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Entertainment • Television

Black Summer

Black Summer is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams for Netflix.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Black Summer is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams for Netflix. It premiered on April 11, 2019, and ran for two seasons until June 17, 2021. The series follows survivors during the early days of a zombie apocalypse, centring on Rose, a mother searching for her daughter.

Premise

The series follows a small group of survivors navigating a violent and unstable world during the beginning of a zombie apocalypse. The central storyline focuses on Rose's effort to reunite with her daughter.

Production and release

Black Summer was created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams and released on Netflix. It premiered on April 11, 2019, and concluded after two seasons on June 17, 2021.

Relationship to Z Nation

Many sources describe Black Summer as connected to Z Nation, often as a prequel or spin-off set earlier in the outbreak. Some coverage notes disagreement over how directly the two series are linked.

Cast

The principal cast includes Jaime King, Justin Chu Cary, Christine Lee, and other ensemble performers. The series uses a large rotating group of survivors rather than a single fixed ensemble.

Key facts

  • Black Summer is a Netflix original horror series set during the early days of a zombie apocalypse.
  • The series was created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams.
  • Jaime King stars as Rose, a mother separated from her daughter during the outbreak.
  • The show is widely described as a prequel or companion to Z Nation, though some sources note debate about how directly the two series are connected.
  • Its first season premiered in 2019, and its second season premiered in 2021.
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Canadian context

The series was streamed in Canada on Netflix and is part of the service’s internationally distributed original television catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

What is Black Summer?
Black Summer is a Netflix post-apocalyptic horror television series about survivors during the early days of a zombie outbreak.
Who created Black Summer?
It was created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams.
When did Black Summer premiere?
It premiered on Netflix on April 11, 2019.
How many seasons does Black Summer have?
Black Summer has two seasons.
Is Black Summer related to Z Nation?
Yes. It is commonly described as a prequel or related series set in the Z Nation universe, although some sources describe the connection more cautiously.

References

  1. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80198988
    Supports: Official series description, creators, cast, and platform.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Summer_(TV_series)
    Supports: Premiere and end dates, number of seasons, premise, and general series details.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_summer
    Supports: Genre, release date, and series overview.
  4. Screen Rant — https://www.screenrant.com/db/tv-show/black-summer/
    Supports: Synopsis and creator credits.
  5. Z Nation Wiki (Fandom) — https://z-nation.fandom.com/wiki/Black_Summer_(TV_Series)
    Supports: Claim that the series is a standalone series based on Z Nation and its episode/run information.