A horror series described by fans as 'genuinely scary and disconcerting' is currently gripping audiences on Netflix in the UK. The show, Black Summer, first premiered in 2019 and ran for two seasons, totalling just 16 episodes.
A Relentless Fight for Survival
Set during a rapid zombie apocalypse, the narrative centres on a group of strangers forced to band together. The primary focus is on Rose, played by Jaime King, a mother desperately trying to reunite with her daughter, Anna (Zoe Marlett), after being separated in the outbreak's chaotic early days. Created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams, the series serves as a spin-off to the Syfy channel's Z Nation, which aired from 2014 to 2018.
Fans of franchises like The Walking Dead and 28 Days Later will find familiar ground, but Black Summer has been labelled by some as the 'darkest zombie programme' they have seen. One reviewer noted the distinct lack of traditional 'good guys', highlighting the show's raw portrayal of human survival instincts where characters operate 'at any cost'.
Polarising Reviews from Critics and Viewers
Upon its release, the series received a mixed reception. On one hand, many viewers were instantly captivated. Praise was lavished on the acting, directing, and cinematography, with one fan stating they were 'gripped from start to end' by the cleverly shot, real-time feel of the episodes.
However, not all feedback was positive. Some critics on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes found the pacing lacking, with one commenting that despite the action, the show 'somehow managed to be boring'. Another dismissed it as a 'slow and boring mess', despite the threat of fast-moving zombies.
Where to Watch the Apocalypse
The critical and audience scores reflect this divide. Black Summer holds an 85% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but a more modest 62% score from general viewers. For those eager to form their own opinion on this intense survival drama, all episodes are available to stream now on Netflix in the UK.
