Zombies have shuffled, sprinted, and screamed their way into every corner of pop culture, but television is where they've truly evolved. While zombie movies often offer a snapshot of survival and horror, zombie TV shows give us long-form storytelling, deeper character development, and complex world-building. Whether it's a gritty post-apocalyptic drama or a quirky horror-comedy, the zombie genre on the small screen has something for everyone.
The rise of the undead on television began in earnest with The Walking Dead, a show that reshaped the modern TV landscape. Since then, the genre has expanded in wild and wonderful directions. From historical Korean epics to medical examiner mysteries, zombie series have broken the mold, offering not only jump scares but emotional depth, social commentary, and even dark humor.
If you’re looking for the best zombie TV shows of all time, this curated top 10 list is your ultimate watchlist. Whether you’re a longtime horror fan or a newcomer to the undead craze, these shows represent the genre at its most terrifying, imaginative, and unforgettable.
10. Z Nation (2014–2018)
Z Nation may not take itself as seriously as its AMC cousin, but it still delivers a wild and entertaining zombie ride. Set years after the outbreak, the show follows a group transporting Murphy—a man who may hold the key to a cure—across the country. Along the way, they face mutant zombies, zombie animals, and some absurdly creative threats.
The show mixes action, horror, and dark comedy in equal measure. While its tone can be uneven, its inventiveness and unpredictability keep things exciting. If The Walking Dead is the Shakespeare of zombie TV, then Z Nation is the punk rock cover band—and proud of it.
9. Black Summer (2019–2021)
A Netflix original series, Black Summer is a raw, visceral depiction of the early days of a zombie apocalypse. With its fractured narrative and relentless pace, the show follows scattered survivors navigating a crumbling world full of fast, ferocious undead. The series excels in creating real-time tension, making each moment feel like a matter of life and death.
Unlike other zombie shows that focus on lore or long-term world-building, Black Summer is all about survival instinct and chaos. The minimalist dialogue, intense camerawork, and terrifying zombie encounters make it a standout for fans who crave action-packed, no-nonsense horror—available exclusively on Netflix.
8. In the Flesh (2013–2014)
In the Flesh offers a unique and emotional take on the zombie mythos. In this BBC series, the apocalypse has passed, and a medical treatment has returned consciousness to the undead. These “Partially Deceased Syndrome” sufferers must now reintegrate into a hostile society that still fears them. Kieren Walker, one such returnee, faces guilt, rejection, and identity crises in his small town.
More than a horror story, this series explores grief, trauma, and prejudice. With only two short seasons, In the Flesh leaves a lasting impression, showing that the best zombie TV shows can also be the most human.
7. Fear the Walking Dead (2015–2023)
A companion piece to The Walking Dead, this spin-off begins at the very start of the outbreak in Los Angeles. Initially slower-paced and character-driven, Fear the Walking Dead evolves into a more action-oriented survival series that carves out its own identity within the franchise. Over time, it even merges with the main show, introducing crossover characters and shared storylines.
While its tone and quality vary across seasons, Fear the Walking Dead deserves praise for expanding the zombie universe with new characters, regions, and survival challenges. It also reflects the emotional weight and societal collapse that define the best zombie apocalypse shows.
6. iZombie (2015–2019)
iZombie offers a smart, stylish twist on both the zombie and crime procedural genres. Liv Moore is a medical examiner who becomes a zombie—but maintains her intellect and humanity as long as she eats brains. Conveniently, those brains also give her visions from the deceased, allowing her to help solve murders for the Seattle PD.
Balancing comedy, horror, and heartfelt moments, iZombie became a standout series for its originality and charm. Its comic book roots give it a pulpy energy, while its genre-blending format keeps the story fresh across five seasons. If you like your zombies with a side of mystery, this one’s for you.
5. Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018)
A continuation of Sam Raimi’s beloved Evil Dead franchise, Ash vs Evil Dead brings Bruce Campbell’s iconic Ash Williams back to the small screen for more gory, over-the-top chaos. The show finds Ash living a mundane life before he accidentally unleashes the Deadites again, forcing him to pick up the chainsaw and save the world… again.
What makes this zombie-adjacent series shine is its commitment to practical effects, slapstick humor, and endless buckets of blood. While the Deadites are more demonic than viral, the show still embraces everything fans love about the zombie genre: carnage, survival, and characters you can’t help but root for—even when they’re totally ridiculous.
4. Santa Clarita Diet (2017–2019)
If you prefer your zombie series with a side of satire, Santa Clarita Diet is a deliciously dark delight. Starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as suburban realtors dealing with one of them becoming undead, the show balances family comedy with gory horror in brilliant ways. Sheila Hammond’s sudden craving for human flesh complicates everything from parenting to real estate deals.
Despite its humorous tone, the series also explores themes of identity, mortality, and unconditional love. The chemistry between the leads, the clever writing, and its absurd take on zombie tropes made this Netflix show a cult favorite—cut short too soon, but still worthy of the title “one of the best zombie comedies ever made.”
3. Kingdom (2019–2021)
Streaming on Netflix, Kingdom blends intense political intrigue with horrifying undead action, all set in Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. The story follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he uncovers a deadly epidemic threatening to consume his nation. With its historical backdrop and fast-paced horror, the show delivers a unique and exhilarating take on the zombie genre.
What truly sets Kingdom apart is its visual splendor and narrative originality. Lavishly produced and brilliantly acted, it reimagines the zombie outbreak through a historical lens, offering both stunning cinematography and relentless suspense. It’s one of the most compelling international zombie series available on Netflix.
2. The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
When it comes to defining the zombie genre on TV, The Walking Dead reigns supreme. This AMC powerhouse ran for 11 seasons and became a global phenomenon. Centered on former sheriff Rick Grimes and a rotating cast of survivors, the show explores life in a world overrun by “walkers”—and how the true danger often comes from other humans.
With unforgettable arcs like the Governor and Negan, and a willingness to kill off main characters, the series pushed emotional and narrative boundaries. Though later seasons saw uneven reviews, its cultural impact, spin-offs, and dedicated fanbase cement its legacy as the quintessential zombie TV show.
1. The Last of Us (2023–)
HBO’s The Last of Us is more than a zombie show—it’s a deeply emotional story about survival, love, and redemption in a broken world. Based on the iconic video game, the series follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a grieving smuggler, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenager immune to the infection that has decimated civilization. Their journey through a post-apocalyptic America offers gripping action, nuanced performances, and stunning production values.
What sets The Last of Us apart from most zombie series is its emotional weight. While the infected are terrifying, the real horror often lies in how humans treat one another. The show's character-driven focus, elevated storytelling, and cinematic quality make it one of the most compelling and acclaimed zombie dramas of all time.
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From emotional survival stories to absurd comedy horrors, the best zombie TV shows prove that the undead are anything but lifeless when it comes to storytelling. These series stretch across subgenres and continents, reinventing what it means to be infected, haunted, or simply trying to survive.
Whether you're in the mood for a prestige drama like The Last of Us, a nostalgic splatterfest like Ash vs Evil Dead, or something totally original like In the Flesh, this top 10 list has something to sink your teeth into. Just remember: in the world of zombies, it’s not always the monsters you need to fear—it’s the living.