For fans captivated by the intense survival drama and moral complexities of “The 100,” the post-apocalyptic television landscape offers a treasure trove of similarly compelling series. Whether you’re drawn to shows like “The 100” for their exploration of humanity’s resilience, complex character dynamics, or thought-provoking ethical dilemmas, these carefully curated selections will satisfy your craving for high-stakes sci-fi drama. From space operas to dystopian futures, each series brings its own unique perspective while maintaining the core elements that made “The 100” such a compelling watch.
Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
In this groundbreaking reimagining of the classic series, “Battlestar Galactica” masterfully weaves together elements that fans of shows like “The 100” will instantly recognize. The series chronicles humanity’s desperate fight for survival after a devastating attack by the Cylons, artificial beings of their own creation. Much like “The 100,” the show delves deep into the moral ambiguities of leadership and the cost of survival. Commander William Adama and President Laura Roslin must navigate political intrigue, military challenges, and ethical dilemmas while leading the last remnants of humanity toward their mythical homeland: Earth. The series stands out for its nuanced portrayal of character relationships, its unflinching examination of what makes us human, and its sophisticated exploration of religious faith and scientific progress. The show’s greatest strength lies in its ability to balance intimate character drama with grand philosophical questions about destiny, free will, and the cycle of violence.
The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
While shows like “The 100” explore post-apocalyptic themes in space, “The Walking Dead” brings the survival drama down to Earth with visceral intensity. This landmark series follows various groups of survivors as they navigate a world overrun by the undead, but the true conflict often emerges from human nature itself. Like “The 100,” the show excels at depicting how ordinary people adapt to extraordinary circumstances, forcing characters to make impossible choices that challenge their moral compass. The series particularly shines in its exploration of leadership under pressure, with characters like Rick Grimes and Carol Peletier undergoing remarkable transformations that mirror the evolution of Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake. Through its long run, the show has masterfully depicted the psychological toll of survival and the complex dynamics of community building in a hostile world, themes that deeply resonate with fans of “The 100.”
3% (2016-2020)
This Brazilian dystopian thriller offers a unique perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre that will appeal to fans of shows like “The 100.” Set in a future where only 3% of the population gets the chance to live in an advanced society called the “Offshore,” young candidates must undergo a series of brutal tests known as “The Process.” The show’s examination of social inequality, survival, and moral compromise resonates strongly with themes present in “The 100.” Through characters like Michele Santana, the series explores how individuals navigate systems of power and privilege, making it a fascinating counterpart to the tribal politics of “The 100.” What sets “3%” apart is its fresh perspective on class warfare and social mobility, wrapped in a distinctly Brazilian cultural context that offers viewers a new lens through which to view familiar dystopian themes.
Dark (2017-2020)
For viewers who appreciate the complex narrative structures and moral ambiguity of shows like “The 100,” “Dark” presents an intricate time-travel mystery set against the backdrop of a looming apocalypse. This German series masterfully weaves together multiple timelines and family histories in the town of Winden, where the disappearance of children reveals a supernatural conspiracy spanning generations. The show’s exploration of causality, free will, and the consequences of our choices mirrors the weighty themes present in “The 100,” while adding layers of philosophical depth that will keep viewers questioning everything they see. “Dark” distinguishes itself through its meticulous plotting, haunting atmosphere, and profound exploration of human nature across different time periods, making it a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy unraveling complex narratives while pondering deeper existential questions.
See (2019-2022)
Set in a future where humanity has lost the ability to see, “See” presents a unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre that will resonate with fans of shows like “The 100.” The series follows tribal leader Baba Voss as he protects twin children born with the mythical ability to see in a world where vision is considered heretical. Like “The 100,” the show excels at world-building and exploring how society rebuilds itself after catastrophe. The series tackles themes of tribalism, power, and adaptation to hostile environments, while featuring the kind of morally complex characters and intense action sequences that made “The 100” so compelling. The show’s stunning cinematography and innovative approach to depicting a sightless world create a unique viewing experience that sets it apart from other post-apocalyptic dramas.
