If you’re a fan of high-stakes dystopian science fiction, gritty post-apocalyptic survival, and morally complex characters making impossible choices, then The CW’s “The 100” offers a thrilling and often brutal exploration of humanity’s fight for existence. Based loosely on Kass Morgan’s novel series, this show evolves far beyond its initial premise, delving into deep philosophical questions about leadership, morality, and what it truly means to be human.
What is “The 100” about?
Set 97 years after a devastating nuclear apocalypse wiped out most of Earth’s population, the remnants of humanity live on a massive orbiting space station called “The Ark.” With resources dwindling and life support failing, 100 juvenile delinquents are controversially sent back to a seemingly uninhabitable Earth as a desperate last attempt to determine if the planet can sustain life again.
Upon landing, the “100” (led by characters like the resourceful Clarke Griffin, played by Eliza Taylor, and the impulsive Bellamy Blake, played by Bob Morley) discover a lush but dangerous world, not entirely devoid of human life. They encounter “Grounders,” fierce and tribal descendants of those who survived the apocalypse, as well as other mutated threats and hidden factions. The series quickly moves beyond mere survival, as the delinquents face brutal conflicts with the Grounders, internal power struggles, and unimaginable ethical dilemmas. As the seasons progress, the scope of the story expands dramatically, moving from a single planet to interstellar travel, ancient AI threats, and the ultimate fate of the human species across different worlds and timelines.
Why “The 100” is a captivating watch:
- Intense Survival Drama: From the very beginning, the show throws its characters into life-or-death situations, forcing them to adapt, fight, and make horrific choices for the greater good of their people.
- Moral Ambiguity: “The 100” is renowned for its characters constantly grappling with shades of grey. There are no easy answers, and protagonists often commit terrible acts in the name of survival, leading to profound ethical discussions.
- Dynamic Character Arcs: Characters undergo immense transformations throughout the series, evolving from rebellious teens to hardened leaders, making their journeys compelling and often heartbreaking. Eliza Taylor (Clarke), Bob Morley (Bellamy), Marie Avgeropoulos (Octavia), Lindsey Morgan (Raven), and Richard Harmon (Murphy) deliver memorable performances.
- Expansive Sci-Fi Lore: What starts as a relatively grounded post-apocalyptic story grows into a sprawling science fiction epic, introducing new planets, advanced technologies, ancient mysteries, and even philosophical concepts about humanity’s ultimate destiny.
- Constant Twists and High Stakes: The show is known for its unpredictable plot twists and its willingness to kill off major characters, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and ensuring that no one is truly safe.
Where to Watch “The 100”:
“The 100” originally aired on The CW. All seven seasons of the complete series are available to stream on Netflix. You can also purchase individual seasons or episodes on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Check out the official trailer:
Get a taste of the action and drama: The 100 – Official Trailer – YouTube
If you enjoyed “The 100,” you might also like:
- ***Battlestar Galactica (2004)***: For its gritty, morally complex, and intelligent sci-fi drama about the last remnants of humanity.
- Lost: For a show with intricate mysteries, character-driven storytelling, and a focus on survival in a dangerous, unknown environment.
- The Walking Dead: For another long-running series centered on survival in a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing human conflict.
- Revolution: For a similar post-apocalyptic setting where technology has ceased to exist and various factions vie for power.
- Into the Badlands: For a show with martial arts and a visually distinct post-apocalyptic feudal society.