Z Nation

:

Season 1
  • Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 12, 2014
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 232 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 141 out of 232
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 232
  3. Negative: 56 out of 232
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  1. Knobel-One
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    It's a fun show. Isn't The Walking Dead and isn't trying to be. If you want a soap opera to relentlessly explore the feelings of characters, then enjoy TWD. If you want a zombie action show, then enjoy Z Nation.
  2. hat22
    Oct 20, 2014
    10
    This show is awesome! All these negative reviews must be written by people who take life to seriously. This show isn’t meant to be deep, meaningful or sophisticated. It’s supposed to be fun and this is where this show succeeds. There are also some very comical moments such as the zombie stuck in the wheel arch or the Mormon zombies or the death by liberty bell scene. This stuff is goldThis show is awesome! All these negative reviews must be written by people who take life to seriously. This show isn’t meant to be deep, meaningful or sophisticated. It’s supposed to be fun and this is where this show succeeds. There are also some very comical moments such as the zombie stuck in the wheel arch or the Mormon zombies or the death by liberty bell scene. This stuff is gold honestly! If you like zombies and fun, please ignore what the naysayers are saying and check it out.… Expand
  3. cayomagnetking
    Nov 29, 2014
    9
    This show may have a smaller budget than The Walking Dead, but in many ways it's a more fun series dealing with the same theme. Also, this series has a potential solution to the zombie apocalypse which makes it more attractive to me. A guilty pleasure you should give a try!
  4. CHEESEDBEEF
    Nov 19, 2014
    9
    First and foremost, this is not a knock-off of the walking dead! I went into the show wondering if I would enjoy it and i certainly did. The characters are well thought out, especially Murphy and Doc who are the best in my opinion. They have a good sense of humour (especially Doc), i find his lines hilarious and fit very well with his redneck stereotype. Theres more gore and action thanFirst and foremost, this is not a knock-off of the walking dead! I went into the show wondering if I would enjoy it and i certainly did. The characters are well thought out, especially Murphy and Doc who are the best in my opinion. They have a good sense of humour (especially Doc), i find his lines hilarious and fit very well with his redneck stereotype. Theres more gore and action than the walking dead, and thats what i want. I didnt know it was by SyFy until i watched the first few episodes, and honestly if i knew before i probably wouldnt have watched more than the first episode.
    Overall i am really enjoying the series, storyline starts of wild and in the middle of everything, but it picks up once the characters meet and everything comes together. Give this series a chance, aftr a couple of episodes you start feeling for the characters and understand them more.
    It annoys me how many people class this as a Walking Dead knock-off, the only similarity is zombies.
    Give it a go and you may be suprised, i hope there are many more seasons to come.    … Expand
  5. superking01
    Oct 20, 2014
    8
    I wasn't a fan at first but it began to grow on me. It's a fun zombie series that doesn't take itself too seriously. The cast is enjoyable. The plot has enough twists to keep it interesting. The zombies are not super frightening, but they get the job done. I think the problem most people have is when they draw direct comparison between Z Nation and The Walking Dead. Z nation isn'tI wasn't a fan at first but it began to grow on me. It's a fun zombie series that doesn't take itself too seriously. The cast is enjoyable. The plot has enough twists to keep it interesting. The zombies are not super frightening, but they get the job done. I think the problem most people have is when they draw direct comparison between Z Nation and The Walking Dead. Z nation isn't trying to be The Walking Dead. An apt analogy would be The Walking Dead : Dawn of the Dead :: Z Nation : The Return of the Living Dead. Both are good movies, but one is fantastic drama wrapped in a zombie movie, and the other is a fun romp with a decent plot and lots of gags.… Expand
  6. sedman40
    Oct 20, 2014
    10
    i am a huge walking dead fan so thought i would give this a try after first episode thought it was a bit corny but liked it now i love it great show hope it keeps going and 10,000 get all of his kills keep up the good work SyFy
  7. Madd_Dawg
    Oct 20, 2014
    9
    It's so easy to be negative, most reviews about Z Nation are bad, comparing it to TWD and how glorious it is. Many of reviewers forgot "farm life" pace of the season 2 of TWD. Z Nation depicts post-apocalyptic world as I would imagine it would be. Special effects are proportional to the budget. Unlike in TWD, There is purpose higher than survival. There was more action in 6 episodes of ZIt's so easy to be negative, most reviews about Z Nation are bad, comparing it to TWD and how glorious it is. Many of reviewers forgot "farm life" pace of the season 2 of TWD. Z Nation depicts post-apocalyptic world as I would imagine it would be. Special effects are proportional to the budget. Unlike in TWD, There is purpose higher than survival. There was more action in 6 episodes of Z Nation than in season 2 of TWD.
