One of the most acclaimed TV series ever made, “The Walking Dead,” excels due to its exceptional handling of the zombie genre. In truth, not many other shows have managed to depict a post-zombie apocalypse setting as authentically as this one does. What truly sets it apart is its profound exploration of human nature.
As a fellow film enthusiast who can’t get enough of the undead, I understand that with The Walking Dead approaching its end in 2022 and currently on a break before its final season, we may find ourselves longing for more brain-eating action. To help satisfy your craving for all things zombie, here’s a list of TV shows that share the same post-apocalyptic, flesh-eating charm as The Walking Dead, perfect for fellow fans of the undead!
1. Kingdom
Among Netflix’s numerous shows, Kingdom stands out as one of its biggest hits. There are several factors contributing to its global success. Firstly, being a Korean production, it has gained immense popularity in Asia. Secondly, it offers a unique perspective on the zombie genre, providing a fresh take that resonates with viewers worldwide.
When we picture the zombie genre, our minds usually wander to a contemporary setting where individuals fight to survive amidst a zombie outbreak, utilizing modern weaponry and whatever modern resources they can find. However, what makes Kingdom unique is that it’s set during South Korea’s Joseon era, spanning from the 14th century up until the 19th century.
Essentially, Kingdom takes place during an era lacking our contemporary technology. People relied on swords, bows, and farming equipment to combat a zombie outbreak. With no modern medicine, they were largely ignorant about the situation. Thus, Kingdom offers a refreshing perspective within the zombie genre, as it is set in a distinct historical period.
2. Fear the Walking Dead
Fear the Walking Dead shares the same universe as The Walking Dead, making it a sequel series with many overlapping elements. However, unlike a mere copy of the original, it carves out its distinct identity by presenting a unique narrative that’s not just a retelling of The Walking Dead’s story.
The key distinction between “The Walking Dead” and “Fear the Walking Dead” lies in the timeline of the initial zombie outbreak. In “The Walking Dead,” we meet one of the main characters who emerges from a coma, only to discover that the world has plunged into chaos due to the outbreak. On the other hand, “Fear the Walking Dead” commences a few months prior to the onset of the apocalypse, providing a glimpse of the world’s gradual transformation as the outbreak unfolds.
As a fan, I’d say this: Fear the Walking Dead offers a unique viewpoint because at first, we see characters scrambling to understand the chaos unfolding around them amidst global turmoil. Conversely, The Walking Dead dives right into the action where people already know the world is beyond saving and are just struggling to survive day by day.
3. Z Nation
Z Nation was a five-season television show set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, which concluded in 2018. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of fame and success as The Walking Dead, Z Nation offered a distinct perspective that made it stand out. Essentially, it wasn’t merely an imitation of The Walking Dead, but rather had its own unique character.
In essence, Z Nation is set three years after a catastrophic zombie outbreak triggered by a lethal virus that decimated the human race. Remarkably, one of the protagonists was bitten by a zombie but managed to survive due to his participation in a test vaccine program from years ago. The plot revolves around his journeys with a band of fellow survivors who seek to utilize him in an attempt to resolve this zombie predicament.
What sets Z Nation apart from shows like The Walking Dead and others in the zombie genre is its lighter, comedic tone. Unlike those more serious productions, it injects humor into the narrative, making the story feel less grim at times.
4. Black Summer
Black Summer shares a similar connection with Z Nation, much like how The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead intertwine. Essentially, both series are set within the same fictional universe, but Black Summer’s narrative unfolds before the events of Z Nation. During the timeline of Black Summer, the zombie apocalypse is still in its early, formative stages.
Black Summer offers a unique perspective by focusing on the early stages of a zombie outbreak, when people are in a state of panic and struggling to survive amidst chaos. Similar to Fear the Walking Dead, it presents events unrelated to Z Nation, providing viewers with a distinct storyline during the initial onset of the pandemic.
The primary distinction between Black Summer and Z Nation lies in their tonal approaches. Unlike Z Nation, which occasionally employs a lighthearted and humorous style, Black Summer adopts a much darker and somber tone. In Black Summer, a mother is on a harrowing journey through a zombie-ridden landscape, aiming to reunite with her daughter. Along the way, she must make difficult choices and endure hardships merely to survive.
5. Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones encompasses various aspects, yet it doesn’t fall under the category of a zombie show. However, there are undead-like features within the series, where the principal adversary the characters had to defeat was an army comprised of resurrected individuals controlled by a ruthless and emotionless group of ice sorcerers. Nonetheless, it remains unlike a typical zombie show; its unique elements make it stand out as one of the most captivating television series in history.
Just wanted to mention, Game of Thrones is widely recognized as the most popular television series ever produced. This epic show is set in a fictional universe that combines politics with a medieval-style setting and elements of fantasy, featuring characters like kings, queens, lords, dragons, giants, and the mysterious beings known as White Walkers.
Although Game of Thrones may not be traditionally categorized as a zombie series, it certainly offers an abundance of enjoyment through various genres like romance, humor, and action. And yes, it does occasionally feature some zombie-like characters too.
6. The Strain
In essence, “The Strain” could be described as a series that swaps out zombies for vampires, while maintaining a plot structure remarkably similar to “The Walking Dead.
In The Strain, a viral catastrophe transformed humans into vampires, much like the zombie apocalypse in The Walking Dead was initiated by a widespread disease. Notably, there are individuals who survived this outbreak in The Strain, and they must now navigate through the turmoil while fighting to survive and preserve whatever remains of their world.
7. Creepshow
One captivating aspect of “The Walking Dead” was the outstanding work in special effects makeup, a craft masterfully executed by Greg Nicotero – the same individual responsible for reviving the 80s hit series “Creepshow,” another beloved horror classic.
Originated in the creative genius of renowned horror novelist Stephen King, Creepshow later became a reality under the direction of George Romero, known for pioneering the era of contemporary zombie films and series through his iconic work, “Night of the Living Dead.
Creepshow is a series composed of 12 distinct short stories presented across six episodes. Although it might not offer the usual abundance of zombies, rest assured that its exceptional special effects makeup more than compensates, and you’ll find an ample dose of grisly scenes throughout.
8. The Lake
One television series that while not an exact duplicate of The Walking Dead, shares many distinctive features is titled “The Lake”. It’s important to note that unlike The Walking Dead, The Lake doesn’t feature zombies or horror elements. However, it maintains a similarity with The Walking Dead through its persistent survival-themed setting, a characteristic that has been consistently present in The Walking Dead.
The storyline of the Lake primarily focuses on a lethal virus causing the collapse of our conventional society. Remnants of humanity are now stranded on an island, attempting to endure the aftermath of the pandemic while also battling to stay alive amidst internal conflicts and external dangers which could potentially trigger their downfall. In essence, it shares resemblance with The Walking Dead due to its central motif of group survival.
9. Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
Let’s explore the universe of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) series, specifically Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. If you haven’t come across it before, Resident Evil is a collection of video games centered around a zombie pandemic. This game series gained immense popularity and even led to movies that loosely follow the narrative from the original games.
As a dedicated movie reviewer and Resident Evil franchise enthusiast, I must say that while some fans may have mixed feelings about the films, there’s a silver lining: there are CGI productions that faithfully capture the essence of the beloved video game series. The latest addition to this category is Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, marking the first time the game has been transformed into a television show. Unlike its predecessors, which were all films, this new adaptation offers an exciting shift in format that promises a fresh take on the gripping storyline we’ve come to know and love from the Resident Evil universe.
In this four-part series, set between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, you don’t need extensive knowledge of the game to follow along. Essentially, the main character embarks on a mission to investigate and resolve a zombie outbreak within the White House.
10. iZombie
iZombie might seem like just another zombie-themed show, but it stands out uniquely within this genre by transcending it into something entirely different. Essentially, iZombie pushes the boundaries of what a zombie series can be, making it as original as any TV show could possibly be.
The main character of the show underwent a transformation into an undead being, yet somehow managed to keep her cognitive abilities and personal identity intact. This unique trait led to her being assigned a role in assisting the police department by consuming the brains of criminal victims. In essence, she utilizes the memories stored in these victims’ minds to aid in solving complex mysteries.
