In the ever-expanding landscape of post-apocalyptic fiction, one standout gem is The 100. This TV series, born from a popular novel by Kass Morgan, has gripped audiences with its 7-season saga. Set 97 years after a devastating nuclear war, great shows like The 100 paint a stark portrait of humanity’s resilience. Survivors find refuge in a spacecraft, but daringly send 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth to test its habitability. Crafted by the visionary Jason Rothenberg, the show’s compelling mix of science fiction and post-apocalyptic drama has earned it acclaim, boasting talents like Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, and Marie Avgeropoulos. With numerous accolades, it’s become a genre cornerstone.
For fans yearning for a world like The 100, we’ve curated a selection of shows that you may enjoy. From zombies to supernatural creatures and journeys to prehistoric times, our list offers diverse post-apocalyptic experiences. Whether you’re longing for familiar characters and situations or simply craving more of the immersive storytelling you adore, these shows are here to fill the void.
List of Shows Like The 100
1. The Wilds (2020-2022)
The Wilds, much like The 100, revolves around the harrowing journey of a group of teenagers thrown into a fight with the world of unforgiving wilderness around them for their own survival. This gripping series unfolds on a remote island, where a group of teenage girls from different backgrounds, including characters like Shelby, portrayed by Mia Healey, Fatin, played by Sophia Ali, and Dot, are held captive and stranded on an island and must navigate the challenges that the island poses to them and their chances of survival.
As they confront the harsh realities of their predicament, a shroud of mystery looms beneath the surface. The group embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind their plane crash, questioning whether it was a result of sinister intentions or simply an unfortunate stroke of bad luck.
Amidst this thrilling drama and mystery, The Wilds also delves into thought-provoking themes like feminist identity and the intricacies of social connections. With the creative vision of director Sarah Streicher, the series has garnered acclaim for its compelling plot and stellar acting performances. Notably, it received a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series at the GLAAD Media Awards. Across its two seasons, The Wilds has captivated audiences with its enthralling mix of drama, mystery, and thriller elements, cementing its place as a must-watch series in the realm of survival storytelling.
Also Read: Shows like Lost
2. Dominion (2014-2015)
Dominion, the science fiction post-apocalyptic series with a supernatural twist, unfolds in a world ravaged by the catastrophic event known as the ‘Extermination War’. which has left humanity fighting for its survival. Created by Vaun Wilmott, the show introduces us to Sergeant Alex Lannen, portrayed by Christopher Egan, who unexpectedly discovers his role as the ‘Chosen One’ tasked with safeguarding humanity and restoring equilibrium in a perilous world inhabited by formidable angels and enigmatic entities. The series masterfully combines these action, drama, and fantasy elements to tell a compelling story of a world on the brink.
Loosely based on the 2010 film Legion, Dominion boasts a talented ensemble cast that includes Tom Wisdom as Michael, Roxanne McKee as Claire Riesen, and more. With 2 seasons to immerse viewers in its gripping storyline, Dominion breathes life into the post-apocalyptic landscape of its universe, rooted in the same world as the 2010 fantasy film. Through its unique blend of genres, Dominion offers a thrilling and supernatural journey compelling story into a world where survival, destiny, and powerful forces collide.
3. Falling Skies (2011-2015)
Falling Skies changes things up again, although a post-apocalyptic sci-fi show, here the culprit for the near-extermination of the human race isn’t disease, zombies, or a natural disaster. Created by Robert Rodat, this gripping series spans five seasons and boasts a stellar cast, including Noah Wyle as Tom Mason, Moon Bloodgood as Anne Glass, Drew Roy as Hal Mason, and more. Together, they navigate a world forever altered by extraterrestrial forces, with Wyle’s retired US Army Colonel Dan Weaver and his second-in-command, played by Will Patton, leading the charge in the battle to reclaim Earth from the invaders.
If you are interested in this blend of action, drama, and science fiction, then this just might be the show for you. With its 5-season run, Falling Skies offers a compelling narrative set in a post alien invasion world and features a stellar ensemble cast. Noah Wyle’s portrayal of Tom Mason, alongside the likes of Moon Bloodgood and Drew Roy, adds depth to the series, which is well-regarded for its seamless fusion of action and drama within the science fiction backdrop.
Also Read: Shows like Alice in Borderland
4. Station Eleven (2021-2022)
In this CW’s Sci-Fi Drama, Station Eleven, the world has succumbed to a devastating pandemic, reducing humanity to a mere fraction of its former self. The premise of this post-apocalyptic world introduces a group of characters who form the ‘Traveling Symphony’, a troupe dedicated to bringing entertainment and joy to the survivors. The series features Himesh Patel as Jeevan Chaudhary and Mackenzie Davis as Kirsten Raymonde, a captivating character with an emotional character arc that underscores the importance of art in a dystopian world.
