10 Shows and Movies Like ‘Station Eleven’ (2021)

Description: This series, like 'Station Eleven', follows a small community surviving after a catastrophic event (in this case, nuclear attacks on major US cities). Both focus on how ordinary people become leaders in crisis, the importance of community, and the struggle to maintain hope. 'Jericho' has more political intrigue but similar small-town dynamics.

Fact: Cancelled after one season but revived for a second due to fan campaigns sending tons of nuts to CBS. The town of Jericho is based on real survivalist theories. One of the first shows to be saved by online fan activism.

Description: Like 'Station Eleven', 'Sweet Tooth' is set after a global pandemic and follows a traveling group of survivors. Both blend darkness with whimsy, and explore themes of hope, found family, and the importance of stories. 'Sweet Tooth' has more fantasy elements with its hybrid children, but shares 'Station Eleven's' bittersweet tone.

Fact: Based on Jeff Lemire's comic book series. The production built over 60 practical hybrid prosthetics. Executive produced by Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan.

Description: Similar to 'Station Eleven', 'The Walking Dead' portrays a post-apocalyptic world where survivors must navigate the collapse of civilization. Both emphasize human relationships and the struggle to maintain humanity in dire circumstances. However, 'The Walking Dead' has more action and horror elements compared to 'Station Eleven's' more contemplative tone.

Fact: One of the most expensive TV pilots ever made at the time. The walker sounds are created by rubbing raw meat on a leather couch. The comic book series it's based on ran for 193 issues.

Description: While an alternate history rather than post-apocalyptic, this series shares with 'Station Eleven' themes of resistance, the power of art and literature (here, forbidden films), and characters navigating a world radically different from our own. Both shows explore how people find meaning and hope under oppressive circumstances.

Fact: Based on Philip K. Dick's 1962 novel. Features authentic period details from both American and Axis cultures. The opening credits sequence won an Emmy for its haunting rendition of 'Edelweiss'.

Description: Stephen King's post-apocalyptic tale shares with 'Station Eleven' the premise of a deadly pandemic (Captain Trips flu) and its aftermath. Both explore how survivors regroup and the battle between rebuilding civilization versus descending into chaos. 'The Stand' has more supernatural elements but similar themes of good vs. evil in a devastated world.

Fact: Originally published in 1978, then re-released in 1990 with restored content. The miniseries features an alternate ending different from the book. Whoopi Goldberg was cast as Mother Abagail after personally requesting the role.

Description: Like 'Station Eleven', 'Black Mirror' explores how technology and societal changes affect human relationships and identity. While more technologically focused, many episodes share 'Station Eleven's' contemplative tone and interest in how people adapt to radically changed circumstances. Both are anthology series with self-contained stories.

Fact: Creator Charlie Brooker originally envisioned the show as 'The Twilight Zone' for the digital age. The 'San Junipero' episode won two Emmys. The show's title refers to the black screens of our devices when turned off.

Description: This series shares with 'Station Eleven' the premise of survivors returning to Earth after a global catastrophe (in this case, nuclear war). Both explore themes of civilization rebuilding, moral dilemmas in survival situations, and the tension between hope and pragmatism. 'The 100' is more action-oriented but similarly examines how societies reform.

Fact: Based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The Grounder language was fully developed by a linguist. Originally developed as a potential 'Hunger Games' TV spin-off.

Description: Like 'Station Eleven', 'The Leftovers' explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event (the sudden disappearance of 2% of the world's population) and focuses on how survivors cope with loss and rebuild their lives. Both series delve deeply into themes of grief, resilience, and the search for meaning in a changed world. The storytelling is character-driven, with a mix of melancholy and hope.

Fact: Based on Tom Perrotta's novel of the same name. Features an iconic score by Max Richter. The show's mysterious premise was inspired by the Rapture in Christian theology.

Description: Both 'The Last of Us' and 'Station Eleven' feature a world devastated by a pandemic, focusing on the bonds between survivors years after the initial catastrophe. They share themes of found family, the importance of art and culture in survival, and the moral complexities of post-apocalyptic life. The storytelling in both is emotionally rich and character-focused.

Fact: First TV adaptation of a video game to win major Emmy awards. The fungal infection is based on real cordyceps fungi that control insects. Episode 3 ('Long, Long Time') became a cultural phenomenon for its standalone love story.

Description: While set in a dystopian rather than post-apocalyptic world, 'The Handmaid's Tale' shares with 'Station Eleven' a focus on how societies reorganize after collapse, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of storytelling and memory. Both shows use flashbacks extensively to contrast past and present.

Fact: Margaret Atwood cameoed as one of the aunts in Season The red Handmaid costumes are inspired by 17th century Puritan dress. Many scenes use Dutch angles to create unease.