Black Summer (TV series)

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This article is about the television series. For the comic book series, see Black Summer. For the Australian bushfire season, see 2019–20 Australian bushfire season.
Black Summer
Black Summer (TV series) Title Card.jpg
Genre
  • Apocalyptic fiction
  • Drama
Created by
Based on
Z Nation
by
  • Karl Schaefer
  • Craig Engler
Starring
ComposerAlec Puro
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
  • Karl Schaefer
  • John Hyams
  • Craig Engler
  • David Rimawi
  • David Michael Latt
  • Paul Bales
  • Abram Cox
Producers
  • Jodi Binstock
  • Steve Graham
  • Linda Rogers-Ambury
  • Jaime King
Cinematography
  • Yaron Levy
  • Spiro Grant
Editors
  • Andrew Drazek
  • Chris Bragg
Running time21–58 minutes
Production companies
  • The Asylum
  • Go2 Digital Media (season 1)
  • Unreality Incorporated (season 1)
  • One Dog Day Productions (season 2)
DistributorThe Asylum Distribution
Release
Original networkNetflix
Picture format4K
Audio formatDolby Digital
Original releaseApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11) –
present (present)
External links
Official website

Black Summer is an American streaming television series created by Karl Schaefer and John Hyams. The first season, consisting of eight episodes, was released on Netflix on April 11, 2019. The series is produced by The Asylum, the same production company behind Z Nation, and is written and directed primarily by Hyams, with Abram Cox writing and directing additional episodes. Jaime King stars in the lead role as Rose, a mother who is separated from her daughter during the earliest and most deadly days of a zombie apocalypse. The series garnered moderate approval from critics. Many of the filming locations are in Calgary, Alberta in Canada.

In November 2019, Netflix renewed the series for an eight-episode second season, which was released on June 17, 2021.[1][2]

Plot[]

Six weeks after the start of the zombie apocalypse, Rose (Jaime King) is separated from her daughter, Anna, and she embarks on a harrowing journey to find her. Thrust alongside a small group of refugees in North America, she must brave a hostile new world and make brutal decisions during the most deadly summer of the apocalypse.

Cast and characters[]

For the first season, actors are credited only in the episodes they appear in, some are only credited once or twice, which still counts as Main, as they are never counted as “guest star”.

Main[]

  • Jaime King as Rose, a mother who is separated from her daughter during the earliest and deadliest days of a zombie apocalypse
  • Justin Chu Cary as Julius James, a criminal who took the identity of "Spears", the name of the soldier he killed
  • Christine Lee as Ooh "Sun" Kyungsun, a Korean woman who is looking for her missing mother
  • Kelsey Flower as Lance (season 1; guest season 2), a young survivor with no family
  • Sal Velez Jr as William Velez (season 1), a pole lineman who has a sister and children in Texas
  • Erika Hau as Carmen (season 1), Manny's girlfriend
  • Gwynyth Walsh as Barbara Watson (season 1), a woman who has survived without her husband and is not sure he is alive
  • Mustafa Alabssi as Ryan (season 1), a deaf survivor
  • Edsson Morales as Manny (season 1), Carmen's boyfriend
  • Zoe Marlett as Anna (season 2; recurring season 1), Rose and Patrick's daughter

Recurring[]

  • Nyren B Evelyn as Earl (season 1), a mysterious survivor who saves Rose and Spears
  • Stafford Perry as Phil (season 1), a social Darwinist travelling with Carmen and Manny
  • Christian Fraser as Marvin (season 1), a man traveling with Carmen, Manny and Phil
  • Nathaniel Arcand as Governale (season 1), a soldier
  • Tom Carey as Bronk (season 1), a soldier
  • Bobby Naderi as Ray Nazeri (season 2), a former police officer leading his own group
  • Manuel Rodriguez-Saenz as Boone (season 2), a talkative man who knows the mountain area
  • G. Michael Gray as Freddy (season 2), a man whose family encounters Rose and Anna
  • Dakota Daulby as Sonny (season 2), Freddy's aggressive younger brother
  • Brenda Robins as Freddy and Sonny's mother (season 2)
  • Travis Friesen as Mark (season 2), a man in contact with a plane which drops supplies
  • Kumiko Konishi as Rhonda (season 2), Mark’s wife
  • Linda Kee as Sophie (season 2), a member of a group in conflict with Nazeri's group who later joins Nazeri
  • Jesse Lipscombe as Mance (season 2), a member of Sophie's group
  • Chantelle Han as Jase (season 2), a member of Sophie's group
  • Elaine Yang as Natalie (season 2) a member of Sophie's group
  • Duff Zayonce as Sam (season 2), a member of Nazeri's group who encounters Sophie's group
  • Joe Perry as a member of Nazeri's group (season 2)
  • Owen Crow Shoe as a member of Sophie's group (season 2)
  • Andrew Misle, Cliff Liknes and John Dylan Louie (season 2) as members of another group which comes into conflict with Nazeri

Guest[]