    I like both shows and I hope Z Nation survives beyond this season.    … Expand
  8. NandaBerty
    Oct 21, 2014
    9
    This show is entertaining. It's not trying to be dramatic or intense, It's just plain fun to watch.
    Sure, the special effects aren't the best and the lines tend to be a bit cheesy, But to be honest, That's what I enjoy about it.
    Every time I recommend this show to someone I always tell them that to enjoy this show you have to keep an open mind, This show isn't like The Walking Dead, And    This show is entertaining. It's not trying to be dramatic or intense, It's just plain fun to watch.
    Sure, the special effects aren't the best and the lines tend to be a bit cheesy, But to be honest, That's what I enjoy about it.
    Every time I recommend this show to someone I always tell them that to enjoy this show you have to keep an open mind, This show isn't like The Walking Dead, And it's not trying to be.
    Z Nation is a simple yet entertaining show about Zombies, It's a great show to watch if you want something Lighthearted, Will make you laugh and still has some action.    … Expand
  9. andywang1615
    Dec 3, 2014
    9
    This show takes itself a lot less seriously than TWD, and is a lot more reminiscent of older zombie movies. Fast action, simple but interesting characters, and every episode is action packed and fast moving. It's a fun show to watch and I give it a 9/10.
  10. Ray-M
    Dec 5, 2014
    8
    I like Zombie flicks and Z-nation is fun to watch, Some shows take themselves serious and pretend that the story is real. Z nation is fun unpredictable and does not go into the dark emotional drivel like other end of the world shows. More fun to watch than the walking dead for sure.
  11. kat028
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    I liked it from the start til the end of this first season.... Certainly was the best cliff hanger end to a season I have seen in a long time. .. And I am a Walking Dead kinda girl to...Loved the comedy in it, and the straight lets get to the point of the operation and not talk for two or more episodes and drag the show out, is a breath of fresh air. Never had to fast forward a scene inI liked it from the start til the end of this first season.... Certainly was the best cliff hanger end to a season I have seen in a long time. .. And I am a Walking Dead kinda girl to...Loved the comedy in it, and the straight lets get to the point of the operation and not talk for two or more episodes and drag the show out, is a breath of fresh air. Never had to fast forward a scene in this whole series so far, unlike TWD I must say.. It is only getting better with each episode... can't wait for next season... I even felt sorry for some of the zombies when Murphy showed kindness and sorrow for them, and he is hilarious to boot. I hope this stays on tv for a long time yet like it deserves...Bring on next year...… Expand
  12. SandeepP
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    Its a fun ride that is everything the TWD is not. Its fast, full of zombie scenarios that actual zombie fans look for, things happen quickly, there is humor both dark and otherwise. And the lack of a huge budget is hardly noticeable. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Watch out for Citizen Z, Doc, they are great fun characters. I love TWD as well and only hope TWD's team looks at ZnationIts a fun ride that is everything the TWD is not. Its fast, full of zombie scenarios that actual zombie fans look for, things happen quickly, there is humor both dark and otherwise. And the lack of a huge budget is hardly noticeable. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Watch out for Citizen Z, Doc, they are great fun characters. I love TWD as well and only hope TWD's team looks at Znation and learns where they have slipped. Znation rocks.… Expand
  13. Tshober
    Feb 5, 2015
    9
    Ignore the "critic" reviews, they based it on the first episode. Before mid-point of the first season, this show proves to be highly entertaining.

