10 Best Post-Apocalyptic Shows, Ranked

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Post-apocalyptic shows are incredibly popular right now, offering everything from intense action and horror to gripping suspense and meaningful stories. Interestingly, this genre shares a lot with modern Westerns, frequently centering on characters traveling through dangerous, lawless environments as they try to rebuild society.

Both The Last of Us and Fallout have surprisingly become critically acclaimed TV shows, likely because of their popular stories set in worlds after a disaster. However, simply being set after the end of the world isn’t enough to make a good show. The best post-apocalyptic series feature engaging characters, fascinating settings, and realistic struggles.

10. Jericho

2006-2008, 2 Seasons

Many shows about the end of the world focus on life before the disaster and then life after – a clear contrast. But Jericho is different. It explores what happens in the immediate aftermath, creating suspense by focusing on the uncertainty and fear of what’s to come.

The show’s second season expanded on this idea by showing more of the world outside Jericho and introducing the Allied States of America – a surviving version of the U.S. government. This felt more believable than a completely fresh start after the disaster, and it opened up opportunities for conflicts you wouldn’t typically see in other stories about the end of the world.

9. Paradise

2025-Present, 1 Season

Image via Hulu

While Paradise boasts a strong lead performance by James Marsden and an intriguing concept, it’s held back by some storytelling issues. The show’s creator, Dan Fogelman, often prioritizes dramatic twists over realistic character development, resulting in a somewhat over-the-top feel.

The show often relied on flashbacks to clarify what happened at the end of previous episodes, which made the story feel disjointed instead of building tension towards a satisfying conclusion. However, the episode “The Day,” which showed a detailed account of the day the world ended, was particularly strong – it was captivating, emotionally resonant, frighteningly realistic, and truly deserving of an award.

Season two of Paradise will likely see Sterling K. Brown’s character, Xavier, leave the setting of Paradise. Hopefully, the show will build on its strengths and move away from any weaknesses.

8. Falling Skies

2011-2015, 5 Seasons

It’s ambitious to depict a full-scale war between humans and aliens on Earth. Many shows set after a disaster skip over the complexities of the actual conflict by featuring an enemy we never see, or by starting the story long after the worst has already happened. However, Falling Skies successfully portrays an alien war that feels realistic and avoids being overly dramatic or silly.

The show managed a rare feat: it ended at the right time, without being canceled prematurely or dragging on too long. Given that most post-apocalyptic stories focus on zombies instead of aliens, it still feels original even years after it finished. Plus, Noah Wyle gives a fantastic performance, and it’s surprising that this show isn’t better known among his most popular roles.

7. Silo

2023-Present, 2 Seasons

Image via Apple TV+

The series Silo brilliantly uses a unique concept to explore important issues we face today. It shows how a lack of knowledge about the past can create uncertainty and allow others to manipulate the present. Like many stories about the end of the world, Silo also asks us to imagine a fascinating ‘what if’ scenario: what would life be like for 10,000 people living in a giant, 144-story underground silo?

Truly good shows are both fun to watch and make you think. Silo does this well by combining the tension of conflict within its underground setting with the intriguing question of what the outside world is actually like, and revealing how these things are connected through a large-scale cover-up. However, this complexity sometimes slows the show’s pace.

6. Pluribus

2025-Present, 1 Season

It’s still early days for Pluribus, which is why it hasn’t climbed higher in the rankings yet. However, if it keeps delivering the same smart humor and insightful self-awareness, it has real potential to become a top show. Pluribus is unique – it presents an apocalypse without any actual threat. The show’s strength lies in its characters, each of whom offers convincing reasons to support or oppose the hive mind, making it a truly thought-provoking and engaging experience.

Rhea Seehorn delivers a remarkable performance, almost carrying the show single-handedly, particularly after being left to navigate things on her own in Albuquerque. As the season unfolds, the storyline, Pluribus, has become more than just a hypothetical scenario. Carol made a mistake in “Pirate Lady” and has been actively trying to change course ever since, determined not to simply watch events unfold.

