As a die-hard fan of the undead genre, I must say that each of these shows has its unique charm and terror that keeps me hooked.
Whether you prefer scientifically crafted zombies or the more supernatural ones, the undead crawling out of their graves has become a true staple of television in the past decade. With the release of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” in 2010, it seems as if every network and streamer instantly jumped at the chance to cash in on the zombie craze. But what makes a zombie? Well, it’s either a corpse returning to life or someone who is infected by a virus that transforms them into a rabid, animal-like state, but either way, there are plenty of them to choose from.
Given our previous list of top-notch zombie films, let me share some outstanding television productions featuring undead thrills that you can indulge in, whether it’s Halloween or not. Rest assured, viewing these series won’t transform you into one of the undead, but if an unusual hunger for brains or human flesh arises while watching, take a break and step outside for some fresh air. In any case, have a great time with these shows!
10. Z Nation (2014-2018)
In 2014, the series “Z Nation” debuted on SyFy, adding a fresh twist to the zombie genre that was already popularized by “The Walking Dead.” Unlike other shows, it introduced a unique aspect: a man named Alvin Murphy (Keith Allan), who remains immune to the ZN1 virus even after multiple bites. This makes him one of the most valuable individuals alive. However, Murphy is not the only character we follow in “Z Nation”; there’s also Lt. Roberta Warren (Kellita Smith) and Citizen Z (DJ Qualls).
Despite being largely dismissed by critics, viewers found enough appeal in “Z Nation” for SyFy to keep renewing it for five seasons before its conclusion. Interestingly, The Asylum, the production company responsible for “Z Nation,” hinted at a potential revival of the series on SyFy in March 2024. If any TV show were to rise from the dead, it would be fitting that it’s a zombie drama like “Z Nation.
9. Santa Clarita Diet (2017–2019)
Sure thing! “Santa Clarita Diet” may not fit the mold of typical zombie dramas, but its unique concept (infused with a twist on the undead theme) makes it worthy of inclusion in this roundup. At first glance, it appears to be just another SoCal family drama, but it swiftly evolves into a humorous take on life as a zombie for a family struggling to keep their undead wife and mother alive by supplying her with human meat. Yes, Drew Barrymore plays a formidable zombie mom in this series.
Santa Clarita Diet” is less about the typical zombie drama and more a comedic take on the genre, steering clear of deep philosophical discussions on human existence. This is one of the reasons we adore it so much! Not only was the show appreciated by critics, but it also captured the hearts of many viewers. Known for its darkly humorous approach, some might argue that the series ended too soon, but it’s still a delightful watch worth revisiting. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t enjoy seeing Nathan Fillion (and later Alan Tudyk) in their talking head segments?
8. Black Summer (2019–2021)
The creators who brought you “Z Nation” also produced Netflix’s additional zombie drama titled “Black Summer.” Set within the same universe as the previously mentioned show, this two-season survival series delves into the early stages of the ZN1 outbreak rather than its later years. Unlike its predecessor, it offers a unique perspective on the zombie apocalypse. In this story, we follow a character named Rose (played by Jaime King), who is a young mother, as she embarks on a journey to locate her daughter amidst the struggle for survival in the harsh Canadian wilderness alongside a group of fellow survivors.
Contrasting with its earlier version, “Black Summer” received both critical acclaim and positive feedback from the audience, despite only airing for two seasons. Despite some unresolved plot points, it was highly praised by Stephen King, who expressed to his social media followers that it was like discovering there’s still fear left in zombies with this show. The New York Times took it a step further, suggesting that if Andrei Tarkovsky and John Carpenter had collaborated on a zombie series, it might have resembled the visually daring Netflix production in terms of its unique approach. This level of praise is indeed impressive.
7. Fear The Walking Dead (2015–2023)
Initially starting off as a prequel, then connecting more closely to the primary series, “Fear the Walking Dead” – a highly successful spin-off of “The Walking Dead” – unfolded an engaging storyline. The first three seasons, set in Los Angeles at the initial outbreak’s dawn, portray Madison Clark (played by Kim Dickens) and her family as they adapt to this transformed world. As the fourth season commenced, Morgan Jones (Lennie James), a character from the original series, was introduced to the cast, and the plot progressed in parallel with “The Walking Dead,” taking place in the present day.
Similar to the initial series, “Fear the Walking Dead” was generally well-received by critics. Given the growing success of the franchise, another spin-off, named “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” was launched swiftly afterwards. Airing on AMC, it ran through eight seasons. Although it might not have achieved the same level of popularity as the original “Walking Dead,” its solid cast and fresh storylines make it a captivating watch. Navigating the viewing order for “The Walking Dead” can be tricky, but the franchise’s longevity speaks volumes about its appeal.
6. Kingdom (2019-2021)
In a unique blend of history and horror, Netflix’s initial Korean drama, “Kingdom,” offers a thrilling 17th-century spin on the undead, set in a fictionalized version of ancient Korea during the Joseon era. The show masterfully combines the terrors of the zombie apocalypse with political intrigue, resulting in an immersive historical narrative. Over the course of two seasons, the story follows Prince Lee Chang, portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon, as he fights against a nation-wide zombie outbreak.
Although not your typical zombie story, the unique atmosphere and style should not be dismissed lightly. It’s no wonder that “Kingdom” received exceptional critical acclaim, which probably influenced Netflix’s choice to produce a full-length movie titled “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” a spin-off narrative that coincides with the second season. Regrettably, “Kingdom” concludes on a suspenseful note, but this doesn’t diminish the value of the journey you embark upon.
5. Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018)
Hey there, fellow fan! I’d like to propose a thought about those Deadites from the “Evil Dead” series. While they might share some similarities with zombies, they’re more accurately considered demons, but we can overlook the details for now. Fast forwarding 30 years from Sam Raimi’s “Army of Darkness,” Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell, is coaxed out of retirement to wage war against evil again in “Ash vs. Evil Dead.” If you’re still hooked on the original “Evil Dead” trilogy and can’t seem to get enough of Ash, why haven’t you checked out this series yet?
Boasting exceptional critical and viewer acclaim, this Starz Original series aired for three seasons on the network before its unfortunate cancellation. Many zombie productions on this list attribute the outbreaks to scientific reasons; however, the Deadites in “Ash vs. Evil Dead” are inherently supernatural. Despite failed attempts to carry forward Ash’s storyline in live-action (the latest “Evil Dead Rise” rejuvenated the franchise), Campbell has now confirmed that an animated revival is underway, which seems very exciting!
4. iZombie (2015–2019)
The show “iZombie,” airing on The CW, offers a fresh perspective on the classic zombie theme. The main character, Liv Moore, played by Rose McIver, finds herself transformed into an undead being after an unfortunate accident. As her life takes a drastic turn, she learns that consuming human brains is essential for her survival. To fulfill this morbid requirement, she secures a job at a morgue. An intriguing aspect of her condition is that by ingesting the brains of others, Liv inherits their memories and characteristics, making the series a blend of police procedural and supernatural comedy. The humor escalates as various situations unfold. Although an outbreak of zombies in Seattle seems to be just a cherry on top of this brain-based drama, it eventually becomes a significant plot point.
For five consecutive seasons, the TV show, titled “iZombie,” which draws inspiration from the DC Comics series of the same name under their Vertigo imprint, has been an enjoyable watch. Rose McIver delivers an outstanding performance as Liv, making the concept of zombies seem quite intriguing (though we all know that the dying aspect isn’t). Similar to other shows on this list, “iZombie” was a highly praised production by critics, demonstrating that zombie narratives don’t necessarily need to follow the same formula. It comes as no surprise that Netflix found the premise of “Santa Clarita Diet” appealing.
3. Helix (2014–2015)
The SyFy series “Helix” offers a fresh twist on the classic theme of the undead. Instead of depicting a world infested with zombies, it focuses on the origin of these creatures. A team of CDC scientists are on a mission to discover a cure for a new viral outbreak in this two-season drama, which was produced by Ronald D. Moore, known for “Battlestar Galactica.” One intriguing aspect is the narrative pace, with each episode covering a single day. This means that Season 1 unfolds over just two weeks, providing us with a clear understanding of how rapidly such an outbreak can spread.
A noteworthy television series, “Helix”, managed to complete just two seasons (with a total of 26 episodes) before its unfortunate cancellation. The ensemble cast featured Billy Campbell as Dr. Alan Farragut, Hiroyuki Sanada as Dr. Hiroshi Hatake, and Kyra Zagorsky as Dr. Julia Walker. Upon debut, it received critical acclaim and still garners attention from new viewers on streaming platforms. Although zombies aren’t the central focus, the show benefits significantly from the looming viral threat.
2. The Last of Us (2022-Present)
Although there may be debates on whether the infected beings in “The Last of Us” can be categorically labeled as zombies, it’s accurate to describe this post-apocalyptic show as a gripping undead phenomenon. Unlike traditional zombies, these creatures are spawned from an uncontrollable fungus that infects both dead humans and animals, transforming the world of this HBO production into a chilling exploration. Boasting a cinematic quality and featuring standout performances by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, this series is a must-watch for fans of undead dramas – though viewers should be prepared to become attached to some secondary characters who may not survive the journey.
Set for its second season debut in 2025, “The Last of Us” stands out as one of the top-rated zombie dramas, captivating both fans of the initial video games and viewers of the HBO adaptation. Despite certain content that might not appeal to all (which is typical for a zombie series), the exceptional production quality draws viewers in. Here’s hoping Joel (Pascal) won’t meet an untimely fate on the show…
1. The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
Have you found any other series more impressive in portraying human survival than AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, originally the zombie apocalypse drama? Despite not using the term ‘zombies’ for the undead creatures, it remains unrivaled in this genre. The show initially focuses on Sheriff Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, and his group as they traverse Georgia. However, the series expands over time to encompass numerous characters and storylines that eventually eclipse Rick’s presence, although he never truly departs. Lasting an impressive 11 seasons, “The Walking Dead” surpassed its source material, a Robert Kirkman comic book, becoming a horror franchise in its own right.
After its incredibly successful run, “The Walking Dead” didn’t truly end but was reborn instead. Instead of extending the main series, the original “Walking Dead” was divided into three separate, multi-part stories. “The Walking Dead: Dead City” features Maggie Rhee (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), while “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” concentrates on Norman Reedus’ character Daryl and Melissa McBride’s Carol Peletier, starting with the second season, which is titled “The Book of Carol.” The story of Rick and Michonne (Danai Gurira) was continued in “The Walking Dead: Those Who Live,” wrapping up their tale from the original series. If you’ve already watched 11 seasons and 177 episodes, you might want to catch up on the ongoing “epilogue” shows to keep yourself entertained until the actual zombie apocalypse occurs.
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2024-10-12 19:00