What started as simple, flesh-eating monsters has evolved into a diverse and complex genre. These series, in their own unique way, have redefined the undead, using the zombie apocalypse as a backdrop for profound drama, biting social commentary, and even unexpected comedy.
Kingdom
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The South Korean horror series “Kingdom” has been described as a “Games of Thrones” but with zombies. However, while it’s scary, it also blends several genres such as drama and action. It’s been considered one of the best productions on Netflix.
The series is set in the medieval era of the Joseon Dynasty, between the 15th and 18th centuries, and it follows the outbreak of a plague that infects everyone, including the King himself. And, of course, this is not a normal virus, but one that turns them into zombies.
Pushing Daisies
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One of the most successful series of the genre, this mystery comedy-drama is also one of the most-critical acclaimed shows on the pack. It stars Lee Pace as Ned, a pie-maker with the ability to bring dead things back to life with his touch. Together with his formerly deceased childhood crush Chuck (Anna Friel), co-worker Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth), and private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), Ned uses his abilities to solve murder cases.
It received 17 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with seven wins, including Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for Barry Sonnenfeld and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Kristin Chenoweth.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
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In this “The Walking Dead” spin-off, Norman Reedus reprises his role as Daryl Dixon. The series follows him as he appears ashore in France (the origin of the zombie virus), and he must discover how he got there and why.
While he tries to find a way back home, the connections he forms along the way complicate his ultimate plan.Clémence Poésy, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Laïka Blanc-Francard, Anne Charrier, Romain Levi, and Adam Nagaitis complete the cast.
iZombie
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iZombie, adapted from the DC comic book series of the same name, follows Olivia “Liv” Moore, a medical examiner who undergoes a transformation into a zombie. Surprisingly, her new undead status doesn’t disrupt her work at the police department. Instead, she consumes the brains of victims, granting her temporary access to their memories and personalities. This unique ability enables her to aid the police in solving crimes.
The series offers a fresh perspective on the traditional crime drama genre. While blending complex ideas with procedural storytelling can be risky, iZombie successfully navigates this challenge. Ironically, iZombie presents a narrative that humanizes a supernatural character, showcasing her journey to fulfill her altruistic instincts despite her undead condition.
Santa Clarita Diet
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Created by Victor Fresco, the story follows Joel and Sheila Hammond, two married real estate agents who reside in the outskirts of Los Angeles, in Santa Clarita. While they live normal, mundane lives, everything changes when Sheila shows symptoms of having become a zombie.
After that, they will have to seek a cure for Sheila’s disease, while also dealing with her new craving for human flesh and her new personality. The series, considered one of the best comedies on Netflix, stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant.
The Walking Dead
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One of the most famous titles of the genre, “The Walking Dead” follows a group of survivors of a zombie apocalypse trying to stay alive despite the constant attacks from the “walkers.” What’s interesting about the premise is that different groups of survivors have their own codes and morals, and sometimes they clash too.
First released in 2010, the series is considered the reason for the Zombie-renaissance in TV, due to its popularity. It starred an ensemble cast consisting of Andrew Linlcoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Melissa McBride, and more.
In The Flesh
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“In The Flesh” is a supernatural drama set in the fictional village of Roarton, several years after “The Rising,” a period in which thousands of people who had died in 2009 are suddenly brought back to life as mindless, homicidal, brain-eating zombies.
This British series was written and created by Dominic Mitchell, the series stars Luke Newberry, Harriet Cains, Emily Bevan, Marie Critchley, Steve Cooper, Emmett J Scanlan, Stephen Thompson, and Kenneth Cranham. It won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Mini-Series in May 2014.
Resident Evil
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Another spin-off of the “Resident Evil” saga, this Netflix’s series was created by Andrew Dabb and stars Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong, Lance Reddick, and more. The show is everything fans of the franchise want: crazy, bloody, terrifying, and even funny.
The plot is split into two different time periods that reveal the hidden truths of the Umbrella Corporation. In 2022, we track the lives of two teenage sisters, Billie and Jade, daughters of Dr. Albert Wesker, who are compelled to relocate to a newly established city called New Racoon City. Fast forward to 2038, where the T-virus, familiar from the franchise, has devastated humanity, leaving them under attack by mutants, zombies, and infected individuals. Yet, amidst this chaos, the Umbrella Corporation is relentlessly pursuing Jade.
All of Us Are Dead
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Among Netflix’s catalog, you can find this South Korean coming-of-age series that also happens in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. It follows high-school students in the fictional South Korean city of Hyosan, and their struggle to survive amidst a zombie outbreak.
It is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Joo Dong-geun.
