5.6 / 10 (based on 2663 reviews)
A zombie apocalypse that imprisons participants and producers of a reality show called Olimpo, The House of the Gods. The studio becomes a shelter for those who seek salvation in Rio de Janeiro where chaos and hopelessness begin to rule.
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Main Cast: Ravel Andrade, Harley Yeager, Carla Ribas, Ana Hartmann
Creators: Tatiana Bacal, Rodrigo Monte, Eduardo Simeão
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1 season, 10 episodes, 30-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Reality Z (2020)
Black Summer (2019)
6.6 / 10 (based on 31667 reviews)
In the dark, early days of a zombie apocalypse, complete strangers band together to find the strength they need to survive and get back to loved ones.
Genre: Action, Drama, Horror, Thriller
Main Cast: Jaime King, Justin Chu Cary, Christine Lee, Zoe Marlett
Creators: John Hyams, Karl Schaefer
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2 seasons, 16 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
To the Lake (2019)
7.2 / 10 (based on 13809 reviews)
A terrible plague strikes and a group decides to risk their lives. Humanity struggles to survive as they face the end of their civilization.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Kirill Käro, Maryana Spivak, Aleksandr Robak, Natalya Zemtsova
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2 seasons, 9 episodes
Z Nation (2014)
6.7 / 10 (based on 37617 reviews)
Three years after the zombie virus has gutted the United States of America a team of everyday heroes must transport the only known survivor of the plague from New York to California, where the last functioning viral lab waits for his blood.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Russell Hodgkinson, Nat Zang, Keith Allan, Kellita Smith
Creators: Craig Engler, Karl Schaefer
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5 seasons, 68 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Into the Night (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 33620 reviews)
When radiation from the sun causes a global disaster on Earth, survivors on an overnight flight from Brussels race from city to city trying to stay ahead of the sun’s rays by remaining in the cover of night.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Pauline Etienne, Laurent Capelluto, Mehmet Kurtulus, Babetida Sadjo
Creators: Jason George
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2 seasons, 12 episodes
Curon (2020)
5.9 / 10 (based on 4325 reviews)
A woman returns to her childhood home in northern Italy, which triggers terrifying hauntings.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Luca Lionello, Federico Russo, Margherita Morchio, Anna Ferzetti
Creators: Ezio Abbate, Ivano Fachin, Giovanni Galassi
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1 season, 7 episodes
Boca a Boca (2020)
6.3 / 10 (based on 837 reviews)
In a Brazilian cattle-ranching town, adolescents panic when they’re threatened by the outbreak of a contagious infection transmitted by kissing.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Caio Horowicz, Iza Moreira, Michel Joelsas, Denise Fraga
Creators: Esmir Filho
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1 season, 6 episodes
Bloodride (2020)
6.4 / 10 (based on 3984 reviews)
In this deliciously macabre horror anthology series, doomed passengers tell their stories aboard a spectral bus headed toward an unknown destination.
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Ine Marie Wilmann, Nader Khademi, Dagny Backer Johnsen, Stig R. Amdam
Creators: Kjetil Indregard, Atle Knudsen
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1 season, 6 episodes
Sweet Home (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 23921 reviews)
Hyun, a loner high school student who lost his entire family in a terrible accident, is forced to leave his home and has to face a new reality where monsters are trying to wipe out all of humanity. Now he must fight against all odds to try and race against the clock to save what is left of the human race before it’s too late.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
Main Cast: Song Kang, Lee Jin-Wook, Lee Si-young, Lee Do-Hyun
Creators:
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1 season, 10 episodes, 52.0-minute runtime
Super Drags (2018)
5.5 / 10 (based on 1836 reviews)
Three gay co-workers at a department store lead double lives as superhero drag queens, fighting crime and other forces like an evil drag queen and a conservative politician.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Willam Belli, Guilherme Briggs, Sérgio Cantú, Dany David
Creators: Paulo Lescaut, Anderson Mahanski, Fernando Mendonça
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1 season, 5 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
In a world oversaturated with zombie-themed entertainment, from movies to TV shows and video games, it’s tough for any new entry to carve out its niche. Yet, in 2020, a Brazilian show called “Reality Z” dared to tread these familiar waters with a unique twist. This series combines the relentless horror of a zombie apocalypse with the voyeuristic pleasure of a reality TV show. Let’s get into why “Reality Z” is worth your time, without any unnecessary fluff or fancy words.