    The first episode was a little off the wall, however watch a few more and you get hooked. These guys set the pace to frantic and keep the pedal to the metal. Whereas TWD has become a snooze fest, last few seasons I fast forward more and more.    Ignore the "critic" reviews, they based it on the first episode. Before mid-point of the first season, this show proves to be highly entertaining.

    The first episode was a little off the wall, however watch a few more and you get hooked. These guys set the pace to frantic and keep the pedal to the metal. Whereas TWD has become a snooze fest, last few seasons I fast forward more and more. Get to the cannibal family episode early on in Z Nation and you will grow to love the show.

    The awesome thing is that this show experiments and surprises you in every episode. Slow zombies, zombie kings, viagra zombies, zombies on speed, radioactive zombies. A Run Lola Run episode as well as a existential crisis brought on by carbon monoxide really keep you reeled in. I may be done with TWD, but I'm eagerly awaiting season 2 of Z Nation!!!    … Expand
  14. Juggernut
    Oct 13, 2014
    6
    This is a super campy show, but if you like that sort of thing, you should like this. Its a very poor man's version of The Walking Dead. Unlike The Walking Dead, this show doesn't take itself seriously at all. As for watching it, I would say it is worth watching.
  15. jorashawk
    Dec 10, 2014
    8
    It's not "The Walking Dead" but I think that's the point. Good effects and action but I'll ding it a little for inconsistency in Zombie behavior. The acting is average but character development is good. I was a little worried when I saw that it was being made by SyFy but they've done a pretty decent job. I think it needs more tension and slightly more serious tone but that might makeIt's not "The Walking Dead" but I think that's the point. Good effects and action but I'll ding it a little for inconsistency in Zombie behavior. The acting is average but character development is good. I was a little worried when I saw that it was being made by SyFy but they've done a pretty decent job. I think it needs more tension and slightly more serious tone but that might make it a little too much like TWD.… Expand
  16. rpfomega
    Mar 6, 2015
    8
    Z Nation is the show the Walking Dead wishes it could go back in time and be. While the Walking Dead is a bunch of characters (who nobody cares whether they live or die) sitting around talking about their feelings and who should be in charge for 8 episodes (with an occasional zombie forced in, for no apparent reason), Z Nation actually shows a full world view (with more than Walking Dead’sZ Nation is the show the Walking Dead wishes it could go back in time and be. While the Walking Dead is a bunch of characters (who nobody cares whether they live or die) sitting around talking about their feelings and who should be in charge for 8 episodes (with an occasional zombie forced in, for no apparent reason), Z Nation actually shows a full world view (with more than Walking Dead’s “other survivors = worse than zombies” formula). They have a brilliant foil to allow access to everything going on for the viewer as well as a mission for the characters to follow that turns out to be something way more than just a thin reason to head west. I actually give a ### when someone dies and I believe the other characters do as well (unlike the other zombie show.)

    If you want a soap opera whose only reason for having zombies is to give shallow characters a reason not to walk away from each other, watch the Walking Dead. If you want Zombieland in a box, watch Z Nation.    … Expand
  17. moshspeggeti
    Jan 17, 2015
    9
    This is a hilarious and quality zombie show. Everyone keeps comparing it to TWD, but they definitely should NOT be compared. This is not meant to be a serious show, and should not be treated as such. It's a show meant to have fun watching and just enjoy it.
  18. h22aaccord94
    Jan 19, 2015
    8
    Lots of fun. Takes a minute to get going, but by the end of the first season i couldn't wait for season 2. It is is just good, post apocalyptic, zombie infused fun.
