Black Summer (2019)
A raw, relentless Netflix zombie survival series following desperate strangers fighting to stay alive in the apocalypse's most brutal early hours.
Black Summer - Series Information
- Original Title: Black Summer
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Karl Schaefer, John Hyams
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 11, 2019 (United States - TV-MA), April 11, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), April 11, 2019 (Germany - 16), April 11, 2019 (France - 16), April 11, 2019 (India - A), April 11, 2019 (Australia - MA 15+), April 11, 2019 (Brazil - 16), April 11, 2019 (Italy - VM14), April 11, 2019 (Spain - 16), April 11, 2019 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: 黑夏 (CN), Черное лето (RU)
- Production Companies: The Asylum, One Dog Day Productions, Go2 Digital Media, Unreality Incorporated
- Production Countries: United States of America
Black Summer - Plot
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.
Black Summer - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos of the zombie apocalypse unfold:
Where to Watch Black Summer
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Black Summer - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Karl Schaefer
- John Hyams
Main Cast
- Jaime King
- Christine Lee
- Zoe Marlett
- Justin Chu Cary
- Kelsey Flower
- Sal Velez Jr.
- Erika Hau
- Edsson Morales
- Gwynyth Walsh
- Mustafa Alabssi
Writers
- Delondra Williams
Executive Producers
- Craig Engler
Black Summer - FAQs
Where can you stream Black Summer online?
Black Summer is available exclusively on Netflix. You can stream it with a standard Netflix subscription or through Netflix Standard with Ads. Both seasons — 16 episodes total — are available to watch at any time on the platform.
Is Black Summer connected to Z Nation?
Black Summer is set in the same universe as Z Nation, the Syfy zombie series also produced by The Asylum. It functions as a prequel, depicting the chaotic early days of the zombie outbreak that precedes Z Nation's timeline. However, it stands completely on its own and requires no prior knowledge of Z Nation.
Why was Black Summer cancelled after two seasons?
Netflix cancelled Black Summer in 2022 without an official public explanation, which is typical of the platform's approach to cancellations. Despite a dedicated fanbase and strong viewership for Season 2, the series ended without a formal conclusion, leaving many storylines unresolved and fans disappointed.
What makes Black Summer different from other zombie shows?
Black Summer ditches slow-burn character drama in favor of relentless, almost documentary-style tension. The zombies here are terrifyingly fast, and the series uses a fragmented, chapter-based structure to follow multiple characters simultaneously. The result feels rawer and more visceral than most entries in the genre.
Who are the main actors in Black Summer?
Jaime King leads the cast as Rose, a mother desperately searching for her daughter. She's joined by Christine Lee, Zoe Marlett, Justin Chu Cary, Kelsey Flower, Sal Velez Jr., Erika Hau, Edsson Morales, Gwynyth Walsh, and Mustafa Alabssi across the two seasons.
How many seasons and episodes does Black Summer have?
Black Summer ran for two seasons with 8 episodes each, totalling 16 episodes. Season 1 premiered on April 11, 2019, and Season 2 followed on June 17, 2021. The series was subsequently cancelled by Netflix, so no further seasons are planned.
Is Black Summer worth watching for zombie fans?
For fans of fast-paced, no-frills zombie horror, Black Summer delivers in spades. Its stripped-down aesthetic, breakneck pacing, and genuinely terrifying undead make it a standout in the genre. Season 2 in particular earned praise for its cinematic ambition. If you enjoy survival tension over character melodrama, it's absolutely worth your time.
What are shows similar to Black Summer?
If Black Summer hooked you, Sweet Home and The Walking Dead: Dead City offer similarly intense survival horror. Station Eleven takes a more contemplative post-apocalyptic angle, while Day of the Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond keep the zombie action front and center. Supacell is another solid pick for fans of genre-blending thrills.
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