I love exploring TV series and movies from my past, especially ones from my high school and early college years. Somehow, I always manage to find ones I missed. Recently, I stumbled upon a series on Paramount Plus that had me hooked from the very first episode — and it felt eerily relevant today.
"Jericho" is a post-apocalyptic thriller that premiered in September 2006 and ran for just two seasons. It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy, and after binge-watching the show over a couple of weekends, I’m not surprised. While it isn’t without flaws — some disappointments emerge, especially toward the end — "Jericho" remains one of the most underrated post-apocalyptic shows around.
What is 'Jericho' about?
"Jericho" opens with Jake Green (Skeet Ulrich) returning to his titular hometown in Kansas to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Upon arriving, he encounters friction with his father, Johnston (Gerald McRaney) and tension with his mother, Gail (Pamela Reed). Yet the first episode quickly escalates: just as Jake is about to leave town, an explosion rocks the area. A mushroom cloud signals that nothing will ever be the same.
Power and communication vanish. A school bus full of children goes missing, and a teenager fears the worst when his mother’s voicemail cuts off mid-message. As the townspeople come together, the missing children are found, and the series evolves into a gripping story of survival. This isn’t a one-night disaster; everything has changed forever.
Complicating matters are secrets among both longtime residents and newcomers that begin to surface. Robert Hawkins (Lennie James), a mysterious newcomer, holds crucial information about what’s happening in the U.S., yet hides his true identity from the townspeople.
The small-town setting works brilliantly. With fewer people, the contrasts between characters are stark. Some resist attempts at order, while others strive to maintain law and organization in a community suddenly isolated from the outside world.
The first season centers on discovering what remains of the United States and Jericho, navigating survival, and balancing the illusion of normalcy against an uncertain future. The mix of global threat, personal conflict, and societal collapse resonated deeply with me as I watched.
Why you should stream 'Jericho' on Paramount Plus
"Jericho" ran for just two seasons, though it could have lasted much longer. The first season ends on an intense cliffhanger, and the second season only came to be because of a massive fan write-in campaign. For a full conclusion, the story continues in graphic novels.
The show's portrayal of a small, isolated community amidst a disaster felt strikingly relevant today. Truth is muddled, conflict escalates and tensions between townspeople and neighboring citizens grow inevitably.
Watching "Jericho" is surprisingly captivating. The highs and lows of the characters linger long after the credits roll. It’s both emotional and riveting — a rare feat for a show that didn’t receive the ending it deserved. While it doesn’t feature zombies, "Jericho" is a thoughtful and compelling take on post-apocalyptic life and the devastating ripple effects on a small town.
Watch "Jericho" on Paramount Plus
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