  19. cprfirstaidaed
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    It's a great zombie show! Suspense, funny, and most story lines begin and complete in the same episode! I REALLY like it! I am a huge The Walking Dead and ZNation fan!
  20. cindykim2
    Feb 18, 2015
    10
    Whoever rate this show below a 6 is most not like zombie movies or shows. Nation Z is my utmost favorite zombie show I've watched, bringing The Walking Dead as my second Favorite. Love it! I recommend any zombie lover out there to watch. :)
  21. AthanasiosT
    Mar 14, 2015
    8
    FINALLY, a zombie series with zombies !! Unlike walking dead, where you have to sit through existential analysis for all characters, this is a bloody and brain eating horror fest. Watch it and like it.
  22. Ammy
    Mar 4, 2015
    10
    This is waaaaaay better than The Walking dead. Thank God! I love zombie movies and was so excited for a zombie TV show when TWD came out. I was so disappointed. Don't get me wrong - I don't hate TWD. It works to pass the time. Z Nation on the other hand is just so much more intelligent and enjoyable. I don't get pissed off at the characters for doing stupid stuff as much - you know,This is waaaaaay better than The Walking dead. Thank God! I love zombie movies and was so excited for a zombie TV show when TWD came out. I was so disappointed. Don't get me wrong - I don't hate TWD. It works to pass the time. Z Nation on the other hand is just so much more intelligent and enjoyable. I don't get pissed off at the characters for doing stupid stuff as much - you know, because they don't do stupid stuff yet *gasp* they still manage to have a story.… Expand
  23. MulderYuffie
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    This is a very creative and unique series all the characters get the spotlight here and there with some nice development especially from our main star Murphy he is really the glue holding this all together it's amazing seeing his journey from the start to the end of the season. I love the goal oriented story right from the get go they have an end goal sure they are surviving but there isThis is a very creative and unique series all the characters get the spotlight here and there with some nice development especially from our main star Murphy he is really the glue holding this all together it's amazing seeing his journey from the start to the end of the season. I love the goal oriented story right from the get go they have an end goal sure they are surviving but there is purpose and heart put into this instead of just wondering around. I absolutely have no idea why I prefer this awful show compared to "a group of 15 people talking in a forest for half the show since the company stinted it's budget". Hehe don't worry you won't be watching them sit on a farm all season nope not this show. Speaking of that "other show" I love how a good majority of people who rate this show low always say it's a ripoff of THAT show like it was the first zombie related thing that ever existed. Hint hint for those old enough to know better it isn't. Anyways this series does good and serious AND goofy it really drives home that it isn't meant to be taken as a super serious drama but a pretty sweet thrillride with some awesome characters , decent paced story and great blend of funny and serious all packed into one if that sounds good to you well check this out i'm sure you'll love it… Expand
  24. Ultratank
    Feb 26, 2015
    10
    Awesome show the plot and characters are well done and don't take forever to get to the point. This show doesn't take itself too seriously and just has fun with it's ideas highly watchable entertainment one of the most underrated shows of 2014 even if you aren't too big into zombies this adventure will keep you going and if you are into zombies there is a lot less melodrama here check it out!
  25. Xanderex
    Mar 10, 2015
    8
    Watched the first few episodes and wasn't overly impressed at the acting and the cheesy moments, but continued to watch and it grew on me. It gets a lot better, and a few characters are real standouts in their acting. the storyline is interesting and there are plenty of zombie moments to keep it interesting. It's a very different show than twd, and I enjoyed this for it's fun moments ofWatched the first few episodes and wasn't overly impressed at the acting and the cheesy moments, but continued to watch and it grew on me. It gets a lot better, and a few characters are real standouts in their acting. the storyline is interesting and there are plenty of zombie moments to keep it interesting. It's a very different show than twd, and I enjoyed this for it's fun moments of insanity and I recommend this. The low reviews are from those who only watched a couple episodes at best.… Expand
  26. MrMattyb3
    Aug 1, 2015
    7
    This show has a lot of surprises and that characters vary greatly in their personalities. There's a comradery but not so strong that their actions become too predictable. I love the whole idea of citizen Z and his ability to access all technology and assist as the "eye in the sky." Like other commenters have said, you never know who they're gong to kill off. They'll totally develop aThis show has a lot of surprises and that characters vary greatly in their personalities. There's a comradery but not so strong that their actions become too predictable. I love the whole idea of citizen Z and his ability to access all technology and assist as the "eye in the sky." Like other commenters have said, you never know who they're gong to kill off. They'll totally develop a character, then kill them unceremoniously. I like this about the show because it makes it less predictable. I also love the idea of a zombie/human hybrid. He kind of walks between both worlds while still holding on to his humanity.

    I would have liked it better if the SyFy channel didn't air this the same time as The Walking Dead. I'm not sure who made this decision in upper management but it's costing them millions as they could have had all of the true fans to this show plus the Walking Dead fans who are going through zombie withdrawal. I would like them to offset the season so that it falls out of sync with TWD so they could generate more revenue then maybe improve the special effects a bit.    … Expand
  27. specialteasauce
    Oct 6, 2014
    9
    Light hearted and gruesome. Ticks all the boxes for fun loving geeks who enjoy all things zombie. There are fun little Easter eggs for zombie fans and they are always making fun of the genre. Too many people are trying to compare it to The Walking Dead, but they are in completely different categories. TWD is full blown drama, which I love, but Z nation is intentionally silly, which bringsLight hearted and gruesome. Ticks all the boxes for fun loving geeks who enjoy all things zombie. There are fun little Easter eggs for zombie fans and they are always making fun of the genre. Too many people are trying to compare it to The Walking Dead, but they are in completely different categories. TWD is full blown drama, which I love, but Z nation is intentionally silly, which brings the fun back to zombies.

    If you don't get it, switch on AMC, watch an Emmy award winning desaturated drama, and leave the mock-drama to us.    … Expand
  28. Moviefan1
    Sep 15, 2014
    9
    Super-entertaining new zombie series. Z Nation plays with long-standing zombie tropes -- accepting some and twisting others. The series does have gore, but ultimately, the writers have created a diverse group of characters that I cared about. And most importantly, these characters have a mission to accomplish, which sets the show apart from Walking Dead. Definitely worth watching!
  29. RachelBella
    Oct 21, 2014
    9
    This a great easy watching gore-fest, It was nice to discover a Zombie show that wasn't a knock off of TWD which is honestly what I was expecting, and the best part is that the nature of the show makes it unexpectedly funny in the best possible way.
  30. suk111
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    I love Walking Dead too, but both shows need not be compared. Nothing worse here, just nothing New and a little bad Acting and Script. But it just started, i hope that as it moves on it gets better. And waiting for Walking Dead 5 too with The Strain almost over.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
12
#12 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Sep 15, 2014
    60
    As a B-level entry it’s at least entertaining, and if some of the sillier aspects of the pilot can be improved on could be one of those mindless entertainment options we all need now and again.
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  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 12, 2014
    30
    While Z Nation (or as I prefer to think of it, The Running Dead) doesn't exactly play the gory low-budget mayhem for campy laughter, it's hard not to roll, or possibly cover, one's eyes at something this familiar and deeply shallow, with casting mostly so generic--with the exception of Lost's Harold Perrineau as a Delta Force soldier barking orders--that they're all so much chum in this kill-or-be-eaten apocalypse.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Sep 11, 2014
    50
    It most closely resembles the assembly-line Hollywood westerns that provide the model for the zombie genre.... The mundanely self-aware screenplay includes references to the zompocalypse and lines like “God, I hate moral dilemmas.”
    Read full review
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