The appeal of the walking dead

Hungry for you (Photo supplied)

Flicking through the channels these days it may not be surprising to catch a glimpse of zombies in between the news and the latest reality shows.

Ratings for shows like The Walking Dead and NBC’s new series Revolution have been on the rise and more shows of the same nature are ‘coming soon.’ Is it a coincidence that more post-apocalyptic shows are emerging as December 2012 approaches?

The Walking Dead is based on a graphic novel series, set in post-apocalyptic north Georgia, U.S.

“It’s really just about this group of people trying to survive,” says student Emma Wells.

From what the characters can tell, an epidemic of huge proportions left the universe in a state of distress. The epidemic caused the dead to zombify; they feed on the living.

Unsurprisingly, society has crumbled. There is no food, running water, or electricity. There must still be hair straighteners—hair is always in place.  There are mixed opinions of the show.

“No way is it realistic. Nothing seems to add up,” says Gina Alward, another student.

“I’m not a huge fan, to be honest. I mean, some parts are interesting and really leave you on a cliffhanger, but at this point the plot is getting kind of weak,” says Alward. She watches every week because her boyfriend loves the show.

On the other hand, Wells says, “the thing that keeps me watching is the story line. The writers are really good at keeping you on your toes. It’s just interesting to see how society reacts when the world crumbles.”

Why do people continue to watch shows about survival? “I think people are so obsessed with it because a lot of them see it as a reality. I mean, the end of the world in 2012 thing,” says Alward.

Don’t be surprised if the post-apocalyptic obsession isn’t confined to your television screen. You’re likely to catch the tail end of a heated conversation about zombies while walking through campus.

“It’s a great show to watch with friends because it makes for really good discussions after,” says Wells.