Although zombies have been shambling across our screens for decades, with shows like The Walking Dead and The Last of Us dominating the conversation in recent times, there’s a whole world of storytelling in the genre that often gets overlooked. Some series are short-lived. Others are bold experiments, taking risks mainstream audiences weren’t ready for, and bigger productions didn’t dare. If you’re lucky, you’ll find that a few of those even blend horror with humor, heart, and biting social commentary in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
In this list, we’re shining a light on the most underrated zombie series that deserve a second look. So whether you’re in the mood for love, absurdity, chilling tension, or stories that tug at the heart, these shows prove that the zombie genre is bigger, stranger, and far more creative than the usual post-apocalyptic fare. Grab your popcorn — or your weapon of choice — and prepare to discover the zombie TV you might have missed.
8
‘Z Nation’ (2014–2018)
The zombie apocalypse genre can often feel overcrowded with serious business series. Still, Z Nation, which is now officially free to watch on YouTube, is a refreshing and hilarious breath of fresh air, though it remains one of the most overlooked zombie series out there. The show is set three years after a virus devastates America, following a ragtag group of survivors embarking on a cross-country mission to deliver the only known person immune to zombie bites to a lab in California to develop a cure.
Z Nation might not be the most underrated of all, but when you compare it with giants like The Walking Dead, it’s clear that the SyFy series flew under many radars despite delivering an engaging blend of gore, comedy, and heart. Compared to heavy hitters, the 2014 show stands out because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead, this cult favorite throws in wild and outrageous scenarios that keep audiences guessing and entertained.
7
‘Santa Clarita Diet’ (2017–2019)
Starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant in the lead roles, Santa Clarita Diet is a fun Netflix original series that blends horror and comedy in a quirky suburban setting. The story unfolds as follows: the lives of a married couple working as real estate agents in sunny Santa Clarita take a wild and grisly turn when Sheila undergoes a dramatic transformation: she dies… but then she comes back.
For those who appreciate the genre’s gross-out gore, Santa Clarita Diet is a solid pick. Despite mixed reviews, the 2017 show features amazing lead chemistry and entertaining dynamics between the two: Sheila’s undead life comes with perks — such as off-the-charts libido — and Joel tries to keep their moral compass intact while covering up her carnage.
6
‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)
Fans of acclaimed international television series have likely already heard of Kingdom, a gripping South Korean zombie series that seamlessly blends historical drama with political intrigue and horror. First premiering on Netflix in 2019 as the platform’s first original Korean series, the show centers around Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon), who finds himself navigating a deadly mystery when his father, the King, falls ill with a strange, rapidly spreading disease later revealed to be a zombie plague.
Part of what makes Kingdom such a compelling entry in the genre is the way it’s set against lush period details, something rarely seen in zombie shows. It’s visually striking, atmospheric, and anchored by great choreography that fully immerses audiences in a world where the living are just as dangerous as the dead. It’s truly no wonder that it has received positive reviews for its originality and strong production. Nevertheless, it remains somewhat under the radar compared to big Western productions.
5
‘Black Summer’ (2019–2021)
Z Nation’s spin-off, Black Summer, strips down to the bare bones of survival horror, offering a starkly different and more serious perspective on the outbreak. The story follows Jaie King’s Rose, a mother separated from her daughter amid the chaos, as she joins a small group of desperate survivors.
Despite minimal dialogue, Black Summer entertains with its strong focus on the raw physical and emotional struggle to stay alive. Its tension and gritty realism make it a must-watch in the genre, though it may fall short of expectations for those who decide to watch it for character-driven drama and development. That said, anyone who loves the raw and unpolished aspects of zombie series will likely enjoy this pulse-pounding experience, one that remains more of a niche project rather than a beloved mainstream series.
4
‘Zomboat!’ (2019)
This British horror-comedy series transports viewers to Birmingham, England, and follows sisters Kat (Leah Brotherhead) and Jo (Cara Theobold), along with their unlikely companions Sunny (Hamza Jeetooa) and Amar (Ryan McKen), as they attempt to escape the zombie outbreak by navigating a cramped canal boat along the Grand Union Canal.
Zomboat! is the perfect pick for those short on time who want an easy-to-binge zombie comedy without the heavy commitment of long seasons. With only six episodes, the series delivers both zombie horror, offbeat humor, and character-driven comedy as it illustrates the everyday struggles of life even in the midst of an apocalypse. Add in its slapstick comedy and engaging banter, and you’ve got a fun take on the genre that doesn’t take itself too seriously; perfect if you enjoy Z Nation’s absurdity but want something shorter and snappier.
3
‘In the Flesh’ (2013–2014)
In the Flesh is another truly original entry in the zombie apocalypse, exploring a whole different direction that feels more emotional, intimate, empathetic, and thought-provoking than most. At its core, the series meditates on what happens after the apocalypse as society begins to reintegrate “Partially Deceased Syndrome” sufferers back into everyday life.
If you think zombie shows can’t be moving or provide food for thought, In the Flesh will prove you wrong. More than just a story about the dead, it’s a touching drama about loss, love, and identity. The result? Why, of course, a hauntingly atmospheric — even if overlooked by mainstream audiences — small-town watch that remains one of the most unique approaches to the zombie genre. Critics lauded it for its creativity and resonance, and it naturally went on to win multiple awards, including one BAFTA for Best Miniseries.
2
‘Helix’ (2014–2015)
Delving into a world of viral research gone wrong, the claustrophobic Helix is set in a remote Arctic research facility following a team of CDC scientists investigating a mysterious infection that turns people into zombie-like hosts. What unfolds is a twist-heavy thriller, equal parts outbreak drama, survival horror, and ethical dilemma.
The two-season Syfy series slipped under the radar, but for those who stumbled upon it, it was a frozen little gem. Helix was overlooked because it came out at a time when The Walking Dead had a grip on mainstream zombie discourse. Most casual viewers never even heard of it, and those who did often dismissed it as just another experiment. At its core, though, the show is about what happens when science, greed, and human ambition collide in the most dangerous of settings. It’s unpredictable, eerie, and certainly bingeable, so if you want something different from the usual post-apocalyptic dystopias, this one’s worth checking out.
1
‘Dead Set’ (2008)
Image via E4
Now, if you’re drawn to wickedly original premises, this one’s worth a look, too: the story centers on a zombie apocalypse that erupts on the set of Big Brother. Directed by Charlie Brooker before Black Mirror — easily one of the most exciting shows of the 21st century— the story kicks off when a mysterious infection begins turning the general public into the dead. While the contestants of a reality TV show remain blissfully unaware at first, what follows is chaos, blood, and biting commentary on celebrity culture and media obsession.
Dead Set might very well be the most exciting and original zombie shows out there, despite the fact that it somehow slipped under the radar for many zombie fans outside the UK. While timing and format did play a role (a 5-episode miniseries doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, especially alongside other zombie epics), it’s a hidden gem in the wide zombie canon, with those who give it a shot usually ending up raving about its originality. Ultimately, Dead Set is proof that the zombie genre doesn’t always need a sprawling post-apocalyptic landscape or even endless seasons to be brilliant; it’s the sharp satire and surprising heartfelt moments that make it a must-watch.
