Now that the first season of The Last of Us is finished—and season 2 isn’t expected until mid-2024—it’s totally normal to feel a mix of withdrawal and curiosity. That post-apocalyptic blend of cozy horror and emotional storytelling leaves a void that needs filling.
But don’t despair. Here’s a list of 10 other series that dive deep into survival, whether it’s after an apocalypse, a plane crash, or in a world turned upside down. These stories tackle extreme situations where people are forced to adapt, endure, and—often—fight back. There’s no strict ranking here, just a lineup of great shows to help you through the wait.
And if you want to explore more in this genre, check out our podcast episode “Virus, Plane Crash, and Cannibalism” for even more survival-themed recommendations.
10. “See” (2019-2022)
See is set in a dystopian future where humanity has lost the ability to see. Over generations, society has adapted—people now rely on heightened hearing and have developed complex systems for everything from navigation to warfare, all without sight.
Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss, a fierce warrior and leader who becomes the adoptive father of two children born with the rare ability to see. In this world, sight is considered dangerous and unnatural, so Baba and his partner Maghra (Hera Hilmar) must protect the children and keep their gift a secret.
Their lives are further complicated by the ruthless Queen Kane (Sylvia Hoeks), who will stop at nothing to hold onto power, and Baba’s estranged brother Edo Voss (Dave Bautista), whose personal vendetta makes things even more perilous.
With three seasons of intense action, political intrigue, and some of the most inventive fight scenes in recent TV, See stands out as a bold and original survival drama.
Streamed on: AppleTV+
9. “Snowpiercer” (2020-2023)
Snowpiercer is based on the 1982 French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, which also inspired Bong Joon-ho’s acclaimed 2013 film. The series takes that same chilling concept—literally—and expands it into an ongoing saga of survival, class warfare, and rebellion.
In this post-apocalyptic future, the Earth has frozen over, and the last known survivors live aboard a massive train with 1,001 cars, endlessly circling the globe to stay alive. Life on the train is strictly divided by class: the wealthy live in luxury at the front, while those in the “tail” who boarded illegally face brutal conditions and constant oppression.
What follows is a tense, often violent struggle for justice, equality, and the truth. Over its three seasons, the show delivers twists, shifting alliances, and deeper questions about leadership, climate collapse, and what it means to rebuild society in motion.
Streamed on: Netflix
8. “Lost in Space” (2018-2021)
The tale of the Robinson family has been reimagined many times since Johann David Wyss introduced them in 1812 as a kind of space-age Robinson Crusoe story. The original survival narrative was later launched into space in the 1965 TV series, and now Netflix brings a modern reboot with fresh visual effects and emotional depth.
In this updated version, Molly Parker stars as Maureen Robinson, a brilliant aerospace engineer and mother who, along with her husband John (Toby Stephens) and their three children, crash-lands on a mysterious alien planet during a mission to colonize space.
The family must work together to survive the harsh environment, strange creatures, and unpredictable threats. Parker Posey plays a twisted version of the classic villain Dr. Smith, adding a layer of psychological drama to the mix.
Across three seasons, Lost in Space blends adventure, sci-fi spectacle, and heartfelt family moments as the Robinsons fight to stay together in the vast unknown.
Streamed on: Netflix
7. “Lovecraft Country” (2020)
From the minds behind Lost (J.J. Abrams) and Get Out (Jordan Peele), Lovecraft Country blends horror, history, and sci-fi into one bold, unforgettable ride. Set in 1950s Jim Crow America, the story follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he embarks on a road trip with his friend Leti (Jurnee Smollett) and uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) to find his missing father.
What begins as a search quickly spirals into a journey filled with supernatural horrors and very real human evils. From flesh-eating monsters to deeply rooted racism, Lovecraft Country explores survival in a world where danger comes from both mythical creatures and everyday society.
Michael Kenneth Williams gives a powerful performance as Atticus’s troubled father, and the series moves fluidly between genre and message, offering both thrilling scares and sharp social commentary.
Dark, daring, and unpredictable, Lovecraft Country is as much a horror series as it is a haunting reflection of American history.
Streamed on: HBO Max
6. “Station Eleven” (2021-2022)
Station Eleven hits close to home with a pandemic-driven collapse of civilization—but this isn’t your typical apocalyptic drama. Based on the novel by Emily St. John Mandel, the story centers around a devastating flu that wipes out most of the population, and how the survivors rebuild their lives in its wake.
Told across multiple timelines, the series weaves together the lives of several characters over decades. At its heart is Kirsten (Mackenzie Davis), a former child actor who joins a traveling Shakespeare troupe performing for scattered communities. Alongside her is Jeevan (Himesh Patel), a former journalist who becomes an unexpected protector at the start of the outbreak.
