to ponder the true essence of human nature. Meanwhile, another storyline unfolds featuring a morally ambiguous gunfighter in black (Ed Harris), who appears unfazed by his questionable actions within the park. Simultaneously, the creator of these androids (Anthony Hopkins) may be harboring hidden truths about the technology he has developed.

In simpler terms, “Westworld” is a show that combines elements from Western action and sci-fi genres. It delves into the intricate questions of morality and what it truly means to be human. As the series progresses, it moves beyond the park’s boundaries by portraying an android rebellion, painting a picture of a world where technology may hold a much darker future for mankind.

Colony

In 2016, actors Josh Holloway, known for his role in “Lost,” and Sarah Wayne Callies, famous for her work on “The Walking Dead,” collaborated on the sci-fi thriller series “Colony.” This show aired on USA Network for three seasons. The setting of “Colony” is a dystopian future, not far from our present time, where a powerful and oppressive government called the Transitional Authority governs Los Angeles. This government came to power after the appearance of an enigmatic alien race, referred to as the Hosts. At first, the origins and intentions of the Hosts are unclear; their sudden arrival triggers global chaos, and they swiftly take control, constructing barriers around major cities like Los Angeles.

In this transformed societal structure, social divisions are pronounced and several factions resisting the ruling Hosts have emerged. The narrative opens with ex-Army Ranger Will Bowman (Holloway), working for the Provisional Government in the pursuit of resistance members. However, without his knowledge, his wife (Callies) is part of the resistance. As they find themselves on opposite ends of this struggle, they also search for their lost son who vanished years ago when the Hosts first appeared.

Examining the fusion of science fiction plots with international politics, the show “Colony” abounds with symbolic representation and thought-provoking discourse on the emergence of totalitarian regimes, delving into the idea that moral decay is inherent to human nature.

Altered Carbon

Imagine blending the bleak future of “Silo” and the noir atmosphere of “Blade Runner,” you might end up with something like “Altered Carbon,” a Netflix original series adapted from Richard K. Morgan’s novels. Unlike the post-apocalyptic setting, this far-future world is marked by a global rebellion against a new ruling class. In this darkened future, human minds are digitized and stored in computer chips that can be transferred to artificial bodies. The ultra-rich exploit this technology to achieve eternal life through cloning humans.

The initial season of the series introduces Takeshi Kovacs (Joel Kinnaman), a former soldier who was once a rebel, who finds himself reborn after 250 years with a new body. This reawakening was orchestrated by Laurens Bancroft (James Purefoy), a wealthy magnate who had been recently murdered and received a newly-cloned body in his place. The aim is for Kovacs to find the individual responsible for Bancroft’s death, given that Kovacs possesses exceptional abilities and a notable reputation that make him ideal for this task. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that things are not what they seem.

Occasionally, “Altered Carbon” is a challenging sci-fi series to follow, but for those who are diligent in their viewing, the payoff can be substantial. After two seasons, it concluded with Anthony Mackie joining the cast and delving deeper into Kovacs’ quest spanning multiple decades.

Counterpart

2019’s unique sci-fi series “Counterpart,” featuring J.K. Simmons, emphasizes its political dimensions. Unlike the usual post-apocalyptic settings, this show is largely set in the current era, but it presents an alternate reality rather than our own. In the heart of a secret intelligence agency in Berlin lies a gateway to a parallel universe.

In the Office of Interchange, Simmons plays the part of a lesser-ranked agent. However, his ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he uncovers the truth about a twin Earth. To his surprise, he finds a more seasoned counterpart from this other world, who occupies a higher position in the agency. As time goes by, Simmons unearths shocking revelations about the true essence of this alternate reality, as both sides are becoming increasingly involved in a tense and escalating cold war.

Among the overlooked science fiction series, “Counterpart” shares a similar mood and vigor with “Silo.” Regrettably, it ran for just two seasons, garnering widespread praise and an Emmy award, despite this.

Severance

If you’re enjoying “Silo,” here’s another show to consider: “Severance.” While it may initially seem like a sci-fi adventure, it has more elements of a psychological thriller. At its heart, it explores a strict system and an unconventional lifestyle that conceals a sinister reality. The series takes place at Lumon Industries, a biotech company pioneering medical breakthroughs. To work there, employees undergo a process called “severance,” which alters their memories to keep their professional and civilian lives separate – one world unaware of the other. Starring Adam Scott, this series delves into the lives of these individuals at Lumon Industries.

