For fans of “The 100,” a post-apocalyptic drama that combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and survival, finding similar shows can be a daunting task. However, several series offer similar themes, Making them perfect for viewers who enjoy the mix of action, suspense, and deep character development found in “The 100.” Here are some TV shows like “The 100” that you might enjoy:
1. Jericho
- Premise: This series follows the lives of the people of Jericho, Kansas, in the aftermath of nuclear attacks on major U.S. cities. It explores themes of survival, community, and political intrigue.
- Why You’ll Like It: Like “The 100,” “Jericho” delves into the consequences of catastrophic events and how communities come together (or fall apart) in the face of unimaginable challenges.
2. Colony
- Premise: Set in a occupied Los Angeles, “Colony” explores the lives of a family and their struggles under an oppressive alien occupation. It’s a mix of resistance, survival, and the moral compromises you make under extreme conditions.
- Why You’ll Like It: The blend of family drama, survival, and resistance against an overwhelming force mirrors some of “The 100”’s core themes, especially in its later seasons.
3. Falling Skies
- Premise: This show takes place shortly after an alien invasion that has devastated Earth. A group of survivors, including the main character Tom Mason and his three sons, must band together and fight back against the alien occupation.
- Why You’ll Like It: Similar to “The 100,” “Falling Skies” combines action, suspense, and drama as its characters navigate the complexities of survival and resistance in a hostile, post-apocalyptic world.
4. The Man in the High Castle
- Premise: Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, this series is set in an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II, and the United States is divided between the Greater Nazi Reich and the Japanese Pacific States. It explores themes of resistance, power, and the nature of reality.
- Why You’ll Like It: Like “The 100,” it explores survival, rebellion, and complex moral choices in the face of oppressive regimes, though in a very different historical and speculative context.
5. Station Eleven
- Premise: This unique blend of post-apocalyptic fiction and drama weaves together multiple storylines before and after a flu pandemic that wipes out most of humanity. It explores art, memory, and survival.
- Why You’ll Like It: While tonally different from “The 100,” “Station Eleven” shares themes of survival and the human condition in the face of catastrophic collapse, focusing on the power of art and human connection.
6. 3%
- Premise: Set in a dystopian future, this Brazilian series explores a world where a small percentage of the population gets to live in a utopia, while the rest remain in poverty. The show follows a group of characters as they undergo “The Process” to determine who gets to join the elite 3%.
- Why You’ll Like It: Like “The 100,” it delves into themes of survival, societal hierarchy, and the moral dilemmas that arise when individuals must compete for a chance at a better life.
7. Snowpiercer
- Premise: Based on the film of the same name, “Snowpiercer” is set on a train that travels around a frozen post-apocalyptic world. The train is divided by class, and the series explores themes of revolution, survival, and social hierarchy.
- Why You’ll Like It: The show’s focus on social inequality, rebellion, and survival in a confined, resource-scarce environment mirrors some of the societal commentary and post-apocalyptic survival elements found in “The 100.”
8. Altered Carbon
- Premise: This cyberpunk series is set in a future where human consciousness can be transferred into new bodies, allowing the wealthy to live indefinitely. The story follows a former soldier brought back to life centuries after his initial death to solve the murder of a wealthy aristocrat.
- Why You’ll Like It: Like “The 100,” it explores complex societal issues, power dynamics, and what it means to be human, though in a futuristic, sci-fi context.
9. Travelers
- Premise: This series follows a team of special agents from the future who travel back in time to the present day to prevent the collapse of society. They inhabit the bodies of people who are about to die, taking over their lives to carry out their missions.
- Why You’ll Like It: “Travelers” shares themes of survival, adapting to new environments, and the challenges of working towards a common goal under high-pressure, high-stakes conditions.
10. Revolution
- Premise: Set 15 years after a global blackout where all electricity and technology ceased to function, “Revolution” follows a group of characters as they navigate a world without power and confront the rising forces of tyranny and oppression.
- Why You’ll Like It: Similar to “The 100,” it combines elements of survival, rebellion, and the struggle for power in a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on the human condition and the actions people take in the face of catastrophic change.
Each of these shows offers something unique but still captures elements of the complex world-building, deep character development, and high-stakes drama that fans of “The 100” have come to love. Whether you’re looking for more post-apocalyptic landscapes, intrigue and rebellion, or explorations of what it means to be human in the face of unimaginable challenges, there’s something on this list for you.
Getting Started with These Recommendations
- Identify your favorite themes or elements from "The 100" to narrow down your selection. Whether it's the post-apocalyptic setting, the complex characters, or the rebellion against oppressive forces, each show listed offers a unique blend of these and other themes.
- Consider the tone you're in the mood for. Shows like "Jericho" and "Falling Skies" offer a more straightforward survival and resistance narrative, while series like "The Man in the High Castle" and "Altered Carbon" delve into more complex societal and philosophical issues.
- Look into the runtime and episode count of each series to plan your viewing schedule. Some shows, like "Station Eleven," are more compact and can be binged quickly, while others like "The Man in the High Castle" offer a more extensive narrative spread over several seasons.
- Finally, check the platforms and services where these shows are available. Many can be found on popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or HBO Max, making it easy to start watching right away.
Key Points to Remember
- Each show listed offers a unique perspective on survival, society, and the human condition, making them great recommendations for fans of "The 100."
- From post-apocalyptic landscapes to dystopian futures, these series explore a wide range of settings and themes that will appeal to viewers looking for something new but similar in vibe to "The 100."
- When choosing a show, consider what specifically drew you to "The 100" and find a series that matches those interests, whether it's the action, the drama, or the exploration of complex moral issues.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Diverse Settings and Themes: Each series offers a fresh take on post-apocalyptic or dystopian worlds, ensuring there's something for every type of fan.
- Complex Characters and Storylines: These shows are known for deep character development and intricate plots, making for engaging and often unpredictable viewing experiences.
- Availability: Many of these shows are readily available on popular streaming platforms, making them easy to access and start watching.
Cons:
- Emotional Investment: Some viewers might find the themes and storylines too intense or emotionally taxing, especially for those who become deeply invested in the characters and stories.
- Overwhelming Choices: With so many great recommendations, it can be challenging to decide where to start, potentially leading to choice paralysis.
- Completion and Cancellation: Some series may have been cancelled prematurely or have ended their run, which could leave viewers without a sense of closure or the possibility of future seasons.
What makes a TV show similar to “The 100”?
+TV shows similar to “The 100” typically involve elements of post-apocalyptic or dystopian settings, complex characters, survival themes, rebellion against oppressive forces, and explorations of what it means to be human under extreme conditions.
How do I choose which show to watch first?
+Consider what you enjoyed most about “The 100” and look for those elements in the recommended shows. If you liked the post-apocalyptic setting, you might lean towards “Jericho” or “Falling Skies.” If complex societal commentary is your interest, then “The Man in the High Castle” or “Altered Carbon” might be more up your alley.
Are these shows available on popular streaming platforms?
+Yes, many of these shows can be found on popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, among others. Availability might vary depending on your region, so it’s a good idea to check your local streaming options.
