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. 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.
  2. Woodness
    Sep 19, 2015
    10
    Comparing this to TWD is a joke.
    The team gets thrown around lots of times, action is really good, enough fun and sarcasm. Overall it gets better by each episode and no episode tackles the same stuff.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. conasasjaffe
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    My whole family and I love z nation. It is a good show and it moves at a great pace. Love it. The actors are good. They bring some comedy to scary. This is a show that we look foward to watching. Good job.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. MLancer
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    I loved this show from start to finish. I had to create an account just to make a review and I never review anything. I used to be big into TWD but stopped watching it because they had to start dragging everything out and it got so boring. All the hard core TWD fans will always argue "it's character development" but that's just bs, they just won't admit they are bored. This show isI loved this show from start to finish. I had to create an account just to make a review and I never review anything. I used to be big into TWD but stopped watching it because they had to start dragging everything out and it got so boring. All the hard core TWD fans will always argue "it's character development" but that's just bs, they just won't admit they are bored. This show is constantly moving and it's fun to watch and suspenseful!… Expand
  10. 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
  11. scraggyandi
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    Very action packed. Good acting. It's just the lines and behaviors of the characters that make it so cheesy and typical for a zombie-apocalypse movie. Aside from all of that, it keeps you on edge. Citizen Z is my favorite character, but like I said. Cheesy, typical acting. I really like DJ Qualls being in this series. I have grown to like this show and am looking forward to more seasons.Very action packed. Good acting. It's just the lines and behaviors of the characters that make it so cheesy and typical for a zombie-apocalypse movie. Aside from all of that, it keeps you on edge. Citizen Z is my favorite character, but like I said. Cheesy, typical acting. I really like DJ Qualls being in this series. I have grown to like this show and am looking forward to more seasons. The bad lines the characters get can be improved and it can become an amazing show, that just takes time. I won't give up on this show though. I love it.… Expand
  12. 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!
  13. 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. :)
  14. 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
  15. 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!
  16. BARRYinTHAILAND
    May 26, 2015
    10
    It's just fun low budget zombie mayhem and fun. Don't take it too seriously. Nothing not to like here. Is the acting sometimes subpar? Yes. Are the effects above average at best. You bet. Does the zombie makeup stack up to WD? Absolutely not.
  17. Shakes505
    Oct 30, 2015
    10
    Amazing show, for the budget this has been made on it's brilliant! You cant really compare this to the walking dead even though they are based on the same thing they play completely differently. Z Nation is constantly moving forward it never feels stale or stagnant it's impossible to get bored of it unlike other similar shows. One actor or character stand out the most his name is MurphyAmazing show, for the budget this has been made on it's brilliant! You cant really compare this to the walking dead even though they are based on the same thing they play completely differently. Z Nation is constantly moving forward it never feels stale or stagnant it's impossible to get bored of it unlike other similar shows. One actor or character stand out the most his name is Murphy and OMG he is spectacular he's a wild one! Just watch this show!!!… Expand
  18. TheReceptor
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    Hello everybody!

    To be honest right from the start: My 10 rating is a little overrated to compensate for the many TWD fan based negative ratings. This show is different, but in no way worse than TWD, which is a drama show. Z-nation is a zombie themed action, comedy show with some western-movie flavor and does very good at it! Humor is bloody good, action sequences are great and    Hello everybody!

    To be honest right from the start: My 10 rating is a little overrated to compensate for the many TWD fan based negative ratings. This show is different, but in no way worse than TWD, which is a drama show.

    Z-nation is a zombie themed action, comedy show with some western-movie flavor and does very good at it! Humor is bloody good, action sequences are great and mostly believable, actors do a good, sometimes great job and the cast members fit their roles very well. Directing and camera work are always high standard and make for a great atmosphere.

    There is hardly any boring episode and the balance between the big story arc, character development and episode plot is hit quite right. It's fast paced overall and contains a lot of good zombie splatter action.

    One thing is done especially well: The scenery and variety of places, zombies and enemies! Everything is in constant motion here, which is what makes the show very entertaining and get's you hooked up quite fast.