Unlike the usual dystopian narratives, Station Eleven delves deeper, showcasing the profound impact of the collapse of civilization beyond the loss of life—highlighting the loss of purpose and meaning that add depth to the basic plot. As the characters navigate this bonkers plot of a post-apocalyptic existence, Station Eleven strikes a unique balance between drama and sci-fi. This limited TV series is a must watch for discovering the purpose and connection in an otherwise dour life, forever changed.
5. Snowpiercer (2020-2022)
Snowpiercer is a sci-fi dystopian thriller based on the film of the same name directed by Bong Joon-ho. The show was created by Josh Friedman and Graeme Manson and is set in a world in the near future of 2026, where, just like The 100, a select few inhabitants of Earth namely Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly) and Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) find shelter within a large moving vehicle. In the case of Snowpiercer, with the world a frozen wasteland, the survivors live aboard a perpetually moving train called the Snowpiercer.
This futuristic society series follows the passengers on the train who still suffer from the same class inequalities that they did in the outside world. The 3 seasons of the show uses these fantastical plots to drive examinations of themes such as inequality, socialism vs. capitalism, politics, and class in a new world.
6. The Last Ship (2014-2018)
The Last Ship is a post-apocalyptic film similar to The 100 and, more especially, Snowpiercer. Created by Hank Steinberg and Steven L. Kane, in this show instead of having a perpetually moving train, we have a ship. A global pandemic has wiped out billions of people, and the show follows the crew of a naval destroyer, the USS Nathan James, as they try to find a remedy for the virus.
The 5 seasons explore themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the struggle to survive against all the odds. If this is what rocks your boat, then join the crew of the USS Nathan James in this vividly created post-apocalyptic world as they race against time in a bid to save their world.
Also Read: Shows like Yellowjackets
7. Jericho (2006-2008)
The sci-fi show Jericho takes place in an alternative universe just like The 100, in a small town in Kansas, USA. Created by the writer and director Stephen Chbosky and Josh Schaer, the intriguing premise looks at the world after a series of unexplained nuclear attacks have ravaged 23 major cities in the US, the occupants of the town of Jericho have no choice but to rally together to protect themselves from the consequences of these nuclear attacks, which have seen them isolated from the rest of the country.
The show points a magnifying glass towards themes ranging from the strength of togetherness, leadership, and the determination to survive the threats faced by the outside world. The characters, namely Jake Green (Skeet Ulrich) Robert Hawkins (Lennie James) must make sure to not be waylaid by petty squabbles and power struggles, as a bigger threat lies in wait, which they need to prepare well for.
Watch it on Prime Video and Paramount+
8. The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
The action-packed show The Walking Dead will not be a new name to consumers of media in science fiction genre, as this IP has spawned a series of video games and multiple TV spin-offs. It is quite simply a huge cultural phenomenon. A post-apocalyptic drama, The Walking Dead makes good use of a large ensemble cast, just like The 100, from Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira to Andrew Lincoln, all manage to put in quality performances.
Created by Frank Darabont, in this long-running drama we focus on the survivors of a zombie apocalypse who constantly have to fend off attacks from zombies known as ‘walkers.’ They still have to manage inter-communal relationships with other settlements and groups, some of whom are hostile. But in the world of literal zombies, human society is more vulnerable than ever to have inner conflicts crop up from time to time. The Walking Dead is undoubtedly a brilliant fight for survival series to watch.
P.S. Be prepared for some devastating character deaths as you watch the 11 seasons!
9. The Last of Us (2023-)
In a world forever altered by a devastating pandemic, The Last of Us is not just a video game adaptation; but a re-imagined masterpiece. This gripping series centers on Joel and Ellie, two survivors navigating a hostile environment, much like the challenges faced in The 100. As they endure the aftermath of a catastrophic event, their journey explores themes of sacrifice and brutal survival.
With acclaimed creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin at the helm, the show boasts a stellar cast, featuring Pedro Pascal, renowned for his role in The Mandalorian, as Joel, and the talented Bella Ramsey, known from Game of Thrones, as Ellie. As the plot unfolds, the characters grapple with harrowing decisions, showing us how imperfect people are, ultimately culminating to a moment where they must weigh the cost of sacrifice for the greater good. The Last of Us promises an intense and emotionally charged narrative, breathing new life into the beloved game’s universe.
Already Seen it? Also Read: Shows like The Last Of Us
10. Z Nation (2014-2018)
Z Nation is a post-apocalyptic TV series the show creators Karl Schaefer and Craig Engler do away with the usual world-building of how the world became the way it currently is, and instead, just like The 100, throw us several years into the apocalyptic future. The show centers on a group of survivors who are on their way to California from New York, transporting a fellow survivor who could end up being the cure to the zombie outbreak.
In their sojourn, they have to protect this survivor and themselves from fast-moving zombies, the virus, and their fellow humans who may try to take advantage of their plight. The series is known for infusing comedy in this post-apocalyptic show, managing to balance the show’s light-hearted and serious portions. If such a style is one that interests you, then I suggest you take a look at this 5-season series.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few shows that didn’t make the list that you can also check out:
1. Into the Night
2. Daybreak
3. The Last Man on Earth
4. The Rain
