Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

10 Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Shows Like The 100

Shows like The 100

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.

Watch it on Prime Video

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.

Watch it on AppleTV+

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. 

Watch it on MAX

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.

Watch it on MAX

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.

Watch it on MAX

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!

Watch it on AMC

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.

Watch it on MAX

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.

Watch it on AppleTV+

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

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
Similar Lists