Colony (2016-2018)
“Colony” presents a fresh perspective on alien invasion narratives that will appeal to fans of shows like “The 100.” Set in a near-future Los Angeles under extraterrestrial occupation, the series follows the Bowman family as they navigate a complex web of collaboration and resistance. The show’s exploration of survival under oppression, family loyalty, and moral compromise echoes many of the central themes in “The 100.” Through its depiction of a society divided between collaborators and resisters, “Colony” offers a nuanced examination of how people adapt to life under authoritarian control. The series particularly excels in its portrayal of family dynamics under extreme pressure and its thoughtful exploration of resistance movements, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate the political intrigue and moral complexity of “The 100.”
The Society (2019)
Though tragically cut short after one season, “The Society” delivers a fascinating Lord of the Flies-esque narrative that shares DNA with shows like “The 100.” When the teenagers of West Ham, Connecticut return from a cancelled field trip to find their town empty of adults and cut off from the outside world, they must create their own society from scratch. The show brilliantly explores themes of power, democracy, and social organization that will feel familiar to fans of “The 100,” while offering its own unique take on young people forced to govern themselves in isolation. The series stands out for its realistic portrayal of teenage characters grappling with adult responsibilities and its nuanced exploration of how different personality types respond to crisis situations.
The Rain (2018-2020)
This Danish post-apocalyptic series offers a compelling variation on survival themes present in shows like “The 100.” When a virus carried by rainfall wipes out most of Scandinavia’s population, siblings Simone and Rasmus emerge from a bunker six years later to search for their father and other survivors. The show’s exploration of trust, sacrifice, and the bonds between survivors mirrors many of the central themes in “The 100,” while its unique premise and Scandinavian setting offer a fresh perspective on the genre. The series distinguishes itself through its focus on sibling relationships and its innovative approach to environmental threats, creating a tense atmosphere where nature itself becomes the enemy.
Tribes of Europa (2021)
Set in 2074, this German series imagines a fractured Europe where various tribes fight for dominance following a mysterious global catastrophe. Like shows similar to “The 100,” “Tribes of Europa” explores themes of tribal loyalty, technological regression, and the struggle to maintain humanity in a brutal world. The series follows three siblings from the peaceful Origine tribe as they become entangled in a larger conflict between technologically advanced and primitive societies, offering a European perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre that will fascinate fans of “The 100.” The show’s rich world-building and exploration of how different societies might evolve after a collapse makes it a worthy addition to the post-apocalyptic canon.
The Expanse (2015-2022)
While not strictly post-apocalyptic, “The Expanse” shares many thematic elements with shows like “The 100,” particularly in its exploration of faction politics and survival in space. Set in a colonized solar system, the series masterfully depicts the tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt, while following a diverse cast of characters as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens humanity’s existence. The show’s combination of political intrigue, scientific accuracy, and complex moral dilemmas will appeal to viewers who appreciated the nuanced storytelling of “The 100.” What truly sets “The Expanse” apart is its commitment to realistic space physics and its sophisticated portrayal of how human society might evolve as we expand beyond Earth, making it a must-watch for fans of thoughtful science fiction.
For fans seeking shows like “The 100,” these series offer compelling narratives that explore similar themes of survival, moral complexity, and human nature under extreme circumstances. Each brings its own unique perspective to the post-apocalyptic genre while maintaining the high stakes and character-driven storytelling that made “The 100” such a compelling watch. Whether you’re drawn to space opera, dystopian futures, or grounded survival stories, these selections provide hours of thought-provoking entertainment that will satisfy your craving for complex, morally ambiguous science fiction. As we continue to face real-world challenges that sometimes feel apocalyptic in scale, these shows remind us of humanity’s resilience and ability to adapt, while forcing us to consider what we might do in similar situations.
