The Zombie Crime Series On Netflix That Needs More Seasons
As brain-eating goes mainstream, iZombie takes a deliciously unique bite out of the zombie genre. Streaming now on Netflix, this quirky series masterfully blends crime-solving with comedic undertones, giving fans a zombified twist on the procedural drama.
iZombie ran for five seasons and is streaming on Netflix
If you ever wondered how the undead might help solve murder cases, or what kind of visions a brainy diet might induce, then it’s time to sink your teeth into iZombie! Prepare to get hooked because this isn’t your usual gloom-and-doom apocalypse story—it’s witty, fresh, and, dare we say, lively!
iZombie serves up an offbeat blend of humor, horror, and heart in its five-season run. Based on the comic book series of the same name by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, and developed for TV by Rob Thomas and Diane Ruggiero-Wright, the show revolves around Olivia “Liv” Moore, a former medical resident turned zombie.
In iZombie, a boat party goes horribly wrong, resulting in Liv’s transformation, she abandons her promising career and her fiancé, distancing herself from her old life. To satiate her newfound zombie cravings and maintain her humanity, she takes a job at the Seattle King County morgue.
In iZombie, a boat party goes horribly wrong, resulting in Liv’s transformation
Here, she discovers that by consuming the brains of the deceased, she inherits their memories and personalities temporarily. This turns out to be particularly useful, as many of the brains Liv consumes belong to murder victims.
Teaming up with her boss, Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti, who quickly discovers her secret but becomes an ally, and Detective Clive Babineaux, who believes Liv is just a psychic, they solve murders by piecing together the visions from Liv’s brain-feasts.
As iZombie progresses, more people in Liv’s life learn of her undead status, including her ex-fiancé Major Lilywhite and her best friend Peyton Charles. The broader plot delves into the intricacies of zombie existence, including the struggle to find a cure, the discrimination faced by zombies, and the potential for a full-blown zombie outbreak.
Each season introduces various arcs and adversaries, from shady businessmen trying to control the zombie population to military contractors, secret societies, and even other zombies with nefarious agendas. The Seattle city itself goes through several changes, reflecting the rising tension between humans and zombies, leading to its eventual quarantine as the world’s first (and hopefully only) zombie city.
The series isn’t just about horror or crime-solving. At its heart, iZombie is a story of identity and human connections, with Liv’s personality shifts from brain to brain prompting reflections on who she truly is and what remains constant. Over the course of five seasons, viewers witness Liv’s journey of self-discovery, love, loss, and resilience against a backdrop of humor, action, and a pinch of the undead.
iZombie received generally positive reviews from critics throughout its five-season run. The show was praised for its unique blend of genres, seamlessly merging comedy, crime procedural, drama, and horror elements. Critics especially lauded the performances, particularly that of Rose McIver in the lead role as Liv.
In iZombie, Rose McIver stars as Liv
Her ability to adapt to different personalities in each episode—thanks to the brains Liv consumes—showcased her range and versatility as an actress. The writing was also praised for its wit and ability to balance episodic murder cases with overarching narratives about love, identity, and societal conflict.
Some critics, however, felt that certain plot arcs or characters were less engaging than others. Overall, iZombie was seen as a refreshing take on the saturated zombie genre and managed to maintain a dedicated fan base throughout its run.
A dive into the brainy world of iZombie is not just a plunge into another zombie tale. It’s a delectable blend of humor, heart, and horror. Over its five-season stint, the series succeeded in serving up a consistently fresh and engaging narrative that defied typical genre conventions. Rose McIver’s charismatic portrayal of Liv Moore brought a distinct charm to the show, making it both a fun watch and a thought-provoking exploration of identity.
If you’re seeking a series that effortlessly balances the complexities of human emotions with the quirks of the undead, iZombie on Netflix is an irresistible treat. It’s a reminder that sometimes, in the midst of death, we truly find life and purpose.
So, if you haven’t jumped on the iZombie train yet, now’s the perfect time to hop aboard and witness a zombie show with a heart (or rather, a brain) of its own.
