In the world of television, few genres capture the imagination quite like apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic dramas. These series transport viewers into stark, dystopian futures where civilization has crumbled, survival is the only priority, and human nature is often tested to its limits. From nuclear fallout to deadly viruses, the apocalyptic genre allows for intense storytelling, captivating characters, and thought-provoking scenarios.
Here’s a look at some of the standout apocalyptic series that have left a mark on TV, spanning from nuclear wastelands to alien invasions.
1. Fallout (Season 1)
(Upcoming 2nd Season)
Based on the popular video game franchise, Fallout is one of the most anticipated apocalyptic series in recent memory. Set in a post-nuclear world, the series is expected to follow the journey of survivors who navigate a wasteland filled with mutated creatures, dangerous factions, and remnants of a once-powerful society. As of now, the first season is still in development, but with its strong fanbase and the rich lore of the Fallout universe, it’s poised to become a significant entry in the post-apocalyptic genre.
2. See (3 Seasons)
This Apple TV+ series takes place in a future where humanity has lost the ability to see due to a mysterious virus. The remaining population has adapted to a world built around their other senses. The show’s central plot revolves around a group of survivors who are caught in a battle for survival when a set of twins is born with the ability to see, changing the balance of power. See blends action, drama, and philosophical questions about the human condition in a visually stunning, dystopian world.
3. The Last Ship (5 Seasons)
In The Last Ship, the world is ravaged by a deadly virus that wipes out most of humanity. A U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Nathan James, is one of the last surviving ships in the fleet, and its crew is tasked with finding a cure and saving what’s left of civilization. Over five seasons, the show mixes high-stakes naval combat with the urgent fight for survival and the moral complexities of trying to rebuild a shattered world. This action-packed series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it one of the most thrilling apocalyptic shows on TV.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale (5 Seasons)
Based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, The Handmaid’s Tale portrays a totalitarian society where women’s rights are stripped away, and those who can bear children are enslaved as “handmaids.” Set in the near future, the series explores themes of power, oppression, and resistance in a world where a religious regime controls every aspect of life. While not a traditional apocalyptic series, the grim, post-collapse world of The Handmaid’s Tale feels apocalyptic in its social decay and the erasure of basic human rights. With its powerful performances and relevant social commentary, the show has garnered critical acclaim over its five seasons.
5. The 100 (7 Seasons)
In The 100, humanity is living on a space station after Earth has been ravaged by nuclear war. The series begins with a group of young survivors being sent back to the planet’s surface to determine if it’s habitable again. Over seven seasons, the show dives deep into themes of survival, leadership, and moral ambiguity as the characters face increasingly complex challenges, from alien threats to post-nuclear war factions vying for control. The 100 offers a mix of teen drama, science fiction, and apocalyptic warfare, making it a standout in the genre.
6. Black Knight (1 Season)
Black Knight is a South Korean series that imagines a world where toxic air has rendered the Earth uninhabitable, forcing humanity to live in domed cities. The story follows a group of elite couriers, known as “Black Knights,” who brave the dangerous outside world to deliver critical supplies to the last remaining human settlements. This action-packed, futuristic series mixes high-stakes survival with a dash of intrigue and mystery, and despite its short run, it left viewers eager for more.
7. The Last Man on Earth (4 Seasons)
In a world where a deadly virus wipes out almost all of humanity, The Last Man on Earth follows Phil Miller, a man who believes he’s the only survivor left on Earth. What ensues is a hilarious and poignant exploration of loneliness, survival, and human connection as Phil eventually discovers that he’s not quite as alone as he thought. With a perfect blend of humor and heart, this series uniquely balances absurdity with deeper existential questions about what it means to rebuild after the world has fallen apart.
8. Silo (2 Seasons)
*Based on Hugh Howey’s best-selling series of novels, *Silo* takes place in a massive underground structure where the last remnants of humanity live, having been forced to retreat into the depths after an environmental catastrophe makes the outside world uninhabitable. The show revolves around the mysteries of the silo, where society’s strict rules govern every aspect of life, and any question about the world outside is punishable by death. With its slow-burning tension and exploration of truth versus control, Silo stands out as a gripping psychological thriller set in a dystopian future.
9. 12 Monkeys (4 Seasons)
Based on the 1995 film of the same name, 12 Monkeys is a mind-bending series about a man from the future, James Cole, who travels back in time to prevent a devastating plague that will destroy humanity. As Cole delves deeper into the past, he uncovers a complex web of conspiracy, time travel paradoxes, and questions about fate and free will. The show offers a mix of sci-fi intrigue and post-apocalyptic survival, with a strong focus on the psychological toll of trying to alter history.
10. Colony (3 Seasons)
In Colony, Los Angeles has been occupied by an alien force, and humanity is divided into collaborators and resistance fighters. The series follows a family caught in the middle of this occupation as they navigate the complex political and moral terrain of living under an authoritarian regime. With a mix of sci-fi, dystopian elements, and a strong character-driven plot, Colony explores the themes of power, resistance, and the cost of survival in a world controlled by unseen forces.
Conclusion
Apocalyptic TV series offer a wide range of interpretations of what the end of the world might look like. From the struggle for survival in the aftermath of a devastating plague to the moral dilemmas faced by the last few survivors of humanity, these shows push the boundaries of storytelling while engaging with universal questions about human nature, society, and what it means to rebuild after everything has been lost. Whether you’re drawn to high-stakes action, deep philosophical dilemmas, or character-driven drama, there’s an apocalyptic series for every type of viewer.
What’s your favorite apocalyptic show? Let us know in the comments!
