‘Generation Z’: Ben Wheatley’s Gory Zombie Series Cancelled One Season!!

Channel 4 viewers will have one less TV show to look forward to as the channel has officially canceled Generation Z, the comedy horror series created by Ben Wheatley (Meg 2). Like Wheatley‘s most recognized works, the series blends horror and satire, examining topics like Brexit while addressing the challenges faced by teenagers today. Widely deemed as an odd, The Walking Dead spin-off, Generation Z‘s unfortunate fate is, sadly, no true reflection of its quality. The series drew plaudits from audiences, with many praising the writing, gore and its brilliant infusion of British humor. However, while many did love it, Channel 4 explains that it failed to “win over everyone.”

The first impressions of Generation Z were promising following its debut at the Edinburgh Film Festival last year, but unfortunately, the show failed to keep up that momentum when it finally began airing. Channel 4‘s decision on the show comes as the public broadcaster looks to re-strategize its mode of operations, as seen by its recent partnership with A24 with the order of Leo Reich‘s comedy series, It Gets Worse, about a trio of down-on-their-luck friends/roommates. “We’re very proud of Generation Z and would like to thank Ben Wheatley, The Forge and the wonderful cast and crew involved in the show’s success,” the Channel said via a spokesperson. “We look forward to working together on future Channel 4 projects.”

What Is ‘Generation Z’ About?

Generation Z unfolds in the fictional town of Dambury, beginning with an army truck overturning outside a care home. A toxic chemical leaks from its wreckage, setting off a chain of bizarre events, as the effects manifest in the elderly residents developing an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Despite the military’s desperate attempts to contain the situation, some of the OAPs escape, rampaging through the city in search of young victims to satisfy their gruesome cravings. As with Wheatley’s works, Generation Z‘s story is a bold satire that explores the dark side of modern life and its many complexities. Channel 4 earlier described the series as being “about intergenerational justice and community breakdown that boldly satirises a world where truth is stranger than fiction, exploring not just the political fault lines in our society but also the very real issues facing teenagers today“.

Generation Z features an ensemble line-up including Sue Johnston (The Walking Dead) as Cecily, Robert Lindsay (Sherwood) as Morgan, Lewis Gribben (Blade Runner 2099) as Steff, Paul Benthall as Frank, Anita Dobson (EastEnders) as Janine, and Jay Lycurgo (The Batman) as Charlie, among many others. Season 1 included 6 episodes, all of which are currently available to stream on Channel 4+. Up next for Wheatley is a crime thriller film, Normal, starring Breaking Bad star, Bob Odenkirk, who also doubles as a scriptwriter on the feature.