Top 10 Terrifying Apocalyptic TV Show Scenarios We Pray Never Come True

Summary

TV shows explore terrifying post-apocalyptic futures, from nuclear devastation to oppressive regimes, allowing us to examine the psychological toll and political consequences.

Silo envisions a dark future where humans reside below the ground, isolated from sunlight and doubting the reliability of the government.

The Handmaid's Tale reflects on past acts of inhumanity, emphasizing the potential descent into a savage civilization and the necessity for virtuous individuals to avert it.

TV shows have depicted various post-apocalyptic futures that, if they were to actually happen, would be incredibly dark for humanity. Whether it's the consequences of climate change, the outbreak of pandemics, or the looming threat of nuclear war, there are numerous apocalyptic scenarios that humanity currently faces. Utilizing TV shows as a medium allows for a comprehensive exploration of the aftermath and consequences of such events. With the extended storytelling nature of TV, writers have the opportunity to delve deep into their post-apocalyptic worlds, analyzing the psychological and political impacts that arise from an apocalyptic event.

While it is intriguing to imagine these scenarios from the comfort of our living rooms, actually experiencing them would be a nightmare. Some post-apocalyptic TV shows portray a world devastated by nuclear destruction, such as The 100, while others involve the intrusion of alien beings, as in Colony. From the desolate underground existence depicted in Silo to the disturbing dystopian society portrayed in The Handmaid's Tale, there is an abundance of terrifying post-apocalyptic futures depicted in TV shows that we hope never become a reality.

10 Silo

9 Station Eleven

Confined to a colossal 144-floor silo buried deep beneath the earth in Silo, a dystopian adaptation of Hugh Howey's Wool series, lies a perplexing and hazardous event that has encapsulated 10,000 individuals. A dreary destiny for humanity unfolds as these inhabitants dwell in subterranean darkness, bereft of the touch of sunlight. However, this is not the end of their plight. The governing body that oversees the silo is shrouded in mistrust, leaving the denizens in a state of uncertainty and disbelief. Similar questionable figures exist amongst the contemporary surface society of our beloved Earth, yet the individuals on the surface, at least, possess the freedom to venture outdoors and bask in the aroma of blossoming flowers.

In Station Eleven, the setting is a world devastated by a flu pandemic, with civilization completely destroyed. Initially, the post-apocalyptic landscape appears nostalgic and uncomplicated, where a group of traveling performers strives to preserve the arts in the absence of a structured society. However, the narrative takes an alarming twist when these performers come across a malevolent cult led by a wicked antagonist who has connections to the troupe's past. While it is heartening to imagine that even in a post-apocalyptic scenario, humanity still finds solace in entertainment and storytelling, it is disconcerting to confront the challenges posed by a merciless cult.

8 Twisted Metal

7 The Handmaid's Tale

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7 The Handmaid's Tale

Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland teeming with merciless raiders and lethal vehicles, Twisted Metal derives its inspiration from the eponymous video game franchise. Staying true to the Mad Max tradition, this desolate landscape harbors danger at every turn. One pressing fear related to the potential collapse of society is the disintegration of law and order, giving rise to sadistic individuals who thrive in lawlessness. Twisted Metal fully embraces this concept, immersing players in a grim world populated by remorseless assassins.

In the Republic of Gilead, depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale, women are marginalized and suppressed, prohibited from acquiring literacy skills, and compelled to subject themselves to the desires of men. What makes The Handmaid’s Tale truly unsettling is the fact that Margaret Atwood did not introduce any element in this unsettling dystopia that hasn't already occurred at some point in human history. The regression to a primitive state where witch trials and humans being treated as possessions were commonplace is not entirely implausible, but, hopefully, the presence of enough compassionate individuals in the world will prevent such a regression.

6 Snowpiercer

Based on the Bong Joon-ho film "Snowpiercer," the storyline unfolds in a future era consumed by an ice age that has decimated the majority of humanity, rendering the world inhospitable. In this bleak reality, the survivors find themselves confined to a perpetually moving train. Spending each and every day within the confines of a train would undoubtedly result in a monotonous existence. "Snowpiercer" cleverly utilizes the train's class system as a metaphor for the societal class hierarchy. While the affluent individuals who can afford to reside in the opulent compartments may not have it too bad, the lower-class passengers are forced to sleep stacked upon one another and rely on mashed-up insects for sustenance.

5 Black Mirror (Metalhead)

Black Mirror has depicted various apocalyptic scenarios for humanity's future. However, in season 4, episode 5, titled "Metalhead," the show presents us with the most disturbing one yet. This particular episode revolves around a straightforward survival horror tale, where a pack of lethal robotic dogs is the cause of societal collapse. The survivors are constantly haunted by these robotic dogs, which take inspiration from the robots developed by Boston Dynamics. Once these dogs set their sights on a target, they will go to any lengths necessary to eliminate it. Being attacked by one of these robotic dogs, with shrapnel spraying and a ruthless head stab, ranks among the most horrific ways to meet one's end.

4 Westworld

3 The 100

Initially, Westworld appears to be an exhilarating destination within a futuristic society. For a sufficient fee, holidaymakers can immerse themselves in the Old West, located in a town thriving with incredibly authentic androids. Nevertheless, the HBO series gradually unveils a disconcerting aspect of the world beyond this Western-themed amusement park. Resembling Jean-Luc Godard's Alphaville, the Westworld universe enforces the dominance of a formidable artificial intelligence, manipulating the lives of its inhabitants. In terms of post-apocalyptic futures depicted on television, this portrayal stands out as one of the most chillingly realistic ones, instilling fear in its viewers.

Set in a bleak future where humanity has evacuated Earth after a nuclear catastrophe, The 100 is a TV adaptation of Kass Morgan's Y.A. book series. The series kicks off with a group of teenage delinquents being exiled from their space habitat and thrust back into the post-apocalyptic wasteland that was once their home. This show is defined by its unforgiving environment, where danger lurks around every corner and the fate of any character hangs by a thread. As a result, the heartbreaking loss of beloved characters becomes an unfortunate reality in this cutthroat world.

2 Fringe

Fringe delved into parallel universes well before the trend of multiverses took hold. The show envisions a grim future where Earth succumbs to the domination of the "Observers," an advanced group of humans from one of the numerous potential futures of humankind. Utilizing their futuristic technology, the Observers traversed through time and space, existing outside the constraints of time itself, thereby rendering them exceedingly formidable to overcome. This storyline serves as a timely reminder that humanity represents its own greatest adversary. If humans meet their demise in a future apocalypse, it is highly likely that they will be the architects of their own downfall.

1 Colony

The invasion of alien forces in Colony results in the establishment of a new world order. Under the oppressive control of a totalitarian military regime, ordinary citizens are subjected to the whims of the alien invaders. What makes this situation even worse is that the authoritarian government not only disregards human needs but also serves the interests of a robotic alien race. These aliens have come to Earth with the intention of exploiting humans as soldiers for their own battles. Colony's depiction of alien invaders serves as a potent metaphor for the German occupation of France, highlighting the importance of preventing a repeat of such a dark chapter in history.