Top 10 Shows Similar to To The Lake

Article Overview

"To the Lake" is a post-apocalyptic Netflix show that focuses on the collapse of society after a deadly virus infects Moscow.

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"To the Lake" delves into the disintegration of societal norms and the diverse responses of individuals and communities in the face of a collapsing civilization. Reminiscent of other post-apocalyptic series, this show is both intellectually stimulating and gripping, offering a captivating portrayal of human reactions to unimaginable catastrophes.

To the Lake is a Netflix show set in a post-apocalyptic world, and there are many other series with similar themes of societies crumbling and global catastrophes. Originally aired in 2019 on the Russian channel Premier, To the Lake was later acquired by Netflix and released in October 2020. Season 1 of To the Lake is based on the novel Vongozero by Yana Vagner, and it follows the story of the residents of Moscow who are faced with a deadly virus. As the virus spreads, Moscow is placed under quarantine, causing chaos and leading Sergey (Kirill Käro), along with his lover Anna (Viktoriya Isakova), his ex-wife Irina (Maryana Spivak), his father Boris (Yuri Kuznetsov), and their family and friends, to flee the city.

Amidst the world's power struggles, Sergey's refuge camp also experiences internal drama. To the Lake has received a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and, although it may have gone unnoticed by many viewers, it is a brilliantly directed series that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Similar to other unsettling post-apocalyptic TV shows, To the Lake demonstrates the collapse of society following a virus, outbreak, or natural disaster. The show's strength lies in its exploration of how groups of people react to the loss of social norms, and other similar series also offer compelling portrayals of human responses to unimaginable disasters.

10. See (2019-2022)

Release Date: November 1, 2019

Cast: Sylvia Hoeks, Hoon Lee, Jason Momoa, David Hewlett, Tamara Tunie, Hera Hilmar, Alfre Woodard, Olivia Cheng, Eden Epstein, Nesta Cooper, Mojean Aria, Dave Bautista, Tom Mison, Archie Madekwe, Christian Camargo, Yadira Guevara-Prip

Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama

Seasons: 3

An Apple TV+ series, See, starring Jason Momoa, depicts a post-apocalyptic world set many centuries ahead. In this future, a deadly disease has eradicated most of humanity and left the surviving population blind. Society has evolved into a hunter-gatherer/medieval civilization, where those who possess sight are seen as both dangers and miracles. Similar to To the Lake, this series showcases the disintegration of normal society, but See takes this concept even further into the future. Although, unlike To the Lake, See's broader scope necessitates a more extensive storyline that at times may progress slowly.

Where To Watch See

9. The Stand (2020)

the stand

The Stand is a 2020 miniseries based on Stephen King's epic novel. Starring James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgård, and Whoopi Goldberg, it portrays the devastating aftermath of a global supervirus that eradicates most of humanity. Divided into two factions - one good and one evil - the survivors navigate treacherous alliances and unexpected betrayals. Although The Stand received mixed reviews, fans of To the Lake will find the complex dynamics of family relationships compelling.

Where To Watch The Stand

8. Jericho (2006-2008)

jericho

Release Date September 20, 2006Cast Lennie JamesGenres DramaSeasons 2

When the show was initially aired on CBS, the cancellation of Jericho after just one season was due to its low ratings. However, the immense support from fans resulted in the series being renewed for an additional seven episodes, before ultimately being canceled for good. The storyline revolves around the residents of Jericho, Kansas, who find themselves among the few surviving settlements following the detonation of nuclear bombs worldwide. With the virtually non-existent U.S. government, the people of Jericho are faced with the arduous task of rebuilding and surviving alongside neighboring towns. Similar to To the Lake, the collapse of trusted government institutions poses one of the most significant challenges for the survivors.

Where To Watch Jericho

7. Under The Dome (2013-2015)

Under the Dome

Release Date: June 24, 2013

Cast: Dean Norris, Alexander Koch, Rachelle Lefevre, Colin Ford, Mike Vogel, Mackenzie Lintz

Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama

Seasons: 3

Under the Dome, based on Stephen King's 2009 novel of the same name, portrays the fictional town of Chester's Mill. One ordinary afternoon, a mysterious and impenetrable glass dome suddenly engulfs the town, isolating its inhabitants from the outside world. For fans of the containment concept seen in Moscow in To the Lake, Under the Dome encompasses an entire series with a similar storyline. Much like King's novel, the escalating tension among the town's residents is captivating and uncomfortably realistic. However, like many of King's works, the ending of the Under the Dome series falls into some of the peculiar tendencies that his endings often exhibit.

Where To Watch Under The Dome

6. Kingdom (2019-2020)

Another series, similar to To the Lake, explores a zombie-themed apocalypse. However, Kingdom stands out by blending a traditional concept with the backdrop of medieval Korea. The outcome is two thrilling seasons, showcasing impressive sword-fighting and captivating court politics. The warring noble families of Korea battle each other amidst the chaos brought by the outbreak. Every aspect, from the intricate costumes to the detailed set design, along with the talented cast, successfully transports viewers to the historical era of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. With its dark humor, breathtaking action scenes, and a gripping storyline, Kingdom presents a refreshing perspective on the post-apocalyptic zombie genre.

