Saagar Kote
Created by Steven Kane and Hank Steinberg, ‘The Last Ship’ is a TNT action drama series partly based on the eponymous novel by William Brinkley. The story begins aboard the USS Nathan James, a US Navy destroyer on a mission in the Arctic under the command of Captain Tom Chandler (Eric Dane). Accompanying the crew is scientist Dr. Rachel Scott (Rhona Mitra), who is conducting what appears to be a research expedition. The crew soon learns that a deadly virus has spread across the globe and wiped out more than 80 percent of the world’s population.
Because the Nathan James was away from the outbreak, its crew remains unaffected and suddenly becomes one of humanity’s last hopes. Believing the safest place to develop a cure is at sea, Chandler and his crew set out to protect Rachel and help her create a vaccine while facing enemies who will do anything to gain control of the cure. This list features shows similar to ‘The Last Ship’ that explore world-ending scenarios, mysterious occurrences, spreading dangers, human insecurities and more in intricate ways.
12. The Stand (2020-2021)
‘The Stand’ unfolds after a deadly strain of influenza escapes from a military biological research facility, triggering a global pandemic that wipes out most of the world’s population. In the aftermath of the catastrophe, the surviving few begin to experience mysterious visions that draw them toward one of two opposing figures. Some are guided by the elderly and compassionate Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg), while others are pulled toward the sinister and powerful Randall Flagg (Alexander Skarsgård), also known as the Dark Man.
Civilization collapses, and survivors gather on opposing sides, and a struggle between good and evil begins to take shape, leading humanity toward a final confrontation that will determine the future. Josh Boone and Benjamin Cavell are at the creative helm of this post-apocalyptic fantasy series based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. While ‘The Last Ship’ is primarily about survival and science in the face of an overwhelming catastrophe, ‘The Stand’ examines a similar situation while also offering deeper insights into perceptions of good and evil in a complex environment.
11. Between (2015-2016)
‘Between’ is a sci-fi drama series set in the small town of Pretty Lake, where a mysterious disease suddenly kills everyone aged 22 and older. The outbreak leaves the town’s younger residents to survive on their own, with no adults left to guide them or maintain order. Among the survivors is Wiley Day (Jennette McCurdy), a pregnant teenager navigating an increasingly uncertain world. The crisis deepens when the government places the entire area under quarantine, forcing the inhabitants to fend for themselves.
As fear, isolation, and limited resources begin to take their toll, the young survivors struggle to establish order amid growing tensions and competing interests. The Michael McGowan creation, akin to ‘The Last Ship,’ is a commentary on how human nature evolves under duress and how a group of people fights against puzzling odds in a situation beyond their control. The themes of survival and the continuation of civilization haunt the characters of the two shows in unexpected ways.
10. Snowpiercer (2020-2024)
‘Snowpiercer’ takes place in a future where a global catastrophe has frozen the Earth, making it uninhabitable. Seven years after the disaster, the last survivors of humanity live aboard Snowpiercer, a massive self-sustaining train that continuously circles the planet to keep its passengers alive. Life aboard the train is strictly divided by class, creating deep social tensions and constant struggles over power and resources. Amid this fragile system, Head of Hospitality Melanie Cavil (Jennifer Connelly) turns to Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs), a former homicide detective, to investigate a series of murders that threaten the already unstable order.
The investigation reveals long-standing divisions and hidden conflicts, putting the future of the train’s society at risk. Josh Friedman and Graeme Manson steer this dystopian thriller series based on the eponymous film by Bong Joon-ho and the French graphic novel ‘Le Transperceneige.’ The show, through the vivid experiences of its characters on the train, captures the sense of isolation, helplessness, and uncertainty the ship’s crew faces as they confront a life-or-death situation in ‘The Last Ship.’
9. The Last of Us (2023-)
Based on the eponymous video game franchise, ‘The Last of Us’ is set in a world devastated by a fungal infection that transforms humans into violent, zombie-like creatures. Shaped by the ideas of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the post-apocalyptic drama series follows Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), across a ruined America. The mission becomes increasingly important after it is revealed that Ellie may hold the key to humanity’s survival.