  • Ty Olsson as Patrick ("Human Flow" season 1), Rose's husband and Anna's father
  • Lonni Olson as Ben ("Human Flow" season 1), a man who meets Barbara on the road
  • David Haysom as Spears ("Human Flow" season 1), a soldier
  • Bechir Sylvain as Braithwaite ("White Horse" season 2), a man who knew Spears before the apocalypse
  • Daniel Diemer as Luke ("Cold War" season 2), an acquaintance of Sophie who encounters Lance
  • James Yi as The Pilot ("The Plane" season 2), the pilot of the plane which drops supplies

Episodes[]

Series overview[]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
18April 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
28June 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)

Season 1 (2019)[]

Main article: Black Summer (season 1)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Human Flow"John HyamsKarl Schaefer & John HyamsApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
22"Drive"John HyamsJohn HyamsApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
33"Summer School"Abram CoxAbram CoxApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
44"Alone"Abram CoxAbram CoxApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
55"Diner"John HyamsJohn HyamsApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
66"Heist"Abram CoxAbram CoxApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
77"The Tunnel"John HyamsDaniel SchaeferApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)
88"The Stadium"John HyamsJohn HyamsApril 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)

Season 2 (2021)[]

Main article: Black Summer (season 2)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
91"The Cold"John HyamsJohn HyamsJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
102"Prelude"Abram CoxKarl Schaefer & Daniel SchaeferJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
113"Card Game"John HyamsSarah SellmanJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
124"Cold War"Abram CoxAbram CoxJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
135"White Horse"John HyamsHenry G.M. JonesJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
146"Currency"Abram CoxJen Derwingson-PeacockJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
157"The Lodge"John HyamsAbram CoxJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)
168"The Plane"Abram CoxKarl SchaeferJune 17, 2021 (2021-06-17)

Production[]

Development[]

On July 19, 2018, it was reported that Netflix had given an 8-episode, straight-to-series order for a "spin-off" prequel series to Syfy's Z Nation, titled Black Summer. The series was created by Z Nation co-creator and executive producer Karl Schaefer alongside the flagship series' co-executive producer John Hyams. Schaefer and Hyams also serve as showrunners for the prequel series.[3][4] On November 20, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season which will consist of 8 episodes.[1]

Writing[]

At the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, Schaefer noted that "Black Summer is before the apocalypse got weird and was just scary." He said that the horror series is not intended to be the funny version of The Walking Dead that Z Nation is, but would instead be more of an "old-school" take on zombie lore.[5] This was echoed by producer Jodi Binstock, who stated that the series is "not tongue-in-cheek, it's very very serious: it's as if the zombie apocalypse really happened in 2018 and explores what that would be for all of us."[6]

As the series does not feature any of the characters from Z Nation, Binstock later distanced the series from the "spin-off" label, explaining that "Black Summer is referred to in Z Nation as the summer where everything went to hell, so that is where Black Summer picks up."[6][7] Elaborating, Schaefer described the events of Black Summer as "the low point of the apocalypse" and established it as taking place "about four months into the apocalypse, [...] when 95% of the population dies over the course of the summer."[7] Within that context, Hyams stated that the "essence" of the story is about a mother being separated from her daughter. "The story is: what would a mother do to find her child? And what we learn is that she would do anything." Hyams, who wrote the majority of the series' episodes, also said that the series would explore the idea of an American refugee crisis.[8][9] Schaefer, Abram Cox, and Daniel Schaefer will also write episodes for the series.[10]

Schaefer stated that the series is not going to be episodic, but will instead be an 8-hour "chunk" to work through.[5][7] This was confirmed by Binstock, who added that Black Summer would employ "a completely different approach" than Z Nation, "in that it's much more like a chapter in a book. You don't necessarily do the cliffhangers on a commercial break – it's keeping you going so that you've got to binge it."[6]

Casting[]

Alongside the series' order in July 2018, Jaime King was confirmed to star in the lead role.[3] On July 29, King announced via her Instagram account that Justin Chu Cary would portray a character named Spears.[11] On August 7, Kelsey Flower revealed that he had joined the cast as Lance and described his character as "the guy that's terrible at the Apocalypse. You'd think he'd be the first to die."[8] On August 16, Gwynyth Walsh and Christine Lee were reported to have joined the cast in undisclosed roles.[12] On October 13, it was reported that deaf Syrian refugee Mustafa Alabssi had been cast as Ryan, a deaf character.[13] Sal Velez, Jr. will also star in the series as William Velez.[10] Erika Hau will have a recurring role in the series.[14] Upon release of the series' first trailer, it was reported that Aidan Fink and Kash Hill would also star in the series.[14]

Filming[]

Production for the series had officially commenced by July 23, 2018 in and around Calgary, Alberta, with filming partially taking place at Queen Elizabeth High School, Stampede Park, McMahon Stadium and under the Calgary Tower.[15][12] The series continued production in the smaller communities of Irricana, Beiseker and Cochrane before returning to Calgary in mid-to-late September.[12][8] On September 26, it was reported that King had been hospitalized for three days due to injuries sustained while on set, with King simultaneously confirming that production for the series had wrapped.[16] John Hyams directed the majority of the series' episodes.[9] Abram Cox will also serve as a director on the series.[10]

Netflix announced on September 28, 2020 that production of season 2 was underway following a months-long shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming for Black Summer season 2 originally began in early 2020 but on March 18, 2020 production was postponed for 2 weeks. The pandemic took hold and the show was put on temporary hiatus.