    If zombies don't scare you right away, you should definitely give it a try.    … Expand
  19. ZNation
    Mar 15, 2016
    10
    I think that z nation is the best show in the planet. This show is awesome and just my kind of show because I like guts and bloody action. It is one of the most exciting show on earth.
  20. Daminvs
    May 25, 2016
    10
    Amazing show. I'm not really a series kind of person but I loved this. It reminds me of those feel good, but action packed series of the 90s like the A-Team and Star Trek and with a few more series, I'm certain Z-Nation will become equally a cult classic
  21. GamerGirl_Aims
    Sep 20, 2016
    10
    Best zombies show EVER!!! This TV show is awesome, it always has an exciting plot for each episode. The series is full of suspense and drama... And more than a few jokes to make the characters more loveable. I highly recommend this show to any zombie lovers (I am starting to like it more than the walking dead). Z Nation RULES!!!
  22. Lillyverona
    Sep 21, 2014
    9
    This is a Zombie show that knows it's audience :)
    Fun and with a few good scares. I stopped watching Walking dead because of all the drama, Z Nation promises to be much more light hearted and doesn't seem to take itself to seriously.

    Make sure you don't stop watching halfway through the first episode. If you are like me. you will love the ending!
  23. 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
  24. 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!
  25. 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!
  26. DogMan107
    Feb 22, 2015
    9
    After a rough season premiere, I can safely say this show is nearly better than TWD.

    TWD's pace has come to a near halt. The characters aren't really interesting anymore, the episodes are boring, acting isn't great, and the show's actual creativity with the story doesn't go anywhere anymore. There's no human conflict, just a lot of moping and doping about. I'm tired of it. And I'm    After a rough season premiere, I can safely say this show is nearly better than TWD.

    TWD's pace has come to a near halt. The characters aren't really interesting anymore, the episodes are boring, acting isn't great, and the show's actual creativity with the story doesn't go anywhere anymore. There's no human conflict, just a lot of moping and doping about.

    I'm tired of it. And I'm glad I gave Z Nation another shot. After its debut on netflix, I've been watching every episode with pure enjoyment. The show's characters are fun and interesting, and are generally a ton more likeable than TWD. The special effects, although not fantastic, will get better after the first season as TWD did. The show's creativity with each episode surpasses TWD in every respect. Would you rather watch people walking around talking for half an hour with a few zombie kills thrown in and someone crying (TWD), or would you rather watch a isolated man on a military listening outpost hallucinating with his imaginary friend and slowly their relationship gets more and more violent as stranger things happen in the outpost until their friendship breaks into war (Z Nation)? And that's not even scratching the surface of how much more entertaining this show is.

    The action is face paced and more creative, the characters are more thought out, and a TON more likable, the acting is superb, and the general entertainment and creativity of the storyline shines through in every respect. Don't start on the first episode, start on the 6th or 7th like I did, work your way up, and then work your way backwards like I did to help yourself see the full potential of the show.    … Expand
  27. ezdrew11
    Sep 13, 2014
    9
    Z Nation -- Lacks in good acting, Special effects are very well done for the most part, SYFY has access to some of the best special effects makeup artists out there thanks to "FaceOff" It had to have been hard for SyFy to grab good actors willing to give this series a shot. If you can get past the acting for now and see how the show progresses, maybe it will all come together for SyFy. theZ Nation -- Lacks in good acting, Special effects are very well done for the most part, SYFY has access to some of the best special effects makeup artists out there thanks to "FaceOff" It had to have been hard for SyFy to grab good actors willing to give this series a shot. If you can get past the acting for now and see how the show progresses, maybe it will all come together for SyFy. the show Defiance has great actors, great special effects and great story. I don't see a reason why they can't pull Z Nation off. I gave the show a 9 out of 10 For the effort , they are after all competing with The Walking Dead. Also So many show have been knocked out before a season is even finished no matter the Network despite great story and acting. Give it a chance, I am. Now for My Rating not based on effort I give it a 4 out of 10 bad script / bad actors.… Expand
  28. slayde11
    Sep 21, 2014
    9
    Solidly entertaining zombie show -- and yes, I'm also a huge TWD fan, and it earned my admiration. I love how they mix up existing tropes, while still having a little wink-nod fun by acknowledging The Prison Gang as if they all inhabit the same universe. But this show hits the ground sprinting by setting the action 3-4 years into the apocalypse, and giving these characters a mission rightSolidly entertaining zombie show -- and yes, I'm also a huge TWD fan, and it earned my admiration. I love how they mix up existing tropes, while still having a little wink-nod fun by acknowledging The Prison Gang as if they all inhabit the same universe. But this show hits the ground sprinting by setting the action 3-4 years into the apocalypse, and giving these characters a mission right out of the gate. The characters are diverse, tough, and rendered with sufficient humanity that I care about their fates. The action is gory and non-stop, with quite a few entertaining (even wryly funny) moments. Make no mistake: This isn't TWD, and it ain't trying to go there. If you prefer poignant character exploration against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, watch TWD. If you prefer relentless, fast-paced action with zombies as the main event, definitely check out Z Nation. Or, like me, ask yourself why there's only room for one -- and just enjoy 'em both.… Expand
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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