Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Menu
Menu
TV Show

20 Incredible Post-Apocalyptic Shows Like The Last Of Us

February 24, 2023
shows like the last of us

Recently the highly anticipated TV show The Last of Us debuted on HBO. Based on the popular video game of the same name, the series has already received rave reviews and a huge fan following. If you love this post-apocalyptic world and want to see more shows like Last of Us, we have curated an excellent list of shows that we think you might like. The Last of Us has been a beloved game for many years, and fans have eagerly anticipated the transition to a television series.

The show has exceeded the expectations of fans and critics alike and it perfectly combines drama, action, and suspense, making for a thrilling viewing experience. . The lead characters, Joel and Ellie, are brilliantly played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. In addition, the production value is breathtaking, making the world of The Last of Us come alive. The Last of Us is not just a story about survival in a post-apocalyptic world but also about humanity.

List of TV Shows Like Last Of Us

  1. The Walking Dead
  2. Fear the Walking Dead
  3. The 100
  4. Revolution
  5. Z Nation
  6. Black Summer
  7. The Rain
  8. Under the Dome
  9. Jericho
  10. The Last Man on Earth
  11. The Strain
  12. Helix
  13. Falling Skies
  14. Defiance
  15. Dominion
  16. The Leftovers
  17. Van Helsing
  18. iZombie
  19. Wynonna Earp
  20. 12 Monkeys

1. The Walking Dead (2010)

The Walking Dead is a popular post-apocalyptic horror TV series based on the comic book series of the same name. The show has since become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its intense storylines, character development, and gritty realism. The series follows a group of survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies, or “walkers,” and the many dangers and obstacles that come with it.

The Walking Dead is known for its graphic violence, unpredictable twists, and cast of diverse and complex characters. With its wide fanbase, the series continues to attract new viewers each season, making it one of the most watched and talked-about shows on TV today. As a fan of shows like The Last Of Us, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one.

2. Fear the Walking Dead (2015)

Fear the Walking Dead is a spin-off for the show above- The Walking Dead. This spin-off followed a group of survivors living in Los Angeles during the early days of the zombie apocalypse. Similar to shows like The Last of Us , this offers a different perspective on the world of the undead, focusing on the emotional struggles of its characters and their relationships with each other.

Unlike its predecessor, Fear the Walking Dead has a more relaxed pace, allowing for character development and world-building. Fear the Walking Dead has quickly become one of television’s most popular post-apocalyptic shows. So, whether you’re a fan of shows like The Last Of Us or the post-apocalyptic genre, Fear the Walking Dead is worth checking out.

3. The 100 (2014)

The 100 takes place almost 100 years after the world is destroyed in a post-apocalyptic event. A 100 juvenile delinquents are sent back to Earth after humanity being away for so long, now they must navigate what’s become of the world humans once knew and find a way to survive, facing challenges they never expected.

The series explores themes of leadership, survival, and morality. With strong character development and intense action, The 100 has become a fan-favourite. Also appreciated for its representation of diverse characters and its depiction of a post-apocalyptic society. 7 seasons in running, The 100 is a great show similar to The Last Of Us. If you’ve already this awesome series, check our list of TV shows like The 100.

4. Revolution (2012)

15 years after a global blackout, that resulted in the collapse of modern civilization and the rise of feudalism in the United States, a group of survivors are on a mission to discover the cause of the blackout and restore power to the world. Revolution’s strength is in its unique setting and world-building.

However, Revolution suffered from inconsistent writing and pacing, which led to its cancellation after 2 seasons. The show’s plot often felt rushed, with important plot points and character development happening too quickly or not at all. Despite this, Revolution remains a compelling and entertaining series, especially for fans of a series like The Last Of Us.

5. Z Nation (2014)

Z Nation is a horror post-apocalyptic series that follows a bunch of survivors trying to reach a rumored safe haven in California. The twist? Zombies have overrun the world, and the only hope for a cure lies in the blood of ‘the only known survivor’ to have been bitten and not turned, “Patient Zero”. Sounds very familiar, doesn’t it?

