The 5 Best Apocalyptic TV Shows to Stream Now
The Handmaid's Tale, Black Mirror, and The 100 top the charts for some of the best post-apocalyptic TV shows currently available to stream.
For those who enjoy apocalyptic TV shows, there is no shortage of options to choose from. However, a few series rise above the rest and offer distinctive perspectives on the end of the world and have garnered a loyal following due to their engaging characters and storylines. Whether your preference is for zombies, nuclear war, or dystopian societies, these five shows are streaming right now and are sure to fulfill your apocalyptic cravings.
1. The Walking Dead (Available on AMC+ and Netflix)
Created by Frank Darabont, The Walking Dead is an apocalyptic TV show that has gained a massive fan following since its premiere in 2010 and has spawned multiple spin-off shows. Set in a world overrun by zombies, the series follows a group of survivors as they navigate their way through a post-apocalyptic landscape. The show is known for its gritty, visceral nature, with plenty of action, suspense, and drama to keep viewers hooked.
Over the course of the program’s many seasons, viewers have watched as the various survivors grapple with their inner demons and forge new alliances with one another. The show’s characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human, which makes their struggles all the more compelling to watch. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the zombie genre or simply looking for a well-crafted TV series with plenty of heart, The Walking Dead is definitely worth checking out.
2. The 100 (Available on Netflix)
Premiering on the CW network in 2014, The 100 is an apocalyptic TV show that is based on the book series of the same name by Kass Morgan. The story revolves around a group of 100 teenage delinquents who are sent to Earth from a space station to determine if the planet is habitable after a nuclear apocalypse.
The series features complex characters, intense storylines, and explores themes such as survival, morality, and the consequences of human actions.
Although The 100 was lauded for its engaging narrative and fully fleshed-out characters, it garnered criticism for its, at times, explicit and violent content. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the show remained a favorite among fans until its conclusion in 2020, which provided a sense of resolution but also a bittersweet conclusion to a science fiction series that had become a staple of the science fiction genre.
The show’s inclusive cast and willingness to address relevant social issues helped make it stand out in the television landscape.
3. Jericho (Available on Paramount+)
Starring Skeet Ulrich and Lennie James, Jericho is a post-apocalyptic TV show that aired on CBS in 2006. The series follows the residents of a small Kansas town after a series of nuclear attacks decimate major cities across the United States. The acclaimed drama explored themes such as survival, community, and the consequences of global conflicts.
Despite its short two-season run, Jericho garnered a cult following for its intricate plotlines, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of life after a catastrophic event. Fans were disappointed when the series was canceled on a cliffhanger, but their passion for the show led to a successful fan campaign that resulted in the production of a comic book series that provided closure to the story. Jericho remains a beloved and influential entry in the apocalyptic genre of television.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale (Available on Hulu)
Premiering on Hulu in 2017, The Handmaid’s Tale is an apocalyptic TV show that is based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood. The story follows a woman who is forced to bear children for the ruling class. The series has won multiple awards for its powerful performance, its exploration of gender roles and political oppression, and its haunting depiction of a society in crisis.
Moreover, the show has been praised for its unflinching examination of themes such as misogyny, reproduction rights, and political extremism. The series has also become a cultural touchstone, with its imagery and symbolism appearing in political protests and rallies around the world. The Handmaid’s Tale is a vital and timely addition to the post-apocalyptic genre of television.
5. Black Mirror (Available on Netflix)
Premiering in 2011 on Channel 4 before moving to Netflix in 2016, Black Mirror is often considered an apocalyptic TV show because it explores the potential consequences of technological advancement and its impact on society in a way that is both thought-provoking and unsettling.
The anthology series is known for its inventive storytelling and its examination of the human condition in a digital age. Created by Charlie Brooker, the show has been widely praised for its strong writing, stunning cinematography, and its willingness to push boundaries in the genre.
Black Mirror has also featured a diverse array of talent both behind and in front of the camera, including appearances by actors like Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, and Anthony Mackie. The show’s anthology format allows for a variety of storytelling approaches, making each episode a unique and thrilling viewing experience.
Black Mirror remains a standout entry in the science fiction and post-apocalyptic genres, offering a dark and haunting perspective on the dangers of technology in the modern world.