The Premise
At its core, “Reality Z” is an adaptation of the British television series “Dead Set,” created by Charlie Brooker. The premise is intriguing: during the filming of a reality show (similar to “Big Brother”), a zombie apocalypse breaks out in Rio de Janeiro. The contestants, initially oblivious to the chaos unfolding outside, soon find themselves facing the harsh reality of survival, not just against the undead but also against each other.
Characters and Dynamics
One of the series’ strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters. From the ambitious TV producer to the naive contestants, each character brings a unique flavor to the story. Their backgrounds and motivations are fleshed out as the series progresses, offering viewers a mix of personalities to root for (or despise).
The dynamics within the reality show house add an extra layer of tension. As the safe haven slowly turns into a pressure cooker, alliances form, and betrayals ensue. This psychological aspect, combined with the external threat of zombies, makes for a compelling watch.
Zombies with a Brazilian Twist
While the concept of a zombie apocalypse is far from new, “Reality Z” infuses it with local Brazilian culture and issues, setting it apart from its peers. The show doesn’t shy away from commenting on societal issues, such as class disparity and corruption, making the narrative resonate with Brazilian viewers while offering international audiences a fresh perspective.
Moreover, the depiction of zombies and the outbreak’s handling feel grounded in the show’s setting. The chaos in the streets of Rio, the government’s response, and the people’s reaction all contribute to a sense of realism amidst the horror.
Reality TV Satire
At its heart, “Reality Z” is also a biting satire of reality TV culture. The show critiques the genre’s manipulation, the audience’s voyeuristic tendencies, and the participants’ often desperate quest for fame. This satirical layer adds depth to the series, encouraging viewers to reflect on their consumption of reality TV.
Production Values and Special Effects
For a show that hinges heavily on the horror and action genres, “Reality Z” doesn’t disappoint in the production department. The special effects, particularly the makeup for the zombies, are impressively executed, contributing to the overall eerie atmosphere. The series also makes good use of its setting, with the reality show house providing a claustrophobic backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Reception and Impact
“Reality Z” received a mixed to positive reception from both critics and audiences. Viewers praised its innovative blend of genres and its commentary on Brazilian society and reality TV. However, some criticized it for pacing issues and a few underdeveloped characters.
Despite these criticisms, “Reality Z” has contributed to the growing global interest in Brazilian television. It showcases the country’s ability to produce high-quality genre content that can appeal to an international audience.
Why “Reality Z” Stands Out
In an era where zombie shows seem to follow a predictable formula, “Reality Z” stands out for several reasons:
- Unique Premise: The combination of a zombie apocalypse with a reality TV setting offers a fresh take on the genre.
- Cultural Relevance: The show’s Brazilian backdrop and commentary on societal issues add depth and authenticity.
- Satirical Edge: Its critique of reality TV culture is both sharp and entertaining.
- Character Dynamics: The diverse cast and their evolving relationships keep viewers engaged.
Conclusion
“Reality Z” is more than just another entry in the crowded zombie genre. It’s a smart, satirical, and sometimes horrifying look at humanity through the lens of a reality TV-fueled apocalypse. While it might not reinvent the wheel, it certainly adds some interesting spokes to it.
Whether you’re a fan of horror, a reality TV junkie, or simply in search of something different, “Reality Z” offers a compelling reason to tune in. Its unique premise, coupled with a critical look at society and media, makes it a standout show that deserves more attention than it’s gotten.
In a landscape where originality can often seem scarce, “Reality Z” proves that there are still new stories to be told, even in well-trodden genres. So, if you’re looking for something to watch that’s off the beaten path, give “Reality Z” a shot. It might just surprise you with its depth, humor, and horror, all wrapped up in a distinctly Brazilian package.