A mixture of horror, comedy, and suspense, Z Nation keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. You will find many similarities in the essence of this show to shows like The Last Of Us. So, whether you’re a fan of zombie shows or not, Z Nation is sure to be a good fit with its captivating storytelling and impressive special effects.

6. Black Summer (2019)

Black Summer occurs in a world where a mysterious outbreak has caused widespread chaos and destruction. The main protagonist, Rose, is separated from her daughter and is on a dangerous journey to find her. Along the way, she encounters other survivors trying to navigate the harsh new reality of a world overrun by zombies.

Black Summer portrays the psychological effects of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. The show’s cinematography, soundtrack, and special effects all contribute to the show’s overall sense of dread and hopelessness. Despite its bleak tone, Black Summer offers moments of hope to humanity making it another series like The Last Of Us to try.  

7. The Rain (2018)

This Danish post-apocalyptic web series The Rain is set in a future where a virus has wiped out most of humanity, and the few survivors have to band together to survive. The show follows two siblings who join a group of survivors on their journey to find safety and a cure.

It’s packed with drama and action and has a great cast of characters. Plus, it’s got some big questions about hope, family, and the impact of our actions. If you’re into post-apocalyptic shows like The Last Of Us, The Rain is worth checking out. With 3 seasons available, you’re in for a real treat.

Also Read: Shows like Altered Carbon

8. Under the Dome (2013)

Under the Dome takes place in the small town of Chester’s Mill, where an invisible force field suddenly encloses the town, trapping everyone inside. The residents must band together to survive and uncover the truth behind the mysterious dome.

Under the Dome is a thrilling and suspenseful show, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are diverse and complex, and the special effects are impressive. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi series like The Last Of Us or just looking for a good drama, Under the Dome is a must-watch. So, grab some popcorn and get ready for a wild ride!

9. Jericho (2006)

Set in the aftermath of nuclear explosions that have destroyed major cities across the United States, Jericho is a post-apocalyptic TV series following the town of Jericho, Kansas. This town is one of the few remaining places left unscathed, and its residents must come together to survive in this new, dangerous world.

Similar to shows like The Last Of Us, the characters are endearing, the storyline is gripping, and the show makes you care about the town of Jericho. Despite its cancellation after just 2 seasons, the show has developed a dedicated following, and its legacy continues to endure.

10. The Last Man on Earth (2015)

The Last Man on Earth is a post-apocalyptic comedy series about Phil Miller, the last man on Earth, trying to adapt to a world without other human beings. A subversion from the traditionally intense post-apocalyptic series, this show brings out the humour in a lonely world.

The show is praised for its unique blend of comedy and drama, The Last Man on Earth is a good option for people looking for not-so-serious post-apocalyptic after-shows like The Last Of Us. With 4 seasons available on various streaming platforms, audiences can enjoy Phil’s mundane journey as he navigates the end of the world.

11. The Strain (2014)

The Strain is a horror series based on the novel by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. The show follows the outbreak of a vampiric virus in New York City. As the city descends into chaos, a small group of individuals must work together to stop the spread of the virus and defeat the powerful vampire leader behind it all.

The show has so much to explore with its suspenseful storytelling, Despite its dark subject matter, The Strain also features moments of humor and heart, making it a well-rounded and engaging experience for fans of shows like The Last of Us.

12. Helix (2014)

In the show Helix, a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigates a deadly virus outbreak at a remote Arctic research facility. The virus is the result of genetic experiments gone wrong, and the team must work to contain the outbreak before it spreads to the rest of the world.

Helix has well-drawn characters and fast-paced action. The series takes a keen interest in the themes of science and ethics and the consequences of playing with nature. Overall, this sci-fi-medical thriller should make for a decent watch if you enjoy series like The Last Of Us.

13. Falling Skies (2011)

Unlike other series in this list, in Falling Skies the reason for the downfall of humanity is not because of a disease outbreak but an alien invasion. In this post-apocalyptic world the few humans alive band together to form a resistance movement, determined to reclaim their planet and freedom from the aliens.

The series stars Noah Wyle as Tom Mason, a former history professor who becomes the resistance leader, and Drew Roy as Hal Mason, Tom’s son and a soldier in the resistance army. As a story of survival, Falling Skies is the right pick for a series likeThe Last Of Us.

