For years, zombie apocalypse series have held a unique place in the hearts of fans, with ‘The Walking Dead’ reigning supreme as the genre’s defining show.
While ‘The Walking Dead’’s legacy includes numerous spinoffs and a fiercely loyal fanbase, a new series on Netflix has sparked surprising praise.
Despite its release a few years ago, this hidden gem is gaining new traction, with viewers raving across social media.
Fans claim this series captures the relentless tension and survival aspects that make zombie shows so thrilling—some even suggesting it surpasses ‘The Walking Dead’.
The show, ‘Black Summer’, is quickly becoming a fan favorite, with viewers describing it as “the most stressful experience” they’ve ever had watching a zombie series.
One fan remarked, “I feel my blood pressure rise the more I watch,” underscoring the show’s unique ability to maintain suspense from beginning to end.
‘Black Summer’, which debuted on Netflix in 2019, is actually a spinoff of the popular ‘Z Nation’ series, and it has found a strong following over time.
Set in the earliest days of a zombie apocalypse, ‘Black Summer’ follows the journey of Rose, portrayed by Jaime King, a mother torn from her daughter, Anna.
Determined to survive, Rose bands together with a group of refugees, each facing their own fight to stay alive in an increasingly hostile world.
‘Black Summer’ sets itself apart by focusing solely on survival, foregoing drawn-out character backstories and dramatic monologues.
“No long, fraught discussions. No endless flashbacks, because there’s no back story,” remarked acclaimed horror author Stephen King in praise of the show.
He added that the show is shot with a single handheld camera, creating a raw and realistic feel that makes the tension almost palpable.
This minimalist approach, producer Jodi Binstock explained, brings viewers closer to the characters’ experiences, where every moment could be their last.
“The dynamics of the way that they have crafted the storytelling is very cinematic,” Binstock said, adding that the style is “fantastically shot.”
Some fans have even said ‘Black Summer’ makes ‘The Walking Dead’ feel “like a walk in the park” by comparison.
Facebook’s ‘Netflix Bangers’ group has been buzzing with reactions, with viewers praising the intense action and ceaseless suspense.
The series, which holds an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, has won over fans by delivering an unfiltered look at the apocalypse without any romanticism.
Decider’s Kayla Cobb noted that ‘Black Summer’ taps into people’s “secret fear” of a never-ending chase, where danger is always lurking nearby.
The characters, ordinary people thrown into an extraordinary situation, are forced to make brutal choices as they evade zombies—and sometimes, each other.
Despite amassing a dedicated fanbase and renewed interest, ‘Black Summer’ faced an untimely end.
In 2023, co-creators Karl Schaefer and John Hyams confirmed that the series would not return for a third season.
For many viewers, this was a major disappointment, with one fan lamenting, “Black Summer deserved better!! Season 2 was amazing, and I can’t believe there is no conclusion to that.”
With its high praise and intense following, ‘Black Summer’ continues to captivate audiences, proving that some shows only grow more valuable with time.
Though it won’t be renewed, fans can still revisit the series on Netflix, where its two seasons remain a haunting testament to survival and suspense.
Featured Image Credit: (Netflix)
