The zombie subcategory has flourished since its beginning, becoming one of the most widely-loved horror subtypes within popular culture. This is largely due to contemporary zombie films adding fresh elements and twists to the traditional themes, ensuring that the genre remains captivating. The appeal lies in its deep thematic undertones, as well as the vast possibilities for both poignant human drama and intense action sequences, all while staying rooted in horror.
While zombies have made their way into almost every imaginable popular medium, some of the genre’s most intriguing and underrated narratives can be found in television series, ranging from lighthearted comedy to sheer terror.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for fantastic zombie TV series to meet an untimely end before their full potential is realized. Some are cut short prematurely, while others conclude naturally but leave fans yearning for more. Just like the undead characters that form the foundation of the genre, some zombie TV shows have a second life and miraculously return from cancellation.
1) In the Flesh
Instead of a traditional horror, BBC’s “In the Flesh” offered a dramatic twist on the zombie genre. The series centers around an incident called the Rising where the dead come back to life, focusing on Kieren Walker, a rehabilitated undead man who returns to his home town. The unique blend of classic zombie elements with deep human drama in “In the Flesh” was refreshing and intriguing. Regrettably, the show’s two brief seasons didn’t provide enough time to fully explore its compelling premise.
2) Resident Evil
The “Resident Evil” series has demonstrated a remarkable longevity and success in the zombie genre, yet its attempt at live-action television was unfortunately short-lived. Netflix terminated “Resident Evil” after only one season, but despite receiving mixed to negative feedback, it’s a show that could benefit from another opportunity. The vast universe of the franchise and its numerous characters make a continued live-action adaptation highly promising, although the rocky beginning of “Resident Evil” unfortunately cut its run short.
3) Daybreak
Over the past few years, several outstanding post-apocalyptic TV series have emerged, yet Daybreak tends to be underappreciated within this group. This comedy-drama chronicles a band of teenagers navigating a desolate world infested with roaming gangs and zombie-like creatures called Ghoulies. The unique take on the genre presented by Daybreak was both casual and invigorating. Unfortunately, Netflix decided to cancel the show after only one season, denying it the opportunity to fully develop despite its promising mix of original concepts.
4) iZombie
Instead of typically setting zombies within a post-apocalyptic backdrop, some outstanding stories in the subgenre instead blend these monsters seamlessly into everyday society. The TV series “iZombie” is an excellent illustration: it centers around a police medical examiner who, upon becoming a zombie, consumes victims’ brains to gain their memories and personas, assisting in resolving cases. “iZombie” received widespread acclaim for its creative and original take on the genre. Despite concluding after five seasons, there’s strong potential for a revival given its enduring popularity.
5) Santa Clarita Diet
Television shows can occasionally conclude on frustrating cliffhangers, such as Netflix’s “Santa Clarita Diet.” This series followed the lives of a couple who are real estate agents, with one character coming back to life as a zombie after death and having an unquenchable thirst for human flesh. The show’s unique blend of dark comedy and outstanding performances from its talented cast made it highly popular among viewers. Its unexpected cancellation opens up the possibility for a future revival.
6) Kingdom
In recent years, the series Kingdom stands out as a fresh take on the zombie genre, with its unique setting in 17th century Korea. Instead of focusing solely on a zombie virus outbreak, it delves into the political dynamics of society, making it distinct from other shows. During its run, Kingdom garnered significant acclaim and is often overlooked as an undervalued horror TV show that was terminated prematurely by Netflix. Similar to other series whose runs were unexpectedly cut short on the platform, Kingdom deserves a second chance, mainly because of its innovative concept and exceptional visual style.
7) Black Summer
Often praised as one of Netflix’s top zombie series, “Black Summer” has unfortunately been overlooked by many. This show focuses on Rose, a mother who becomes separated from her daughter during the early stages of a zombie apocalypse, and follows her arduous trek across post-apocalyptic America in search of her. Originating as a spin-off from “Z Nation”, “Black Summer” delves into the human aspects of zombie horror, offering a mix of drama and suspense that has left viewers hoping for its potential return.
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2025-07-20 21:40