Apocalypse Now: All the best end-of-days shows to bingewatch
Barricade the doors, fill that pantry with cans, and get those guns loaded, because the end is extremely fucking nigh!
Only kidding, we’re fine (well, aside from the global threats of climate change, cyberwarfare, and bioengineered pandemics, but hopefully we’ll be dead before they cause any real damage). That’s not to say apocalyptic themes don’t make for some great TV.
For example, last year from the creators of Luther came the Hulu Originals miniseries entitled Hard Sun. It follows two detectives with opposing viewpoints forced to work together in a pre-apocalyptic criminal world. It’s definite bingeworthy material, but whether it be zombies, nuclear bombs, or viral epidemics, end-of-the-world TV shows are always great to watch. Here are ten of the best to shit your pants to.
Survivors (2008 – 2010)
Feeding into our fear over the outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant virus (it’s possible, folks), this British sci-fi series takes place after a viral pandemic kills more than 90% of the population. The remaining individuals must try to survive – but of course, it’s never an easy ride trying to soldier on in a new world.
Dead Set (2008)
We all know the concept of “Big Brother” right? What started out as a human experiment soon turned into a predictable & tedious reality show centering on fame-hungry wannabes who would do anything for a bit of airtime.
That’s why Dead Set is so satisfying to watch. From the creator of Black Mirror Charlie Brooker, this horror dramedy is set during a fictional series of BB. When a zombie outbreak occurs, the housemates are unaware of the impending doom awaiting them outside the house.
The Last Man on Earth (2015 – )
From Will Forte (MacGruber) comes this comedic spin on the classic post-apocalyptic narrative, about a man named Phil Miller (Forte) who is seemingly the only human left after a virus wipes out the population. However, things go even more awry when he discovers a group of irritating survivors. Suddenly, loneliness doesn’t seem so bad.
Logan’s Run (1977 – 1978)
Based on the classic sci-fi movie of the same, Logan’s Run maintains the premise and visual style of the original in that Logan (Gregory Harrison) and Jessica (Heather Menzies-Urich) escape from the City of Domes to avoid death once they reach the age of thirty (remember the flashing hand crystals?), all the while desperately searching for the mythical place known as Sanctuary.
Threads (1984)
Threads is an oldie but goodie, tapping into the fear over the threat of nuclear war back in the 80s. The documentary-style drama presents an account of a nuclear holocaust and its terrifying effect on the working class city of Sheffield, UK. Death, destruction, and even a bit of pants-wetting abound, serving up a bleak depiction of cold-war style impending doom.
The 100 (2014 – )
Set way, way in the future after Earth was devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, the show starring Eliza Taylor (The November Man), Bob Morley (Road Kill), and Marie Avgeropoulos (Tracers) follows a group of space station residents sent to the surface to determine its habitability. As you might imagine, repopulating the planet is no easy feat, especially when the remaining nuclear reactors on Earth have melted down and are setting the atmosphere on fire. Gulp!
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017 – )
I know what you’re thinking – The Handmaid’s Tale is not post-apocalyptic. However, the show, starring Elisabeth Moss, does offer up a dystopian society in crisis, desperately trying to solve the damaging effects of climate change and widespread infertility in the most brutal and inhumane ways possible. Therefore, we think it belongs on this list, as a show that presents a world no civilized individual would ever want to face.
The Walking Dead (2010 – )
Okay, so The Walking Dead has been wafty for quite some time now, but the first few series are worthy enough to warrant this show a mention. On its release back in 2010, AMC’s zombie show served up walkers, psychotic humans, sudden deaths, and some truly jaw-dropping plot twists.
12 Monkeys (2015 – )
12 Monkeys is a sci-fi mystery drama with a time-traveling plot loosely based on the 1995 film of the same name. The narrative sees Aaron Stanford (The Hills Have Eyes) & Amanda Schull (Pretty Little Liars) star as James Cole & Dr. Cassandra “Cassie” Railly, who use time travel in an effort to stop the destructive plans of the enigmatic organization Army of the 12 Monkeys.