As the story unfolds, Pluribus is beginning to form its own opinions on the central conflict. While the collective intelligence, affectionately described as simply wanting to be helpful, appears harmless, Carol has discovered a potentially darker side. Her unwavering opposition to the virus and its effects suggests the show will ultimately move beyond raising questions and actually provide answers.

5. The Last Of Us

2023-Present, 2 Seasons

HBO / Courtesy Everett Collection

Okay, so I was honestly a little disappointed with the second season of The Last of Us. The first season was just phenomenal – it really captured everyone’s attention, and a huge part of that was Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Their on-screen relationship felt so real, like a genuine father-daughter bond, and it brought so much emotional weight to the whole show. It’s tough to follow up something that good, and maybe that’s why season two didn’t quite hit the same way.

Joel’s controversial decision to save Ellie in the first season felt true to his complex personality, and the moral gray area surrounding it made him a more interesting character. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Ellie’s actions in season two. She created all of her own problems, and consistently had the chance to stop and walk away, but chose not to.

It’s frustrating to see a character you used to root for consistently make poor choices. And it looks like season 3 of The Last of Us will focus on Kaitlyn Dever’s character, Abby, and explore a similar downward spiral as we saw with Joel in season 2.

4. The 100

2014-2020, 7 Seasons

The CW’s The 100 is a show aimed at young adults, adapted from a book series. While it’s different from high-budget dramas, it doesn’t shy away from intense storylines and unexpected twists. Many fans consider Season 2 a standout, as the show really hits its stride and moves away from typical young adult clichés.

One of the best parts of the show initially was its connection to Earth, so it felt less strong when it moved to the new planet, Sanctum, in the last two seasons. However, over its seven seasons, The 100 consistently explored complex and often dark themes, making it a compelling series.

3. Station Eleven

2021, 1 Season

As a huge movie and book fan, I have to say the timing of Station Eleven is just… unsettling. The show came out in 2021, but the book, which was originally published in 2014, feels strangely like it predicted the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s like watching a really beautiful, but heartbreaking, alternate reality, and honestly, it’s hit me even harder as time has gone on.

Even though Station Eleven feels strikingly realistic, it’s a truly unique story. The idea of following a traveling group of actors after society collapses is incredibly original, and the mysterious book the show revolves around adds a strange, unsettling atmosphere that sets it apart.

2. Fallout

2024-Present, 2 Seasons

The Fallout series made smart decisions adapting a complex source. Setting Season 1 in Los Angeles was a particularly good move, as it sets up a potentially rich and ongoing storyline. Because the games don’t take place in LA, viewers who haven’t played them won’t feel like they’re missing out on established story details.

Los Angeles is conveniently located near New Vegas, the setting of the most popular Fallout game. This allows the show to draw on the franchise’s best stories without overwhelming viewers. After a successful first season, the show has earned enough positive attention that it can now pique interest in the game’s history and lore.

Man, that shot of New Vegas shimmering in the distance at the end of the first season? It was a fantastic way to wrap things up, and honestly, it left me incredibly hyped. It felt like a real promise that the show’s creators were saying, ‘Hold on tight, because the best is still to come!’ I’m already counting down the days for the next season.

1. The Walking Dead

2010-2022, 11 Seasons

Just because something is popular doesn’t automatically make it good, but it’s clear The Walking Dead has done something well to stay on the air for eleven seasons and inspire six additional shows. The secret to its lasting success is its willingness to embrace change – a key ingredient for any television series.

It’s common for TV shows to fall into predictable patterns, repeating storylines and character arcs because creators worry about losing viewers if they try something new. This is a major difference between television and film. Movies often focus on a single, transformative moment for a character, while TV viewers expect ongoing change and development – one achievement should naturally lead to the next.

The Walking Dead constantly moved between different settlements, each offering unique challenges for the main characters. The group itself was also always changing, with characters dying, leaving, or joining along the way. In fact, none of the original main cast from season 1 were still around as main characters by season 11, although some supporting characters did grow into larger roles over time.

Beyond simply changing settings and characters, The Walking Dead fundamentally explored how people are changed by difficult circumstances. The show aimed to dramatically transform its characters, and its popularity demonstrates that viewers were captivated by this journey of transformation.

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2025-12-06 21:12