Essentially, iZombie stands out as unique due to its distinct storyline, deviating from the common post-apocalyptic scenarios seen in series like The Walking Dead and other zombie-themed shows. Instead, it maintains a genuine representation of what zombies symbolize without attempting to conform to typical expectations.
11. Falling Skies
Picture a world where The Walking Dead’s setting holds, but the undead have been replaced by extraterrestrial beings. Indeed, Falling Skies shares some themes with your scenario, as it revolves around survivors uniting to repel an alien invasion rather than battling zombies. Essentially, the concept remains the same, except for the addition of an extraterrestrial element in Falling Skies.
The narrative of Falling Skies unfolds six months post an alien invasion that crippled human technology and wiped out nearly 90% of humanity’s population. Consequently, it became the responsibility of the remaining humans to devise a means of counteracting the aliens, gradually discovering their ultimate purpose as the series progresses.
In contrast to many zombie series, Falling Skies doesn’t focus heavily on terror or suspense. However, it does build up a lot of tension through its dramatic plotlines and unexpected turns.
12. Midnight Mass
2021’s Netflix release “Midnight Mass” might seem a bit gradual at first, with its true essence only becoming clear in later episodes. Yet, despite the leisurely pace, the series stands out for its captivating dialogue that keeps you hooked as you delve deeper into the lives and motivations of diverse characters.
Unlike the typical zombie series you might be accustomed to, such as The Walking Dead, Midnight Mass is not your run-of-the-mill undead show. Yet, it does share some common horror themes and aspects that are reminiscent of other chilling productions in this genre.
13. The Haunting of Hill House
Hill House’s Haunting originated from the same creative brain behind Midnight Mass. While both share a common horror theme, Hill House stands out as more terrifying because it skillfully integrates unexpected jolts of fear within crucial moments and conversations, making the overall experience much more chilling.
It’s important to note upfront that “The Haunting of Hill House” isn’t a zombie film; instead, it leans heavily into the genre of ghost stories. However, unlike typical ghost stories, it doesn’t primarily revolve around supernatural events. Instead, it delves deeply into the personal lives and heartrending past of the main characters, who just happen to be part of a troubled family with a tragic history.
Essentially, The Haunting of Hill House and Fear the Walking Dead share a common narrative structure, where they both explore family dynamics amidst supernatural backdrops. While The Haunting of Hill House focuses on hauntings, Fear the Walking Dead initially delved into family issues with zombies as a secondary element.
14. Castlevania
Instead of considering the second animated piece we have now, let’s take a look at it. Unlike Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, Castlevania follows the classic 2D animation style. Just like Resident Evil, Castlevania is derived from a video game sharing the same name.
If you spent your childhood in the 80s or 90s, there’s a good chance you recognize Castlevania – a highly acclaimed video game franchise throughout history. Essentially, this series follows a lineage of monster hunters who aim to storm Dracula’s castle and vanquish the infamous vampire.
In a different yet intriguing manner, the animated version of Castlevania shares some common ground with The Walking Dead as both involve extensive undead combat. However, the gory animated sequences in Castlevania are quite distinctive, setting it apart from The Walking Dead. Despite these similarities, watching this series will reveal why Castlevania has earned its status as a beloved classic.
15. The Mist
Lastly, we come to “The Mist,” a series inspired by one of the chilling tales penned by horror genius Stephen King. Similar to other shows on this list, The Mist lacks zombies or the undead, but it does feature creatures that emerged mysteriously with the arrival of an enigmatic fog that engulfed a quaint little town.
In essence, this tale revolves around a group of townsfolk who barricaded themselves to shield against the fog, ensuring their survival throughout the crisis. Yet, what sets it apart from The Walking Dead is that among the main threats they face, humans prove to be one of the key adversaries within the mist.
Though the enigmatic fog remains the central challenge in the series, the characters portray their humanity as they found themselves at odds with each other, necessitated by their struggle to survive. This situation raises moral quandaries as they were compelled to perform abhorrent actions merely to endure. Interestingly, this theme echoes that of “The Walking Dead,” where characters often clash due to survival needs.
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2025-05-22 02:53