Overview of Black Summer
Black Summer is a post-apocalyptic horror drama TV series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show is set in the same universe as the Syfy series Z Nation but stands on its own as a separate story. The first season of Black Summer consists of eight episodes, each with a runtime of around 40 minutes.
Table of Contents
The story follows a group of strangers who band together in the early days of a zombie apocalypse. The main protagonist is Rose, played by Jaime King, who is separated from her daughter Anna and sets out on a dangerous journey to find her. Along the way, she joins forces with a small group of survivors and must navigate a hostile and deadly new world.
Black Summer is known for its intense and realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse, with a focus on survival and the human struggle to stay alive. The show is notable for its fast-paced action and minimal dialogue, which creates a tense and immersive viewing experience.
The series was created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams, who also served as showrunners. The show has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with praise for its strong performances, gripping storyline, and effective use of suspense and horror.
Overall, Black Summer is a must-watch for fans of post-apocalyptic and zombie-themed entertainment. With its tense atmosphere, strong characters, and thrilling action, the show is a standout addition to the genre and a testament to the power of survival in the face of overwhelming odds.
Key Characters
Main Characters
Black Summer follows the story of a group of survivors in the early days of a zombie apocalypse. The show features several key characters whose experiences and decisions shape the plot.
Rose (Jaime King) is the main protagonist of the show. She is a mother who is separated from her daughter Anna during the outbreak and embarks on a dangerous journey to find her. Rose is a strong and determined character who is willing to do whatever it takes to reunite with her daughter.
Spears (Justin Chu Cary) is a mysterious and skilled survivor who joins Rose on her journey. He is a former convict who is looking for redemption and becomes a valuable asset to the group.
Sun (Christine Lee) is a survivor who is separated from her daughter and is also trying to reunite with her. She is a resourceful and intelligent character who becomes a close ally of Rose.
Supporting Characters
Anna (Zoe Marlett) is Rose’s daughter who is separated from her mother during the outbreak. She is a young and vulnerable character who is forced to navigate the dangerous new world on her own.
Sam (Sal Velez Jr.) is a member of the group of survivors that Rose and Spears encounter on their journey. He is a loyal and brave character who becomes a close friend of Spears.
Ryan (Kelsey Flower) is another member of the survivor group who joins Rose and Spears on their journey. He is a practical and level-headed character who provides valuable support to the group.
Mance (Mustafa Alabssi) is a refugee who is part of the group that Rose and Spears encounter. He is a quiet and reserved character who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his family.
Lance (William Velez) is a survivor who is part of the group that Rose and Spears encounter. He is a tough and capable character who becomes a valuable member of the group.
Season Breakdown
Season 1
Black Summer is a post-apocalyptic horror-thriller streaming television series created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams. The first season premiered on Netflix on April 11, 2019, and consists of eight episodes. The series is set in the same universe as Syfy’s Z Nation, but the events of Black Summer take place before the events of Z Nation.
The Pilot episode follows a group of strangers who are forced to work together to survive in the early days of a zombie apocalypse.
Throughout the season, the group encounters a series of difficulties and barriers, such as unfriendly survivors, limited supplies, and the constant danger posed by zombies.
The first season of Black Summer received mixed reviews from critics, but many praised the show’s intense action sequences and gritty, realistic tone. The season was also noted for its non-linear storytelling, which added to the sense of chaos and confusion that the characters experience.
Season 2
The second season of Black Summer was released on Netflix on June 17, 2021. The season consists of eight episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 40-50 minutes. The second season picks up where the first season left off, with the group continuing their journey to find safety and shelter in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.
The second season of Black Summer got generally positive feedback from critics. They liked how the show kept its intense action and suspense.
Additionally, the season introduced new characters and explored different aspects of the post-apocalyptic world, such as the emergence of new survivor groups and the struggle to maintain a sense of humanity in the face of extreme challenges.
Production and Release
“Black Summer” is a post-apocalyptic horror series available on Netflix. The show was created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams, who previously worked together on the Syfy series “Z Nation.” The series premiered on April 11, 2019, with eight episodes in its first season.
The show was produced by The Asylum, the same production company behind “Z Nation.” “Black Summer” is not a spin-off of “Z Nation,” but it takes place in the same universe. The show follows a group of survivors during the early days of a zombie apocalypse as they band together to find safety and loved ones.
The show’s first season trailer was released on March 19, 2019, and it generated a lot of buzz among horror fans. The trailer showcased the show’s intense action and suspenseful atmosphere, which drew comparisons to other popular zombie shows like “The Walking Dead.”
“Black Summer” is available exclusively on Netflix, which means it is only accessible to subscribers.
Reception and Reviews
Black Summer has received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics alike. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse and its intense horror and action sequences. However, some critics have criticized the show for its lack of character development and slow pacing.
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the show a 62% approval rating based on 34 reviews, with an average rating of 6.28/10.
Joel Keller from Decider provided a positive review of the show, commending its intense action scenes and realistic depiction of a zombie apocalypse. However, he pointed out that the characters lacked substantial development and were primarily focused on survival instincts.
The show has been described as a mix of horror, drama, and action. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse.