Where To Watch Kingdom

5. The Rain (2018-2020)

The Rain

The Rain, a Netflix series released on May 4, 2018, features Alba August, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, and Lukas Løkken in its cast. Spanning three seasons, the show, like To the Lake, revolves around a group of survivors grappling with a viral outbreak. In this Danish series, the deadly virus is spread through rainfall. The main characters are a family who emerge from a bunker six years after the outbreak and embark on a perilous journey across Denmark and Sweden in search of safety and a cure. Along the way, they encounter various human factions and must also contend with the ever-present threat of rain. While The Rain doesn't introduce any groundbreaking elements, it sets itself apart with its exploration of deeper themes such as kindness and empathy in the face of adversity.

Where To Watch The Rain

4. Chernobyl (2019)

Chernobyl

Release Date: June 3, 2019

Cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Jared Harris

Genres: Drama

Seasons: 1

To the Lake, like many post-apocalyptic TV series, provides a powerful critique of modern bureaucracies and their potential to exacerbate chaos and confusion instead of preventing catastrophes. In this regard, To the Lake bears striking similarities to Chernobyl, which vividly portrays the Russian government's response to a natural disaster. The series masterfully captures the atmosphere of quarantine, confusion, and breakdown of communication, reminiscent of the gripping events portrayed in To the Lake. Notably, To the Lake garnered 10 Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series.

Where To Watch Chernobyl

3. Into The Night (2020-2021)

Into the Night

Release Date May 1, 2020Cast Pauline Etienne, Mehmet Kurtulus, Jan BijvoetSeasons 2

In Into the Night, individuals aboard an overnight flight are faced with a deadly phenomenon where exposure to sunlight proves fatal. To evade the sun's lethal rays, they are compelled to remain aboard the aircraft and journey westward. Within this confined space, a blend of personalities, motives, and clandestine truths form the backdrop for this gripping and suspenseful Belgian Netflix series. Transitioning into its second season, the storyline relocates to an subterranean bunker, introducing an entirely new set of regulations that the plane's occupants must adapt to. Despite this change in environment, Into the Night continues to captivate as a remarkable and harrowing thriller, appealing to fans of To the Lake who appreciate the anxiety-inducing nature of the show.

Where To Watch Into The Night

2. The Last Of Us (2023-Present)

The Last Of Us

Release Date January 15, 2023Cast Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Anna Torv, Merle Dandridge, Nick Offerman, Jeffrey PierceGenres Drama, Horror, AdventureSeasons 1

The Last of Us, based on the video game series of the same name, tells the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler assigned with the task of transporting Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the United States. Set two decades after a Cordyceps outbreak transforms most of the Earth's population into cannibalistic creatures called the Infected, the series, created by Chernobyl's Craig Mazin, delves into a world where the U.S. government maintains loose control, similar to Moscow in To the Lake. In this Emmy-nominated series, the danger posed by the surviving humans is even more horrifying than that posed by the Infected, with the intricate political dynamics driving the narrative.

Where To Watch The Last Of Us

1. Station Eleven (2021-2022)

Station Eleven

Release Date December 16, 2021Cast Mackenzie Davis, Himesh PatelGenres DramaSeasons 1

Station Eleven made its debut on HBO during the COVID-19 pandemic, which added to its relevance. With a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this miniseries is an adaptation of Emily St. John Mandel's novel of the same name. It takes place two decades after a devastating flu pandemic has ravaged civilization, leaving behind a primitive, yet strikingly believable society. Through the perspective of a wandering group of performers, Station Eleven offers profound insights and a plethora of thought-provoking concepts that will linger long after the final episode. Fans of To the Lake will undoubtedly cherish this exceptionally gratifying and all-encompassing post-apocalyptic series.

Where To Watch Station Eleven

Editor's P/S

To The Lake is a captivating post-apocalyptic series that delves into the disintegration of societal norms and the diverse responses of individuals and communities in the face of a collapsing civilization. It brilliantly portrays the collapse of society following a virus outbreak and explores how groups of people react to the loss of social norms.

The show's strength lies in its exploration of how groups of people react to the loss of social norms, and other similar series also offer compelling portrayals of human responses to unimaginable disasters. Some other shows with similar themes include See, The Stand, and Jericho. See depicts a post-apocalyptic world set many centuries ahead, where a deadly disease has eradicated most of humanity and left the surviving population blind. The Stand is based on Stephen King's epic novel and portrays the devastating aftermath of a global supervirus that eradicates most of humanity. Jericho revolves around the residents of Jericho, Kansas, who find themselves among the few surviving settlements following the detonation of nuclear bombs worldwide.