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10 Shows Like The 100 For Fans Of Post-Apocalyptic Stories

shows like the 100

For some reason, humans are more than ever drawn to stories about what would happen, if the world somehow would suddenly come to an end. One of the most popular shows in this subgenre of fiction is the TV show, The 100. This is why we have taken the task of bringing you a list of TV shows like The 100.

The 100 is set 97 years after a nuclear war destroys civilization, causing humans to flee. With survivors being housed in a spaceship, life had begun to return to some semblance of normality. However, as a punishment for their misdemeanours, 100 juvenile delinquents are sent back to Earth, to test the grounds, with the hopes of repopulating the planet.

List of Shows Like The 100

1. The Wilds (2020-2022)

The Wilds, just like The 100 follows the plight of a group of teenagers who are thrown into a fight with the world around them for their own survival. In this show, a group of teenage girls from different backgrounds are held captive and stranded on an island and must navigate the challenges that the island poses to them and their chances of survival. This is one of the best shows like The 100 you can watch.

The show has a mystery brewing under the surface, which the group try their best to uncover, in order to understand if their plane crash onto the island was the result of a sinister plan or just mere bad luck. The series explores themes ranging from feminism, and identity, to social connections. The show gained positive reviews for its plot, acting performances and plot, garnering a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series at the GLAAD Media Awards.

2. Dominion (2014-2015)

This science fiction post-apocalyptic series has a supernatural twist to it. Similar to a show like The 100, Dominion is set in a world where a huge catastrophic event has left humanity fighting for its survival. It is set in the same universe that housed the 2010 fantasy film Legion. If you’re looking for shows like The 100, then Dominion is a good choice.

The catastrophic event referenced is known as the ‘Extermination War’. The series follows the story of Sergeant Alex Lannen, who discovers he’s the ‘Chosen One’ to protect the human race and restore balance to the world while having to fend off powerful angels and entities. The show combines these action, drama, and fantasy elements to tell a compelling story of a world on the brink.

3. Falling Skies (2011-2015)

Falling Skies changes things up again, although a post-apocalyptic science fiction television similar to The 100, except the culprit for the near-extermination of the human race isn’t disease, zombies, or a natural disaster. Rather, it is the result of an alien invasion. Check out Falling Skies if you’re on the lookout for more shows like The 100.

The show is about a group of lucky survivors, led by retired US Army Colonel Dan Weaver, played by Will Patton and his second-in-command, former history professor Tom Mason, played by Noah Wyle. Together, they take the fight back to the aliens and try to win back the planet 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.

Also Read: Shows like Alice in Borderland

4. Station Eleven (2021-2022)

Station Eleven is a limited TV series based on the novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel. The show takes place in a post-apocalyptic world just like The 100, where a deadly pandemic has wiped out most of humanity. Unlike other shows where the main premise is to just ensure survival, a travelling theatre company known as the Traveling Symphony have taken up the task of providing a means of entertainment and joy to the survivors.

It adds a good twist to the science fiction genre, as it amplifies the importance of art in society, as it provides meaning to an otherwise dour life. Station Eleven shows the deeper effects of the collapse of civilization, past the loss of life alone, but the loss of a reason to live.

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 is set in a world in the near future of 2026, where just like The 100, a select few inhabitants of Earth 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.

The series follows the passengers on the train who still suffer from the same class inequalities that they did in the outside world. The show uses these fantastical plots to drive examinations of themes such as inequality, socialism vs. capitalism, politics and class in a new world. Check out this action-packed show if you’re looking for shows like The 100.

6. The Last Ship (2014-2018)

The Last Ship is a post-apocalyptic film similar to The 100 and more especially Snowpiercer previously seen on this list. In this show, instead of having a perpetually moving train, we have a ship. In this world, a global pandemic has wiped out most of the world’s population, and the show follows a crew of a naval destroyer, the USS Nathan James, as they try to find a remedy for the virus.

The show explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the struggle to survive against all the odds. If this is what rocks your boat then why don’t you 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. Check out this series if you’re looking for shows similar to The 100.

7. Jericho (2006-2008)

Jericho takes place in an alternative universe just like The 100, in a small town in Kansas, USA. In this show, 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 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. You should definitely watch Jericho if you’re looking for shows like The 100.

8. The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

The Walking Dead will not be a new name to consumers of media, 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, who all manage to put in quality performances despite their varying screen time.

The characters are 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. And intra-communal quarrels that inevitably crop up from time to time. Walking Dead is a must-watch for people who are fans of shows like The 100.

Also Read: Shows like Lost

9. The Last of Us (2023-Till Date)

Unlike The Walking Dead which saw video game adaptations created after the series’ success, The Last of Us is a re-imagination of the best-selling game of the same name. The plot centres on Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a pandemic, who just like in The 100, have to traverse a hostile environment while still suffering the effects of a catastrophic event.

The show casts The Mandalorian lead, Pedro Pascal as Joel, and former Game of Thrones actress Bella Ramsey as Ellie. The show explores a variety of themes, with an emphasis on sacrifice, with the show’s plot climaxing at a point where a huge decision has to be made in sacrificing for the greater good. Check out The Last of Us if you’re in search of shows similar to The 100.

10. Z Nation (2014-2018)

“Z Nation” is a post-apocalyptic TV series that does away with the usual world-building of how the world became the way it currently is, and instead just like The 100 throws us several years into the future. The show centres 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. If you’re looking for apocalyptic shows similar to The 100, then you should check out Z Nation.

In their sojourn, they have to protect this survivor and themselves from 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 which interests you, then I suggest you take a look at this 5-season series.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few shows like The 100 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

N.B: Till date refers to the date of this article’s publishing.

When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward