Watch Reality Z

Reality Z is a Brazilian horror series, based on the British TV show "Dead Set," that premiered on Netflix in 2020. Set in Rio de Janeiro, the story follows the cast and crew of a Brazilian reality show called "Olimpo Tropical," who are holed up in a TV studio while a zombie apocalypse is unfolding outside.

As the show's host, the narcissistic and egotistical Alberto Levi (played by Ravel Andrade), tries to keep the show running despite the chaos outside, the crew members are forced to grapple with their own personal demons as they fight to survive. There's Ana Clara (Carla Ribas), the executive producer who's struggling to make tough decisions under pressure and also grieving the loss of her daughter; Léo (Rodrigo Pandolfo), the show's director who's battling his own addiction issues; and Nina (Ana Hartmann), a makeup artist with a crush on Chico (Victor Sparapane), one of the show's contestants.

Amidst all this internal drama, the zombies show no signs of abating. The characters are forced to band together and make alliances to survive, as they navigate the labyrinthine studio and search for supplies. They also have to deal with the occasional disturbance from the outside world - namely, other groups of desperate survivors who may pose a threat.

One of the fascinating aspects of Reality Z is how it manages to combine elements of reality TV with the zombie genre. The show doesn't shy away from poking fun at the trappings of reality shows - the constant bickering, the dramatic music, and the over-the-top personalities. But it also manages to imbue the characters with a surprising amount of depth - as the survivors are forced to confront their own mortality, they reveal themselves to be complex, flawed individuals with real emotional stakes.

Visually, the show is stunning. Director Claudio Torres and cinematographer Gustavo Hadba make full use of the show's Rio de Janeiro setting, juxtaposing the city's vibrant colors and beachy landscapes with the grizzly devastation of the zombie apocalypse. The makeup and special effects are also top-notch, resulting in some truly terrifying zombie designs.

Another impressive aspect of Reality Z is how it manages to incorporate broader political and social themes into the zombie genre. The show takes place against the backdrop of a nationwide political crisis in Brazil, and many of the characters express frustration with the government's response to the zombie outbreak. Additionally, the show features a diverse cast of characters, including LGBTQ+ characters and characters of different ethnic backgrounds, giving a unique perspective to the zombie apocalypse narrative.

Overall, Reality Z is a thrilling, engaging watch for fans of the zombie genre. It combines elements of reality TV with horror in a way that feels fresh and innovative, and the performances from the cast are uniformly excellent. It's a must-watch for anyone looking for a new take on the zombie apocalypse.

Reality Z is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on June 10, 2020.