From 'Black Summer' to 'Sweet Home', here are 6 post-apocalyptic series to watch after 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live'

Craving more post-apocalyptic thrills after Rick Grimes' final chapter? Watch these six shows filled with zombies, human drama, and unique twists!
PUBLISHED APR 3, 2024
'Black Summer' and 'Sweet Home' should be on your watch list after 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC/@Netflix)
'Black Summer' and 'Sweet Home' should be on your watch list after 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' (@AMC/@Netflix)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The final chapter of Rick Grimes' story may have closed with 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live', but the craving for post-apocalyptic thrills doesn't have to end there.

'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live' picks up after Rick Grimes' presumed death. Years later, Rick reemerges and finds himself entangled with the powerful CRM (Civic Republic Military).

A conflict brews as Rick uncovers their potentially sinister plans, forcing him to choose a side. Meanwhile, Michonne searches desperately for Rick, with their love story serving as a beacon of hope in this brutal world.

The zombie apocalypse subgenre offers a vast array of stories, each exploring different facets of survival, societal collapse, and the enduring human spirit.

If you're looking for such a show after finishing 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live', here are our six equally engrossing suggestions.

Black Summer (2019)

Jaime King and Justin Chu Cary in a still from 'Black Summer' (@Netflix)
Jaime King and Justin Chu Cary in a still from 'Black Summer' (@Netflix)

This fast-paced Netflix series 'Black Summer' throws viewers headfirst into the immediate aftermath of a zombie outbreak.

Gone are the long-winded character arcs, in this spin-off of 'Z Nation', survival is a constant struggle measured in minutes, not seasons.

The show focuses on a group of strangers desperately trying to reunite with loved ones while navigating the chaotic highways and overrun cities.

If the intense action and sheer terror of the walkers in "'The Walking Dead' were your favorites, you should find yourself captivated by Black Summer's relentless pace and brutal portrayal of the zombie apocalypse.

Fear the Walking Dead (2015)

Kim Dickens, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Daniel Sharman, and Sam Underwood in  a still from 'Fear the Walking Dead' (@Richard Foreman Jr/AMC)
Kim Dickens, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Daniel Sharman, and Sam Underwood in a still from 'Fear the Walking Dead' (@Richard Foreman Jr/AMC)

Set in the same universe as 'The Walking Dead', AMC's 'Fear the Walking Dead' offers a fresh perspective on the outbreak's early days in Los Angeles.

Witness the breakdown of society before the walls go up and the walkers become a normalized threat. The show boasts a strong cast and explores the psychological toll of living in constant fear.

'Fear the Walking Dead' delves deeper into the societal collapse you might have missed in 'The Ones Who Live' while still delivering thrilling encounters with the undead.

Z Nation (2014)

Harold Perrineau in  a still from 'Z Nation' (2014) (@Syfy Media, LLC)
Harold Perrineau in a still from 'Z Nation' (2014) (@Syfy Media, LLC)

Netflix's 'Z Nation' takes a more lighthearted approach to the zombie apocalypse. A ragtag team of survivors, including a talking zombie with a conscience, travel across the country searching for a cure.

Z Nation thrives on dark humor and unexpected twists, making it a refreshing change from the often bleak tone of other zombie shows.

If you enjoyed the occasional comedic relief found in 'The Walking Dead', 'Z Nation' offers a full-blown comedic zombie adventure with a surprisingly engaging storyline.

Sweet Home (2020)

Song Kang in a still from 'Sweet Home' (2020) (@Netflix)
Song Kang in a still from 'Sweet Home' (@Netflix)

Netflix's 'Sweet Home' is a South Korean series that throws a monstrous curveball into the mix. A mysterious disease transforms people into grotesque monsters, each reflecting their deepest desires.

The show explores themes of isolation, societal prejudice, and the thin line between humanity and monstrosity within a beautifully rendered apocalyptic world.

'Sweet Home' offers a unique twist on the zombie formula and boasts stunning visuals.

If you enjoyed the exploration of human nature in 'The Ones Who Live', 'Sweet Home' takes it to a whole new level.

Kingdom (2019)

Kento Yamazaki in a still from the Kingdom (2019) (@Netflix)
A still from 'Kingdom' (@Netflix)

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Netflix's 'Kingdom' fuses political intrigue with the horrors of a zombie outbreak. A mysterious disease turns the king into a flesh-eating monster, jeopardizing the kingdom's stability.

The crown prince must fight to reclaim his throne and find a cure while battling both the undead and political adversaries.

'Kingdom' offers a historical twist on the zombie formula with stunning visuals and compelling characters. If you enjoyed the political struggles within the communities of 'The Walking Dead', this period horror drama provides a thrilling historical parallel.

The Last of Us (2023)

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in 'The last of Us' (IMDb/HBO)
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in 'The Last of Us' (@HBO)

Based on Naughty Dog's iconic video game franchise, HBO's 'The Last of Us' is a grounded take on the post-apocalypse.

Years after a fungal outbreak decimates humanity, a smuggler named Joel is tasked with escorting a teenage girl named Ellie across the country, as she potentially holds the key to a cure.

'The Last of Us' boasts a rich story, complex characters, and a beautiful post-apocalyptic world. If you're a fan of the emotional depth found in 'The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live', 'The Last of Us' is a must-watch!

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