When they travel through a dangerous landscape shaped by infection, violence, and societal collapse, Joel and Ellie develop a complicated and deeply personal bond. Their journey forces them to confront painful sacrifices as they navigate a world where survival often comes at a devastating cost. The apocalyptic themes and the show’s haunting character dynamics are represented in the world of ‘The Last Ship.’ The shows are also connected by their commentary on the role of choice in determining humanity’s future.
8. Helix (2014-2015)
Created by Cameron Porsandeh, ‘Helix’ is the tale of a team of researchers from the CDC who travel to an Arctic bioresearch facility to investigate a deadly viral outbreak. Led by Dr. Alan Farragut (Billy Campbell) and Dr. Sarah Jordan (Jordan Hayes), the team soon discovers that the situation is far more dangerous than they initially believed. The researchers uncover evidence of unauthorized genetic engineering experiments conducted by the corporation operating the facility. Their efforts to contain the outbreak are complicated by internal conflicts, failed quarantine measures, and the sudden loss of communication with the outside world.
With the virus spreading and its true implications becoming clearer, the team finds itself trapped in a fight for survival while trying to prevent a catastrophe that could threaten civilization itself. The sci-fi horror drama series, akin to ‘The Last Ship,’ explores deadly stakes, unexpected threats, uncertain characters, and the morally complex choices that shape people’s destinies. Along with these dark themes, the visual elements also connect the shows on a deeper level.
7. Containment (2016)
In ‘Containment,’ an area in Atlanta faces the aftermath of a deadly epidemic that suddenly breaks out. In an attempt to stop the spread of the disease, authorities place the affected zone under strict quarantine, trapping thousands of people inside while officials race to find a cure. The crisis becomes deeply personal for police officer Lex Carnahan (David Gyasi), who must maintain order while his girlfriend and best friend are marooned inside the cordoned area. Amidst the chaos, several individuals fight for survival, including a pregnant teenager named Teresa and CDC researcher Dr. Victor Cannerts (George Young).
Things take a turn when journalist Leo (Trevor St. John) begins investigating a possible conspiracy, raising questions about the true nature of the outbreak and the response to it. Julie Plec is at the creative helm of this drama series based on the Belgian series ‘Cordon.’ Much like ‘The Last Ship,’ the narrative of ‘Containment’ delves into the breakdown of civil order, escalating threats, a lack of information, the desperate measures humans take when faced with a situation beyond their control or imagination, and unlikely discoveries.
6. The Rain (2018-2020)
‘The Rain’ follows siblings Simone (Alba August) and Rasmus (Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen) as they struggle to survive in a world devastated by a virus that wipes out most of the population in Scandinavia. The two are placed in an underground bunker by their father, a scientist who promises to return but never does. Six years later, the siblings emerge to find civilization in ruins and begin searching for their father, believing he may hold answers about the disaster.
During their journey through Denmark and Sweden, they join a group of young survivors seeking safety and encounter significant challenges. Jannik Tai Mosholt, Esben Toft Jacobsen, and Christian Potalivo are the creative team behind this Danish post-apocalyptic series. On the lines of ‘The Last Ship,’ the show examines a potential global catastrophe through the eyes of survivors who inexplicably become part of a battle much larger than themselves. The shows also explore the thin line between individual desires and the greater good.
5. Jericho (2006-2008)
‘Jericho’ is an action drama series brought to life by Stephen Chbosky, Josh Schaer, and Jonathan E. Steinberg, and explores the aftermath of a devastating nuclear attack. The story begins when the residents of the small town of Jericho, Kansas, witness a mushroom cloud rising on the horizon, leaving them uncertain whether the rest of the country still exists. The town’s social order begins to break down, exposing hidden secrets. Among those trying to restore stability is Jake Green (Skeet Ulrich), who emerges as one of the community’s key figures.
