Shows like Black Knight on Netflix: The South Korean show Black Knight is written and directed by Cho Ui-seok, and is based on the webtoon of the same name by Lee Yun-kyun. The series portrays a dystopian society devastated by air pollution, where the surviving people rely on a specialized group of elite delivery drivers known as Black Knights. These drivers supply fresh oxygen to the people, helping them stay alive in the harsh conditions.
Within this dark and scary world, a Black Knight known as ‘5-8’ crosses paths with a young boy named Sa-Wol, who aspires to become a Knight himself. Noticing Sa-wol’s determination, ‘5-8’ takes it upon himself to train the boy, guiding him on a perilous journey as he seeks to fulfill his dreams amidst the challenging world they live in.
The six-episode series, currently streaming on Netflix, is brought to life by Korea’s renowned visual effects team responsible for popular shows like Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead. Set in a post-apocalyptic future ruined by a natural disaster, the series delves into the struggles people who live in this toxic world face. Despite the catastrophe, societal hierarchies remain firmly intact, and people continue to be treated differently based on their social status and identities.
The show offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of its characters, illustrating the harsh living conditions and the feeling of confinement as the world crumbles around them. With a blend of futuristic elements, the narrative explores the escalating demand for resources in this deteriorating environment. Moreover, it sheds light on how those in positions of power exert complete control over the lives of the underprivileged, highlighting the toxic consequences such dominance can have on society.
Keeping this in mind, here are a few tv shows resembling the themes of Black Knight and how it explores a world that has been transformed into something unrecognizable, emphasizing the dire consequences of unchecked authority and the potential for a complete societal shift.
1. Snowpiercer
Based on the French graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette, as well as the 2013 film adaptation by Bong Joon-ho, the show is set in a post-apocalyptic future. The hit show’s plot is about an eternally moving train called the Snowpiercer, which travels around the world and inhabits the last remaining refuge of people after a global disaster turned Earth into an uninhabitable frozen wasteland.
The train is divided into various sections, including the privileged ones residing at the front, while the poor people are forced to live in filth at the tail end. The train is controlled by a strict hierarchy and a repressive regime led by Mr. Wilford, the enigmatic and esteemed inventor of Snowpiercer. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Andre Layton, a former homicide detective who resides in the tail section and is selected to solve a murder that occurs on the train.
As Layton delves deeper into the investigation, he becomes involved in a revolution led by the tail inhabitants, who are determined to challenge the oppressive regime and fight for equality.
While exploring social injustice and class struggle, the show also focuses its audience’s attention on the complexities of human nature and societal structures, examining the lengths people will go to maintain power or fight for change. Much like Black Knight, Snowpiercer is one of those shows that navigate political intrigue, personal dilemmas, and moral choices, all while facing the ever-present threat of the harsh environment outside the train.
2. Silo
Silo, currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, is a gripping dystopian drama series based on Hugh Howey’s Wool series. The show has garnered instant popularity due to its excellent storyline, unfolding in a futuristic world where thousands of people reside within a massive underground structure called Silo.
Within Silo, strict rules and regulations enforced by the governing body are put into place so that inhabitants are protected from the outside world. However, as the plot thickens, a select few begin to question the truth behind Silo and discover a whole new world beyond its confines. Created by Graham Yost, the show explores various themes almost uncanny to our current reality and to that of Black Knight.
Under the surface, Silo is about significant issues, including challenging the government’s authority when it comes to basic human rights. Centered around Juliette (portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson), a technical genius responsible for maintaining Silo’s life support system, the show licks in when one of her friends dies under mysterious circumstances; leading Juliette to start asking uncomfortable questions.
Spanning ten episodes, the series takes its time to establish the world and shares similarities with the South Korean series Black Knight, where people blindly trust their government with their lives.
Related to TV Shows like Black Knight on Netflix – 6 Shows to Watch If You Liked “Silo” on Apple TV+
3. The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a must-see when we discuss TV shows set in a dystopian world. Based on the highly acclaimed video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog, the series follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival. The story occurs twenty years after a fungal outbreak destroyed the entire civilization, transforming people into aggressive and infected creatures.
As the show progresses, it focuses on the relationship between Joel and Ellie as they travel a dangerous and lonely landscape, facing numerous challenges, hostile humans, and infected beings. Joel, who has experienced immense loss, is entrusted with escorting Ellie across the United States, as she is believed to be immune to the infection.
Their ultimate goal is to reach a group of resistance fighters known as the Fireflies, who may be able to use Ellie’s immunity to develop a cure. Exploring the themes of survival, morality, and loyalty, The Last of Us became an instant hit among its audience due to its immersive storytelling and complex characters played by the protagonists, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
Related to TV Shows like Black Knight on Netflix – 8 TV Shows to Watch If You Like ‘The Last of Us’
4. Colony
Colony is yet another interesting title from the Netflix catalog set in an almost futuristic world occupied by extraterrestrial beings called “Hosts.” The story revolves around a family – the Bowmans, as they navigate the challenges and dangers of living under the rules of aliens.
Los Angeles City has been divided into blocs which are controlled by the Hosts and their human collaborators, known as the “Proxy Government.” The lives of the Bowmans change entirely when the protagonist, Will, is recruited by the Proxy Government to work as a detective to stop the Resistance. The plot becomes even more interesting when Will and his wife join the Resistance to fight against the aliens.
Colony explores the themes of survival while giving equal weightage to family dynamics and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their loved ones. The show has a similar backdrop to Black Knight as it delves into the world’s complexities, revealing hidden agendas, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. Much like Black Knight, the Netflix show has a suspenseful tone that digs deep into the struggle for freedom and the resilience of the human spirit during challenging circumstances.
5. Incorporated
Set in the year 2074, Incorporated presents a dystopian future where corporations have become the dominant governing entities, having replaced governments in controlling various aspects of society. A young executive named Ben Larson infiltrates one of the most powerful corporations, SPIGA, to find his lost love, Laura. To accomplish this, Ben assumes a new identity and rises through the company ranks, facing numerous challenges and dangers.
Similar to Black Knight, the series delves into the themes of corporate power, surveillance, class division, and the consequences of an unchecked capitalist society. It also explores the contrast between the lifestyles of those at the top and the struggles of ordinary citizens who live in the heavily controlled “green zones” or the impoverished “red zones.” The sci-fi series also combines drama and thriller elements, providing commentary on how corporate power has the potential to rule a future society.