From eerie abandoned cities to a mysterious comic book and a self-proclaimed prophet, Station Eleven blends intimate human stories with surreal elements and occasional bursts of action.
It’s a thoughtful, beautifully crafted exploration of memory, art, loss, and hope in a world forever changed.
Streamed on: HBO Max
5. “Lockwood & Co” (2023-)
In this stylish British supernatural series, a ghost epidemic has thrown society into chaos—but only young people have the psychic sensitivity to see and battle these deadly spirits. As a result, teenagers are trained as ghost-hunters, risking their lives every night to keep the living safe.
At the center of the story is Lucy Carlyle (Ruby Stokes), a gifted girl with rare abilities who joins Lockwood & Co., a tiny, independent ghost-hunting agency run by two equally fearless teenage boys. Armed with swords, salt bombs, and sheer nerve, the trio takes on haunted houses and vengeful specters while unraveling darker mysteries beneath the surface.
Lockwood & Co. is an elegant mix of gothic horror and teen adventure—think Ghostbusters meets Wednesday and Enola Holmes. It’s clever, suspenseful, and often delightfully eerie, with a healthy dose of British wit and charm.
And yes, it sounds great too—thanks to a moody, retro soundtrack featuring bands like The Cure and Bauhaus.
Streamed on: Netflix
4. “The Walking Dead” (2010-2022)
When it comes to survival TV, The Walking Dead is a modern classic that’s hard to ignore. Created by Frank Darabont and based on the hit graphic novel series, it ran for an impressive eleven seasons and helped redefine zombie storytelling on television.
The series follows Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a small-town sheriff who wakes from a coma to find the world overrun by the undead. As he dons a cowboy hat and sets out to find his family, Rick is quickly thrown into a brutal new world that resembles a lawless Wild West—except the danger doesn’t just come from the walkers.
What makes The Walking Dead stand out isn’t just the zombies, but the evolving dynamics of human survival: shifting alliances, moral dilemmas, and the slow erosion of what it means to be “civilized.” It’s a gritty, emotional, and often shocking journey through the apocalypse.
Because sometimes, the living are more dangerous than the dead.
Streamed on: Disney+ has all the episodes, but HBO Max, Stream, and Viaplay have all but the last half of season 11.
3. “Lost” (2004-2010)
It’s nearly impossible to discuss survival stories without mentioning this groundbreaking series from J.J. Abrams. Lost kicks off with a plane crash that leaves a group of survivors stranded on a mysterious island, setting the stage for a complex, multi-layered narrative.
With standout performances from Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, and Dominic Monaghan, the show dives deep into the lives of the passengers, exploring their troubled pasts and personal demons. The island itself is full of secrets, from strange creatures lurking in the jungle to a group of enigmatic “Others” who threaten the survivors’ already fragile existence.
Over six seasons, Lost takes viewers on a wild, unpredictable ride full of twists, supernatural elements, and psychological drama. The story constantly evolves, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s a mystery yet to be solved.
If you’ve ever wondered what series paved the way for the flood of high-concept, twist-filled dramas that followed, Lost is a must-watch.
Streamed on: Disney+
2. “The Wilds” (2020-2022)
If Yellowjackets grabbed your attention, The Wilds is another survival drama you’ll want to check out. This series follows a group of teenage girls who, after what seems like a routine camp trip, end up stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash. As they struggle to survive, the show delves into their backstories through flashbacks, revealing how their very different lives shape their behavior in the harsh new reality.
Much like Lost, The Wilds brings together a group of seemingly random individuals who must learn to trust each other to survive. But there’s more than meets the eye—there are deep secrets, hidden agendas, and a parallel reality that complicates things even further. As the second season unfolds, the mysteries surrounding their situation begin to unravel, offering even more unexpected twists.
With strong character development and a sense of tension that builds through every episode, The Wilds keeps you hooked, just as much for its psychological drama as its survival elements.
Streamed on: Prime Video
1. “Yellowjackets” (2021-)
Yellowjackets is a gripping psychological thriller that follows a high school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashes in a remote wilderness. As they fight to survive in this desolate environment, the show masterfully shifts between their harrowing experiences on the island and their complex, darker lives 25 years later.
The women’s reluctance to discuss what happened during their time stranded is central to the story, revealing deeply buried secrets that continue to haunt them. Flashbacks to their brutal struggle for survival tease elements of the supernatural, and even suggest the possibility of cannibalism.
With standout performances from Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, and Juliette Lewis, Yellowjackets evokes a modern twist on Lord of the Flies, only this time, the descent into savagery is seen through the eyes of teenage girls. As the mystery unravels, you’ll find yourself hooked on the dark secrets of their past—and how they’re still affecting them today.
Created by Narcos producers Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Yellowjackets is a must-watch for fans of tense, character-driven dramas.
Streamed on: SkyShowtime