While the citizens of Jericho work to rebuild their town, they become embroiled in a conflict with the neighboring town and grow more suspicious of the outside world. Despite taking place in different settings, ‘The Last Ship’ and ‘Jericho’ are closely connected as they focus on the experiences of a group of people who are trapped in a single location, even as the world beyond their territory seems to be heading towards the end. The characters of the shows seek answers to difficult questions while also facing choices.
4. The Strain (2014-2017)
‘The Strain’ centers on Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the CDC’s Canary Project in NYC, who is called to investigate a commercial airplane that lands with nearly everyone on board dead. What initially appears to be a mysterious viral outbreak soon reveals disturbing similarities to an ancient form of vampirism. When the infection spreads rapidly across the city, Ephraim and his team join forces with a diverse group of survivors to stop the growing threat.
Their fight for survival leads them to uncover a hidden world of ancient evil, political corruption, and a conspiracy that could alter humanity’s future. Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan are the creative team behind this horror drama series, which is based on their eponymous novel trilogy. ‘The Strain’ and ‘The Last Ship’ delve into the process of survival in all its complexities, and examine the larger questions about civilization continuity intricately. In the two shows, the survivors are forced to come to terms with altered systems, rules, and moral standards.
3. Survivors (2008-2010)
With Adrian Hodges holding the reins, ‘Survivors’ is set in the aftermath of a devastating viral pandemic caused by the entity called the European flu. It wipes out most of the world’s population, leaving behind a small number of immune survivors to navigate a world without governments. The British sci-fi series follows a group of ordinary people led by Abby Grant (Julie Graham) as they struggle to survive in this new reality.
Searching for safety, they must also contend with the dangers posed by the collapse of social order. With civilization reduced to scattered communities and constant uncertainty, Abby’s group is forced to rely on one another while confronting the possibility that the virus could mutate and leave no one alive. A deadly virus, a handful of survivors, a new social order, isolated spaces, and a constant sense of dread are common to both ‘The Last Ship’ and ‘Survivors.’
2. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
‘Battlestar Galactica’ takes place in a distant star system and explores a futuristic scenario. The story begins after the human civilization of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol is nearly destroyed in a surprise nuclear attack by the Cylons, a race of machines originally created by humanity. With only around 50,000 survivors remaining, Commander William Adama (Edward James Olmos) and President Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) lead a fleet of civilian ships protected by the aging warship Battlestar Galactica. Pursued relentlessly by the Cylons, the survivors set out in search of the mythical Thirteenth Colony, Earth, even as challenges arise.
Ronald D. Moore and Glen A. Larson are the creators of this engrossing sci-fi drama series, which reimagines their TV show of the same name, and is a part of the eponymous media franchise. While ‘The Last Ship’ examines a potential extinction-level event on Earth and the struggles of the survivors, ‘Battlestar Galactica’ expands the scale and depicts a doomsday-like crisis in a world beyond Earth, equipped with far greater technology and knowledge.
1. Last Resort (2012-2013)
Created by Shawn Ryan and Karl Gajdusek, ‘Last Resort’ is a military drama series that chronicles the trials and tribulations of the crew of the ballistic missile submarine USS Colorado after they receive a controversial order to launch nuclear weapons at Pakistan. When Captain Marcus Chaplin (André Braugher) refuses to carry out the order without proper verification, he is removed from command and replaced by Executive Officer Sam Kendal (Scott Speedman). However, Kendal also questions the order, and the submarine is subsequently attacked by another American vessel. Declared enemies by their own government, the crew escapes to the remote island of Sainte Marina, where they establish a base while attempting to uncover the truth behind the betrayal that led to their downfall.
Struggling to survive and clear their names, they become entangled in a dangerous political and military conspiracy with far-reaching consequences. Much like the crew members of the USS Nathan James in ‘The Last Ship,’ the ones aboard the USS Colorado face a choice that seems beyond their comprehension. The characters in both shows remain uncertain about the realities of the world outside their isolated area of refuge and face tough choices that may be the difference between their extinction and survival.
Read More: Shows Like Lord of the Flies
