There's no arguing that The Walking Dead set the bar sky-high for post-apocalyptic TV. But here’s the thing. Just because it’s the OG doesn’t mean it’s the only game in town. There are other shows out there similar to The Walking Dead that deliver the same pulse-pounding suspense. Sure, they might not have the same legendary status or huge fan following, but that doesn't mean they aren't just as thrilling or addictive.
There are just so many times you can rewatch all 11 seasons of TWD before you're craving something new, something fresh, something that still scratches that post-apocalyptic itch. That's where we come in. In this article, we've listed five incredible shows that aren't quite on the same level as TWD, but come surprisingly close.
1. The Last of Us
- Where to watch: HBO Max
The Last of Us absolutely earns its spot on this list because, at its heart, it’s all about survival in a post-apocalyptic world just like TWD. The show throws viewers into a society ripped apart by a deadly outbreak, where danger is around every corner and trust is hard to come by. But it’s not just the infected that keep you on edge. The real tension comes from the emotional and moral struggles of its characters. Joel and Ellie’s bond drives the story, and it’s the emotional core that keeps you invested episode after episode.
The Last of Us is a drama series that's based on the popular video game series of the same name. After a mass fungal infection wipes out much of the world, transforming humans into violent, infected creatures, society collapses, and survival becomes a daily struggle. The story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, who is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl who may hold the key to a cure, across a perilous, post-apocalyptic United States.
Pedro Pascal stars as Joel, while Bella Ramsey takes on the role of Ellie. Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, and others also make up the cast. Season 1 adapts the first video game, The Last of Us, while the second season adapts part of the second video game, The Last of Us Part II. The upcoming third season will continue to adapt The Last of Us Part II.
2. Z Nation
- Where to watch: Tubi, Peacock, AMC+
Z Nation fits this list because, like TWD, it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world crawling with zombies, where every day is a fight to survive and danger is never far away. The show centers on a ragtag band of survivors tasked with an urgent mission: transporting the only known person immune to the zombie virus across the country. While it leans more into dark comedy and over-the-top scenarios than TWD, Z Nation still packs in plenty of suspense and action.
Kellita Smith, DJ Qualls, Michael Welch, Keith Allan, Anastasia Baranova, Russell Hodgkinson, Pisay Pao and many others are in the cast. Unfortunately, the horror series was canceled after five seasons in 2018. However, it's still worth checking out if you haven't already!
3. Kingdom
- Where to watch: Netflix
Okay, I need to get this off my chest. Kingdom does not get nearly enough credit. I mean, come on, it’s a zombie show set in Korea’s Joseon era with stunning visuals, high-stakes political drama, and some of the most intense cliffhangers you’ll ever experience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve recommended it to friends and gotten a blank stare in return. Seriously, this show is a hidden gem, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re missing out on one of the smartest, most exciting takes on the zombie genre out there!
The series centers on Lee Chang, the Crown Prince of Joseon, who sets out to uncover the truth behind a strange illness affecting the King. His search leads him into the heart of a deadly epidemic sweeping across the kingdom. As he fights to protect his people from the growing threat, he must also confront powerful political rivals who aim to steal the throne. Ju Ji-hoon takes on the leading role of Lee Chang. Both seasons of Kingdom, plus its special, are available to stream on Netflix.
4. Black Summer
- Where to watch: Netflix
Black Summer was cut short before it had the chance to truly shine, and I’ll always feel a bit bitter about the way it was quietly cancelled. What I love about this horror series is how it throws you headfirst into chaos. There's no fancy backstory or long explanations. It's just pure, unfiltered panic and survival. Though it lacks some of the deep character arcs and emotional storytelling that TWD is known for, Black Summer still delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that keeps you on edge.
After being separated from her daughter in a dangerous and hostile world filled with zombies, a mother sets out on a perilous journey to find her. Along the way, she joins a small group of American survivors who are trying to escape the chaos. During this terrifying and deadly summer, the mother has to make tough and sometimes harsh choices to survive. Jaime King stars as the desperate mother, Rose. The rest of the cast includes Justin Chu Cary, Christine Lee, Sal Velez Jr., Kelsey Flower, Erika Hau, Gwynyth Walsh, and others. You can stream both seasons on Netflix right now.
5. All of Us Are Dead
- Where to watch: Netflix
So you're a fan of TWD, but are looking for something that’s way more teenage drama-packed. All of Us Are Dead is where it’s at! Picture a high school overrun by zombies, where every hallway is a death trap and every decision feels like a life-or-death test. It’s like your worst day at school turned into a full-blown nightmare, except the bullies are the undead, and the cafeteria might just be your last safe spot (if you’re lucky).
After a high school science teacher accidentally causes a dangerous virus to spread because of a failed experiment, the school quickly becomes ground zero for a terrifying zombie outbreak. With the infection spreading rapidly and escape impossible, a group of students must unite, confronting constant undead dangers and tough decisions as they struggle to stay alive and find a way to safety.
The cast includes Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, and so many others. The first season is already available to stream on Netflix. A second season is currently in the works.