🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Dead Set” is a gripping British television horror drama series created by Charlie Brooker that aired on E4 in October 2008. The show unfolds within the confines of the Big Brother House, where a zombie outbreak traps the housemates and production crew, turning the once familiar setting into a battleground against the undead.
As chaos engulfs the world outside, the isolated group inside the Big Brother House must navigate the escalating horror within their walls. The tension rises as they band together to survive the onslaught of zombies, facing the grim reality that their sanctuary may not hold for long.
The protagonist, Alex, emerges as a resilient survivor who must make tough choices to stay alive, even if it means confronting her worst nightmares. Armed with courage and a gun, Alex faces the harrowing task of defending herself against former friends turned into flesh-eating monsters.
Throughout the series, the narrative delves into the breakdown of society and human nature under extreme pressure. The show cleverly intertwines elements of reality TV with the horror genre, offering a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse trope.
Amidst the relentless terror, alliances form and crumble, trust is tested, and characters are pushed to their limits in a fight for survival. The fast-paced plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, delivering a thrilling and suspenseful viewing experience.
As the story unfolds over five intense episodes, “Dead Set” explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. The series masterfully combines horror and drama, creating a chilling and thought-provoking narrative that lingers long after the final credits roll.
With its BAFTA-nominated acclaim and innovative storytelling, “Dead Set” stands out as a standout entry in the zombie genre, offering a fresh and compelling twist on the familiar tropes of the undead apocalypse. The series captivates audiences with its blend of horror, suspense, and social commentary, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and viewers craving a truly immersive and thrilling television experience.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Jaime Winstone, Andy Nyman, Kevin Eldon, Davina McCall, Warren Brown, Riz Ahmed, Beth Cordingly, Kathleen McDermott, Raj Ghatak
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Jaime Winstone | Kelly Povell |
| Andy Nyman | Patrick Goad |
| Riz Ahmed | Riq Rahman |
| Chizzy Akudolu | Not Available |
| Liz May Brice | Not Available |
| Warren Brown | Marky |
| Shelley Conn | Not Available |
| Beth Cordingly | Veronica |
| Adam Deacon | Space |
| Kevin Eldon | Not Available |
| Raj Ghatak | Not Available |
| Kathleen McDermott | Pippa |
| Davina McCall | Not Available |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Imagine a world where reality TV meets a zombie apocalypse. Sounds like the ultimate blend of drama, gore, and survival, right? Well, that’s exactly what “Dead Set” delivers in its five-episode series.
The show kicks off with a bang, quite literally, as Alex finds herself thrust into a nightmare scenario where Britain is overrun by zombies. As she navigates this chaotic world, she faces the harsh reality of having to make tough decisions to survive. From shooting people she once knew, including her best friend, to forming uneasy alliances like the one with Riq, every moment keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The series cleverly intertwines dramatized reality television with horror elements, creating a unique and engaging storyline. The dark humor sprinkled throughout adds a layer of wit that sets “Dead Set” apart from typical zombie narratives.
Acting and Characters
The cast brings their A-game to the table, portraying a mix of stereotyped characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Alex’s evolution from a regular person to a hardened survivor is compelling to watch. Each character’s struggles and choices feel authentic, drawing you deeper into their individual journeys.
Direction and Cinematography
The direction by Charlie Brooker keeps the pace tight and the tension high. The way he seamlessly blends elements of reality TV with the horror genre showcases his storytelling prowess. The cinematography captures the gritty realism of a post-apocalyptic world while still maintaining a sense of dread and suspense.
Production Design and Special Effects
The production design deserves applause for creating an immersive setting that feels both familiar and eerily twisted. From the decaying streets overrun by zombies to the claustrophobic confines of the Big Brother House, every detail adds to the overall atmosphere of dread. The special effects team also deserves praise for delivering realistic and stomach-churning zombie makeup and gore effects.
Editing and Score
The editing keeps the narrative tight, ensuring that each episode propels the story forward without unnecessary filler. The score complements the action on screen perfectly, enhancing moments of tension and terror while also providing emotional depth to key scenes.
Binge-watching Tips:
- Prepare for an adrenaline-packed ride through a unique blend of reality TV and zombie horror.
- Keep an eye out for subtle nods to classic zombie films woven into the storyline.
- Don’t get too attached to any character; survival in this world is never guaranteed.
If you’re a fan of horror with a twist of dark humor or enjoy unconventional takes on zombie lore, “Dead Set” is definitely worth adding to your watchlist. It’s like “Big Brother” meets “The Walking Dead,” but with its own distinct flavor that will leave you craving more brains—figuratively speaking!
