For some strange reason, TV viewers have a fascination with shows that are centered around plane crashes. They have been tackled in many ways, and, often, the crash results in a group of people being stranded somewhere, usually a deserted island. In other instances, there’s something questionable about the crash, why it happened, or the event spawns even more mysteries. Many of these series have launched over the last decade or two, but some date back even further, and, in one case, the series hasn’t even debuted yet.
For those looking for another show to binge that centers around a plane crash and its aftermath, there are some great options from which to choose.
Updated on June 19th, 2021, by Gabriela Silva: Nothing makes a television show more riveting than being based around a gripping disaster. Whether it’s volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or even plane crashes, a number of shows rely on this type of storyline to pique audiences’ interest. Plane crash TV series are quite popular than TV fans might realize and there are a plethora of shows to add to the must-watch list for some exciting drama.
11 Vagabond (2019) – Available On Netflix
Vagabond is a popular Netflix K-drama that ties in a hunt for the truth, a chilling thriller story, and even a bit of romance. The 2019 series uses a devastating plane crash as its premise as a plane with 200 civilians goes down leaving no survivors. One of the victim’s uncle Cha Dal-Gun (Lee Seung-Gi) starts to suspect foul play.
Seeking to avenge those who perished and his nephew, Dal-Gun joins forces with a National Intelligence Service agent to uncover a deep-seated corruption.
10 Lost (2004 – 2010) – Available On Hulu
The most obvious series, and likely the first that comes to mind when someone is asked about their favorite show about a plane crash, is Lost. While the plane crash only existed to set the scene for the events to come, it was a pivotal part of the revolutionary show.
As the story goes, a plane crashed on a mysterious island, yet most of the passengers survived. As they explore and try to figure out where they are, how to get off the island, and how to survive until then, strange things begin to happen. If interested in watching this classic drama, it’s available to stream on Hulu.
9 Departure (2019 – Present) - Available On Peacock and Apple TV
Already renewed for a second season, this British-Canadian suspense drama, which is also available through the Peacock streaming service, has a star-studded cast that includes Archie Panjabi and Christopher Plummer. There are no stranded passengers here, just a plane that goes down, killing all passengers inside—or so they think. It seems one young woman managed to survive, though she was badly hurt.
The six intense episodes chronicle a journey of police and investigative work to find out what happened to cause the crash and whether or not it was an accident at all. Can the one surviving woman help, and was she involved? It’s a veritable whodunit that will have viewers guessing right up to the end.
8 The Wilds (2020 – Present) - Available On Prime Video
Described as Lord of the Flies with young women, a private plane taking high school girls to a special retreat meant to help them through their personal issues crashes on a deserted island. The girls, from all walks of life, must try and get along while figuring out how to make shelter, find food, and survive.
There’s a twist on The Wilds, spoilers ahead for those interested in watching the series—the plane didn’t actually crash. It’s all a psychological experiment. The question is why, and how far will they go to use these girls as their human lab rats?
7 Manifest (2018 – Present) - Available On Peacock and Netflix
It’s easy to get sucked into this supernatural drama about a plane that went missing for five-and-a-half years, then suddenly shows up out of nowhere, all passengers still alive and well. Except, they don’t know that much time has passed, and their families have all moved on and grieved.
The passengers from Montego Air Flight 828 try to reintegrate back into regular life and deal with people who think they are evil beings. But, each passenger starts to see visions and get premonitions that suggest they might have acquired some new abilities while their lives were in limbo. With two seasons under its belt, including a cliff-hanger ending for season two, the third season of Manifest is scheduled to premiere in 2021 and is available to stream on Peacock.
6 Wrecked (2016 – 2018) – Available On HBO Max
One of only two comedies on the list, this one is a parody of Lost that premiered several years after that iconic series ended. Like in Lost, a group becomes stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash. There are the typical typecast characters, including the spoiled rich kid, the bookworm, and the feminist, along with a flight attendant, as well as others.
It aired on TBS for three seasons before getting canceled. For anyone who is interested in seeing the parody show, it’s available to stream on Hulu and HBO Max.
5 Emergence (2019 – 2020) – Available for purchase on Prime Video
Despite being canceled after only one season, this mystery-themed thriller still belongs in the category of shows about a plane crash. A young girl is found at the site of a plane crash, but she doesn’t remember what happened nor who she even is.
The girl might have more to do with the crash than she realizes, as the investigation reveals a plot that goes back further than the events of that night. The series had some big names attached to it, including Donald Faison and Terry O’Quinn, who is best known as John Locke on Lost. The season is available to stream on Apple TV.
4 Flight 29 Down (2005 – 2007) – Tubi
Flight 29 Down is one of the oldest series on the list and just as the name of the show implies – it’s about a plane that goes down. Dubbed an adventure comedy-drama, the crash leaves a group of teenagers stranded on an island.
Originally airing on Discovery Kids, the episodes show the kids chronicling their struggles using a video diary powered by a solar battery charger. Described as Lost for teens, minus the supernatural elements and confusing storylines, it’s a fun show to watch with younger viewers. The 2005 show is only available to stream on Tubi.
3 Into The Night (2020 – Present) – Available On Netflix
A new series streaming on Netflix, this Belgian apocalyptic sci-fi drama thriller has already been renewed for a second season. Based on the Jacek Dukaj novel The Old Axoloti, it’s offered in French, Dutch, and English language. What’s interesting about this series is that it technically not about a plane crash, but rather about the “crash” of Earth itself, while an airborne plane houses the only survivors.
The flight from Brussels gets hijacked by an Italian NATO soldier prior to the catastrophic event of exposure to sunlight taking out almost all of humanity. As Earth’s presumed only survivors, the passengers must work together to keep the sun behind them at all times in order to survive until they can make it to an underground military bunker.
2 Yellowjackets (Upcoming) – Soon To Be Available On Showtime
Scheduled to premiere later this year, this series will star Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis and has been dubbed a “survival drama meets psychological horror meets coming-of-age drama.”
A female soccer team is on a plane when it goes down in the northern wilderness. The series picks up 25 years later after they have been rescued. But, they still carry the scars of their days as savages and the ultimate fight to survive. It will air on Showtime.
1 Air Disasters (2003 – Present) – Available On Paramount+
Also known as Mayday in Canada where the series originated, Air Disasters is also sometimes referred to in the U.S. as Air Emergency or Mayday: Air Disaster—this is a documentary series that looks at real-life versus fictional plane crashes.
In addition to actual plane crashes, the series, which continues to air after 20 seasons, examines near-crashes, hijackings, bombings, and other disasters that have occurred from high up in the air. The use of re-enactments and computer-generated images help to bring to life the true stories that are discussed.
About The Author