14. Defiance (2013)

A former soldier named Joshua Nolan is now the mayor of Defiance, a city established on the ruins of St. Louis, in the post-apocalyptic planet of Defiance, where an extraterrestrial civilization has significantly transformed Earth.

As Nolan works to maintain order, defend his city from different dangers, and try to learn the truth about his history, the series is renowned for its distinctive blend of action, drama, and humor. Defiance is a nice watch for any sci-fi lover with a large ensemble cast similar to series like The Last Of Us.

Also Read: Shows like The X-Files

15. Dominion (2014)

The fictional series Dominion is set 25 years after a conflict creates a war between Angels and Humans. The action of the narrative takes place in the city of Vega, which was formerly known as Las Vegas. Alexander, a soldier chosen to serve as Vega’s leader, goes on a quest to keep the peace among the humans, angels, and demons that now call the city home.

Alexander must juggle personal turmoil and political intrigue as he fights the forces of darkness. Dominion is an engaging series like The Last Of Us, thanks to its deep storyline, captivating characters, and breathtaking cinematography.

16. The Leftovers (2014)

The Aftermath of an event called “Sudden Departure” is the subject of this gloomy and thought-provoking series The Leftovers. In the event, 2% of the world’s population mysteriously disappears, leaving the remaining 98% to cope with loss, sadness, and the pursuit of explanations.

In particular, The Garvey family and the locals struggle to understand their new reality in Mapleton, New York. The Leftovers is a terrific strong drama because of its superb writing and compelling cast. Similar to shows like The Last Of Us, the human spirit tries to triumph over tragedy in this tale of love and hope.

17. Van Helsing (2016)

A supernatural drama series called Van Helsing is set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires are the dominant species. The story centers on Vanessa Van Helsing, a descendant of Abraham Van Helsing, a well-known vampire hunter, who awakens from a coma to discover herself in this world.

Vanessa is essential to humanity’s existence since she can transform vampires back into humans and is immune to vampire bites. So Vanessa embarks on a mission to exterminate the vampires and save humanity with the aid of allies. Watch this series if you’re into showsl like The Last Of Us.

18. iZombie (2015)

The supernatural drama series iZombie is based on the same-named comic and focuses on Liv Moore, a medical student who ends up a zombie after going to a boat party. Liv is forced to eat brains in order to survive, and doing so gives her access to the memories and personality quirks of the individual whose brain she consumed.

She accepts a position in the Seattle medical examiner’s office, giving her access to young minds. Liv uses her newly acquired abilities to solve crimes by assuming the role of the deceased, aiding the Seattle police force in cracking the case. This program successfully combines comedy and crime, just like the series The Last Of Us.

19. Wynonna Earp (2016)

This supernatural Western series called Wynonna Earp chronicles the exploits of the famed lawman Wyatt Earp’s great-great-granddaughter. In order to fight the demonic powers who have taken over the town, Wynonna goes back to her hometown of Purgatory. The Revenants, the ghosts of the criminals that Wyatt Earp killed, are a threat to the community, and she learns that she is the only one who can stop them.

Wynonna embarks on a mission to retake the town and preserve her family’s history with the aid of her sister Waverly, Doc Holliday, and the Black Badge Division. The show does a good job of combining action, humor, and romance. While there are many differences, I think you might be interested in watching Wynonna Earp after a series like The Last Of Us.

20. 12 Monkeys (2015)

12 Monkeys is based on the same-titled popular movie that featured actors like Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. This series adaptation centres on Cole, a time traveller from a post-apocalyptic future who is sent back in time to stop a deadly virus from eradicating the majority of humanity. Along the journey, he encounters Dr Cassandra Railly, a virologist who is essential to Cole’s quest, and Jennifer Goines, a mental patient who might hold the key to stopping the virus.

Time travel, fate, and the effects of man’s deeds create a world never not like any other. If you have already seen the movie and want to see more shows like The Last Of Us then you should not miss 12 Monkeys.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few post-apocalyptic shows like The Last Of Us that didn’t make a list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. The Stand 
  2. Day 5
  3. To The Lake
Share Post

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