Rating: 8/10
In conclusion, “Dead Set” offers a refreshing spin on both reality TV tropes and zombie genre conventions. With its engaging plot, strong performances, and creative execution, it stands out as a mini-series that leaves a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits roll. So grab some popcorn (and maybe some weapons—just in case), settle in for a thrilling binge-watch session, and let “Dead Set” sink its teeth into your entertainment cravings!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique concept of combining reality TV and horror | Character development could be more nuanced |
| Intense and suspenseful storyline | Some scenes may be too graphic for sensitive viewers |
| Well-executed zombie outbreak scenario | Ending may feel aimless to some viewers |
| Strong performances by the cast | Plot may not be entirely original for zombie genre enthusiasts |
| Effective blend of satire and horror elements | Could have explored deeper themes |
| Creative gore effects and cinematography | Some characters may feel stereotyped |
Feedback
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Dead Set - Wikipedia
Dead Setis a British satirical zombie horror television miniseries written and created by Charlie Brooker. The show takes place primarily on the set of a fictional series of the real television showBig Brother. The five episodes, aired over five consecutive nights, chronicle a zombie outbreak that strands the housemates and production staff inside theBig BrotherHouse, which quickly becomes a shelter from the undead.
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Dead Set (TV Mini Series 2008) - IMDb
During a fictional series of Big Brother, a zombie outbreak occurs, but the house-mates are unaware of the impending doom outside of the Big Brother House.During a fictional series of Big Brother, a zombie outbreak occurs, but the house-mates are unaware of the impending doom outside of the Big Brother House.During a fictional series of Big Brother, a zombie outbreak occurs, but the house-mates are unaware of the impending doom outside of the Big Brother House.
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 4 nominations total
Browse episodesSPONSOREDSPONSORED
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
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Dead Set | Rotten Tomatoes
Dead SetSeasonsCast & Crew
Charlie BrookerCreatorJaime WinstoneKellyRiz AhmedRiqWarren BrownMarkyBeth CordinglyVeronicaAdam DeaconSpace
More Like ThisPhotosDead SetSeries Info
- Director
- Yann Demange
- Creator
- Charlie Brooker
- Executive Producer
- Charlie Brooker
- Network
- Channel 4
- Rating
- TV-MA
- Genre
- Drama,Horror
- Original Language
- English (United Kingdom)
- Release Date
- Oct 27, 2008
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the British satirical zombie horror miniseries “Dead Set,” created by Charlie Brooker, the story unfolds primarily on the set of a fictional version of the real TV show Big Brother. The five-episode series aired over five consecutive nights, showcasing a zombie outbreak that traps the housemates and production crew inside the Big Brother House. This house quickly turns into a refuge from the undead.
The show features a talented cast including Jaime Winstone, Andy Nyman, Riz Ahmed, Chizzy Akudolu, Liz May Brice, Warren Brown, Shelley Conn, Beth Cordingly, Adam Deacon, Kevin Eldon, Raj Ghatak, Kathleen McDermott, and even the real-life TV host Davina McCall.
The intense and gripping series is known for its blend of horror and satire, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the survivors fight for their lives against the relentless zombie horde. The production elements like cinematography by Tat Radcliffe and music by composer Dan Jones add to the overall atmosphere of tension and fear in the show.
One of the most memorable aspects of “Dead Set” is its ending, where viewers witness a horrifying moment as the zombies break through a glass door, flooding the room and forcing the survivors to engage in a desperate battle for survival. This climactic scene is both terrifying and stressful, leaving a lasting impact on those who watch it.
Despite the chilling nature of the series, “Dead Set” has garnered praise for its unique concept, engaging storyline, and well-developed characters. The combination of a zombie apocalypse within the confines of a reality TV show creates a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that sets “Dead Set” apart from traditional horror productions.
For fans of the horror genre and those looking for a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse trope, “Dead Set” offers a thrilling and immersive viewing experience that will keep you glued to the screen until the very end.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating: Dead Set TV Show is rated TV-MA, which means it is intended for mature audiences only.
Parental Guide:
Dead Set is a British horror comedy-drama miniseries that takes place primarily on the set of a fictional series of the real television show Big Brother. The show chronicles a zombie outbreak that strands the housemates and production staff inside the Big Brother House, which quickly becomes a battleground for survival.
Sex & Nudity: The show contains minimal sexual content and nudity. There are brief scenes of intimacy and suggestive moments.
Violence & Gore: Dead Set features intense violence and gore due to the zombie outbreak theme. Expect graphic scenes of zombie attacks, blood, injuries, and intense survival situations.
Profanity: The series includes strong language and profanity throughout, including the use of F-words and other explicit language.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: There are scenes involving alcohol consumption, drug references, and smoking.
