5 Post-Apocalyptic TV Shows That Warn Us of What Comes After Destruction

Natural disasters, epidemics, the nuclear threat and even a supposed zombie apocalypse have dominated literature, video games, cinema and television for many years, presenting a dystopian and terrifying picture of a planet where the cruel and violent nature of man in an environment without rules, finds the right conditions for evolution.

In literature, the great Mary Shelley’s The Last Man, published in 1826, is credited as the first post-apocalyptic book, laying the foundation for the genre, which combines horror with philosophical inquiries into survival and human nature. The Danish film The End of the World (1916) is considered by many to be cinema’s first attempt to bring the audience face to face with its worst nightmare – the annihilation of all life on Earth.

However, the “golden age” of post-apocalyptic cinema begins in the 1950s, at the beginning of the Cold War. When the fear of the atomic bomb became real and humanity was entering its nuclear age, the field of cinema could not remain unaffected. In video games, the post-apocalyptic genre consolidated its position with pioneering titles such as Wasteland in 1988 and Fallout in 1997, while on television, the BBC’s The Survivors, which aired in 1975, brought horror and dystopia to the small screen.

In the following list, we recommend just a few of the most influential TV series that belong to the post-apocalyptic subgenre. You will find the characters vulnerable, alone, exposed to collapsing societies, and you will find them facing their worst nightmares. You will also notice that the real danger ultimately lies in the man himself, but also in the way he chooses to act under extreme circumstances.

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

The Walking Dead explores survival in a world filled with zombies. I remember it being groundbreaking for its time, and I remember it being a hot topic among undead fans when it premiered in 2010. It was the series that sparked and renewed interest in the post-apocalyptic genre, and even more so in zombie apocalypse fiction. With deeply human characters, it has managed to captivate audiences for years.

The Remains (2014-2017)

The original concept, coupled with excellent execution and the final filming on the small screen, made The Leftovers one of the standout series on television in 2014-2017. Based on Tom Perrotta’s novel of the same name, the series tells the story of a small town three years after the mysterious disappearance of 2% of the world’s population. It remains an interesting show for fans of mysteries and dramatic stories in an alternate universe where everything seems the same but has changed radically.

The Silo (2023-)

If you are a fan of dystopian fiction or just want to immerse yourself in mysterious post-apocalyptic worlds, Silo is definitely one of the series that you should watch soon. With its somewhat more in-depth narrative, it has all the qualities and virtues that are usually found in high-quality dramas. There are many questions and mysteries for viewers to answer, and the way the screenwriters present them is the feature that makes this TV show stand out in its genre.

The Last of Us (2023-)

One of the best and most faithful video games to the small screen? Probably yes! However, whether you’re familiar with The Last of Us’ history, whether you’ve played the game or not, the series has a way of emotionally drawing you in from the first few minutes, like quicksand that sucks you deeper and deeper into its dangerous world. It accurately depicts the cruelty and culture of violence that has developed in an environment without rules, while also highlighting moments of humanity and hope.

Repercussions (2024-)

Something similar is true for Fallout on Amazon. If not the best, it is certainly one of the best TV adaptations of a video game. Even if someone is not familiar with the game, the story of the series is structured in a way that “engages” everyone emotionally. The excellent portrayal of the dangers and challenges that well-written characters may face in the harsh wasteland world, combined with its always sarcastic personality, can offer you a rare and unique TV experience.