For fans of “Silo,” consider watching “Severance.” Although it appears to be a sci-fi adventure, it’s actually more of a psychological thriller with underlying themes. It focuses on a restrictive system and an unusual way of life that masks a disturbing truth. Set at Lumon Industries, a company specializing in medical innovations, employees must submit to a procedure called “severance,” which manipulates their memories so they are unaware of their civilian lives while working – and vice versa. Adam Scott stars as one such employee in this series.

The story revolves around Mark (Scott), a Lumon employee who starts feeling uneasy about the company and its peculiar customs as he takes on the task of training a new colleague, Helly (Britt Lower). Outside of work hours, we discover that Mark used to be a history professor, and his decision to join Lumon stems from a heart-wrenching personal incident. Within Lumon, Mark doesn’t recall his past life, and he begins to suspect that the company’s severance policy might go beyond just improving productivity.

In simpler terms, the captivating series titled “Severance” has been receiving high praise from critics and audiences alike, with our review during Season 2 deeming it as the “top television mystery.

Dark Matter (2024)

We’re not referring to the space exploration series that premiered in 2015 with the same title. Instead, “Dark Matter,” a new series, started streaming on Apple TV+ in 2024. Starring Jennifer Connelly from “Snowpiercer” and Joel Edgerton from “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” this show is set here on Earth. The story unfolds when Jason Dessen, played by Edgerton, and his wife Daniela (Connelly) are entangled in a mystery involving multiple dimensions after Jason’s doppelganger from another reality passes through a gateway into their world.

In one world, the substitute for Jason Dessen seamlessly steps into his family life and assumes control, while in another universe, the initial Jason learns that his twin brother is a renowned yet elusive physicist who hasn’t been spotted in over a year. As events unfold differently in both their lives, the original Jason embarks on a journey to return home, joining forces with his wife’s counterpart to uncover the true intentions of his alternate self.

In its initial year, “Dark Matter” garnered positive feedback and was granted a follow-up season. Notably, it boasts an impressive ensemble with actors like Jimmi Simpson from “Westworld,” Dayo Okeniyi, and Alice Braga on board.

The Expanse

In a future where mankind has expanded into space, “The Expanse,” a 2015 sci-fi masterpiece similar to “Star Trek” and “Silo,” follows a universe ruled by different political entities. Despite our cosmic achievements, unity among these factions remains elusive, with the United Nations of Earth and Luna, Martian Congressional Republic on Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) all competing for control.

Conflict runs deep between these organizations and the lawless colonies situated in between them. Any minor action could potentially trigger a full-scale galactic war. The narrative revolves around space officer Joe Miller, portrayed by Thomas Jane, who becomes embroiled in political machinations while investigating a missing persons case. Along the way, he uncovers a massive conspiracy that jeopardizes the fragile balance maintaining peace throughout the cosmos.

Instead of “Silo,” this show leans more towards space opera and action-drama, but it delves into similar themes. It’s also one of the most critically acclaimed sci-fi series from the past decade, thanks to Amazon stepping in to save it after its cancellation by SyFy in 2018, allowing it to run for six outstanding seasons.

Station Eleven

If you’re drawn to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of “Silo,” and yearn for more narratives that delve into this aspect, I highly recommend checking out HBO’s “Station Eleven.” This series, derived from Emily St. John Mandel’s novel, features Mackenzie Davis and Matilda Lawler portraying the older and younger iterations of Kirsten Raymonde, a resilient young woman navigating a world decimated by a global pandemic (coincidentally, the filming of the series was paused during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, an intriguing trivia that dedicated fans might appreciate about the show).

This story unfolds along two intertwining narratives: Initially, we come across the younger Kirsten (played by Lawler), who is under the care of a hesitant yet compassionate stranger named Jeevan (Himesh Patel). Set at the onset of a pandemic, society starts to fall apart around them. As time passes and conditions worsen, they are compelled to escape and seek refuge in nature. In the contemporary era, Kirsten (Davis) is part of a troupe of performers who traverse the land, providing entertainment for survivors. However, their journey takes a turn when they encounter a hazardous cult-like group whose enigmatic leader has an intriguing link to Kirsten’s past events.

Among the finest post-apocalyptic series in recent memory, “Station Eleven” offers a riveting, suspenseful viewing experience. Though it maintains a generally somber atmosphere, the narrative ultimately serves as a heartwarming testament to the power of human relationships.

2025-04-01 21:32