Overall, Dead Set is not suitable for viewers under the age of 16 due to its mature themes, intense violence, gore, strong language, and some sexual content. Parents are advised to watch it first and determine if it is appropriate for their older teenage children.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Watch Dead Set on Netflix. While the housemates in the Big Brother house remain oblivious, fast-moving hordes of the undead decimate the studio compound. |
| Prime Video | Watch Dead Set on Prime Video. Patrick and Pippa make a desperate bid for freedom. Riq and Alex face unimaginable peril. Joplin thinks he’s worked out what’s happening. And the undead are still arriving. |
| Google Play | Buy Dead Set on Google Play, then watch on your PC, Android, or iOS devices. Download to watch offline and even view it on a big screen using Chromecast. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
What are you for?
Tell me you are round the corner.
You were supposed to be here fuckin' three hours ago.
You've killed Davina!
I hired her, I can do whatever I like.
🤖Dead Set Reddit Talks
Dead Set: A Zombie Apocalypse in the Big Brother House
“Dead Set,” a British zombie horror miniseries created by Charlie Brooker, follows the events of a zombie outbreak that occurs during the filming of a reality TV show called “Big Brother.” The show’s contestants and crew are trapped inside the Big Brother house, fighting for survival as the virus spreads.
Initial Outbreak and Infection
The outbreak begins when Pippa, a recently evicted contestant, returns to the crowd of fans outside the studio. She has been infected with a virus that turns people into flesh-eating zombies. The virus quickly spreads through the crowd, infecting the guards and the remaining fans. The infected then invade the studio, attacking the contestants, production crew, and Davina McCall, the show’s host.
Survival and Escape
In the chaos, Alex, a contestant on the show, manages to escape the initial attack. She finds a car and a gun and sets out to find safety. Along the way, she encounters Riq, another survivor, and the two team up to stay alive. They must navigate the zombie-infested streets and make difficult choices in order to survive.
Social Commentary
“Dead Set” is not just a zombie horror story; it also provides a sharp critique of reality TV and the cult of celebrity. The show’s contestants are portrayed as shallow and self-absorbed, and the production crew is shown to be more concerned with ratings than with the well-being of the contestants.
Critical Reception and Legacy
“Dead Set” was praised for its originality, its suspenseful plot, and its social commentary. It has been cited as one of the best zombie shows ever made, and it has been credited with helping to revive the zombie genre in the late 2000s.
Availability
“Dead Set” is available to stream on Prime Video and Freeview Australia.
Filming Location
The show is set at 15 Usher’s Island, but it was actually filmed in Los Angeles.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/deadset/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/zombies/comments/1axxdge/ever_heard_of_dead_set_a_zombie_horror_british/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/oi4lqu/remembering_dead_set_2008/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/zombies/comments/14zfk7h/dead_set_continues_to_be_my_favourite_piece_of/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/oivmmx/dead_set_2008_review_fun_but_ultimately_dated/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does anyone survive in Dead Set?
After the initial attack, Alex managed to stay safe from the zombies by finding a car and a gun. To survive, she had to make tough decisions, including shooting her best friend. Later, she teamed up with Riq to stay alive together.
Is Reality Z based on Dead Set?
Yes, Reality Z is a Brazilian horror television series that is based on the British television miniseries Dead Set. The first season of Reality Z premiered on Netflix on 10 June 2020.
Where was Dead Set filmed?
Filming for Dead Set took place mainly at Longcross Studios and the surrounding areas during the summer of 2008. The eviction scene of Pippa was filmed at the actual Big Brother House in Elstree.
How many episodes are in Dead Set?
Dead Set is a five-episode series inspired by the classic horror film “Dawn of the Dead.” It chronicles a nightmare scenario in which Britain is taken over by zombies.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- 28 Days Later (2002) : A powerful virus is unleashed on the British public following a raid on a primate research facility by animal rights activists. Transmitted in a drop of blood, the virus locks those infected into a permanent state of murderous rage.
- The Walking Dead (2010) : Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.
- Fear the Walking Dead (2015) : A Walking Dead spin-off, set in Los Angeles, following two families who must band together to survive the undead apocalypse.
- Dawn of the Dead (2004) : A nurse, a policeman, a young married couple, a salesman, and other survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing aggressive, flesh-eating zombies, take refuge in a mega Midwestern shopping mall.
- The Secret of Crickley Hall : A year after their son goes missing, a family moves to Crickley Hall. When supernatural events begin to take place, Eve feels the house is somehow connected to her lost son.
- Afterlife : Afterlife is a British television drama series, produced by independent production company Clerkenwell Films for the ITV network.
- The Fades : A teenage boy named Paul is haunted by apocalyptic dreams that nobody can explain. As if that weren’t terrifying enough, he begins to see spirits of the dead, known as The Fades, all around him.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