Filming once again commenced in High River, Alberta in early September 2020.[citation needed]

Connection to Z Nation[]

The connection between Black Summer and its parent series take a similar approach as the relationship between Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead, as there are no plans for any of the characters from Z Nation to appear in the companion prequel series.[10] Z Nation actor DJ Qualls revealed at San Diego Comic-Con that the Syfy series takes place "quite a long time" after the events of Black Summer, making him feel that the cast is "too old" for a crossover to work.[7] However, the two series do share "most to all of [their] writing, directing, and producing staff" as well as a production company, The Asylum.[3][10]

The show's starring actress, Jaime King, has said that the two series have "nothing to do with" each other.[17]

Release[]

The first season of the series, consisting of 8 episodes, was released for streaming on Netflix on April 11, 2019.[5][8][18] The first trailer for the series was released online on March 19, 2019.[18] On November 20, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season which will consist of 8 episodes.[1] The second season was released on June 17, 2021.[2]

Reception[]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the entire series has an 89% critical rating. The first season holds an approval rating of 78% based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 6.14/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Black Summer has enough undead carnage and a sinewy pace to please zombie fans, but the series suffers from scant characterization and doesn't add much storytelling meat to the genre's gnawed-on bone."[19] Horror writer Stephen King praised Black Summer, stating: "Just when you think there's no more scare left in zombies, THIS comes along. Existential hell in the suburbs, stripped to the bone."[20] The New York Times wrote, “If Andrei Tarkovsky and John Carpenter had teamed up to direct a zombie show, it might have looked something like this formally daring Netflix series.”[21]

In April 2019, Black Summer was the most watched show on Netflix in the United Kingdom.[20]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 100% based on 8 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10.[22]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c Andreeva, Nellie (November 20, 2019). "'Black Summer' Starring Jaime King Renewed For Season 2 By Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b Cordero, Rosy (May 19, 2021). "Here's what's coming to Netflix in June: Lupin, Elite, The Big Lebowski, and more". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c Goldberg, Lesley (July 19, 2018). "'Z Nation' Spinoff Starring Jaime King a Go at Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  4. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 19, 2018). "Jaime King To Star In Netflix Zombie Series 'Black Summer' From 'Z Nation' Duo". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c Long, Christian (July 19, 2018). "BLACK SUMMER: Z NATION SPIN-OFF STARRING JAIME KING HEADED TO NETFLIX". Syfy. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c Collins, James (November 23, 2018). "INSIDE making Z Nation with producer and director Jodi Binstock". Mandy.com. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Rawden, Jessica (July 21, 2018). "What We Know So Far About Z Nation's Netflix Prequel". CinemaBlend. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Matejicka, Deb (August 7, 2018). "New Netflix zombie series filming in Calgary features local actor". Global News. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b Ricard, Gabriel (October 4, 2018). "INTERVIEW: JODI BINSTOCK TALKS Z NATION SEASON 5 & BLACK SUMMER". Cultured Vultures. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Moore, Kasey (January 27, 2019). "Black Summer Season 1 : Everything to know about the Netflix Z Nation Prequel". What’s On Netflix. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  11. ^ King, Jaime (July 29, 2018). "Jaime King on Instagram [@jaime_king]". Instagram. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b c Moon, Debi (August 16, 2018). "'Black Summer' filming in nearby communities". Three Hills Capital. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  13. ^ Martin, Ashley (October 13, 2018). "Mustafa Alabssi's incredible journey: Netflix debut the latest feat for deaf Syrian refugee". Regina Leader-Post. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b "NIC Grad; Erika Hau to Star In Netflix Series!!". New Image College. Archived from the original on December 21, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  15. ^ King, Jaime (July 23, 2018). "Jaime King on Instagram [@jaime_king]". Instagram. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  16. ^ Stone, Natalie (September 26, 2018). "Jaime King Hospitalized for 3 Days After Suffering Injury on Set: 'Lots of Broken and Torn Things'". People. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  17. ^ https://screenrant.com/black-summer-not-z-nation-prequel-series-jaime-king-netflix/
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b Millican, Josh (March 19, 2019). "Hardcore Zombie Horror on Display in Trailer for BLACK SUMMER Coming to Netflix". Dread Central. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  19. ^ "Black Summer: Season 1 (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b "Netflix's Phenomenal 'Black Summer' Finds An Unexpected Champion". UPROXX. May 11, 2019. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  21. ^ "'Black Summer' Reanimates the Zombie Genre". New York Times. May 8, 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  22. ^ "Black Summer: Season 2 (2021)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved July 7, 2021.

External links[]

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